13 Hybrid SUVs With The Highest Towing Capacity
Shoppers whose priority is the towing strength of the SUV they intend to buy feel they should focus on gas models. Gas cars are generally stronger at towing compared to hybrids or electric. For example, the hybrid version of the Range Rover can manage 5,510 lbs while its gas-powered sibling pulls up to 8,200 lbs.
At the same time, hybrids have equally advantageous capabilities that attract shoppers. Their instant torque (thanks to their electric motors) can be handy for hill starts. However, drivers more concerned about consistent power delivery at higher speeds for long-distance towing want to restrict their search to the gas aisles. Then comes the question of fuel economy for those long-distance trips.
Hybrids are your best bet in this aspect, requiring less maintenance. In fact, hybrids have proven more competitive in the electric segment as they offer owners the best of both worlds. They don’t have to worry about running out of power, and they also get to save on gas. Have you considered the pros and cons and decided hybrid is the way to go? Here are the top 13 hybrid SUVs with the most towing capacities.
Toyota Sequoia Hybrid – 9,520 Lbs
The 2025 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid features the Japanese marque’s i-FORCE MAX Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid engine, comprising a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 that the Sequoia combines with an electric motor to produce 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque.
When properly equipped, the powertrain rewards the SUV with a maximum towing strength of 9,520 lbs. That’s the freedom to tow whatever you can think of right now. “When your adventures require more,” says Toyota, “take advantage of an available Load-leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension and a max towing capability of up to 9,520 lbs.”
Land Rover Defender 110/130 Hybrid – 8,201 Lbs
The 2021 Land Rover Defender Hybrid leads the hybrid SUV segment with an impressive towing capacity of up to 8,201 lbs. “The 2021 model,” says Land Rover of Palm Beach, “combines state-of-the-art engineering and cutting-edge technology to create the strongest performance yet, boasting an 8,201-pound towing maximum.”
The Defender comes with four powertrains, including a 395-hp 3.0-liter P400 MHEV (mild-hybrid) powerplant available on the Defender 110 and 130 models. This MHEV engine empowers the SUV with up to 8,201 lbs toeing strength and an electric range of 27 miles.
Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC – 7,700 Lbs
For the 2024 model year, the Mercedes-Benz GLE models include the 350 and 450, both of which come bundled with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The 450 pairs this EQ Boost (hybrid) system with a 362-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine, which is different from the 381-hp powertrain of the 450e PHEV (plug-in hybrid) model.
Both the 450 and 450e come standard with AWD (known as 4MATIC in Mercedes parlance). The mild-hybrid boasts an impressive maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs.
BMW X7 Mild-Hybrid xDrive40i – 7,500 Lbs
Add the available factory-installed trailer hitch to your 2024 BMW X7, and you can have a towing capacity of up to 7,500 lbs. By comparison, the BMW X5 xDrive45e PHEV model has a max towing capacity of 7,200 lbs.
The X7 xDrive40i features a 3.0-liter straight-six bundled with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The engine is good for 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque and comes with an 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission. The top speed is 130 mph, and it can accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 5.6 seconds.
BMW X5 Hybrid xDrive40i – 6,603 Lbs
A maximum towing strength exceeding 6,600 lbs makes this luxurious hybrid SUV a compelling choice for individuals and families who need extra towing power. The 2024 X5 models include the xDrive40i and M60i, both featuring mild-hybrid systems.
The X5 xDrive40i pairs BMW’s M TwinPower 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six with a 48V mild-hybrid technology for extra acceleration power and fuel efficiency. This powertrain delivers 375 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, enough to help provide the SUV with a maximum towing strength of 6,603 lbs if equipped with the factory-installed tow hitch.
Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid – 6,000 Lbs
The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is an off-road-capable SUV with decent towing strength. Its heart is Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, comprising a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor. It produces a combined system output of 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.
The powerplant allows the classic SUV to tow weights of up to 6,000 lbs, a feat that’s neither here nor there for an SUV of the 2024 Land Cruiser’s size.
Six thousand pounds is average for an SUV like this, and we can imagine the 4-cylinder starting to feel strained towing that much at higher speeds. However, the SUV should tow not-too-heavy weights like a light overlanding-style camper without breaking a sweat.
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid – 5,000 Lbs
The Grand Highlander offers two full hybrid options for the 2024 model year. The standard combines a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder gas engine with two electric motors (a front motor paired with the gas engine and a rear-mounted motor powering the rear wheels) to produce approximately 243 hp. Apparently, the SUV prioritized efficiency over raw power.
