2020 Chevrolet Silverado / Photo Credit: Chevrolet

10 Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicles for Towing in 2020

• Chevrolet Silverado | 17 mpg | 13,400 lbs | For Sale
• Ford Expedition | 19 mpg | 9,300 lbs | For Sale
• GMC Canyon | 23 mpg | 7,700 lbs | For Sale
• Nissan Pathfinder | 23 mpg | 6,000 lbs | For Sale
• Ford Explorer | 24 mpg | 5,600 lbs | For Sale
• Kia Telluride | 21 mpg | 5,000 lbs | For Sale
• Honda Passport | 21 mpg | 5,000 lbs | For Sale
• Chrysler Pacifica | 22 mpg | 3,600 lbs | For Sale
• Toyota RAV4 | 27 mpg | 3,500 lbs | For Sale
• Subaru Outback | 26 mpg | 3,500 lbs | For Sale

Chart: Vehicle | EPA combined mpg | Maximum towing capacity | Used listings

*The EPA’s combined fuel economy ratings are based on 45% highway driving, 55% city driving over 15,000 annual miles

Chevrolet Silverado

2020 Chevrolet Silverado / Photo Credit: Chevrolet

• Fuel economy: 17 mpg combined
• Maximum towing capacity: 13,400 lbs
• Most efficient powertrain for towing: 6.2-liter V8 engine, four-wheel drive (4WD), regular gas
• 2020 MSRP: $42,270

When it comes to serious towing, nothing gets the job done better than a full-size pickup truck. Heavy-duty versions of the Silverado can haul tens of thousands of pounds, though most consumers need only a fraction of that capability. Equipped with the optional 6.2-liter V8, four-wheel drive, and Max Trailering package, the Silverado 1500 can tow up to 13,400 pounds. Available starting on the Trail Boss trim level, this powertrain can be combined with the Double Cab or Crew Cab and standard (79.4 inches) or short (69.9 in.) cargo beds.

Read More About the Chevrolet Silverado | Find a Used Chevrolet Silverado

Ford Expedition

2020 Ford Expedition / Photo Credit: Ford

• Fuel economy: 19 mpg combined
• Maximum towing capacity: 9,300 lbs
• Most efficient powertrain for towing: 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine, rear-wheel drive (RWD), regular gas
• 2020 MSRP: $54,770

The latest Ford Expedition proves that drivers don’t need a luxury badge to drive a premium, full-size SUV. Smooth, powerful, and comfortable during long drives, the roomy Expedition is a great choice for drivers who need to haul lots of people and do some serious towing. When properly equipped, the Expedition has a maximum towing capacity of 9,300 pounds. This requires the Expedition in rear-wheel-drive format with the standard wheelbase, versus the larger Max version. In XLE trim, the Expedition has an available Heavy Duty Trailer Tow package ($1,570) that includes trailer backup assist, a heavy-duty radiator, a 3.73 electronic limited-slip differential, and a trailer brake controller. Getting the Expedition down the road is a 375-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

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GMC Canyon

2020 GMC Canyon / Photo Credit: GMC

• Fuel economy: 23 mpg combined
• Maximum towing capacity: 7,700 lbs
• Most efficient powertrain for towing: 2.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, RWD, diesel
• 2020 MSRP: $37,805

The GMC Canyon delivers plenty of choices thanks to its three available engines and wide range of cabin and cargo bed configurations. If you’re after maximum towing capacity, the Canyon’s 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine is the best choice. In standard rear-wheel-drive format, this powertrain is capable of towing 7,700 pounds. Adding 4WD drops this figure only slightly, to 7,600 pounds. With 181-horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, this engine has plenty of grunt when a tough job needs doing. Better still, the turbodiesel is the Canyon’s most fuel-efficient engine, with an EPA-estimated 23 combined mpg. The diesel is available on the Canyon SLE trim level in Crew Cab format and either the long (74-inch) or short (62-in.) cargo bed.

