When it comes to family SUVs, towing capacity isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. However, some underrated models offer serious towing power without sacrificing comfort or practicality. Whether you’re hauling a trailer for a weekend getaway or towing a boat, these SUVs have the strength to get the job done while keeping the family comfortable on the road. Let’s take a look at some of the best-kept secrets in family SUVs with impressive towing capabilities.
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Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is known for its reliability and versatility, offering families a strong 5,600-pound towing capacity. Its powerful engine options, like the 3.0L EcoBoost V6, give it ample strength for towing boats or trailers. The Explorer is also packed with modern technology and safety features, making it a great choice for family adventures while handling heavy loads effortlessly.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse provides families with an impressive 5,000-pound towing capacity, making it a perfect fit for road trips with trailers in tow. Its spacious three-row seating accommodates up to eight passengers, and its strong V6 engine ensures it can handle towing while keeping everyone comfortable. The Traverse balances capability with practicality, offering a smooth ride and ample cargo space.
Kia Telluride
With its stylish design and practical features, the Kia Telluride can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a powerful choice for families who need both space and strength. The Telluride’s robust V6 engine and advanced driver assistance features provide a safe and reliable towing experience. Its interior is roomy and luxurious, ensuring comfort on longer trips while hauling substantial loads.
Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 offers a sleek design coupled with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. While it may not match the towing power of some larger SUVs, its turbocharged engine delivers impressive performance. The CX-9 also stands out for its refined driving dynamics, making it a family SUV that blends driving pleasure with towing capability, ideal for light trailers or camping gear.
Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is a spacious family SUV that can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a great choice for families with towing needs. With three rows of seating and a generous cargo area, it’s designed for comfort on long trips. Its towing power, combined with its 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, makes the Atlas versatile enough for both city driving and outdoor adventures.
Subaru Ascent
Equipped with Subaru’s famous all-wheel-drive system, the Ascent can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it one of the more capable family SUVs in its class. It’s perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities like camping or boating, as it offers both towing power and rugged capability. With its roomy interior and advanced safety features, the Ascent provides a comfortable ride for both driver and passengers.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade offers luxury-level comfort with the power to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Its elegant design and spacious cabin make it an excellent option for family road trips. Powered by a strong V6 engine, the Palisade combines upscale features like a 12.3-inch digital display with the practicality of towing heavier loads, making it a versatile and reliable choice.
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is a luxurious family SUV that doesn’t compromise on towing power, capable of hauling up to 5,000 pounds. Its V6 engine provides the strength needed for towing trailers or boats, while its quiet and plush interior ensures a peaceful ride for the whole family. The Enclave’s blend of comfort and power makes it an underrated towing contender.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a reliable family SUV with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it a solid choice for those who need a versatile vehicle. Its spacious interior and advanced safety features are ideal for families, while its powerful V6 engine ensures it can tow trailers or boats without breaking a sweat. The Pilot’s blend of practicality and strength makes it stand out.
Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder offers a strong towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, making it a great option for families with heavier towing needs. With ample cargo space and seating for up to seven, it’s designed for long road trips. The Pathfinder’s robust engine and intuitive towing features, such as a tow mode and rear-view camera, make it an ideal choice for families who frequently haul trailers or boats.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a reliable, family-friendly SUV with the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Known for its durability and dependability, the Highlander is equipped with a strong V6 engine and advanced safety features, making it perfect for families on the go. Whether towing a trailer or a small boat, the Highlander offers a smooth, capable ride.
Acura MDX
The Acura MDX combines luxury with a 5,000-pound towing capacity, offering families both style and substance. Its powerful V6 engine provides the strength needed for towing, while its refined interior and advanced technology make long trips comfortable and enjoyable. The MDX’s impressive towing power and premium features make it a top choice for families looking for both performance and comfort.
Infiniti QX60
With a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, the Infiniti QX60 is an elegant SUV that can handle substantial loads. Its powerful V6 engine and advanced towing features make it easy to haul trailers or boats while providing a smooth and refined ride. The QX60’s luxurious interior and practical third-row seating make it a family-friendly vehicle that doesn’t skimp on performance.
GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia offers a 4,000-pound towing capacity, making it an underrated SUV for families who need moderate towing power. Its refined design and tech-savvy interior provide comfort on the road, while its optional all-wheel drive enhances stability when towing. The Acadia’s balance of towing capability and family-friendly features make it a solid contender for family road trips.
Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango stands out with its impressive 6,200-pound towing capacity, making it a powerful choice for family adventures. Its strong engine options, including a 5.7L HEMI V8, ensure it can handle heavy loads with ease. Despite its muscular performance, the Durango offers a spacious and comfortable interior, making it ideal for long trips with the family.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Renowned for its off-road capabilities, the Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow up to 7,200 pounds, making it one of the most powerful family SUVs on the market. Its rugged design and advanced 4×4 system allow it to handle tough terrain while towing heavy loads. With a luxurious interior and cutting-edge tech, the Grand Cherokee is a great mix of adventure and comfort.
Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 offers a 5,000-pound towing capacity, combining Scandinavian luxury with towing prowess. Known for its advanced safety features, the XC90 ensures a secure and comfortable ride while towing trailers or boats. Its refined interior, strong engine options, and towing power make it a top choice for families seeking both luxury and utility.
Ford Flex
The Ford Flex is a unique, boxy SUV with a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. Its spacious interior and distinctive design make it an excellent choice for families. With its turbocharged V6 engine, the Flex offers strong towing capability while maintaining a smooth and stable ride, making it ideal for families who need to haul trailers or other loads.
Chevrolet Blazer
The Chevrolet Blazer is a sporty, midsize SUV that surprises with its 4,500-pound towing capacity. Its strong V6 engine ensures it can handle towing while providing an engaging driving experience. With its bold design and roomy interior, the Blazer offers a great balance of style, performance, and towing capability for families.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander may be compact, but it offers a respectable 3,500-pound towing capacity. Its efficient engine and available all-wheel-drive system provide stability and power when towing light trailers or gear. The Outlander’s practical design and affordable price make it an attractive option for families with moderate towing needs.
Lincoln Aviator
The Lincoln Aviator is a luxury SUV with serious towing power, capable of hauling up to 6,700 pounds. Its powerful twin-turbocharged V6 engine delivers exceptional performance, while its luxurious interior ensures a comfortable ride for the family. With advanced technology and safety features, the Aviator is perfect for families who need both towing strength and premium comfort.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Land Rover Discovery Sport offers a towing capacity of up to 4,409 pounds, combining off-road capability with solid towing power. Its rugged design and advanced all-wheel-drive system make it a great option for families who enjoy outdoor adventures. With a refined interior and excellent towing features, the Discovery Sport is a capable and versatile family SUV.
Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is built for adventure, offering a 5,000-pound towing capacity along with off-road capabilities. Its rugged design and durable build make it perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities like camping or boating. The 4Runner’s reliable engine and tough construction ensure it can handle towing heavy loads while navigating rough terrain.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a versatile midsize SUV with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, making it a solid choice for families with moderate towing needs. Its strong turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive option provide stability when towing, while its comfortable interior ensures a smooth ride. The Santa Fe’s balance of performance and family-friendly features makes it a practical option.
Cadillac XT6
The Cadillac XT6 offers a premium luxury experience with a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. Its refined design, high-quality materials, and advanced tech features provide a comfortable and upscale driving experience. With its strong V6 engine and towing capability, the XT6 is perfect for families who want both style and function on their road trips.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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