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Best Hybrid SUVs for Towing

Written by Laura Reynolds | Jun 7, 2023 8:05:47 PM


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

Read CarPro’s Review

 

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

Read CarPro's Review

 

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

Read CarPro's Review

 

Kia EV9 (All Electric)

Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds

Starting MSRP: Estimated $55,000

Cargo Space:20.2 cubic feet

MPG: Estimated 117 combined

Read CarPro's Review

 

Volvo XC90 (Plug-in Hybrid)

Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds

Starting MSRP: $57,095 

Cargo Space:12.57 cubic feet

MPG: 25 combined

Read CarPro's Review

 

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

Read CarPro's Review

 

BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid

Towing Capacity: 5,952 pounds

Starting MSRP: $61,600 

Cargo Space: 33.9 cubic feet

MPG: 25 Combined

Read CarPro's Review

 

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

Read CarPro's Review

 

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!