Best SUVs For Towing Campers

‍Are you planning a camping trip with your family or friends? If so, you may need a vehicle that can tow your camper safely and efficiently.

The best SUVs for towing campers are the Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Dodge Durango. These are not only the top contenders based on end-user reviews and ratings, but they’re also versatile and can handle a towing capacity of over 7,000 pounds.

I understand the importance of having reliable information when it comes to choosing the right SUV for towing. For that reason, I have researched and analyzed the latest models and features to provide you with accurate and trustworthy advice. Read on to learn more so you can make an informed decision and enjoy your camping trip with peace of mind.

‍Best SUVs For Towing Campers

If you're planning on hitting the road with a camper, you'll need an SUV with the right towing capacity range and can handle the load.

Here are some of the best SUVs for towing campers with each vehicle’s tow rating:

1. Ford Expedition

If you're looking for the best SUV for towing a camper, the Ford Expedition is definitely worth considering.

Specifications

The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV that can tow up to 9,300 pounds when properly equipped. This makes it one of the best SUVs with a heavy-duty towing package on the market.

According to Ford’s official site, the 2024 Ford Expedition comes with 440 horsepower and accommodates five-passenger seating. The Expedition also has a spacious interior that can accommodate up to eight passengers.

Performance

The Ford Expedition is a capable towing machine that can handle even the heaviest of trailers. Its powerful engine and advanced towing features make it a top performer in its class.

The Expedition also has a smooth ride and responsive handling, making it a comfortable vehicle to drive on long trips.

Recent Updates

The recent Ford Expedition has received some updates to its infotainment system, including a new 12-inch touchscreen display. It also now comes standard with Ford's Co-Pilot 360 suite of driver assistance features, which includes lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more.

What Sets It Apart

One thing that sets the Ford Expedition apart from its competitors is its impressive towing capacity and spacious interior.

Benefits

• Impressive towing capacity
• Spacious interior
• Advanced safety features
• Smooth ride and responsive handling

Drawbacks

• Below-average fuel economy
• Expensive compared to some competitors

Who Should Buy

If you're in the market for a full-size SUV that can tow a camper, the Ford Expedition is definitely worth considering. It's a great choice for families who need a spacious and capable vehicle for road trips and camping adventures.

Where to Buy

You can buy the Ford Expedition at any Ford dealership. You can also get great deals when you shop via online retailers like Edmunds.

2. Lincoln Navigator

If you're looking for a luxurious SUV for towing a travel trailer or RV camper, the Lincoln Navigator is worth considering. Here's what you need to know about this SUV:

Specifications

The Lincoln Navigator boasts a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds, which is impressive for a full-size SUV.

It comes with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. The SUV also has a 10-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel drive.

Performance

The Lincoln Navigator offers a smooth and comfortable ride, and its powerful engine provides quick acceleration.

It also has responsive steering and strong brakes. The SUV's adaptive suspension system adjusts to changing road conditions, providing a comfortable ride on both smooth and rough roads.

Recent Updates

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator received some updates, including a new infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system.

What Sets It Apart

The Lincoln Navigator stands out for its spacious and luxurious interior, which features high-quality materials and advanced technology. The SUV has plenty of room for passengers and cargo, and its third-row seats are comfortable for adults.

Benefits

• Spacious and luxurious interior
• Powerful engine and smooth ride
• Impressive towing capacity
• Advanced technology and safety features

Drawbacks

• Poor fuel economy
• Expensive compared to other SUVs in its class
• Limited cargo space with all seats in use

Who Should Buy

The Lincoln Navigator is a great choice for those who want a luxurious SUV with excellent towing capabilities. It's also a good option for families who need plenty of space for passengers and cargo.

Where to Buy

You can build your own Lincoln Navigator or check online for deals and discounts on online retailers like Car Gurus.

3. Dodge Durango

Another SUV with great towing capacity that can handle towing a camper is the Dodge Durango is a great option to consider. Here's what you need to know about this vehicle:

Specifications

According to the Car and Driver review, the current Dodge Durango features a Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that produces about 710 horsepower.

There's also a 5.7-liter V8 that produces 360 horsepower and a 6.4-liter V8 that produces 475 horsepower. All three engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Performance

The Dodge Durango has a towing capacity of up to 8,700 pounds with 645-pound torque, depending on the model and engine you choose. This makes it one of the most capable SUVs when it comes to towing.

Recent Updates

The Dodge Durango 2023 model year brought a new SRT Hellcat trim level powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces a whopping 710 horsepower.

What Sets It Apart

What sets the Dodge Durango apart from other SUVs is its towing capacity. With a maximum towing capacity of 8,700 pounds, it's one of the most capable SUVs on the market.

Benefits

• Great towing capacity
• Comfortable ride
• Spacious interior

Drawbacks

• Fuel economy is not great
• Some interior materials feel cheap

Who Should Buy

If you're looking for an SUV that can handle towing a camper, the Dodge Durango is a great choice. It's also a good option for families who need a spacious vehicle for road trips.

