Best Trucks for Towing

• Average price: Starting at $22,195
• Towing capacity: 4,000 lbs
• Truck type: Compact 
• Number of seats: Max. 5
• Engine: 4-Cyl 2.5 Liter

The 2023 Ford Maverick is the ideal choice for those seeking the comfort and dynamics of a car, coupled with the versatility and utility of an open bed. The Maverick’s allure is further enhanced by its impressive fuel efficiency. The standard version comes with a front-wheel drive and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, delivering a combined output of 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. An optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine is available, offering 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, and enabling all-wheel drive. With the EcoBoost engine and the 4K Tow package, the Maverick can tow up to 4,000 lbs. 

• Average price: Starting at $27,035
• Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs
• Truck type: Midsize 
• Number of seats: Max. 5
• Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

Armed with an optional 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Hyundai Santa Cruz boasts 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, enabling a towing capacity of a hefty 5,000 lbs. Adding to its charm is the under bed storage, reminiscent of the Honda Ridgeline – a fantastic feature that broadens the appeal of this small truck, making it the perfect bridge for many customers seeking the best of both worlds.

• Average price: Starting at $30,525
• Towing capacity: 6,720 lbs
• Truck type: Midsize
• Number of seats: Max. 5
• Engine: 3.8-liter V-6

Despite its modernity, the Nissan Frontier boasts a classic truck appeal. It’s powered by a 310-hp V-6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission that comes with an in rear- or four-wheel drive. Options range from an extended King Cab to a four-door crew cab, with bed lengths of 5 or 6 feet, and variants from a potent base model to a rugged Pro-4X off-roader. 

• Average price: Starting at $38,480
• Towing capacity: 7,500 lbs
• Truck type: Midsize
• Number of seats: Four people (SuperCab configuration), five people (four-door SuperCrew model)
• Engine: 2.3-liter four-cylinder

The Ford Ranger packs a punch with its gas-powered 2.3-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission from its big brother, the F-150, it may not be the segment's towing champion, but it holds its own. With a 7500-pound tow rating across all variants, it trails just slightly behind the updated Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, but outperforms the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma.

• Average price: Starting at $87,000
• Towing capacity: 7,500 lbs
• Truck type: All-electric SUV
• Number of seats: Max. 5
• Engine: three electric motors that make 1000 horsepower

Despite its moderate size and power, the GMC Hummer EV surprisingly doesn't top the towing charts with a max rating of 7,500 lbs, even falling behind GMC's midsize Canyon. Yet, it can impressively tow a 6100-pound camper for 140 miles on a single charge. This achievement is thanks to the Hummer EV's colossal 212.7-kWh battery pack.

• Average price: Starting at $40,785
• Towing capacity: 7,700 lbs
• Truck type: Midsize
• Number of seats: Max. 5
• Engine: 3.6-liter V-6 engine

With 285 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque, and four-wheel drive, the Jeep Gladiator can tow up to 4,500 lbs manually and 7,700 lbs with an automatic transmission in the Sport model, decreasing to 7,000 lbs in the off-road Rubicon variant.

• Average price: Starting at $61,869
• Towing capacity: 10,000 lbs
• Truck type: Electric Vehicle
• Number of seats: Max. 5
• Engine: standard battery is 452 horsepower; extended battery is 580 horsepower

The Lightning, the F-150's electric sibling, matches its design but sports a unique electric setup. With two motors powered by one of two batteries, the Extended-Range version achieves 580 horsepower and a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.0 seconds. The range is 230–320 miles depending on the battery, but towing can drain it quickly. For occasional or short-distance towing, the Lightning is an adaptable EV alternative to the traditional F-150.

• Average price: Starting at $49,485
• Towing capacity: 10,920 lbs
• Truck type: Heavy-duty
• Number of seats: Max. 6
• Engine: 5.6-liter V-8

The Titan XD is Nissan's answer to the heavy-duty pickup segment, aiming to blend full-size comfort with heavy-duty muscle. Despite its 400-hp V-8 powertrain, it can't quite match the might of rivals like the RAM 3500 or the Ford Super Duty. It comes standard with four-wheel drive, a crew cab, and a 6.6-foot bed. 

