When we talk about impressive towing capabilities, the likes of compact and full-size pickup trucks make the top of the list. Heavy-duty trucks excel in this area; for example, the Ford F-450 Super Duty can tow up to 40,000 pounds with a gooseneck hitch and specific configurations. These are expected from intimidating pickups.
However, not expected are plush-looking, compact SUVs from the likes of Porsche and Audi, which are primarily luxury-oriented and offer higher towing capacities than the likes of compact pickups such as the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Fe. From run-of-the-mill crossovers from Subaru, Cadillac, and Mazda to an all-electric Mercedes-Benz SUV that offers over 5,000 pounds of towing power, this list is full of surprises.
This list is organized in increasing order of maximum towing capacities.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
Maximum Towing Capacity: 3,500 Pounds
The new $33,795 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness impresses with its elevated towing capacity. All other Subaru Crosstrek trim levels can tow up to 1,500 pounds. The rugged-looking Wilderness trim can pack more muscle thanks to a combination of a beefed-up engine and equally beefed-up supporting components. Powering this Crosstrek is the most powerful engine in the model range— a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine that produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.
This is coupled to a tuned CVT gearbox for improved low-speed control and efficiency, which further distributes power to all four wheels. Keeping the transmission from overheating requires a dedicated transmission oil cooler. Furthermore, its all-terrain tires and reinforced suspension setup support this. All of these features on the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek work together to improve heat and strain management during towing.
2025 Cadillac XT4
Maximum Towing Capacity: 3,500 Pounds
This luxury SUV offers no hint of its towing capability. The $40,795 Cadillac XT4 is loaded with wholesome luxury features, including heated and ventilated seats and leather upholstery. However, the available Trailering Package reveals the XT4’s maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
With the addition of a heavy-duty cooling system, a two-inch trailer hitch receiver, and a wiring harness, the smooth-looking 2025 XT4 clearly showcases its towing capability. To unlock its full potential, the best pairing is the 235-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the available AWD system. Furthermore, assistive features such as Blind Spot Monitoring and Surround-View Camera help make this Cadillac luxury SUV more vigilant.
2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo
Maximum Towing Capacity: 3,500 Pounds
The maximum towing capacity for this SUV is achieved with the 2.5 Turbo trim levels, starting from $37,900. This Mazda CX-50 packs a notably more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 227 horsepower (256 horsepower on 93 octane) and 310 pound-feet of torque. The lower trim levels are equipped with the naturally aspirated version of this engine, producing 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque.
The performance bump alone is critical to the shift in towing capacity from 2,000 pounds to 3,500 pounds. Its standard AWD system also helps with this feature. The 2026 CX-50 2.5 Turbo models also feature a bespoke Towing drive mode that adjusts the transmission, preloads the AWD coupling for added load and stability, and works with G-Vectoring Control Plus to reduce sway for a stable towing experience.
The 10 Small Hybrid SUVs With The Best Towing
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2026 Volvo XC40
Maximum Towing Capacity: 3,500 Pounds
The $41,195 Volvo XC40 is yet another luxury SUV that doesn’t project a muscular presence to highlight its towing capability. However, behind its clean lines, sharp yet minimalist design language, and emphasis on luxury and safety features lies an SUV that can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Given the two mild hybrid powertrain options on this Volvo, we expect the more powerful and AWD-equipped one to excel in the towing game. However, Volvo also surprises with the base, efficiency-focused B4 FWD powertrain.
This mill produces 194 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite powering just two wheels as compared to the 247-horsepower AWD B5 drivetrain, the base 2026 Volvo XC40 still offers a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The primary factor is its high, early torque curve, which provides sufficient pulling force. Add in the Trailer Stability Assist feature (part of the hitch package), and towing becomes more stable.
2026 Toyota RAV4
Maximum Towing Capacity: 3,500 Pounds
The standard FWD Toyota RAV4s are not potent with their towing capabilities, with a maximum of just 1,750 pounds. However, there’s a significant shift in the RAV4’s potential above the $37,500 XLE Premium trim, which is equipped with AWD. While the 2.5-liter hybrid engine retains the same combined power output of 236 horsepower, the HV electric motor output increases from 169 kW to 176 kW.
