Top Notch Marine’s List of the Best SUVs & Trucks for Towing Boats
When choosing the right vehicle for towing a boat, you need power, stability, and reliability. Whether you’re hauling a small fishing boat or a large cruiser, these SUVs and trucks provide top-tier towing capabilities. Let’s break them down by category.
Best Midsize SUVs for Towing
Toyota 4Runner (2010–Present)
- Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
- Engine: 4.0L V6 (270 HP)
- Why It’s Great: A rugged, full-frame SUV with legendary reliability and off-road capability.
Dodge Durango (2011–Present)
- Towing Capacity: Up to 7,400 lbs (V8) / 6,200 lbs (V6)
- Engine: 5.7L HEMI V8 (360 HP) or 3.6L V6 (293 HP)
- Why It’s Great: Available V8 power, high tow ratings, and a spacious, comfortable interior.
Jeep Grand Cherokee (2011–Present)
- Towing Capacity: Up to 7,400 lbs (Diesel or V8)
- Engine: 3.0L Turbo Diesel V6 (240 HP) / 5.7L HEMI V8
- Why It’s Great: Diesel power for optimal torque, a smooth ride, and off-road capability.
Best Full-Size Luxury SUVs for Towing
Cadillac Escalade ESV / Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL (2015–Present)
- Towing Capacity: Up to 8,300 lbs
- Engines: 6.2L V8 (420 HP) or 5.3L V8 (355 HP)
- Why They’re Great: Perfect for large families and heavy loads, these SUVs offer premium comfort, advanced towing features, and impressive hauling power.
Best Midsize Trucks for Towing
Toyota Tacoma (2016–Present)
- Towing Capacity: Up to 6,800 lbs
- Engine: 3.5L V6 (278 HP)
- Why It’s Great: Outstanding resale value, off-road prowess, and a durable composite-lined bed.
Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon (2015–Present)
- Towing Capacity: Up to 7,700 lbs (Diesel)
- Engines: 2.8L Turbo Diesel (181 HP, 369 lb-ft torque) or 3.6L V6
- Why They’re Great: Diesel power for maximum efficiency and torque, plus smooth handling.
Best Half-Ton & Heavy-Duty Trucks for Towing
Ram 1500 EcoDiesel (2011–Present)
- Towing Capacity: 8,450–9,300 lbs
- Engine: 3.0L Turbo Diesel V6 (240 HP)
- Why It’s Great: Smooth ride, efficient diesel engine, and user-friendly towing features.
Nissan Titan XD (2016–Present)
- Towing Capacity: 12,000 lbs
- Engine: 5.0L Cummins Turbo Diesel V8 (310 HP, 555 lb-ft torque)
- Why It’s Great: A balance between half-ton and heavy-duty towing power.
Ford F-450 Super Duty (2017–Present)
- Towing Capacity: Up to 32,500 lbs
- Engine: 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 (440 HP, 925 lb-ft torque)
- Why It’s Great: The ultimate towing machine for those hauling the heaviest boats.
When it comes to towing boats, the choices for the best vehicles are many. Here are more to consider.
1. Ford F-250 Super Duty
- Towing Capacity: Up to 20,000 lbs
- The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty truck that is perfect for towing larger boats and trailers. Its powerful engine options and robust towing capacity make it a great choice for boat owners.
2. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Towing Capacity: Up to 13,300 lbs
- The Silverado is known for its durability and offers a variety of engine options, including the powerful 6.2L V8, which is perfect for towing mid to large-sized boats.
3. Ram 1500
- Towing Capacity: Up to 12,750 lbs
- The Ram 1500 combines power with luxury, and it can comfortably tow most boats, especially with its available 5.7L V8 engine.
4. Toyota Tundra
- Towing Capacity: Up to 10,200 lbs
- The Tundra is a reliable truck with strong towing capabilities, making it a great option for boat towing, especially for mid-sized vessels.
5. GMC Sierra 2500HD
- Towing Capacity: Up to 18,500 lbs
- This truck is built for heavy-duty towing and provides excellent power for larger boats, especially with its 6.6L Duramax diesel engine.
Which One Is Right for You?
- Small to midsize boats? A Toyota Tacoma or Jeep Grand Cherokee will get the job done.
- Larger family boats? Opt for a Chevy Suburban or Ram 1500 EcoDiesel.
- Massive yachts or commercial vessels? The Ford F-450 is unbeatable.
No matter the size of your boat, there’s a vehicle that can tow it with confidence and ease. At Top Notch Marine we can guide you to the best choice or help you with proper hitch selection, installation and use. Choose wisely, and happy boating!
