Can a Durango Pull a Travel Trailer

Mid-size SUVs are some of the well-nigh pop vehicles on the road. They offer the sporty functioning of a car, with the utility concord a fair amount of gear, and more than a off-white amount of towing power.

So, it's lilliputian wonder why then many people desire to use their daily driver SUV to tow an RV trailer.

If this sounds like what y'all are gearing up for, and you're in the market for an upgrade, and then you might be wonder what is the best mid-size SUV for towing a trailer.

Right off the bat, the Ford Explorer and the Dodge Durango stand atop the listing as i of the best mid-size SUVs that tin tow up over 5,000 lbs. with ease.

Though it certainly has some strong competition both in the foreign and domestic marketplace.

Not to mention a fair amount of competitor models that have special features meant to cater to niche interests.

To help you observe the best SUV to tow a camper you already accept or are thinking about ownership, we decided to roll our sleeves up and wait at some of the most popular and most powerful mid-size SUVs with best towing capacity.

This included things like a reputation for textile build quality, towing capabilities, and the statistics that thing almost when towing annihilation.

How Much Can A Mid-Size SUV Tow?

The maximum towing capacity for the highest trim level of some of the all-time mid-size SUVs tin tow more than than seven,000-pounds.

A more than reasonable boilerplate effigy for most mid-size SUVs is in the neighborhood of three,500 to v,000-pounds.

It's also worth bearing in mind that the prevailing wisdom is to never tow more than fourscore% of whatever vehicle'south rated maximum towing capacity.

This leaves you power in reserve for tackling loose surfaces, accelerating to highway speeds, and pulling the trailer up a steep incline.

Of course, staying at 80% or less of the maximum towing capacity as well reduces your risk of developing a dangerous trailer sway.

How Much Does An Average Trailer Weigh?

Travel trailers and "Campers" can be broken down into different categories, each with it'south ain average weight range.

• Popup Campers – Likewise known every bit "Expandable Campers" popup campers take an average dry weight of right around 2,000-pounds.
• Teardrop Campers – They an vary from every bit low as 500-pounds to a dry out weight of up to iii,200-pounds.
• Lightweight Travel Trailers – Most of the best lightweight travel trailers will have a dry out weight of 5,000 to 6,000-pounds. Though there are certainly travel trailers that weight much more than than that, and even a few that counterbalance less. This puts lightweight travel trailers in range for some of the more robust mid-size SUV to tow.

The 10 Best 2021 Midsize SUVs For Towing Travel Trailers

Go on in mind that a lot of automotive manufacturers like to advertise what is the highest-rated towing capacity for their vehicles, which is frequently the highest trim level for that make and model.

These mid-size SUVs typically have a much college price tag than the middle of their range.

Though when you step downwards to the heart of their range the towing capacity tin can be significantly less.

To comprehend your options thoroughly, whenever possible, we tried to include a trim level in the middle range too as the top end for each brand and model.

Some manufacturers list their towing chapters based on trim level, while others list their towing capacity based on the engine size of the SUV.

Here are 10 of the best mid-size SUVs for towing camper trailers:

• 2021 Contrivance Durango
• 2021 Ford Explorer
• 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
• 2021 Land Rover Discovery
• 2021 Chevy Traverse
• 2021 Nissan Pathfinder
• 2021 Lincoln Aviator
• 2021 Lexus GX 460
• 2021 Toyota four Runner
• 2021 BMW X5

i. The 2021 Dodge Durango

The 2021 Dodge Durango is ane of the well-nigh powerful domestic midsize SUVs. It has multiple trim levels with an bachelor towing parcel.

Best of all, information technology's roomy and has enough of room for stowing the family camping equipment on the weekend, while however beingness a corking daily driver on Monday thru Friday.

Trim Level	Towing Capacity
SRT® Hellcat AWD // Supercharged six.2L V8, SRT® 392 // 6.4L V8 // AWD, R/T + Tow North Go Pkg // 5.7L V8 // AWD	viii,700 lbs.
R/T and Citadel // v.7L V8 // AWD	7,200 lbs.
R/T and Citadel // five.7L V8 // RWD	seven,400 lbs.

