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There are plenty of reasons to have an SUV that can tow 7,500 pounds, whether to get your large boat to the water on the weekend or you need it to pull the Bobcat to the construction site. Regardless, if this is what you are looking for, this is the ultimate guide to an SUV that can tow over 7,500 pounds.
Ultimately, if you are looking for best SUV for hauling a trailer, you should probably get the Nissan Armada, as its tow rating is the best in the industry at 8,500 pounds. However, if it’s size is too much, there are some other fantastic alternatives, including the Land Rover Defender and even the Rivian R1S.
So why should you trust me? I have been in the automotive industry for years and take a data-oriented approach to creating these guides. I take every SUV on the market today and research every-one to find its towing rating. I then give you strictly my opinions on my favorite and give you every available option so that you can choose for yourself. You can also learn more about me here!
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1. Nissan Armada
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Nissan has been going through a renaissance lately, with numerous impressive SUVs and trucks being released over the last couple of years. However, the one vehicle that has yet to see much change is the Nissan Armada.
While the vehicle may be aging (it was released in 2016), the main upside to this is that it has been left alone with its power plant, as it still has the trusty 5.6L V8 engine (and 7-speed transmission) that helps this massive three-row SUV tow up 8,500 pounds.
The fact that the Armada still uses older technology and build style also means that the Armada is now the cheapest SUV that can tow over 7,500 pounds. Its base MSRP currently sits at $50,700, which is only slightly above the average vehicle price, and yet you get plenty for that price.
While it may seem like a no-brainer to buy this SUV, you should know that it will likely be updated very soon to match the rest of the lineup. This updated version will probably get you better ride quality, more technology, and more modern styling (which is my least favorite thing about the current generation Armada).
2. Rivian R1S
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Electric vehicles have exploded (not that kind) in popularity over the past couple of years. Their instant torque plays well when it comes to towing, which isn’t more evident than in the Rivian R1S, which can tow up to 7,700 pounds. That said, towing with an electric vehicle can be an issue, as the additional weight quickly lowers the range of the vehicle, resulting in the need to charge much more frequently and heightening range anxiety.
If you can overcome that main issue, the R1S is an impressive and competent SUV, especially when compared to its gas counterparts. The Rivian can go zero to sixty in just three seconds, putting this massive 8,532 pound (GVWR) on par with supercars regarding straight-line speed. It also can bump itself up to 14.9 inches of ground clearance using its air suspension, which competes with some of the most impressive off-road vehicles.
While it technically isn’t considered a luxury vehicle, it has a refined interior and impressive ride quality, making it compete with luxury rivals like BMW and Mercedes. Whatever your stance on electric vehicles, it’s difficult not to see this SUV’s benefits, even if its MSRP starts just south of $80,000.
3. Bentley Bentayga
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The category for a luxury vehicle ranges considerably in price, from BMW’s X1 with an MSRP of $40,095 up to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan that sits at a base price of over $350,000. Regardless, the Luxury SUV that seats at the top (that can tow over 7,500 pounds) is the Bentley Bentayga.
The Bentayga is an incredible ultra-luxurious SUV that can be equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 gas engine, a 6.0-liter W12 gas engine, or a 3.0-liter hybrid. The king of them all is the W12, which pushes out 626 horsepower and goes zero to sixty in just 3.5 seconds. With its 8-speed transmission, this shifts exceptionally smoothly and has effortless acceleration.
However, in the end, the power of this insane SUV is the least of what you should be excited about. Each Bentley Bentayga is entirely bespoke, meaning you can customize it to your liking, and plenty of options exist. However, the most famous one is the $160,000 dash clock.
With a base MSRP of just under $200,000, this is quite the SUV; oh, and I forgot, it tows 7,716 effortlessly.
4. Jeep Grand Wagoneer
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Jeep fans have been waiting patiently for the arrival of the next-generation Grand Wagoneer since it went off the market in 1991 (yes, that long ago). However, in 2021, we saw it back on the scene! This time it is much larger, more upmarket, and overall quite impressive.
This massive SUV starts at $90,290, and plenty of options can help it into the six figures price point. It is also available in two different body lengths, the standard Grand Wagoneer at a 123-Inch Wheelbase or you can opt for the 130-Inch Wheelbase for 44.2 inches of cargo space behind the rear seats.
The SUV is moved forward via a 3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo 510 I6 engine, or you can get a 6.4L HEMI V8 engine. That said, in this case, the 3.0L Twin Turbo is the one that brings you the most horsepower at 510hp and an impressive 9,750-pound towing capacity.
While the proportions of this SUV are just a little bit off, it’s the taller windows; it’s still hard not to see how impressive this SUV is. That said, when an SUV gets into the six digits, it’s starting to compete with other great options like the Escalade, Mercedes GLS-Class, and more.
5. Land Rover Defender
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People went a bit crazy when Land Rover announced the complete reimagining of the Land Rover Defender, which is to be understood. Considering the generations before this one was essentially the exact same vehicle for three decades and could even be traced back into the 80s. These have a massive following, and people enjoy them a lot. However, they always lacked reliability and build quality, and that changed in 2020 when the new generation of Defender was launched as a crossover.
