If you really need a machine for hauling, then it is better to purchase a truck. Heavy-duty models can tow up to 36k pounds. But, those are specialists. If you need versatility, then big SUVs will do most of the job for sure. On this list, we will analyze 2022 best SUVs for towing.

We can’t find rules here. Generally, V8 engines are dominant. But, at the top of the list is a vehicle that uses a V6 engine. What’s more – there is no leading carmaker that steps up in the hauling capacity. The 2022 best SUVs for towing might also change with a few updates and new models on the way.

2022 Ford Expedition

Expedition is still the best SUV for hauling. A 3.5-liter twin-turbo system provides 375 horsepower, although the configuration can be tuned to 450 horsepower. Still, this, alongside 470 lb-ft (out of 510 pound-feet max), is still good to make the 2022 Ford Expedition the best towing SUV with 9,300 pounds. The long-wheelbase version, Expedition MAX, offers more space inside the cabin – 121.5 cu.ft., which is 17 cubic feet more than the standard edition. But, the towing capacity drops to 9,000 lbs. If you select an all-wheel drive, it takes another 300 pounds from the overall hauling potential, both for Expedition and Expedition MAX.

We expected a diesel engine to increase the towing capacity. However, a 3.0-liter Powerstroke mill wasn’t tuned to haul. On the other hand, a new V8 petrol configuration might happen soon. But, a 7.3-liter engine is more likely to be the powertrain of the Excursion SUV, based on heavy-duty trucks.

2022 Best SUVs for Towing ford expedition

New 2022 Dodge Durango

FCA is making big moves for the 2022 Dodge Durango. You probably heard of the Hellcat engine that made this SUV the most powerful model in the market with 710 horsepower. But, this is the performance edition that will not dominate in the hauling. Still, the Durango is making our list of 2022 best SUVs for towing thanks to another V8 engine. It is a 6.4-liter displacement. The Hemi unit for the SRT trim level can produce 475 hp and 470 lb-ft. With the new Tow N Go package, the maximum towing capacity is increased to 9,000 pounds.

So, our top two picks are pretty surprising. Expedition is using a V6 engine, while the 2022 Durango SRT belongs to the mid-size tier of SUVs. Still, it is pretty mighty and uses three different V8 engines across the lineup. In next generation, Durango might move to the ladder frame, parting the ways with Jeep Grand Cherokee.

2022 Lincoln Navigator

It is not all about luxury. The new Lincoln Navigator will close the gap between utility and comfort. Well, the nameplate is owned by Ford, and it is basically the mechanical twin of the Expedition. That makes it one of the 2022 best SUVs for towing. The same 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine is under the hood. In this case, it can do 450 hp and 510 lb-ft. Converted to the towing capacity, the Navigator is returning up to 8,700 pounds.

The downside is the high base cost of the premium model. You can also select multiple options to upgrade the ride from the base $77,000 price tag. Black Label is top of the range version with a unique interior theme. A diesel engine is also an alternative. Like the Expedition, the Navigator has the LWB version, called Navigator L. Again, the towing capacity drops by 300 lbs.

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2022 Nissan Armada and 2022 Infiniti QX80

We are waiting for the update of the big rigs. The 2022 Nissan Armada and its mechanical twin, premium 2022 Infiniti QX80, are capable of towing 8,500 pounds. Both SUVs are using a 5.6-liter V8 engine with 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Well, the eight-cylinder unit might be replaced soon with a turbocharged V6. It will fix the biggest downsides of both vehicles – the gas mileage. However, a smaller block could harm a towing capacity. It is not the rule like we can see with the Ford Expedition, but on most occasions, the hauling potential is dropping.

Monograph concept is a promising prototype, which is going to underpin all the future full-size SUVs made by the Japanese carmaker. Besides that, Nissan could deploy an oil burner. A 5.0-liter V8 was producing power for the Titan XD truck, but it was discontinued in 2020. Chances of seeing Armada diesel are slim, but we are not going to write it off yet.

2022 best SUVs for towing nissan armada

2022 GM Twins: Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon (Chevy Suburban and Yukon XL)

Again, here are mechanical twins by the same company with an equal towing capacity. Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon will use a 6.2-liter V8 engine to haul 8,400 pounds. Like Ford, General Motors delivers long-wheelbase versions of both SUVs. Yukon XL is 15 inches longer than the standard edition. Suburban is basically an LWB version of Tahoe, but GM is not using name suffixes, like MAX, XL, L, or Grand. Again, the overall length is 225 in, compared to 210 inches.