Pros & Cons of the 2021 Contrivance Durango

Pros

• Great acceleration for merging onto the highway or towing upwards a steep incline.
• Superior towing capacity for a mid-size SUV.
• Tons of storage infinite.
• All but one trim level comes with all-wheel drive.

Cons

• Fuel consumption is poor
• The initial purchase price is high
• All-cycle bulldoze goes through the tread on all four tires faster

Trailers That Can Be Towed By The 2021 Dodge Durango

With it'south impressive towing power the Dodge Durango can tow a lot of trailers. Though two leap to the top of the list.

• The Cruiser RV Embrace EL260 has a dry weight of just 5,900-pounds.
• The Forest River Independence Trail 262DBS which has a dry weight of half-dozen,162-pounds.

2. The 2021 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Ford Explorer is one of the virtually popular domestic midsize SUVs.

Information technology has multiple trim levels and engine sizes, with optional upgraded towing packages that tin can influence the maximum towing chapters.

So, information technology's of import to pay attention to the engine size of the trim level you are interested in, and and then also inquire about whether that particular trim level has the optional Class III Trailer Tow Package installed.

Engine Size	Towing Capacity
two.3L EcoBoost® 4-Cylinder	5,300 lbs.
iii.0L EcoBoost® V6	5,600 lbs.
3.3L Hybrid	5,000 lbs.

Pros & Cons of the 2021 Ford Explorer

Pros

• Good handling on and off-road.
• A comfortable ride with minimal route noise.
• Skilful for towing & as a daily commuter.
• Good cargo space.

Cons

• Third-row seating is modest.
• Fuel consumption isn't optimal when towing.
• Interior styling feels like corners were cut.

Trailers That Can Be Towed By The 2021 Ford Explorer

With the towing package professionally installed the 2021 Ford Explorer can tow most popup and teardrop campers with ease.

There are even a few smaller travel trailers that are within range for the college trim levels of the Ford Explorer.

• The Airstream Sport 22FB has a GVWR of four,500-pounds.
• The Woods River R-Pod, which has a dry weight of 3,487-pounds.

iii. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep G Cherokee is a powerful and very popular domestic midsize SUV. Information technology has multiple trim levels with a towing package included.

It has a reputation for being room, which you need for packing out a family's camping ground gear, while still having superior handling in daily traffic.

While Jeep likes to talk well-nigh the maximum towing capabilities of their highest trim level, it is likewise a much more costly machine.

The mid-trim levels tend to have a lower toll tag, likewise as a more modest maximum towing capacity

Trim Level	Towing Capacity
LAREDO E 4X2SRT®, Freedom 4X2, LAREDO Ten 4X2, LIMITED 4X2, 80TH Ceremony 4X2, LIMITED X 4X2, OVERLAND 4X2, Acme 4X2	3,500 lbs.
GRAND CHEROKEE TRAILHAWK® 4X4, HIGH Altitude 4X2	6,200 lbs.
Thou CHEROKEE SRT® 4X4, GRAND CHEROKEE TRACKHAWK® 4X4	7,200 lbs.

Pros

• Plenty of ability.
• Nimble handling & ride condolement.
• Superior material build quality throughout.

Cons

• College trim levels are expensive.
• Small-scale trim levels simply have three,500 lbs. towing chapters..

The Best Trailers That Can Exist Towed By A Jeep K Cherokee

With a significant difference betwixt the mid trim levels and the top trim levels of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, you accept to be mindful of the weight of the trailer y'all want to pair information technology with.

• The Heartland Mallard M26 with a 5,995-pound dry weight can exist towed by the Jeep One thousand Cherokee SRT and the TrackHawk, but not the lower trim levels.
• The Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro simply has a dry weight of ane,763-pounds, which tin be towed by the mid trim levels of the Jeep K Cherokee.