While people were worried that the SUV’s off-road chops would be stunted by moving away from a body-on-frame design, that has all but been disproven at this point. This new generation of Defenders is available in three different versions, the Defender 90 is a two-door version, the Defender 110 is the standard 4-door SUV, and the latest addition, the Defender 130, is a long-wheelbase version with three rows of seating.
Up front, the Defender is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder, a 3.0L Inline 6, or even a massive 5.0L V8 engine and comes equipped with an 8-speed transmission, no matter what motor you choose. These power plants help it tow up to 8,201 pounds.
I have been a big fan of this return of the Defender, and they hit this vehicle on the nail. It is well on my short list of favorite SUVs (which includes the Bronco, but that lacks in the towing department).
6. Toyota Sequoia
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The Sequoia has finally been redesigned, and it is nearly perfect. While many people will be disappointed that they did away with the naturally aspirated V8 engine, they made up for it with a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 that is also assisted with a hybrid electric motor, helping it reach up to 437 hp and 583 pound-feet of torque. This power gets it to a towing capacity of 9,520 pounds, which is incredibly impressive for an SUV.
This redesign wasn’t just for the power and towing. It ultimately changed the styling of the SUV to follow along with Toyota’s more futuristic and edgier design language that they have been moving towards, and I like it.
Top this off with tons of new tech, including first and second-row heated and ventilated seats, a 14″ infotainment center, Qi Wireless Charging, and many driving safety features. Now, we’ll see how this additional tech stands up to the test of time, as Toyota needs to maintain its reliability image to continue with sales.
The Complete List of SUVs That Can Tow 7,500 Pounds
| Make | Model | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| BMW | X7 | 7,500 |
| Audi | Q7 | 7,700 |
| Audi | Q8 | 7,700 |
| Mercedes-Benz | GLS-Class | 7,700 |
| Porsche | Cayenne | 7,700 |
| Cadillac | Escalade | 7,700 |
| Rivian | R1S | 7,700 |
| Mercedes-Benz | GLS-Class | 7,700 |
| Bentley | Bentayga | 7,716 |
| Land Rover | Range Rover Sport | 7,716 |
| Chevrolet | Suburban | 7,800 |
| Lexus | LX | 8,000 |
| Land Rover | Discovery | 8,200 |
| Land Rover | Range Rover | 8,200 |
| Land Rover | Defender | 8,201 |
| GMC | Yukon | 8,500 |
| Infiniti | QX80 | 8,500 |
| Nissan | Armada | 8,500 |
| Chevrolet | Tahoe | 8,600 |
| Lincoln | Navigator | 8,700 |
| Jeep | Grand Wagoneer | 9,750 |
| Jeep | Wagoneer | 8,790 |
| Ford | Expedition | 9,300 |
| Toyota | Sequoia | 9,520 |
Why would you need an SUV that can tow over 7,500 pounds?
1. To be able to tow and transport a lot of people at the same time.
SUV’s are great for this because they offer a lot of interior space while having excellent towing capacity. Not only do they make family trips easier, but they can also come in handy when transporting large items. So if you are in the market for an SUV that can tow 7500 pounds or more, check out the vehicles listed above! They will not disappoint.
2. SUVs are better as a daily drivers.
Pickups sometimes make adequate daily drivers, and an SUV is generally a better choice when you need to commute on the weekdays but tow on the weekends. SUVs offer a lot more in the way of comfort and convenience, which makes them great for daily driving. SUVs also have better ride quality, agility, and shorter wheelbases than pickups, making them more accessible in parking lots and tight roadways.
3. SUVs get better gas mileage.
Generally, SUVs will get considerably better gas mileage than pickup trucks. They are lighter and more aerodynamic, meaning you won’t have to stop as often at the pump. This is a big plus if you need to commute regularly.
4. Your garage won’t fit a pickup truck.
Another reason you should consider an SUV (even police are doing it) as your daily driver is that your garage might not be able to fit a pickup truck. SUVs are generally smaller, meaning they will take up less space in your garage. This can be a big plus if you only have a little extra room at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you exceed towing capacity?
You should always pay close attention to the towing capacity of your SUV and the weight of the trailer you are towing. At the minimum, it can make your SUV squat, making for a rougher ride, as the shocks cannot keep up. Worse, you can damage your hitch or warp your vehicle’s body or frame beyond repair.
Can you modify a vehicle to increase towing capacity?
While plenty of modifications claim to increase the towing capacity (and may even do so), you should never modify your vehicle to increase its towing capacity. While some improvements may increase its ability, its nearly impossible to account for the stresses that is causes throughout the car, ranging from the frame, drivetrain, and more.
Does towing shorten the life of a vehicle?
Anything that makes a vehicle work harder than average usage will shorten its lifespan, including towing. You should watch for this when shopping for your next vehicle and always try to understand how the car was used before you bought it.
Conclusion
SUVs are great for towing; many on the market can tow over 7500 pounds. If you need an SUV that can handle much weight, check out some options listed above. An SUV is an excellent solution if you need a pickup truck’s capabilities but have several passengers who need to be comfortable for longer trips.
This article was helpful and provided some excellent SUV options that can tow over 7,500 pounds.
