Many three-row family SUVs and nearly all full-size SUVs can tow 5,000 lb or more, including the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Subaru Ascent, Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse. The rating is for a top configuration, so you usually need the right engine, tow package and trailer brakes to get it.
Quick answer: SUVs rated for 5,000 lb or more
Cars.com’s 2025 list of SUVs rated at 5,000 lb or higher includes the following. Model-year, trim and engine changes can alter the figure, so verify the current rating for the exact vehicle.
| Class | Examples rated 5,000 lb or more (2025 list) |
|---|---|
| Mainstream three-row | Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Subaru Ascent, VW Atlas, Nissan Pathfinder, Mazda CX-90, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango |
| Mid-size / off-road | Toyota 4Runner, Honda Passport, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Land Rover Defender |
| Full-size | Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, Jeep Wagoneer, Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequoia and Land Cruiser |
| Luxury | Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5 and X7, Mercedes GLE and GLS, Volvo XC90, Lexus GX and LX, Genesis GV80 |
| Electric | Kia EV9, Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X |
Known figures from our own spec posts
- Jeep Wagoneer (2024): up to 10,000 lb. See our 2024 Jeep Wagoneer specs.
- Chevrolet Suburban (2025): roughly 8,000 to 8,300 lb. See the 2025 Suburban specs.
- Mercedes-Benz GLE (2027): up to 7,700 lb. See the 2027 GLE specs.
- Toyota 4Runner (2026): about 6,000 lb. See the 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium specs.
What you need to actually tow 5,000 lb
A 5,000 lb rating is the most the SUV can pull in its best configuration. Real-world capacity drops when you add passengers, cargo and tongue weight.
- Tow package or hitch rated for the load, and a wiring harness.
- Trailer brakes, which are usually required above a few thousand pounds.
- The right engine. Some SUVs are rated lower with their base engine or in front-drive form.
- Payload headroom. Tongue weight is typically around 10 to 15 percent of trailer weight.
How to check the rating on a specific SUV
- Read the owner’s manual towing section for your exact trim, engine and drive.
- Check the door-jamb sticker for payload and the gross combined weight rating (GCWR).
- Add up trailer weight, tongue weight, passengers and cargo, and stay under each limit.
- Compare options in our SUV towing capacity chart and our broader guide to SUVs for towing.
Safety notes
Stay below the rated limit, not just at it, especially in Canadian winter conditions or on long grades. Use sway control, check tire pressures and allow extra braking distance. Local rules on trailer brakes and licensing vary by province, so confirm them before you tow.
FAQ
Which SUVs can tow 5,000 lbs?
Many three-row and full-size SUVs, including the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Subaru Ascent, Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse, are listed at 5,000 lb or more in their top configuration.
Do I need a tow package to tow 5,000 lbs?
Usually yes. Ratings typically assume the manufacturer’s tow package and sometimes trailer brakes or a specific engine.
Can a midsize SUV tow 5,000 lbs?
Some can, such as the Toyota 4Runner, Honda Passport and Jeep Grand Cherokee, but only in the right configuration.
Is the maximum towing rating always available?
No. The maximum can be lower for other engines, drivetrains, trims, options or even wheel and tire combinations.
How much of the tow rating can I use?
Less than the full figure in practice, because passengers, cargo and trailer tongue weight reduce what the SUV can safely pull. Check the payload and GCWR.
Where can I find the tow rating for my SUV?
In the owner’s manual and on the vehicle’s door-jamb label. Do not rely on a brochure figure alone.
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