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Nissan Pathfinder

2020 Nissan Pathfinder / Photo Credit: Nissan

• Fuel economy: 23 mpg combined
• Maximum towing capacity: 6,000 lbs
• Most efficient powertrain for towing: 3.5-liter V6 engine, all-wheel drive (AWD), regular gas
• 2020 MSRP: $34,540

The Nissan Pathfinder is a three-row SUV with an emphasis on driving comfort and cabin room. Under the hood is a 284-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine that gives the Pathfinder more than enough punch for everyday driving. It also endows this Nissan SUV with a total towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. That edges out a lot of the Pathfinder’s direct rivals. Buyers get a little more than 16 cubic feet of cargo space with the third-row in place, and more than 47 cubic feet with the rear seatback folded. Getting the best towing capacity out of the Pathfinder requires adding four-wheel drive and the optional ($250) trailer hitch. These features are available on the entry-level Pathfinder S trim level. Since it’s a family-focused SUV, standard safety items include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera.

Read More About the Nissan Pathfinder | Find a Used Nissan Pathfinder

Ford Explorer

2020 Ford Explorer / Photo Credit: Ford

• Fuel economy: 24 mpg combined
• Maximum towing capacity: 5,600 lbs
• Most efficient powertrain for towing: 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, RWD, regular gas
• 2020 MSRP: $39,275

The latest Ford Explorer represents a return to this SUV’s roots. When updating its popular three-row SUV, Ford decided to make the Explorer available in rear- or four-wheel-drive format – the previous model used a platform biased towards front-wheel drive. Basically, Ford made the Explorer a little more truck-like in terms of its chassis, but no less comfortable or user-friendly for everyday driving. This change boosted the Explorer’s maximum towing capacity to 5,600 pounds, 600 pounds more than the previous model. The extra capability is provided by the standard engine, a strong 300-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Available on the Explorer XLT and Limited trim levels, the Class 3 Trailer Tow Package ($710) helps unlock this SUV’s best tow rating.

Read More About the Ford Explorer | Find a Used Ford Explorer

Kia Telluride

2020 Kia Telluride / Photo Credit: Kia

• Fuel economy: 21 mpg combined
• Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 lbs
• Most efficient powertrain for towing: 3.8-liter V6 engine, AWD, regular gas
• 2020 MSRP: $33,890

The Kia Telluride is a broad-shouldered SUV with three rows of seating and a long list of standard comfort and safety features. The Telluride has a striking and attractive exterior that gives it an upscale appearance. Thankfully, not only is the Telluride affordable, it offers enough towing capacity for many SUV buyers’ needs. Ringing in at 5,000 pounds, this Kia’s towing capacity is matched by its mechanical twin, the Hyundai Palisade. Interestingly, Kia lists the towing capacity as 5,000 pounds across all four trim levels, regardless of whether they’re in front- or optional ($2,000) all-wheel-drive format. An optional tow hitch with a harness is available on every trim for an additional $475.

Read More About the Kia Telluride | Find a Used Kia Telluride

Honda Passport

2020 Honda Passport / Photo Credit: Honda

• Fuel economy: 21 mpg combined
• Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 lbs
• Most efficient powertrain for towing: 3.5-liter V6 engine, AWD, regular gas
• 2020 MSRP: $36,167

The Honda Passport is a five-passenger SUV that balances relaxed on-road driving manners with some adventure-seeking capability. Based on the same platform as the larger, three-row Honda Pilot, the Passport jettisons its sibling’s rear seating. The result is an expansive cargo bay, with more than 41 cubic feet of space behind the rear seatbacks. All trim levels of the Passport are powered by a 280-horsepower V6 coupled to a 9-speed automatic transmission. Unlocking this Honda’s maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds requires adding all-wheel drive ($1,900), plus the Adventure Package B ($2,177). This includes features like a trailer hitch, roof rails, a trailer hitch harness, die-cast running boards, and more. Both all-wheel drive and the Adventure Package B are available on the Passport Sport, which is the entry-level trim.