4. The 2021 Land Rover Discovery

The 2021 Land Rover Discovery is a foreign brand and model that has garnered international entreatment for its ability, styling, and comfort. Its presence in the United states marketplace has continued to abound to brand it more accessible than ever.

The 2021 Land Rover Discovery's 8-speed automatic manual does a great job of putting the power down.

It's comfortable as a versatile daily driver every bit well as a very capable tow vehicle for pulling a camper on the weekends.

Engine	Towing Chapters
two.0L TURBOCHARGED I4	iii,500 lbs.
3.0L TURBOCHARGED I6 MHEV	six,200 lbs.

Pros

• Plenty of power.
• Great off-road capabilities.
• Superior towing power.
• Tons of special features & creature comforts are bachelor.

Cons

• The initial purchase price is high.
• Can be difficult to find licensed dealers when traveling.
• The depreciation bend is unclear.
• Not a true "Luxury" SUV.

The Best Trailers That Can Exist Towed By the 2021 Land Rover Discovery

With robust towing statistics the 2021 Land Rover Discovery tin can tow pretty much all popup and teardrop campers, every bit well as a fair number of lightweight travel trailers.

Though there are a few that standout as a proficient pairing for this powerful foreign mid-size SUV.

• The East to West Alta 2100MBH has a dry weight of 5,300-pounds
• The Coleman Light 2455BH has a dry weight of 5,708-pounds, which is in range for the Land Rover Discovery models with a 3.0-liter turbo charged engine.

five. The 2021 Chevy Traverse

The 2021 Chevy Traverse is 1 of the about popular domestic mid-size SUVs with families and commuters.

Then, information technology's no wonder why so many Traverse owners are interested in seeing if their model tin tow a camper or pocket-sized-size travel trailer.

While Chevy loves to tout the top trim level's 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity, the lower trim levels can have every bit trivial every bit 1,500-pounds. It'southward definitely a vehicle where the devil is truly in the details.

Engine & Trim	Towing Capacity
iii.vi L V6 with Trim LS, RT, RS, and Premier	1,500 lbs.
three.6 50 V6 LT & Premier with towing parcel	5,000 lbs.

Pros

• Comfortable and designed for families.
• Animal comforts interior.
• Like shooting fish in a barrel to observe licensed dealers if you take a trouble traveling.

Cons

• But the highest trim level has a 5,000-pound towing capacity.
• As well needs to take an optional towing package installed.
• Might exist low on power at altitude.

The Best Trailers That Can Exist Towed Past The 2021 Chevy Traverse

The lower trim levels of the Chevy Traverse are meant more for towing lightweight popup campers.

Though the more than robust LT and Premier trim levels of the Chevy Traverse with a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity can tow a wide range of tear drop campers, with power to spare.

• The 13' Scamp with a ii,200-pound gross vehicle weight rating.
• The iCamp Elite with a gross vehicle weight rating of two,366-pounds.

6. The 2021 Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder is some other very pop mid-size SUV in the U.s.a. domestic market.

Nissan has washed a corking job over the years of making their parts and certified dealerships readily available and like shooting fish in a barrel to access, which is great if y'all ever have a problem while traveling.

Though it's worth noting that while the Nissan Pathfinder is powerful, y'all need to have the towing package installed, which isn't necessarily standard with all models and trim levels.

Engine & Trim	Towing Chapters
South, SV, SV Rock Creek™, SL, SL Rock Creek Edition™, Platinum	6,000 lbs.

Pros

• Loaded with safety features.
• Good storage capacity.
• Comfortable ride.
• Plenty of power for a mid-size SUV

Cons

• Soft handling at slow speeds.
• Larger than average blind spots, which can be a challenge reversing a trailer.

The Best Traiers That Tin can Be Towed By The 2021 Nissan Pathfinder

One of the nice things about the 2021 Nissan Pathfinder is that all the various trim levels all accept the same 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity.

This leaves the door open for it to tow well-nigh popup campers and teardrop campers as well as a few lightweight travel trailers.