Yukon XL and Suburban are using the same V8 petrol unit, but the hauling capacity drops to 8,300 pounds, which is not a big loss. Surprisingly, diesel engines didn’t increase the potential. Still, with a 3.0 Duramax mill, all these vehicles are among 2022 best SUVs for towing, with 8,200 and 8,100 pounds. Upgrades to a 6.2-liter V8 or a 3.0-liter turbodiesel would cost you the same.

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2022 Cadillac Escalade

Another big rig by the GM is on the list of 2022 best SUVs for towing. Luxury Cadillac Escalade is not at the same level as Chevy and GMC models, but 8,200 pounds of hauling potential is still a respectable output. The same pair of engines are going to deliver it. A 6.2-liter V8 petrol can do 420 hp and 460 pound-feet of torque. The novelty for the luxury SUV is a diesel unit. A 3.0-liter oil burner can charge 280 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.

Compared to Chevy Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon, this SUV brings a lot of premium options. On the other hand, the price is just shy of $80,000, which is the biggest stumbling block. If you want to increase cargo space, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV can offer up to 142 cu.ft. Don’t mix it up with the Escalade EXT, which used to be the last truck by the Cadillac. Some say it will be back soon.

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2022 best SUVs for towing cadillac escalade

2022 Land Rover Defender and 2022 Land Rover Discovery

Defender is back and it is making a statement. Max towing capacity is 8,201 pounds and the SUV achieves it with a turbocharged V6 engine. A 3.0-liter displacement is ready to crack up 400 horsepower. Just one pound fewer (8,200 lbs) is being offered by the 2022 Land Rover Discovery. In this case, engineers tuned a 5.0-liter supercharged V8. This engine creates 515 horsepower.

Worth of mentioning is the Defender with a turbo-four engine. A lighter configuration is ready to tow up to 7,700 pounds, more than most SUVs can do with a V6. On the other hand, JLR is not making its premium lineup so potent, since Range Rover is going to tow 7k pounds. It will be enough for most drivers, and British carmaker is more focused on comfort, safety, and road performance.

2022 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2022 Lexus LX, 2022 Toyota Sequoia

All three big rigs by Toyota are ready to tow 8,100 pounds. But, big changes are on the way. A turbocharged six-banger is about to replace an old and not too efficient V8. Then, the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser might have the last dance in the US. Instead, the company is going to launch the new generation of Lexus LX. The LX600 name is being registered and it might become a flagship SUV in the United States.

Toyota still manages to maintain the position among 2022 best SUVs for towing. The upcoming changes should upgrade the potential. It is still early to talk about it, since the new generations of big rigs won’t be out until 2023. The Japanese company is well-known for the utility of their vehicles and exceptional off-road models. Those characteristics are not going to change.

2022 best SUVs for towing jeep grand wagoneer

2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

This is the new arrival. The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is going to be the big rig with a V8 engine under the hood. The company announces that the maximum towing capacity is going to be 10,000 pounds. This is the new level for all the vehicles on this list. However, we will see if the production version is going to deliver 10k lbs, which upgrades buyers need to add, and how other carmakers are going to respond.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer will be based on the Ram 1500 pickup truck. Engineers are paying a lot of attention to the towing like we already saw on the Dodge Durango. A 6.4-liter and 5.7-liter eight-cylinder mills are there to maintain a high level of performance. The Hellcat unit is not confirmed yet.

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2022 Ford Excursion

The model that can take the #1 spot in the 2022 best SUVs for towing is Ford Excursion. The SUV used to be based on the F-250 heavy-duty truck. That means mean vehicle with a lot of horsepower, torque and towing capacity. Since it is going to use the same platform as the F-250, we could see a 7.3-liter V8. What’s more, a Duramax turbodiesel might be upgraded from a V6 to V8.

Well, it’s been a few years since rumors about the Excursion comeback are swirling. The SUV would be larger than Expedition MAX, probably around 230 inches long. But, the question is if the new model is expendable. The SUV segment is growing and we can see new classes every season. Now, it might be time for the segment above the full-size tier.

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