Where to Buy

You can buy a Dodge Durango at any Dodge dealership, which you can find through Dodge's official site. It's also worth checking out used car dealerships like Edmunds to find a good deal on a pre-owned model.

4. Chevrolet Tahoe

If you're looking for the best SUV for towing campers with great towing capacity, the Chevrolet Tahoe is a great option to consider.

Specifications

The Chevrolet Tahoe features a 5.3-liter V8 engine that delivers about 420 hp coupled with 383 lb-ft torque. It also has a six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive available as an option.

This full-size SUV accommodates 7-8 passengers and has a towing capacity of up to 8,400 pounds, making it a reliable choice for those who need to haul a larger trailer.

Performance

In terms of performance, the Chevy Tahoe is a smooth and comfortable ride. It handles well on the road and has plenty of power and towing capacity to handle towing a camper.

The engine is responsive, and the transmission shifts smoothly. The ride quality is also comfortable, with a suspension that absorbs bumps and rough roads well.

Recent Updates

The Chevrolet Tahoe was last fully redesigned for the 2022 model year. The latest model features updated styling, a new independent rear suspension, and more interior space.

What Sets It Apart

One of the standout features of the Chevrolet Tahoe is its spacious interior. It has plenty of room for passengers and cargo, with up to 122.9 cubic feet of cargo space available, with the second and third rows folded down.

Benefits

• Spacious interior
• Smooth and comfortable ride
• Good towing capacity
• Available four-wheel drive
• Advanced safety features

Drawbacks

• Poor fuel economy
• High price tag
• Limited third-row legroom

Who Should Buy

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a great choice for those who need a large SUV with plenty of towing capacity. It's also a good option for families or groups who need plenty of space for passengers and cargo.

Where to Buy

You can buy a Chevrolet Tahoe at any Chevrolet dealership. You can also find used models at many used car dealerships or online car marketplaces like Edmunds.

5. Chevrolet Suburban

If you're looking for a full-size SUV that can tow your camper with ease, the Chevrolet Suburban is a great option to consider. Here's what you need to know about this vehicle:

Specifications

The current Chevrolet Suburban has a maximum towing capacity of up to 8,300 lbs when properly equipped.

It's powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers up to 420 maximum hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. The Suburban also comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel drive. However, you can opt for a four-wheel drive option.

Performance

The Suburban is known for its smooth and comfortable ride, even when towing heavy loads. The V8 engine provides plenty of power for acceleration and passing, and the six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly.

The Suburban also handles well for its size, with responsive steering and good braking performance.

Recent Updates

The most recent update to the Suburban features updated styling, a more spacious interior, and a range of new features and technologies.

What Sets It Apart

What sets the Suburban apart from other SUVs in its class is its size. It's one of the largest SUVs on the market, which means it has plenty of space for passengers and cargo.

Benefits

• Spacious interior
• Powerful engine
• Smooth ride.
• Wide range of features and technologies, including a large infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Drawbacks

• It can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and it may not be the best choice for drivers who are used to smaller vehicles.
• It’s also relatively expensive compared to some other SUVs in its class.

Who Should Buy

If you're looking for a full-size SUV that can tow your camper and provide plenty of space for both passengers and cargo, the Chevrolet Suburban is a great option to consider. It's also a good choice for drivers who prioritize safety and advanced features.

Where to Buy

You can buy the Chevrolet Suburban at any Chevrolet dealership, which you can find on their official site. Be sure to shop around to find the best deals and financing options.

6. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Another great SUV with great towing capacity is the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great option to consider. Here's why:

Specifications

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds, depending on the trim and year. It comes with a range of engine options, from a 3.6-liter V6 to a 6.4-liter V8.

Besides great towing capacity, it also has a payload capacity of up to 1,350 pounds, which means you can bring along all your gear without worrying about overloading the vehicle.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the V8 engine can produce up to 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, which means you'll have no trouble hauling your camper up steep hills or through rough terrain.

Recent Updates

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been updated with a new design and a range of new features, including a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a digital gauge cluster, and a suite of advanced safety features.

What Sets It Apart

What sets the Grand Cherokee apart from other SUVs is its off-road capabilities. It comes with a range of features, including four-wheel drive, hill descent control, and an adjustable air suspension that makes it easy to navigate even the toughest terrain.

Benefits

• Powerful engine options
• Impressive towing and payload capacities
• Off-road capabilities
• Range of advanced safety features

Drawbacks

• Fuel economy is not as good as some other SUVs in its class
• The Interior can feel cramped, especially in the back seat

Who Should Buy

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great choice if you're looking for an SUV that can tow your camper and handle off-road adventures. It's also a good option for anyone who values performance and power over fuel efficiency.

Where to Buy

You can buy the Jeep Grand Cherokee through their official site, at any Jeep dealership, or you can order it online from dealers like Car Gurus.

7. Cadillac Escalade

If you're looking for a luxurious SUV that can tow your camper with ease, the Cadillac Escalade is a great option to consider. Here's what you need to know about this vehicle:

Specifications

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade comes standard with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

It also features an automatic transmission of 10-speed and rear-wheel drive. When properly equipped, the Escalade can tow up to 8,200 pounds.

