When it comes to towing heavy loads, there are several good choices available in both the full-size and midsize SUV segments. Many manufacturers have invested in developing SUVs that can cater to the increasing demand for functional and versatile vehicles. Whether you enjoy caravanning, boating, or need to haul trailers for work, a high towing capacity is essential. Here are 10 of the most capable SUVs that can handle impressive weights without compromising on comfort, performance, or versatility.
This list is based on information gathered from different manufacturers, industry publications, and trusted sources such as KBB, Edmunds, and Cars.com.
10 Cadillac Escalade – 8,200 pounds
The Cadillac Escalade is a luxury full-size SUV that can tow up to 8,200 pounds with the 6.2-liter V-8 engine and rear-wheel drive. It offers impressive performance and comfort across all trims, making it an excellent choice for those who need to tow heavy loads on a regular basis.
Cadillac Escalade Specs
|
Towing Capacity |
8,200 lbs |
|
Top Speed |
N/A |
|
Curb Weight |
5,635 lbs |
|
Horsepower |
420 hp |
|
Torque |
460 lb-ft |
|
Layout |
Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
The Escalade offers a range of features and options, including adaptive air suspension and a heavy-duty trailering package for enhanced towing capabilities. However, the starting price of $80,795 may be a deterrent for some buyers.
9 GMC Yukon – 8,400 pounds
The GMC Yukon has a towing capacity of 8,400 pounds, making it a practical choice for those who require a capable and functional SUV. The range offers a combination of strength, comfort, and utility, with the standard 5.3-liter V-8 engine delivering impressive performance.
GMC Yukon Specs
|
Towing Capacity |
8,400 lbs |
|
Top Speed |
N/A |
|
Curb Weight |
5,490 lbs |
|
Horsepower |
355 hp |
|
Torque |
383 lb-ft |
|
Layout |
Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
Pricing for the Yukon range starts at $57,400, and there is an optional Max Trailering Package available across all trims for $465, which enhances its towing capabilities.
8 Chevrolet Tahoe – 8,400 pounds
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that shares its platform with the Yukon and Escalade. It offers a towing capacity of 8,400 pounds with the standard 5.3-liter V-8 engine. The Tahoe is a versatile and capable SUV, making it a solid choice for those who require a combination of performance and towing capability.
Chevrolet Tahoe Specs
|
Towing Capacity |
8,400 lbs |
|
Top Speed |
N/A |
|
Curb Weight |
5,490 lbs |
|
Horsepower |
355 hp |
|
Torque |
383 lb-ft |
|
Layout |
Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
The Tahoe is offered with optional upgrades such as a 6.2-liter V-8 engine for improved performance, but this comes at the cost of a lower towing capacity. The Tahoe starts at $54,200 and offers a Heavy-Duty Trailering Package for $250.
7 Infiniti QX80 – 8,500 pounds
The Infiniti QX80 is a luxury full-size SUV that can tow up to 8,500 pounds. It is powered by a 5.6-liter V-8 engine that delivers 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This SUV offers a comfortable and spacious interior, making it a good choice for those who prioritize luxury and towing capability.
Infiniti QX80 Specs
|
Towing Capacity |
8,500 lbs |
|
Top Speed |
135 mph |
|
Curb Weight |
5,678 lbs |
|
Horsepower |
400 hp |
|
Torque |
413 lb-ft |
|
Layout |
Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
The QX80’s towing capacity is impressive, but its outdated design and limited cargo space may make it a less appealing option compared to its competitors. The starting price of $72,700 should also be considered when making a purchase decision.
6 Nissan Armada – 8,500 pounds
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2023 Honda Pilot Vs. 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
In the world of mid-size SUVs, two brands that come to mind are Honda and Toyota. Both brands competed fiercely to make the superior mid-size SUV over the years. For 2023, Honda has built the Pilot completely new from the ground up and Toyota has revealed a whole new SUV on its own, the Grand Highlander.
Both SUVs are meant to comfortably seat the entire family but they both have a different approach. The Honda Pilot is known for its practicality and build quality whereas the Grand Highlander is a more premium and luxurious SUV with a refined interior and driving experience, especially when you consider that it is a model from a main stream brand like Toyota.
The Pilot Hauls People With Ease
For 2023, the Honda Pilot comes in six trim levels: LX, Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, and Elite. The base price starts at $37,645 and comes with only one powertrain. The Pilot comes with the same 3.5 liter V-6 from the previous model but produces more power.
The trim that may stand out the most to buyers is the TrailSport model, which is Honda’s take on an off-road version of the Pilot. Honda has made some notable upgrades to the TrailSport to make it a proper off-roading SUV. Honda added an off-road-tuned suspension, which includes a one-inch lift for additional ground clearance. They also added a skid plate as well as the TrailWatch camera system which uses four exterior cameras to help drivers when they are off the beaten path. All these features and more are exclusive only to the TrailSport.
When it comes to the powertrain, the V-6 produces 285 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque as opposed to the previous generation which made 280 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is optional. The front-wheel drive model has an estimated EPA of 19 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on the highway, and a combined EPA of 22 MPG. The all-wheel drive model has a slightly worse gas mileage with an EPA estimated of 19 MPG in the city, 25 MPG on the highway, and a combined EPA of 21 MPG.