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Chrysler Pacifica

2020 Chrysler Pacifica / Photo Credit: Chrysler

• Fuel economy: 22 mpg combined
• Maximum towing capacity: 3,600 lbs
• Most efficient powertrain for towing: 3.6-liter V6 engine, FWD, regular gas
• 2020 MSRP: $35,040

How did a minivan get onto this list? The Chrysler Pacifica is a versatile family hauler with flexible seating and loads of cargo space. It’s also a handy vehicle for towing lighter loads, like jet skis or small trailers. With a capacity of 3,600 pounds, the Pacifica offers more overall towing capacity than rivals such as the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. This holds true for both the standard Pacifica, powered by a 287-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, or the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid. The price we’ve listed here is for a Pacifica in its base Touring trim, equipped with the optional ($995) Trailer-Tow package. This includes features like a 7- and 4-pin trailer-tow wiring harness, a heavy-duty radiator, an upgraded alternator, and a hitch with a 2-inch receiver.

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Toyota RAV4

2020 Toyota RAV4 / Photo Credit: Toyota

• Fuel economy: 27 mpg combined
• Maximum towing capacity: 3,500 lbs
• Most efficient powertrain for towing: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, AWD, regular gas
• 2020 MSRP: $32,995

The Toyota RAV4 is enormously popular thanks to its cabin space, cargo room, relaxed ride, strong but frugal powertrain, and reputation for reliability. Completely updated last year, the new RAV4 gained features that should appeal to a wider customer base, particularly drivers who prefer to tow, or traverse (moderately) rugged terrain. The standard RAV4 delivers a ho-hum towing capability of 1,500 pounds, but the new Adventure and TRD trim levels nudge this figure to 3,500 pounds. Both come standard with AWD, though the TRD model adds go-anywhere extras like all-terrain tires and a heavier duty suspension. Of the two, the Adventure model is less expensive, with a starting price of around $33,000. Power comes via a 203-horsepower four-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Read More About the Toyota RAV4 | Find a Used Toyota RAV4

Subaru Outback

2020 Subaru Outback / Photo Credit: Subaru

• Fuel economy: 26 mpg combined
• Maximum towing capacity: 3,500 lbs
• Most efficient powertrain for towing: 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, AWD, regular gas
• 2020 MSRP: $35,905

The Subaru Outback is another towing alternative to SUVs and pickup trucks. This sophisticated wagon has seating for five people, standard AWD, and a long list of standard safety features. When equipped with the standard 182-horsepower four-cylinder engine, the Outback offers decent performance and a towing capacity of 2,700 pounds. However, the optional turbocharged four-cylinder unlocks more straight-line performance, plus a handy 3,500-pound towing capacity. With 260 horsepower, the turbocharged Outback is lively and nicely matched to this wagon’s smooth ride and nimble steering. Stepping up to the turbocharged motor means opting for an Outback in XT trim. This starts at approximately $36,000, including the optional ($499) trailer hitch.

Read More About the Subaru Outback | Find a Used Subaru Outback

How We Ranked These Cars

When it comes to towing, many car and truck shoppers believe good fuel economy and strong towing capability are mutually exclusive features. The more capable the vehicle is at towing heavy loads, the more time and money you’ll spend refueling at every gas station along your route. Or, at least, that’s been the common misconception.

Thankfully, many modern trucks, wagons, and SUVs offer plenty of towing capability, along with EPA-estimated fuel economy averages that are easy on your wallet. After all, what’s the point of having all that towing capability if you don’t have money left for jet skis, bikes, motorcycles, or the assorted camping gear you want to haul around in the first place?

We’ve searched for vehicles that combine plenty of power, comfort, economy, and impressive towing capacities. With tow ratings ranging from 3,500 to 13,400 pounds, our chosen vehicles should cover the vast majority of everyday needs.

Keep in mind that some of the vehicles we’ve singled out have been relatively unchanged for a few model years. This means you might want to consider a gently-used model if that better suits your car-buying budget. A thorough search of Carfax’s Used Car Listings could lead to some great possibilities.

Don’t forget to check a used vehicle’s Carfax Vehicle History Report, too. After all, a well-maintained used car, truck, or SUV will provide many years of trouble-free driving and towing.

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