Performance

The Escalade is a powerful SUV that offers a smooth and comfortable ride, even when towing heavy loads. It also has a spacious and luxurious interior that can accommodate up to eight passengers.

Recent Updates

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade is a newly redesigned model that offers several updates and improvements over the previous version. These include a larger, more luxurious interior, improved towing capacity, and advanced safety features.

What Sets It Apart

What sets the Cadillac Escalade apart from other SUVs in its class is its luxurious and spacious interior, as well as its impressive towing capacity.

Benefits

• Powerful engine
• Smooth and comfortable ride and a luxurious interior.
• A great option for those who need to tow heavy loads, thanks to its impressive towing capacity.

Drawbacks

• Lower fuel economy, which is lower than many other SUVs in its class.
• It's also a relatively expensive vehicle, which may be a drawback for some buyers.

Who Should Buy

The Cadillac Escalade is a great choice for those who need a spacious and comfortable vehicle for long road trips. It’s also great if you're looking for a luxurious SUV that can tow your camper with ease.

Where to Buy

You can purchase a new Cadillac Escalade at any authorized Cadillac dealership. You can also find used models for sale at many online marketplaces like Edmunds and CarMax.

8. Land Rover Discovery

If you're looking for an SUV that can tow a travel trailer with ease, the Land Rover Discovery is a great option to consider.

Specifications

The Land Rover Discovery SUV comes with a 3-liter V-6 engine that can generate up to 340 horsepower at 6,500 RPMs. It also has an anti-lock braking system and traction control, which makes it easy to tow a trailer.

According to Land Rover's Official Site, this SUV also boasts a maximum towing capacity of up to 7 716 lbs and a fuel economy of about 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway.

Performance

The Land Rover Discovery is a powerful SUV that can tow a travel trailer with ease. Its Terrain Response four-wheel drive system allows you to adjust the vehicle's settings based on the type of terrain you're driving on, which makes it easier to tow a trailer on rough or uneven roads.

Recent Updates

The Land Rover Discovery received a significant update in 2021, which included a new infotainment system, updated exterior styling, and a revised interior.

What Sets It Apart

The Land Rover Discovery's Terrain Response four-wheel drive system is one of its standout features. This system allows you to adjust the vehicle's settings based on the type of terrain you're driving on, which makes it easier to tow a travel trailer on rough or uneven roads.

Benefits

• Stylish and comfortable interior
• Powerful engine with great tow ratings
• Terrain Response four-wheel drive system
• Spacious interior

Drawbacks

• Expensive SUV
• Poor fuel economy

Who Should Buy

The Land Rover Discovery is a great option for anyone who wants a stylish and comfortable SUV that can tow a travel trailer with ease, and you're willing to invest in a higher-end vehicle.

However, it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget or those who prioritize fuel economy when towing RV campers.

Where to Buy

You can build your own Land Rover Discovery through the Land Rover official site and get a quote. Alternatively, you can find used models for sale at other online dealerships like Car Gurus.

Key Features to Look for in Towing SUVs

If you're planning to tow vehicle with your SUV, here are some of the most important towing capabilities or features to consider when selecting an SUV for towing:

Towing Capacity

One of the most critical factors that shouldn’t be missed from your towing package when selecting an SUV for towing is its max tow capacity. Towing capacity refers to the maximum or total trailer weight that an SUV can safely tow.

Hitch and Tongue Weight

The hitch is the device that attaches your camper to your SUV. Look for an SUV with a tow hitch receiver that is rated to handle the weight of your camper. Additionally, ensure your SUV can safely handle the tongue weight of your camper.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rate

The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the max weight that your SUV vehicle can carry safely. That includes cargo,  passengers, and the total weight of the vehicle itself.

Ensure the GVWR of your SUV is sufficient to handle the weight of your camper and any other gear you plan to carry.

Towing Capabilities

Look for an SUV with towing-specific features such as trailer sway control, which helps prevent the trailer from swaying back and forth while you're driving.

Other useful features include a trailer brake controller, which helps you control the trailer's brakes, and a transmission cooler, which helps prevent overheating while towing. Also, consider an auto-leveling suspension.

Safety Features

Safety features are always important but are especially critical when towing a camper. Look for an SUV with advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring to help keep you and your passengers safe while towing.

All-Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive can be valuable when towing a camper, especially if you plan to tow a vehicle in inclement weather or on rough terrain. Look for an SUV with all-wheel drive to help improve traction and stability while towing.

Cargo Area and Seating Options

If you want a great towing vehicle, ensure the SUV you choose has enough cargo space to accommodate your gear and supplies for your camping trip.

Additionally, consider the seating options. Look for an SUV with enough seating for your passengers, but also make sure the seats are comfortable for long drives.

Infotainment and Rear View Camera

Finally, consider the infotainment system and rearview camera. Look for an SUV with an easy-to-use infotainment system that allows you to control your music, navigation, and other features while driving. Additionally, a rearview camera can be a valuable tool when backing up your camper.