Best SUVs by Towing Capacity

The GMC Yukon is one of the largest and most powerful SUVs in the world. All-new this year, along with its brethren vehicles the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, and Cadillac Escalade, the Yukon is a full-size SUV with big, burly V8 engines. GM has dominated this segment for years, and the Yukon is a key player bridging the gap between the Chevys and the ultra-luxury Cadillacs. Both the Yukon and the lengthier Yukon XL are perfect for big families and long road trips. And with four-wheel drive, they can also challenge the toughest weather. Both are extremely comfortable and incredibly versatile.

The Yukon is virtually the same size as the Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Escalade. The Yukon XL enjoys the same relationship with the Suburban, Ford Expedition MAX, Lincoln Navigator L, and Escalade ESV.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a nameplate with deep roots that extend back to the 1950s. And because this trucklike SUV has always been both well built and very off-road capable, it continues to serve as both the company's flagship vehicle and an example of build quality excellence.

The Land Cruiser, which was last redesigned in 2008, is a relatively old-tech machine. Its body-on-frame construction provides robustness for towing and off-road excursions but also adds considerable weight compared to newer offerings. Still, the Land Cruiser is a quiet and comfortable vehicle on the pavement as well as in the dirt.

Around town, the Land Cruiser doesn't feel small or nimble. Indeed, the heavy steering feel can make the big Toyota ponderous to park. In this price class, vehicles, such as the Mercedes-Benz G550 and [Land Rover Defender] (/land-rover/defender/), are more modern and easier to drive.

And when it comes to its rather conservative and dated design, frustratingly clunky infotainment system, old-tech third-row seating, and poor fuel economy, the Land Cruiser seems out of step with modern luxury SUVs in the same price class.

Still, Toyota knows that Land Cruiser buyers are some of the most affluent in the entire automotive industry. With that in mind, just about everything is included in the vehicle's price, resulting in a luxurious and well-crafted interior. But the Land Cruiser is still a Toyota. And as such, it doesn't offer its buyers the same cachet of a luxury brand.

Preceded by its rugged and glamorous reputation, the Range Rover is one of the most prestigious full-size SUVs. Its iconic handsome exterior styling distinguishes it from the pack, and a series of potent engines provide ample power. The height-adjustable air suspension provides a soft and absorbent ride, and the cabin is extraordinarily quiet. It also gives the Range Rover superb off-road ground clearance, and few SUVs can match the British legend when the road ends, and the trail begins.

The standard and available features are astounding, with options like massaging front seats and reclining ventilated rear seats. While top-of-the-line Autobiography trims can cost over $200,000 with options, only a couple of rivals offer more luxury, but they are even pricier. There are flaws: Fuel economy is mediocre for the non-diesel powertrains, and the plug-in hybrid has a short electric range. Other SUVs are more maneuverable around tight turns and in parking spaces. But for those looking for sublime comfort and usable off-road skills in one package, the Range Rover is unmatched.

The Grand Cherokee is widely acknowledged to be the best off-roader among both midsize and full-size SUVs. With its unique Jeep persona and characteristics, it commands a premium price. The largest vehicle in Jeep's SUV lineup, the Grand Cherokee brackets the midsize-SUV segment. The five-passenger model is 9 inches shorter than the Ford Explorer, but the seven-passenger Grand Cherokee L is 6 inches longer.

Based on its size, the Grand Cherokee is more competitive with two-row midsize SUVs, such as the Ford Edge and Nissan Murano, but those vehicles have virtually no off-road credentials. In contrast, the Grand Cherokee brings class-leading off-highway capabilities along with a roomy upscale interior that rivals some luxury brands. The Grand Cherokee also stands alone with its performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk models, which boast some of the most powerful engines on the market today.

Shoppers seeking a premium three-row SUV should add the Lincoln Aviator to their test-drive list. Its handsome styling and plush interior make it an enjoyable road trip vehicle, and a wealth of standard infotainment features will ensure passengers remain entertained for hours. The driver gets a 400-horsepower V6 engine that accelerates swiftly, and handling is secure though not as sporty as some. A plug-in hybrid is available, though its refinement and fuel efficiency gains are disappointing for the steep price increase.

Advanced driver safety features come standard. Upper trims have impressive features like 30-way power front seats, ventilated rear seats, and a 28-speaker surround-sound system. Some rivals are sportier to drive and more fuel-efficient, but the Aviator's remarkable interior and cargo space and stout towing capacity give it the edge in everyday versatility.

When Lexus first launched the first GX back in 2002, it was the best of both worlds: a luxurious midsize SUV capable of tackling a rocky mountain trail with ease.

Fast-forward to 2021. While the Lexus GX 460 still has a rock-solid chassis made for tough terrain, its crown has slipped slightly. It remains a luxurious, comfortable, reliable ride but it lacks some of the modern amenities now offered by competitors from Acura, BMW, Land Rover, and Mercedes. The recently updated Land Rover Defender is also capable over rough terrain. And the Acura MDX, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE provide up-to-date technology, smoother rides, and a wider variety of engines.