• Average price: Starting at $40,760
• Towing capacity: 12,000 lbs
• Truck type: Full-size
• Number of seats: Max.6
• Engine: 3.4-liter V-6

Fresh off a major redesign, the Toyota Tundra now packs a punch with its 389-hp twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 base powertrain and a 10-speed automatic, ready to compete with rivals like Ford F-150 and RAM 1500. There's also a 437-hp hybrid variant, but for maximum towing strength of 12,000 lbs., stick with the entry-level engine in the SR5 trim with rear-wheel drive.

• Average price: Starting at $39,405
• Towing capacity: 12,750 lbs 
• Truck type: Full-Size
• Number of seats: Max five or six people depending on its configuration 
• Engine: 5.7-liter V-8

The RAM 1500 pickup's towing prowess is a duel between its 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine, offering a respectable 12,560-pound capacity, and the more affordable 5.7-liter V-8. The V-8, delivering 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, proves that bigger can be better by boosting the RAM's max towing to 12,750 lbs.

• Average price: Starting at $35,730
• Towing capacity: 14,000 lbs
• Truck type: Full-Size
• Number of seats: Regular Cab up to three people; Super Cab and SuperCrew up to six
• Engine: 5.0-liter V-8

The Ford F-150, America's bestselling pickup renowned for dependability and versatility, offers a multitude of engine options. The 2021 redesign includes a standard 5.0-liter V-8 in the Tremor, a 700-hp 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 in the Raptor R, and the electric F-150 Lightning. But it's the rear-drive SuperCab models with an 8.0-foot bed, 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, and max towing package that shine, boasting a massive tow rating of 14,000 lbs.

• Average price: Starting at $43,970
• Towing capacity: 22,000 lbs
• Truck type: ¾-Ton Heavy-Duty
• Number of seats: Max. 5
• Engine: 6.8-liter V-8 and a 7.3-liter V-8

The Super Duty comes with a fresh design and enhanced features. Offering various bed and cab configurations, it boasts powerful gasoline engines, including a new 6.8-liter V-8 and a 7.3-liter V-8. The 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V-8 is a beast, offering up to 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. With a max towing capacity of 22,000 lbs, it's more than sufficient for hauling your RV, boat, or toy hauler.

• Average price: Silverado 3500 HD starting at $48,795; Sierra 3500 HD starting at $47,800
• Towing capacity: 36,000 lbs
• Truck type: 1-Ton Heavy-Duty
• Number of seats: Max. 5
• Engine: 6.6 liter V-8

The Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD and mechanically similar GMC Sierra 3500HD are equipped with a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V-8 that offer a formidable towing capacity of 36,000 lbs. Paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, this power is harnessed efficiently. 

• Average price: Starting at $57,795
• Towing capacity: 37,090 lbs
• Truck type: 1-Ton Heavy-Duty
• Number of seats: Quad Cab®, Mega Cab® and Crew Cab feature two rows of seating for up to six passengers.
• Engine: Turbocharged 6.7-liter diesel I6

The RAM 3500 Heavy Duty dually is a towing powerhouse. With its high-output 6.7-liter Cummins diesel inline-six engine delivering 420 hp and 1,075 lb-ft of torque, it can tow up to 37,090 lbs with a gooseneck hitch. For 2023, the RAM 3500 gets tech upgrades like a 12-inch digital gauge cluster, digital mirror with side camera integration, Trailer Reverse Steering control, and enhanced camera systems.

• Average price: Starting $49,745
• Towing capacity: 40,000 lbs
• Truck type: 1-Ton Heavy-Duty
• Number of seats: Max. 6
• Engine: 6.7 liter V-8

The Ford F-450 Super Duty dually is a true titan in towing. Armed with an optional high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V-8, it generates 500 horsepower and a jaw-dropping 1,200 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with a TorqShift 10-speed automatic transmission for optimal towing, this powerhouse can tow up to 40,000 lbs when properly equipped.