Is towing with a hybrid vehicle different from towing with a regular gas powered vehicle?
In some ways, it is, and in other ways, it is the same.
When you’re considering towing with a hybrid vehicle, the same rules apply to hybrids as any combustion engine. As the driver, it is your responsibility to know your vehicle’s towing capacity, and to know the towing laws of the areas you travel through. Some states have different laws related to towing, such as requirements for brakes for trailers of certain sizes.
When towing with a hybrid vehicle, the main thing to know is that the hybrid system is usually disabled or ineffective. The vehicle operates solely on the gas powered components of the engine. This means that towing with a hybrid will NOT improve your fuel economy nor increase your towing capacity. It will, however, perform better than a fully electric vehicle though when towing.
If you tow frequently, a hybrid vehicle may not be worth the premium on the sticker price, especially if you are expecting to improve your fuel economy.
Now let’s look at some of the SUV Hybrids that can give you the towing capacity that you need.
Hybrid SUVs with a Towing Capacity of 1500-2000lbs
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Towing Capacity: 1,500 pounds
Starting MSRP: $27,895
Cargo Space: 11.7 cubic feet
MPG: 26 combined
Land Rover Range Rover Hybrid
Towing Capacity: 1,653 pounds
Starting MSRP: $104,500
Cargo Space: 8.7 cubic feet
MPG: 19 city / 26 highway
Kia Sorento Hybrid
Towing Capacity:1,654 pounds
Starting MSRP: $40,540
Cargo Space: 12.6 cubic feet
MPG: 37 combined
Hybrid SUVs with a Towing Capacity of 3,500 Pounds
Toyota Sienna Hybrid
Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds
Starting MSRP: $35,385
Cargo Space:33.5 cubic feet
MPG: 36 city / 36 highway
Mazda CX-90 PHEV
Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds
Starting MSRP: $47,445
Cargo Space: 14.9 cubic feet
MPG: 24 city / 28 highway
Lexus RX 350L Hybrid
Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds
Starting MSRP: $50,150
Cargo Space: 29.59 cubic feet
MPG: 25 combined
Tesla Model Y Hybrid
Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds
Starting MSRP: $50,990
Cargo Space: 12.8 cubic feet
MPGe: 129 city / 116 highway
Hybrid SUVs with a Towing Capacity of 5,000 Pounds
Ford Explorer Hybrid
Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
Starting MSRP: $47,070
Cargo Space:18.2 cubic feet
MPG: 27 city / 28 highway
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
Starting MSRP: Estimated $45,000
Cargo Space: 20.6 cubic feet
MPG: Estimated 21-22 city / 28-29 highway
Kia EV9 (All Electric)
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Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
Starting MSRP: Estimated $55,000
Cargo Space:20.2 cubic feet
MPG: Estimated 117 combined
Volvo XC90 (Plug-in Hybrid)
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Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
Starting MSRP: $57,095
Cargo Space:12.57 cubic feet
MPG: 25 combined
SUV Hybrids with a Towing Capacity of 5,000 - 10,000 Pounds
Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring Hybrid
Towing Capacity: 5,600 pounds
Starting MSRP: $70,190
Cargo Space: 18.3 cubic feet
MPG: 22 city / 25 highway
BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid
Towing Capacity: 5,952 pounds
Starting MSRP: $61,600
Cargo Space: 33.9 cubic feet
MPG: 25 Combined
Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid
Towing Capacity: 6,200 pounds
Starting MSRP: $35,200
Cargo Space: 16.6 cubic feet
MPG: 23 Combined
BMW X5 Hybrid
Towing Capacity: 6,603 pounds
Starting MSRP: $65,200
Cargo Space: 33.9 cubic feet
MPGe: 50 combined
BMW X7 Hybrid (Mild Hybrid)
Towing Capacity: 7,500 pounds
Starting MSRP: $81,900
Cargo Space: 12.8 cubic feet
MPG: 21 city / 25 highway
Mercedes GLE 450 (Mild Hybrid)
Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds
Starting MSRP: $66,450
Cargo Space: 33.3 cubic feet
MPG: 20 city / 26 highway
INFINITI QX80 Hybrid
Towing Capacity: 8,500 pounds
Starting MSRP: $74,595
Cargo Space: 16.6 cubic feet
MPG: 15 combined
Jeep Grand Wagoneer Hybrid
Towing Capacity: 10,000 pounds
Starting MSRP: $58,995
Cargo Space: 27.4 cubic feet
MPG: 17 city / 23 highway
The best hybrid SUVs with towing capacities is the SUV that meets your towing requirements in a safe manner. Know the weight of what you’re planning to tow. Know your towing capacity and tongue weight. Plan your trip ahead of time so you can check towing laws in your state and every state you’re traveling through. Don’t overload your trailer and account for all the extra weight of items that go in the boat or trailer. A fun trip is a safe trip!