The AWD system also enables the 2026 RAV4 to tow up to 3,500 pounds. These RAV4 models also feature additional transmission cooling and a revised rear suspension to handle the increased load. The towing experience can be enhanced with dedicated towing hardware, including a hitch receiver, wiring harness, heavy-duty battery, and alternator. Toyota also packs a standard Trailer Sway Control safety feature to help stabilize the trailer and vehicle.
2026 Audi SQ5
Maximum Towing Capacity: 4,400 Pounds
Aiding the sporty Audi SQ5 in its elevated towing capabilities is a potent 3.0-liter turbo V6 engine that produces 326 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It is coupled to an AWD system via a seven-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain is tuned to deliver a sporty SUV experience, akin to the Lamborghini Urus.
But it also hides a muscular side that can tow well over 4,000 pounds. Helping this Audi stay cool during towing is its available towing package, which includes enhanced cooling and trailer-stability software. Its adaptive air suspension also helps level the 2026 SQ5 and provides added chassis support. All of this while looking sharp and going 0–60 mph in under five seconds in a killer deal.
The American Electric SUV With The Best Towing Capacity
This large electric SUV carries on the adventurous legacy of its ICE predecessors, returning impressive towing capacity that often escapes EVs.
2026 Porsche Macan
Maximum Towing Capacity: 4,400 Pounds
Similar to the Audi mentioned above, the Porsche Macan is designed as a luxurious, sporty SUV. In fact, the Macan and the SQ5 are very similar because they share the same platform and are corporate cousins. Powering this Porsche is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
Its meaty torque curve and standard AWD system, coupled to a robust seven-speed PDK transmission, enable the 2026 Macan to tow up to 4,400 pounds. Further assisting the case is its clever traction and stability systems and an available factory trailer hitch. This do-it-all Porsche starts at $64,600 and showcases its sporty side while remaining brawny, with a 0-60 mph time of six seconds and a top speed of 144 mph.
2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Maximum Towing Capacity: 4,409 Pounds
The street cred and luxury appeal are strong with this Land Rover. However, it punches above its weight in towing capabilities. Powering the 2026 Land Rover Discovery Sport is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 246 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque.
That’s just 10 horses more than the humble Toyota RAV4. But the Discovery still offers a notably higher towing capacity of 4,409 pounds. This is possible thanks to its standard AWD, robust chassis and suspension, and advanced technology features, including Terrain Response, All-Terrain Progress Control, Hill Descent Control, and optional Advanced Tow Assist and Tow Hitch Assist.
2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive
Maximum Towing Capacity: 4,850 Pounds
The standard BMW X3 with AWD can tow up to 4,001 pounds—a commendable value, given the SUV’s compact form factor and humble horsepower ratings. However, adding the “M” model significantly increases towing capacity: the 2026 BMW X3 M50 xDrive has the highest towing capacity of the X3 lineup at 4,850 pounds.
The credit goes partly to its more powerful 393-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine, which is paired with standard AWD via an eight-speed automatic transmission. This is supported by adaptive suspension and a mandatory trailer hitch to maximize towing capacity. The process is made easier by dedicated safety and stability features, including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Brake Fade Compensation, and Cornering Brake Control.
10 SUVs That Can Tow Like Full-Size Trucks
If you want an SUV that can tow like a pickup truck but want an enclosed trunk space, look no further.
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 Electric
Maximum Towing Capacity: 5,291 Pounds
This is a bit of a stretch because the all-new electric GLC will reach dealerships only by the end of 2026. However, its exceptionally high towing capabilities for the surprisingly compact form factor put it at the top of the leaderboard. This one rightfully deserves the early spotlight. The new electric GLC has an impressive maximum towing capacity of 5,291 pounds. This is possible when equipped with its optional trailer hitch.
Now, its all-electric AWD powertrain setup helps with this elevated towing capability. Given the expected pricing of the GLC EV (slated to start at $65,000-$75,000) and its compact form factor with stronger luxury appeal, it makes it a sleeper towing SUV. To give you an idea of its solid value proposition, the 2026 gas-only GLC (starting at $49,550) has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. This all-electric Merc truly lives by the “punch above its weight” tagline.
Sources: Manufacturer reports, Edmunds