Best Midsize SUV for Towing | A Look at Mid Size SUV Towing Capacity

November 10th, 2021 by

If you want a vehicle that provides a mix of efficiency and capability, it may be the right time for you to shop for a new midsize SUV. As the median option in many manufacturer’s SUV lines, midsize SUVs come with an affordable price tag while still offering more than decent towing capabilities. If you’re interested in towing with your next SUV purchase, here’s what you need to know.

Benefits of Choosing a Midsize SUV

2021 GMC Acadia Denali Interior Showing Four Passenger Rear Seats

2021 GMC Acadia Interior

When you’re shopping for your next car, truck, or SUV, a midsize SUV might just be the best option for you. They often provide the best of both worlds — i.e., friendly price and premium features — to buyers, helping them maximize the value it provides. If you’re considering shopping for a used midsize SUV in Youngstown, here are some of the most amazing benefits you can expect:

  • Roomy interior. While midsize SUVs may not have the expansive size of a luxury SUV, they still offer decent interior spacing. This provides comfortable rides for you and your passengers, as well as plenty of space to carry any cargo you wish to take with you.
  • Improved fuel economy. One area where midsize SUVs can have a significant advantage over their larger counterparts is in fuel efficiency. With less mass to drive around, a midsize SUV can get more miles per gallon than larger alternatives or trucks.
  • Formidable towing capability. Although your first thought regarding towing capabilities may be pickup trucks, SUVs are also capable of handling heavy loads. Midsize SUVs provide real towing power to help you bring extra cargo or vehicle on your next trip.
  • Versatile use. The balance a midsize SUV offers means it can do more things than other types of SUVs. A midsize SUV can handle a road trip for five on the weekend and load up a large piece of furniture during the week.

What You Need To Know About Towing With an SUV

Buick Enclave mid size SUV towing boat

2019 Buick Enclave Towing Boat

If you plan to use your midsize SUV for towing, there are some important terms that you should know. Knowing these things allows you to manage your towing safely and responsibly. This knowledge will also come in handy and helps you shop from a more informed position when deciding which midsize SUV to purchase. Some of these important terms are:

  • Towing capacity. Towing capacity is the total amount of weight your vehicle can tow behind it safely and effectively. This metric dictates the size of the vehicle or trailer that you can tow with your SUV.
  • Payload. The payload is the total weight your vehicle can carry. This includes both the weight of passengers and cargo, as well as the weight provided by the towing connection when you’re towing behind your SUV.
  • Tongue weight. When you’re towing, your vehicle adds weight to the main body through its attachment. This is known as tongue weight. Tongue weight is often between 10% and 15% of the weight of the trailer and is an important consideration when calculating payload.
  • Gross combined weight rating. Your vehicle’s gross combined weight rating is the total amount of weight you can safely drive, including both the weight of your SUV and the weight of your loaded tow vehicle behind it.

The Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

If you are considering buying a midsize SUV and intend to use it for towing, it’s important to find a vehicle well suited for the job. We have highlighted five of our favorite midsize SUVs with impressive towing capabilities to help you find your next vehicle:

Buick Enclave

For buyers seeking the high quality that comes with every Buick SUV, the Enclave is an excellent midsize option with capable towing power. Starting at $42,800, this SUV is more affordable than many of its luxury brand counterparts. That said, the lower price does not mean inferior abilities, as it can manage towing loads of up to 5,000 pounds, offering more than enough power for towing a trailer or secondary vehicle.

Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango is the recommended product for buyers seeking a low-cost option that can still tow large loads. With a price tag of $33,377 for the base configuration, the vehicle is light on frills. But it does make up for its somewhat minimalist setup with a competitive towing capability, starting at 6,200 pounds.

GMC Acadia

If you’re shopping for an affordable midsize SUV that’ll provide you with premium quality and the towing power you require, look no further than the GMC Acadia. With the car’s 4,000-pound maximum towing ability, you can easily hook up a personal watercraft, ATV, or trailer to the back of your Acadia before you head out for a weekend of fun. Models start at just $34,800, so the GMC Acadia offers a bargain you won’t find anywhere else.

Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender offers a powerful towing vehicle, with capability starting at 7,700 pounds. Although its towing capabilities are strong, it also comes with a higher price tag. The Defenders starts at $47,700, though its superior amenities make up for its pricey status.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a luxury option for shoppers seeking an exclusive midsize SUV with high-performance levels. It offers the strongest capabilities for towing on this list, with capability starting at 7,200 pounds. It also comes with the highest price tag, with options starting at $57,250.

#1 Cochran Buick-GMC Youngstown Can Help You Find Your Midsize SUV Today

If you’re in the market for a midsize SUV, then look no further than #1 Cochran Buick-GMC Youngstown. Our informed staff will discuss what you’re looking for and your budget to find the midsize SUV options that best match your needs. Once you’ve found your perfect fit, we can help you apply for financing online (if needed), offer you an unbeatable trade-in rate, and get you behind the wheel of your midsize SUV.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us online. Our staff will get back to you with answers quickly. We hope to meet you soon!

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