It returns a manufacturer-estimated 36 MPG of combined fuel economy. The second powertrain is the Hybrid Max, which combines a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. You’ll need the Hybrid Max powertrain to take advantage of the SUV’s full towing strength of 5,000 lbs. The standard hybrid supports a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid – 5,000 Lbs
If you’re one of those who have expressed displeasure with the Grand Highlander, you should be happy to know that both the regular Highlander and Grand Highlander demonstrate a similar towing capacity. This is despite the Grand Highlander being the larger of the siblings, boasting a length of 201.4 inches versus the Highlander’s maximum of 197.4 inches.
The displeasure is mostly due to the Grand Highlander not offering enough to justify its position above the Highlander. In any case, the 2024 Toyota Highlander offers a traditional hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with three electric motors to produce 243 hp and help the SUV pull weights of up to 5,000 lbs.
Ford Explorer Hybrid – 5,000 Lbs
The 2023 Ford Explorer inherited the hybrid system introduced to the lineup back in 2020. The trim levels start from the Base model and move up to the XLT, Limited, King Ranch, Platinum, and ST trims. The first three were content with their turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engines. It was robust and efficient enough for the SUV’s class.
The last three models moved up to a 400-hp twin-turbo 3.0 or 3.3-liter V6, the latter of which could be paired with an electric motor to generate 318 hp. The hybrid option was open to the Limited and Platinum trims as well. If properly equipped, the Explorer Hybrid can tow up to 5,000 lbs.
Volvo XC90 Hybrid – 5,000 Lbs
The 2023 XC90 offers both hybrid and PHEV powertrain options. The mild-hybrid (specifically the B5 powerplant) bundles its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with a 48V battery and an integrated starter generator for maximum efficiency and minimum emissions. The engine is good for 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
The B6 powertrain (optional for the XC90 Plus trim and standard on the Ultimate trim) updates the output to 295 hp. And then there’s the PHEV T8 model, which is the most powerful of the lot and delivers 455 hp. XC90s with the B5 and B6 powertrains can tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped.
Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid– 3,500 Lbs
The Nissan Pathfinder represents a special entry in this list. Search for it in the used car market if your budget can only let you go further back the model years. The current models are primarily gas with no electrified options, specifically a 3.5-liter V6.
However, Nissan accompanied the Pathfinder with a hybrid option in 2014 and 2015. They combined a 2.5-liter supercharged straight-4 with a 15kW electric motor to produce 250 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. It had a gas-only model too. The motor got energy from a lithium-ion battery pack.
Nissan has quit offering the hybrid, but the 2014/2015 Pathfinder with the optional hybrid system can still be found used, offering a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs and setting you back a paltry $5,888 to $20,998, depending on the mileage.
Lexus RX 450h – 3,500 Lbs
The 450h is a premium SUV with a relatively impressive towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs, translating to a blend of luxury and utility. It pairs a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine with an electric motor to deliver an impressive 308 hp. Equip the SUV with the optional AWD system and available towing package, and you’re good to go for up to 3,500 lbs.
In fact, reviewers recommend not towing at all without the towing package. Many others in the midsize SUV segment can do better than this, but we’re partial to the 450h because of its Toyota-backed reliability, ride quality, and Lexus-y luxury.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Hybrid – 3,500 Lbs
The Wrangler’s global fame tends to lean more towards its off-road prowess than practicality or efficiency. Nevertheless, Jeep accompanied the Wrangler with a mild-hybrid system starting from the 2019 model year. Jeep called it eTorque, typically offering it with a 3.6-liter V6.
Consequently, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited combines the V6 with a 48V battery to improve the SUV’s fuel efficiency and acceleration power. It can tow up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped, making it a versatile option for the adventurous with towing needs.
Notable Mention
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – 3,500 Lbs
The popular RAV4 SUV may not be a powerhouse, but it does have a towing capacity that rivals more expensive models like the Wrangler and Lexus 450h. The top trim can tow up to 3,500 lbs.
Forgettable Mention
Ford Escape Hybrid – 1,500 Lbs
Forget the Escape Hybrid if you need something with a decent towing capacity. Go for it if your towing needs only weigh around a thousand lbs. If you read this article to this point, chances are you’re searching for something with serious towing power. In that case, the Escape Hybrid isn’t the SUV you want. It’s a fantastic SUV overall, though.
