The Toyota Sequoia Vs. The Competition: Which SUV Has The Best Towing Capacity?
Hauling a family and towing a trailer are easy tasks with these rigs
When buyers are shopping for full-size body-on-frame SUVs, towing capability and passenger space are often amongst the most important selling points. All the SUV contestants offer big numbers, but some of them go even further, sometimes with the help of optional packages, raising the towing stakes. And with domestic heavyweights pushing performance boundaries, how does Toyota's flagship three-row monster stack up when hitching a heavy load?
The current generation of the Toyota Sequoia was introduced in 2022, based on the ladder-frame underpinnings of the Tundra full-size pickup. Unlike its V8-powered predecessors, the latest model is exclusively offered with the i-Force MAX twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 hybrid powertrain, producing a combined 437 hp (326 kW/443 PS) and 583 lb-ft (790 Nm) of torque.
Depending on the trim level, the Sequoia delivers fluctuating tow ratings across the lineup. The flagship Capstone 4WD is good for 8,980 lbs (4,073 kg), while the entry-level SR5 2WD can tow up to 9,520 lbs (4,318 kg). This number is quite impressive and represents the highest in the segment as standard, although the case is different when you factor in optional packages and accessories for the Sequoia's rivals.
The rivals
The main rivals for the Toyota Sequoia are the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and the Ford Expedition, featuring ladder-frame underpinnings and spacious three-row interiors of their own. Other options include the cheaper Nissan Armada and the smaller Dodge Durango.
Starting with the Chevy Tahoe, it is available with a 6.2-liter V8 generating 420 hp (313 kW/426 PS) and 460 lb-ft (624 Nm) of torque. However, it is the smaller 5.3-liter V8 equipped with the Max Trailering Package in 2WD configuration that achieves the maximum towing capacity of 8,400 lbs (3,810 kg).
Meanwhile, the Nissan Armada has a similar rating of 8,500 lbs (3,856 kg). This one is fitted with a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 generating 425 hp (317 kW/431 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm). Similarly, the V8-powered variants of the Dodge Durango can tow up to 8,700 lbs (3,946 kg) when equipped with the Tow 'n Go Package.
Ultimately, the Ford Expedition manages to nudge ahead of its rivals, pulling up to 9,600 lbs (4,354 kg) when optioned with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. Ford's flagship SUV is powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 developing up to 440 hp (328 kW/446 PS) and 510 lb-ft (691 Nm) of torque.
The one that pulls up to 10,000 lbs
Jeep has discontinued the Wagoneer from its lineup, leaving the Grand Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer L as its sole representatives in the full-size SUV segment. And with maximum towing capacity for the segment, the Grand Wagoneer is actually cheaper than the Toyota Sequoia. More specifically, the Jeep Wagoneer has a starting price of $66,790 (including a $2,795 destination fee), against the $67,920 of the Toyota.
As mentioned, the Grand Wagoneer has the best towing numbers in the class, with a maximum rating of 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg) when fitted with the optional Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Group. Interestingly, this number is achieved by the standard-output version of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 420 hp (313 kW/426 PS) and 468 lb-ft (635 Nm) of torque.
While Jeep takes the ultimate heavy-hauling crown and Ford edges ahead with options, the Toyota Sequoia remains a standout choice for towing.
Toyota