Family Car Advice: The Best SUVs For Towing

By Suzanne Kane

Suzanne Kane

Contributing Writer BIO

Suzanne Kane is an editor at High Gear Media focusing on covering the latest product and other auto-related information for Family Car Guide... More

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2,655 views Jul 27, 2011

2011 Chevrolet Tahoe

Families that tow and haul need the right vehicle for the weekend, and some of the full-size SUVs on sale now could be just the right solution.

Aside from the usual full-size pickup trucks, some of the best vehicles for towing are these family-oriented SUVs:

Chevrolet Tahoe

With seating for up to eight and a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds (in two-wheel drive, 8,200 pounds in four-wheel drive), the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe (and sibling GMC Yukon) full-size SUV can handle almost any demands on the road and still carry everyone in comfort and style. The Vortec 5.3-liter V-8 engine is designed to tow, delivering 320 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque.

2011 Chevrolet Suburban

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Chevrolet Suburban

With its ability to carry up to nine passengers, the 2011 Chevrolet Suburban, in half-ton configuration, can also tow up to 8,100 pounds, making it a great all-around choice for families that pull their vacation fun along with them. The three-quarter-ton Suburban can tow a maximum of 9,600 pounds, besting the Ford Expedition and Nissan Armada by a few hundred pounds. Half-ton Suburbans are powered by the 320-horsepower 5.3-liter Vortec V-8 engine while three-quarter-ton models get the standard 352-horsepower 6.0-liter Vortec V-8.

2011 Toyota Sequoia

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Toyota Sequoia

The 2011 Toyota Sequoia can tow up to a maximum 6,900 pounds in two-wheel drive and 6,600 pounds in four-wheel drive with the 4.6-liter V-8 engine. It gets better, up to a maximum of 7,300 pounds in two-wheel drive and 7,100 pounds in four-wheel drive for Sequoia SUVs with the 5.7-liter V-8 engine. Buyers can choose from SR5, Limited and Platinum models, each with seating for up to eight passengers.

2011 Ford Expedition

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Ford Expedition

If you have a large boat, jet skis or a big trailer, the 2011 Ford Expedition full-size SUV could be a great option for towing and hauling. The basic Expedition in two-wheel-drive form can tow up to 9,200 pounds when equipped with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. The Expedition EL has a maximum 8,900-pound towing capacity. Power comes from the standard 310-horsepower 5.4-liter V-8 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.  

2011 Dodge Durango

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Dodge Durango

Tow up to 6,200 pounds with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine or 7,400 pounds with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 in the 2011 Dodge Durango SUV. Both engines feature fuel saver technology. You’ll need the applicable trailer tow group (V-6) or trailer tow group IV, both of which include Class IV receiver hitch, 7- and 4-pin wiring harness, full-size spare tire and steel spare wheel.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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Jeep Grand Cherokee

Powered by the same 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 or 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engines as the Dodge Durango, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV also has maximum towing capacity rated at 6,200 and 7,400 pounds, respectively – when properly equipped with the required trailer tow group. The trailer tow group is standard on Overland and Overland Summit models, and available on Laredo, Laredo X, Laredo X 70th Anniversary and Limited models.

2011 Mercedes-Benz GL550

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Mercedes-Benz GL550

For full-size SUV power and performance, and the capability of towing up to 7,500 pounds (with an optional Class IV trailer hitch kit), the seven-passenger 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL550 provides all that and more in a luxury package. The GL550 is powered by a 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V-8 engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.