Rugged SUVs are at their best when they are put to work handling chores. And one of the central priorities for those looking for a highly capable SUV is towing. An SUV that can tow trailers like a heavy-duty pickup and move people like a minivan is incredibly useful. Decades ago, there was just a handful of SUVs that could multitask like that. (Chevy Suburban, we’re looking at you.) But today, there are quite a few that are engineered to tow hefty trailers, handle big payloads, shuttle your family around, and even take on a rugged 4WD trail. Here are the best used SUVs for towing under $15,000.
This was the first year for Toyota’s redesigned full-size SUV and it charged into the market with a class-leading 10,000-pound towing capacity. That’s a massive load. Good news! Because the Sequoia is based upon the Tundra full-size pickup, there’s an excellent frame to support the job. Toyota’s 5.7-liter V8 packs 381 horsepower and a mountain of torque so it’s not only a quick SUV when empty but also under load. The Sequoia has an independent rear suspension, too, so there’s a smoother ride on rough roads than some competitors. Downside? That comfortable suspension does have lower limits off-road. Still, this is one very tough and capable tow machine.See Toyota Sequoia models for sale
The Expedition comes in two lengths that mirror those of the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban. The longer Expedition EL is largely the same but adds much more room behind the third row of seats. Properly optioned, an Expedition can tow up to 9,200 pounds. That’s an excellent rating. Under the hood, this generation still uses the 5.4-liter V8 with 365 lb-ft of torque. It’s adequate but certainly not class-leading in terms of response or output. The good news is that every Expedition came with Trailer Sway Control, a system that automatically uses the brake and throttle to help keep a trailer that’s beginning to sway under control. Smart. See Ford Expedition models for sale
When it comes to choosing an SUV built to handle the biggest trailers, the Suburban 2500 is the gold standard. The Suburban can take on up to nine passengers depending upon the configuration, and swallow 137 cubic feet of cargo if the second and third rows are flattened. The 2500 series Suburban comes with heavier-duty suspension and axles as well as a big 352-horsepower 6.0-liter V8 paired to a stout 6-speed automatic transmission. The 2500 can tackle a 9,600-pound trailer and move it with relative ease compared to others on this list. Better still, the big Suburban can take on a payload north of a ton — so you can tow a heavy trailer and bring along lots of people and gear. See Chevrolet Suburban models for sale
The Yukon XL is the mechanical twin to the Chevy Suburban. And the capability is similar, with tow capacities of 8,200 pounds for 1500 series models and up 9,700 pounds for the heavier-duty 2500 series. Unless you plan to tow those massive loads regularly, we’d hunt down a luxurious Yukon 1500 Denali model, which comes with a potent 380-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, load-leveling suspension, and a transmission cooler — all great features for towing. But no matter which model you select, the Yukon XL tows smoothly while also moving lots of people and all their gear with relative ease. See GMC Yukon XL models for sale
The Tahoe is one of the most popular full-size SUVs out there, so there should be plenty of great ones around. Pick your truck wisely, however, because the tow ratings vary wildly depending upon the engine and other equipment. A model with the base 4.8-liter V8 can only tow between 4,500 and 6,500 pounds. But most Tahoes with the 5.3-liter V8 can handle a trailer of 7,500-8,200 pounds. The Tahoe is a full-size, 3-row SUV, but legroom in that third row is a little tight. On the plus side, the Tahoe’s solid rear axle is durable and helps it to perform better than some competitors off-road. See Chevrolet Tahoe models for sale
The Toyota 4Runner is a classic and proven midsize SUV that’s perfect for those that need to tow trailers of moderate weight. The basic V6 4Runner is rated to handle a 5,000-pound trailer. But here’s the thing — it’s one of the few midsize SUVs with a full ladder frame underneath it. That means you have a very stable, strong, and secure platform for towing that trailer. Plus, when you opt for the 4Runner’s optional 4.7-liter V8, the tow rating rises to 7,300 pounds depending upon the model. The 4Runner’s excellent reliability ratings and high marks for off-road capability just add even more reasons to shop this SUV. See Toyota 4Runner models for sale
Don’t let the Durango’s midsize dimensions fool you. This Dodge can tow more like a full-size machine. Drive a Durango and you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise, especially if you choose the 360-horsepower V8 model. It’s quick, offers a compliant ride, and has a roomy third-row seat for hauling the family. But here’s the cool part for those that need a solid tow rig: the V8 Durango can tow up to 7,400 pounds. Best of all, the Durango handles curvy roads with confidence. The only downside is that this SUV is more street-focused and doesn’t have the right equipment for off-roading. See Dodge Durango models for sale
The Touareg is a real wolf in sheep’s clothing. This VW may appear to be just a sporty-driving, 5-passenger near-luxury German SUV. And it is certainly that. But Volkswagen has engineered the Touareg to handle real work too, with a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. That means this humble SUV can tow a fairly large trailer without breaking a sweat. The diesel models are fun and responsive, but we’d go for a V6 to keep complexity and maintenance costs down. And one thing that VW has over many competitors? A luxurious interior, fitted with excellent materials. See Volkswagen Touareg models for sale
The Armada is a full-size SUV with three rows of seating and the ability to tow a 9,100-pound trailer. Like the Sequoia, although it’s based on a full-size pickup chassis, there’s an independent rear suspension for improved ride and handling. The real gem here is the Armada’s 317-horsepower V8. That may not sound like all that much on paper, but it’s a real workhorse underfoot. Armada interiors have a tendency to wear quickly, so find one that has been pampered. See Nissan Armada models for sale
The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s off-road pedigree has long been established. However, few realize that this rugged 5-passenger SUV can also handle a good-size trailer. But all that hinges on the engine under its hood. The vast majority of Grand Cherokees use a V6, and those models are rated for a solid 5,000-pound tow rating. For the most capability, search for a Grand Cherokee with the 5.7-liter V8. When properly equipped, those rigs can move a 7,200-pound trailer. See Jeep Grand Cherokee models for sale
10 Best Used SUVs for Towing Under $15,000