• The Forest River Wolf Pup with a dry weight of 3,784-pounds.
• The Jayco Hummingbird which has a dry weight of iii,017-pounds.

seven. The 2021 Lincoln Aviator

Lincoln is known for being a luxury United states automotive brand that falls nether Ford Motor Visitor's large umbrella.

The Aviator represents a luxury mid-size SUV that is comfy enough to be a daily driver, or an executive car on the weekdays, with more than than plenty power and towing capability to pull a trailer on the weekends.

While there are a lot of unlike trim levels with diverse brute comfort and luxury features, nigh of the trim levels of the 2021 Lincoln Aviator either have a six,700-pound maximum towing chapters or a 5,600-pound maximum towing capacity.

Engine & Trim	Towing Capacity
4dr SUV (iii.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) Reserve 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 10A) Standard 4dr SUV AWD (three.0L 6cyl 10A) Reserve 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 10A) Black Label 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 10A) 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) 4dr SUV AWD (three.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) Reserve 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) Reserve 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A) Black Characterization 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 10A)	6,700 lbs.
Chiliad Touring 4dr SUV AWD (three.0L 6cyl 10A) Black Label Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 10A)	5,600 lbs.

Pros

• A true luxury SUV at every trim level.
• Smooth, comfy ride.
• Superior power for a mid-size SUV.

Cons

• The initial buy cost is high.
• The overall cost of ownership is high.
• Not particularly rugged.

The Best Trailers For A 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator has robust towing characteristics, with the highest trim levels being able to pull up to half dozen,700-pounds.

This puts a lot of teardrop campers and popup campers easily in play, as well every bit a fair number of lightweight travel trailers.

• The Keystone Hideout with a dry weight of 3,666-pounds.
• The Chiliad Pattern Transcend Xplor 187MK which has a dry weight of 4,796-pounds.

8. The 2021 Lexus GX 460

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 is another foreign-produced SUV that has a stiff presence in the US domestic marketplace.

Its presence in the ranks of mid-size SUVs has grown significantly in contempo years, it as well has a reputation for comfort and operation.

This has fabricated it an increasingly pop option for families who want a commuter vehicle that can too practise a little towing on weekend vacations.

With the Lexus towing package professionally installed, all 3 trim levels can tow up to vi,500-pounds.

Engine & Trim	Towing Capacity
Lexus GX 460 Lexus GX 460 PremiumLexus GX 460 Luxury	6,700 lbs.

Pros

• Every trim level offers impressive comfort.
• Smooth, ride with minimal route noise.
• Superior power for a mid-size SUV with an viii-cylinder engine.

Cons

• Cargo infinite is a little scrap lacking.
• Fuel consumption is high.
• The cost of buying is a little high.

The All-time Trailers To Pair with a Lexus GX460

All three of the most pop trim levels of the Lexus GX460 come up with a robust 6,700-pounds maximum towing capacity.

While this puts pretty much all popup and teardrop campers in bounds, it also opens the door for a fair number of lightweight travel trailers that can appeal to small families, who need a piffling more interior living infinite.

• The Coachmen Liberty Express Ultra Lite 195 RBS has a dry weight of iv,892-pounds
• The Dutchman Kodiak Ultra Lite which has a dry weight of 4,338-pounds.

9. The 2021 Toyota iv Runner

The 2021 Toyota 4 Runner is one of the near popular mid-size SUVs on the American route.

It offers a four.0L engine that generates 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.

This makes it peppy and powerful as a commuter vehicle, while also giving it the ability to tow trailers and campers on the weekend.

Best of all, it comes with Toyota's reputation for reliability. It's also worth noting that all the trim levels of the Toyota 4 Runner will boast a robust 5,000-pounds maximum towing capacity with the optional SAE J2807- rated tow parcel installed.

This is better than near of its apples-to-apples competitors in its segment.

Trim	Towing Capacity
SR5, Trail Special Edition, SR5 Premium. TRD Off-Route, TRD Off-Route Premium, Venture Special Edition, Express, Nightshade Special Edition, TRD Pro.	5,000 lbs.

