Best EV SUVs for Towing

In addition to their impressive acceleration times, EVs are quite capable of towing as well. Whether towing is a regular occurrence for an SUV buyer or something they want the freedom to do once a year or twice a year, there are many EV options to satisfy most towing needs. This article will focus on EV SUVs that, when properly equipped, have a maximum towing capacity of at least 3,500 pounds. 

GMC Hummer EV SUV – Towing Capacity: 10,000 Pounds

Currently, the most capable electric SUV for towing is the GMC Hummer EV SUV. The Hummer is available in both 2-motor and 3-motor variants which are designated as 2X and 3X. The 2X’s two motors produce 570 hp and 7,400 lb-ft of torque, whereas the 3X increases power to 830 hp and 11,500 lb-ft of torque. The standard Tow/Haul Mode package sends additional torque to the rear wheels when pulling a trailer. It also leverages the vehicle’s power steering system to reduce steering effort at lower speeds and to tighten steering at higher speeds. When trailer sway is detected, this mode responds by engaging the brakes and reducing torque. A Trailering Package also comes standard and includes a trailer hitch. The Hummer EV SUV can tow up to 10,000 pounds.

Rivian R1S – Towing Capacity: up to 7,700 Pounds

Boasting the second highest towing capacity of the SUVs here is the Rivian R1S which gives buyers a choice of 3 different drive systems. The entry-level option is a Dual-Motor AWD setup featuring 533 hp and 610 lb-ft of torque. Adding more power is the Performance Dual-Motor AWD which increases horsepower to 665 and torque to 829 lb-ft meanwhile the Quad-Motor AWD offers 835 hp and 908 lb-ft of torque. Depending on the configuration, the R1S can tow up to 7,700 pounds. The AWD R1S uses a higher gear ratio on the rear motor to enhance towing by continuously sending torque between the two motors with a bias towards the rear motor. 

Tesla Model X – Towing Capacity: 5,000 Pounds

One of the oldest designs on this list is the Tesla Model X which debuted for the 2016 model year. Both the dual-motor Model X (670 hp) and tri-motor Model X Plaid (1,020 hp) have a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Each Model X version incorporates a Tow Package as standard equipment which includes a high-strength, Class II steel tow bar.

Kia EV9 – Towing Capacity: 2,000 to 5,000 Pounds

Kia’s recently launched EV9 is the first three-row EV SUV from a mainstream automaker. The EV9 comes in 4 trim levels (Light, Wind, Land, and GT-Line) which vary in both towing equipment and capacity. 

The entry-level Light trim offers a single motor and rear-wheel drive as well as 201 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Wind and Land trims have a dual motor AWD setup which produces 379 hp and 443 lb-ft torque while the top trim GT-Line AWD increases torque to 516 lb-ft. 

For the Light RWD, Light Long Range RWD, and Wind AWD EV9 models, a Tow Hitch is a $575 option. The single-motor rear-wheel drive Light variant has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. Stepping up to the Wind AWD and Land AWD increases towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. For the EV9 Land AWD, the optional Towing Package is $1,500 and adds a Self-Leveling Rear Suspension, a tow hitch, and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. The top trim EV6 GT-Line AWD includes the towing package as standard. Both the GT-Line AWD and the Land AWD tow up to 5,000 pounds. 

Volvo EX90 – Towing Capacity: 4,850 Pounds

Drawing much design inspiration from Volvo’s XC90 SUV, the upcoming Volvo EX90 will be Volvo’s new flagship model and its first 7-passenger EV. Volvo will offer two dual-motor options. The standard powertrain delivers 402 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, while a more powerful Twin Motor Performance variant produces 496 hp and 671 lb. ft. of torque. The EX90 has a towing capacity of 4,850 pounds.

Audi Q8 e-tron – Towing Capacity: 4,000 Pounds

The Audi Q8 e-tron, formerly known simply as the “e-tron”, is powered by dual electric motors generating 402 hp and 718 lb-ft of torque. A trailer hitch is a $750 option. With its 4,000-pound towing capacity, the Q8 e-tron offers a 500-pound advantage over its competitors which offer the more common 3,500 pound towing capacity.

Polestar 3 – Towing Capacity: 3,500 Pounds

Sharing the second generation of Volvo’s SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) platform with the Volvo EX90, the upcoming Polestar 3 is a 5-passenger model that is less utility-focused than the EX90. Unsurprisingly, its towing capacity is lower at 3,500 pounds. However, it can be optioned with a semi-electrical retractable towbar hitch that can fold under the bumper at the press of a button when not needed. There’s also an available trailer module that informs the driver of trailer-related system issues. 

Genesis Electrified GV70 – Towing Capacity: 3,500 Pounds

The Electrified GV70 stands out on this list because it is an EV version of an existing ICE model, the Genesis GV70. Powered by an all-wheel drive two-motor powertrain outputting 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, the Electrified GV70 matches the ICE version’s 3,500-pound towing capacity. 

Tesla Model Y – Towing Capacity: 3,500 Pounds

The Tesla Model Y has 3 trim levels with 3 different powerplants: single-motor RWD (295 hp and 309 lb. ft torque), dual-motor Long Range AWD (425 hp and 475 lb. ft torque), and dual-motor Performance (455 hp and 487 lb. ft torque). Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds and a $1000 tow hitch option that includes a high-strength, Class II steel tow bar is available on all three models. 

Acura ZDX – Towing Capacity: 3,500 Pounds

Acura’s ZDX has returned for 2024 as an EV and shares a platform with the Cadillac Lyriq, Chevy Blazer EV, and upcoming Honda Prologue. Buyers have a choice of three drivetrains including single-motor rear-wheel drive (358 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque) and two dual-motor all-wheel drive options (490 to 500 hp and 437 to 544 lb-ft of torque). Towing Capacity for all three ZDX models is 3,500 pounds. A trailer hitch is a $1,195 option and a trailer hitch ball adds another $26. 

Cadillac Lyriq – Towing Capacity: 3,500 Pounds

Similar to its Acura ZDX platform-mate, the Cadillac Lyriq is powered by either single or dual-motor options. The rear-wheel drive single motor produces 340 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque whereas the all-wheel drive dual-motor powerplant yields 500 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Towing Capacity is the same as the Acura at 3,500 pounds.

Summary

With the proper configurations, buyers have plenty of EV options to meet their towing needs. Fortunately, many of these EV’s towing capacities are similar to those of comparably sized internal combustion engine models. As always, consult your owner’s manual and dealership about your vehicle’s towing capacities, accessories, and requirements. 

Matt Yantakosol is a lifelong automotive enthusiast and former consultant focused on the consumer aspect of the industry. He has traveled to New York, Detroit, Chicago, L.A., Paris, Geneva, Frankfurt, and Tokyo Auto Shows to track and observe the newest industry innovations. In addition to JDPower.com, Matt's writing has appeared on Pcarmarket.com.

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