5 MIN READ

Today's luxury SUV owners want more than just power and a head-turning exterior. In the race to find the all-purpose automotive ideal, towing capacity has quickly become a metric that matters.

Knowing how to evaluate an SUVs towing capacity can seem confusing for those who aren’t accustomed to the world of light or heavy-duty hauling. But a few simple definitions can help you pinpoint the SUV with the best towing capacity that’s right for you.

Towing capacity – or the maximum amount of weight a vehicle can pull – depends on a few key performance features. Apart from how heavy the item being moved is, the type of engine, along with the amount of horsepower it produces, are the most important factors. They help determine how much your luxury SUV can pull, tow or haul. The frame and design of your vehicle also plays a critical role. Beyond that, there are a few more things to bear in mind.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The maximum amount of weight that a vehicle can carry, which includes both passengers and cargo.
Gross Trailer Weight: The maximum amount of weight allowed for a trailer and everything it contains.
Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating: The maximum amount of weight allowed for a trailer and everything it contains, plus all the passengers and cargo you have on board.

It’s helpful to have these definitions in mind before visiting your local INFINITI Retailer to compare luxury SUV towing capacity. But for those who currently own an INFINITI SUV, crossover, sedan or coupe, answers about your car’s towing capacity can be found in your owner’s manual.

While all-wheel-drive capability, a well-appointed interior cabin, and generous cargo space are important elements for car buyers consider, today’s luxury SUV owners insist that the vehicle in their driveway meet and exceed their everyday needs.

Heavy-duty trucks have traditionally been viewed as the leaders in the towing capacity category, especially when drivers are thinking about moving large items such as boats, jet skis, or RVs.

But INFINITI offers three superior models to choose from when evaluating SUVs with high towing capacity or planning those off-road adventures and cozy weekend getaways.

If you’re after the best luxury SUV for towing, the QX80 can haul up to 8,500 lbs. That’s the highest towing capacity available on any INFINITI vehicle today. And thanks to a powerful 5.6-litre V8 with 413 lb-ft of torque, there’s no shortage of exhilaration.

You’ll want to consider the QX80 if you’re looking to haul larger recreational gear. Think along the lines of a large ski boat, or a fully equipped camping trailer that sleeps up to eight.

The generous cabin of the QX80 features third-row seats that fold at the touch of a button, and a flexible 60/40 design makes it easy to bring a few unexpected passengers along for the ride. And by collapsing the second row, you can make extra room for 2,694 litres of cargo.

If you’re in the market for enhanced handling and traction, the QX80’s All-Mode 4WD is also worth looking into. It automatically monitors and adjusts the available torque to negotiate tricky road conditions like black ice or snowy roads.

For drivers seeking a more practical balance of muscle and finesse, the QX60 seamlessly combines the two. It packs a punch with a 3.5-litre V6 Direct Injection Engine, 270 lb-ft of torque and a max towing capacity of up to 6,000 lbs.

Consider the QX60 if you plan on towing a thoroughly equipped camping trailer. It can haul one that sleeps up to four people, with amenities like on-board plumbing and kitchen appliances. Besides, its spacious interior includes folding second- and third-row seats that comfortably accommodate up to seven. And for cumbersome items that require extra room, both rows fold to create 2,135 litres of cargo space.

For an extra push of driving confidence, the QX60's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive transfers power between the front and rear wheels when road conditions demand it. Smooth gear shifting comes courtesy of the 9-speed automatic transmission, which ramps up power and torque as needed for increased towing capacity.