All models come with a new 10-speed automatic transmission which shifts smoothly. The engine is more responsive than the previous generation and the steering is more precise and refined. In terms of driving, the Pilot has a tight steering circle which makes maneuvering around town much easier than other mid-size SUVs. With all the extra power, the front-wheel drive model can tow up to 3,500 pounds and the all-wheel drive model can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
The Pilot Is Spacious Enough For The Whole Family![Pilot interior]()
Stepping inside, all models come standard with a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster as well as a 7-inch infotainment screen. The TrailSport, Touring, and Elite models come with a larger 9-inch infotainment screen and only the Elite model comes with a larger 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trim levels.
The Pilot has one of the most spacious cabins in the segment. All models can seat up to eight passengers but the EX-L trim can be optioned with second-row captain’s chairs which seat seven passengers. The TrailSport comes standard with the captain’s chairs and the Touring and Elite models come with a second-row seat design which can be removed and stored away when not needed. With 39.3 inches of headroom and 32.5 inches of legroom, the third row is spacious enough for children as well as adults.
The Grand Highlander Offers More Powerful and Efficient Powertrains
The Grand Highlander comes in five trim levels: XLE, Limited, Platinum, MAX Limited, and MAX Platinum. The base price starts at $43,070 which is significantly higher than the Pilot. Toyota offers two engine choices and three powertrains for the Grand Highlander. The gasoline engine makes 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque and the base hybrid engine makes 245 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.
The Hybrid MAX models come with a more powerful hybrid engine which makes 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is optional. As far as efficiency goes, the gas powertrain offers 24 MPG combined for the XLE front-wheel drive; the hybrid can do 36 MPG combined for the XLE front-wheel drive and the Hybrid MAX can offer upto 27 MPG combined.
The gasoline engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The smaller hybrid engine comes with a CVT transmission while the more powerful hybrid engine comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. Even though the steering is light, it can still go through corners easily. When it comes to towing, it is the same as the Pilot. The front-wheel drive model can tow 3,500 pounds and the all-wheel drive can tow 5,000 pounds.
The Grand Highlander Is Not Just A Bigger Highlander
Toyota has taken a different approach with the Grand Highlander. Unlike most of its other vehicles, the Grand Highlander was built with luxury and comfort in mind and this becomes evidently clear when you step inside the cabin. The interior has a surprisingly premium feel with good materials across the door panels and the dashboard. At first glance, the cabin seems to share some aspects with Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus.
The overall layout and aesthetics like the steering wheel and the infotainment are very similar to some Lexus vehicles. All of this just proves that Toyota didn’t intend to make the Grand Highlander like the regular Highlander. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, is standard across all models, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
By merely hearing the name, one might think that the Grand Highlander is just a bigger Highlander. Although that is true, the Grand is a completely new vehicle that is not just a bigger version of the Highlander. Not only is the Grand Highlander larger in every way, but it also looks completely different.
The Grand Highlander can seat seven or eight depending on the trim and the seat configurations. The cabin is impressively spacious for the passengers to enjoy the ride. The third row has 37.2 inches of headroom and 33.5 inches of legroom which is more than sufficient for children and adults can also sit comfortably. When it comes to technology, the Grand Highlander comes with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, which is standard across all models, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In conclusion, the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Grand Highlander are two formidable contenders in the mid-size SUV segment. When it comes to deciding which one to buy, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities The Pilot excels in practicality and overall value. It is also a solid choice for those who are interested in off-roading.
On the other hand, the Grand Highlander offers a far more premium package and better gas mileage. It is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious and refined SUVs Toyota has made in recent history. Regardless of which SUV you choose to buy, they both prioritize safety and comfort for the whole family.
First preview of the new ID.7 GTX: a long-distance limousine with more power and all-wheel drive
Three weeks ago, Volkswagen presented the new ID.7 as an all-electric limousine for the upper mid-size class. The most dynamic model variant will now follow in late summer with the world premiere of the ID.7 GTX. Equipped with the latest drive generation of the ID. models, the dual-motor all-wheel drive system and a host of sporty design elements, the long-distance limousine is a high-performance model. The launch of the new GTX model is planned for the IAA Mobility in Munich (5–10 September 2023).
Black and red stand for GTX. In the interior, details such as the red GTX contrast stitching on the seats, dash panel and doors emphasise the sportiness of the model. The exterior design, on the other hand, is characterised by black gloss elements. Together with the standard black roof paint finish and the darkened windows, these features ensure that the upcoming ID.7 GTX will also enjoy a powerful and distinctive appearance.
GTX – fine-tuned for efficiency and driving pleasure. Like on the previous GTX models ID.4 and ID.5, the vehicle dynamics manager is responsible for intelligent control of the dual-motor all-wheel drive system in the ID.7 GTX. This software, developed in-house by Volkswagen, always aims to achieve the optimum combination of efficiency, dynamics and driving stability. The vehicle dynamics manager controls not only the powertrain, but also all braking, steering and chassis control systems, depending on the selected driving profile. The limousine’s running gear and steering have been fundamentally enhanced on the basis of the modular electric drive (MEB) platform and offer a large bandwidth between comfort and sportiness thanks to the possibility of driving profile selection. This underlines the ID.7 GTX’s status as the flagship model in the ID. family.
GTX as a formula for success. The sporty GTX brand with its all-electric performance models has been part of Volkswagen’s portfolio for two years now. The dynamic vehicles combine electric mobility, sustainability and intelligent sportiness. Their sporty design also emphasises the special character and recognition value of the high-quality GTX models.