Trucks were made for work, and towing ability is crucial for any pickup truck. In each category of pickups, there’s always one model that can out-tow the others, often due to its high rated capability and how effortless it is to tow with. Nowadays, advanced features make tasks like connecting a trailer, driving with it, and backing up much simpler than before. These trucks are the top towing champions in every pickup class.
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
If you’re not the typical full-size truck buyer, crossover-SUV-based trucks like the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz were initially seen as likely failures. After all, why choose something truck-shaped if you’re not after full truck capabilities? Surprisingly, these car-based trucks have become incredibly popular by appealing to customers who prefer smaller, more efficient vehicles but still want the utility of an open pickup bed.
Even though it’s based on Hyundai’s Tucson crossover, the compact Santa Cruz pickup in its Night, XRT, and Limited trims with all-wheel-drive can tow up to 5,000 pounds—enough for a small car on a trailer. The base model, without a turbocharger, has a towing capacity typical of regular compact crossovers, under 2,000 pounds, which is sufficient for towing a small boat.
2024 Rivian R1
The 2024 Rivian R1T is the best towing truck that’s expensive yet incredibly versatile. It handles turns like a sports car, accelerates faster than many muscle cars, and can tow heavier loads than any other electric truck. However, other electric trucks are catching up, and towing long distances with the R1T can be slow due to frequent charging stops needed for its lower towing efficiency.
Within its battery range of around 100 to maybe 200 miles when towing, the R1T’s four electric motors, adaptive suspension, and strong chassis excel at the job. Yet, the charging network remains a significant limitation. There’s also a simpler and cheaper dual-motor R1T version, but it doesn’t extend the towing range.
2024 Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon
Your top choice for a midsize truck is the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado, which is also the most capable in its class. It’s closely related to the GMC Canyon, and while the Jeep Gladiator matches their maximum towing capacity, its sometimes unpredictable towing behavior keeps it from being the absolute best. It’s worth noting that lower trim Colorados have less power, whereas all Canyons come with a stronger version of the torque-packed 2.7-liter turbocharged I-4 engine. The base Colorado can tow up to 3,500 pounds, but with the optional 2.7-liter Turbo High-Output engine, it can handle a hefty 7,700 pounds.
2024 Ford F-150
When it comes to towing with a full-size, half-ton truck, most Ford trucks like the 2024 Ford F-150 stands out. It boasts an impressive maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds, enough to tow two base model 2023 F-150s on a sturdy trailer when properly equipped. To achieve this rating, you’ll need the SuperCrew cab, twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine, four-wheel-drive, and the 6.5-foot bed as selected options.
Few tasks require such heavy towing capability outside of commercial use, ensuring the F-150 is more than sufficient for any job. However, if your towing needs are less than the combined weight of two full-size trucks, a midsize option like the Colorado could still meet your requirements with ease.
2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty
In the world of trucks, there are those designed for personal use on one end and heavy-duty work on the other, like the 2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty. It shares a resemblance with the F-150 inside and out but is built tougher with specialized engines for hauling heavy loads. The Super Duty offers specific towing features such as a $550 fifth-wheel and gooseneck hitch prep package, a $1,345 20,000-pound gooseneck hitch kit, and a $250 fifth-wheel hitch kit.
These heavy-duty trucks are factory-built to handle commercial tasks effortlessly. With the optional high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V-8, the F-250 can tow up to 23,000 pounds using a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch, or 22,000 pounds with a conventional tow hitch.
2024 Ford F-450 Super Duty
If you’re looking to tow a load as heavy as a semi truck’s, the 2024 Ford F-450 Super Duty is your go-to choice. It offers the same options as the smaller F-250 Super Duty but with greater capacity. The F-350 and F-450 models can handle steep hills while pulling extremely heavy weights that would overwhelm lesser trucks.
To tow the heaviest loads, up to 40,000 pounds, these one-ton trucks use gooseneck or fifth wheel hitches that distribute the weight more effectively across the truck’s bed. Even with a conventional tow hitch mounted on the bumper, they can still haul up to 30,000 pounds.
Choosing the Right Truck for Your Needs
Each model offers unique strengths tailored to different needs. From the unparalleled towing prowess of the 2024 Ford F-450 Super Duty capable of handling massive loads up to 40,000 pounds, to the innovative electric performance of the 2024 Rivian R1T and its blend of sports car agility and heavy-duty towing capacity, there’s a truck for every task. Whether you require the raw power of a heavy-duty truck or the efficiency and agility of an electric pickup, today’s trucks offer a range of options to match your towing requirements, ensuring you can tackle any job with confidence.