Pros

• Toyota reliability.
• More powerful than competitors in its segment.
• All trim levels have a 5,000-pound towing capacity

Cons

• Sub-par fuel economic system for half-dozen cylinder engine.
• Minimal rear cargo infinite.

The All-time Trailers For A 2021 Toyota 4 Runner

With the tow parcel professionally installed the Toyota four Runner boasts an impressive 5,000-pounds maximum towing capacity throughout the spectrum of trim levels.

Information technology gives you the ability to tow near popup and teardrop campers, as well as a few of the lighter weight travel trailers on the market.

• The Flagstaff Due east-Pro 19FD with a dry out weight of 2,829-pounds
• The Casita Travel Trailers Spirit Deluxe which has a dry out weight of just 1,970-pounds.

10. The 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 boasts some significant ability and towing chapters in a vehicle that was originally designed to be a comfortable commuter SUV.

Even without a tow bundle installed this mid-size SUV has a maximum towing capacity of half-dozen,200-pounds.

Though when yous select the optional upgrade to the class iii towing package, and you select the highest trim level of the BMW X5 you see an impressive 7,200-pound maximum towing capacity.

Engine & Trim	Towing Capacity
BMW X5 xDrive40i 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 engine	6,600 lbs.
BMW X5 sDrive40i 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 engine	seven,200 lbs.
BMW X5 M50i iv.4L TwinPower Turbo V8 engine	7,200 lbs

Pros

• Powerful engine.
• Visually stunning interior and exterior styling.
• Highly responsive steering

Cons

• Small third-row seating and express rear storage
• V8 model is heavy and thirsty.
• The initial buy price is high.

The All-time Trailers For A BMW X5

Equally a powerful mid-size SUV the BMW X5'due south highest trim levels can tow up to 7,200-pounds, which is more than enough to pull pretty much all teardrop campers besides every bit all popup, expandable campers, Not to mention a fair number of lightweight travel trailer.

• The Venture Sonic SN220VBH with a dry weight of 4,560-pounds.
• The Airstream's Caravel which has a dry weight of just 4,200-pounds

How Much Can I Safely Tow With A Mid-Size SUV?

The prevailing wisdom is to only tow up to lxxx% or less of the maximum towing capacity of whatever given vehicle.

For example, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 with a 7,200-pound maximum towing capacity can safely tow up to v,760-pounds of a trailer.

This volition get out you xx% or more in reserve to do things like tow a trailer up a steep incline or over a loose surface.

Should I Get A Foreign Or Domestic Mid-Size SUV?

Domestic SUVs have made some major technology improvements over the grade of the final decade making them on-par with the efficiency and power offered by foreign mid-size SUVs.

What it sometimes comes down to, is the availability of dealers and affiliated mechanics.

If y'all do happen to have a problem when you are traveling, the concluding thing you want is for the nearest dealer service center to be 300-miles away.

So, if you are going to invest in a strange mid-size SUV, make sure it is one of the long-established manufacturers similar Toyota, Nissan, or BMW.

If you are interested in a less-popular strange SUV, do some searching around to make certain yous are enlightened of certified dealers and mechanics.

Conclusion

Mid-size SUVs take seen a renaissance in recent years, every bit they accept departed from the blowsy mid-size truck chassis that used to support them to become truthful sports-utility vehicles.

This wave of innovation in engineering and textile build quality has also translated into superior towing capabilities.

If yous are interested in a domestic model with a lot of power and storage space, then the 2021 Dodge Durango might be the best mid-size SUV to tow a trailer.

With a maximum towing chapters of upwards to viii,700-pounds, it can tow a wide range of teardrop campers and minor travel trailers.

If you are looking for a powerful strange-made model with a reputation for superior engineering, then the 2021 BMW X5 might be the all-time mid-size SUV for towing a trailer.

With a maximum towing chapters of up to 7,200-pounds, it can certainly tow a wide range of popup campers, teardrop campers, and modest travel trailers.

Last Updated on August 13, 2021 by

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