Going on vacation and need to haul a trailer? These are your best bets!

With COVID-19 restrictions on travel in place globally, holidays and time away with the family had to come to a screeching halt. Most families that were used to loading up the BMW X5 and going on a road trip had to make peace with the fact that they had to stay home, and in the aftermath of all these confines, many started wondering if it was at all necessary to even have a big family carrier anymore. Luckily, things have started easing up and a sense of normalcy is slowly returning – we are finally able to plan some time away again.

 Vehicle sales took a definite knock during the pandemic, and even new BMW cars sold slightly slower than they have in the past – that is until the manufacturer stepped up its game with the digitalization of the sales process. Thankfully, this means you’ll easily be able to shop for the next best family car, whether that’s a coupe, an SUV, or a sedan. That being said, if you have your heart set on something beefy enough to tow your trailer, caravan, or boat along, you’d do well to look at an SUV. 

Why an SUV?

With large, sturdy bodies designed to carry and haul, it stands to reason that a sport utility vehicle is the best option for mid- to larger size families; not only are these ideal for comfort, cargo space, and convenience, but they often boast sufficient towing capacity to make vacationing a breeze, without the side-effect of abhorrent gas mileage. Don’t expect mpg figures like those of smaller model cars, as most midsize SUVs are equipped with an engine that will be able to work a little harder. This means being able to load a full trunk, fill the back seat with family members, and still have enough horsepower to lug the jet ski behind it without sacrificing performance. So, which SUVs are best for towing?

Cadillac Escalade

A true American icon, the latest generation Caddy Escalade is the most spacious SUV on the market at present. Loaded with new technology for the 2021 model year, the Escalade’s full-size, luxury characteristics make it worth the starting MSRP of $76,195 for the base model. Improvements for the new model mean an ultra-plush interior, brilliant ride quality, and a long list of driver-assist features to keep you safe. It also allows for a towing capacity of up to 8,300 lbs. 

BMW X7

Also a large, three-row behemoth, the X7 comes with a range of powerful motors that offer relatively impressive fuel economy figures. It’s one of the few bulky beasts in the segment that are fun to drive, thanks to a brilliant transmission and a good suspension setup. It’s also beautiful to behold; still, the big brute can manage towing loads up to 7,500 lbs. It suffers from the standard complaint for three-row SUVs though, which pertains to a relatively cramped row of third-row seats. 

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Another hulking German SUV, the GLS-Class is larger and built on a longer wheelbase than before, and there are two new electrically-assisted engine configurations to add to the lineup. Managing 200 lbs more than its competitor from BMW, the GLS-class is a spacious, modern, and plush SUV that has the muscle to make it hustle – but beware how you spec it, pricing can easily exceed the six-figure mark if you aren’t careful.

Lincoln Navigator

Not only can you seat up to eight passengers in this expansive luxury barge, but its potent twin-turbo V8 has enough oomph on tap to get you where you are going without a fuss. It may not be able to actually tackle off-road trails, despite its large and sturdy look, but you can easily tow 8,700 lbs and navigate steeper inclines, thanks to the two-speed transfer case and slow climb drive mode on the 4WD-equipped version.

Ford Expedition

Coming in at under $50k for the entry-level model, the Ford Expedition is also available in an extended-wheelbase variant, if you want even more space inside. The regular iteration is already pretty spacious, has a user-friendly infotainment setup, and more standard safety features than ever before. Additionally, there’s better fuel economy thane expected, while the robust V6 powertrain enables class-leading towing abilities of up to 9,300 lbs.