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Are you looking for an SUV that can handle your towing needs? Understanding engine options, drivetrain setups, and specialized packages is essential when considering SUV towing capabilities. Whether you're taking your boat to Lake Lewisville or hauling work equipment around Plano, Texas, you need the SUV with the best towing capacity. Chevrolet's 2026 lineup offers several solid options, but one model stands out. Read as we review the Chevrolet SUV lineup to help you find the ideal vehicle.
Comparative Analysis of 2026 Chevy SUVs
Chevy is offering several SUV models for 2026, including the compact Trax, the Trailblazer, the Equinox, the Blazer, the Traverse, the Tahoe, and the Suburban. For running errands around Plano, Texas, the smaller Trax or Trailblazer is ideal. But for real towing capabilities, you'll want to focus on the Equinox, Traverse, Tahoe, and Suburban.
The Equinox features a peppy 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, enabling this SUV to tow up to 1,500 pounds, but only if you choose an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model. The Traverse steps up its game considerably with a beefier turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque, giving this model a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Like the Equinox, the Traverse features an eight-speed automatic transmission and the option for AWD.
The Tahoe and Suburban have the most impressive capabilities, both with three engine options: a 5.3-liter V-8 that produces 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, a larger 6.2-liter V-8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six that generates 305 hp and a substantial 495 lb-ft of torque. The Tahoe can pull up to 8,400 pounds when you choose the 5.3-liter V-8 and rear-wheel drive (RWD). The Suburban uses those same engines but tops out at 8,300 pounds. Both SUVs come with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission and your choice of RWD or AWD.
Determining the Best 2026 Chevy SUV for Maximum Towing
The Tahoe offers the highest towing capacity with its 5.3-liter V-8, RWD, and the Max Trailering package. Let's break down what each Tahoe configuration can do. The base 5.3-liter V-8 with RWD will pull 7,900 pounds, but the Max Trailering package enables a towing capacity of 8,400 pounds. The larger 6.2-liter V-8 engine maxes out at 8,300 pounds, and the diesel option sits right in the middle at 8,200 pounds. Other brands may offer more towing capacity, but the Tahoe's proven reliability is a significant advantage.
Practical Tips for Maximizing Towing Effectiveness
Selecting the right hitch setup is essential when it comes to towing. A Class I hitch can accommodate up to 2,000 pounds with its 1-1/4-inch receiver, while a Class II trailer hitch can handle up to 3,500 pounds with the same receiver tube. Class III hitches manage up to 8,000 pounds through a 2-inch receiver. A Class IV hitch can tow up to 10,000 pounds with a 2-inch receiver, and Class V hitches can take up to 20,000 pounds.
Keep in mind that you should never pull more than 80% of your SUV's rated capacity. So, if your Tahoe can handle 8,400 pounds, keep your actual load around 6,720 pounds to maintain a safety buffer. Your vehicle's tongue weight, or the downward force on the hitch from the load, should be 10% to 15% of your trailer's total weight. If you're towing a 5,000-pound trailer, expect about 500 pounds to be pressing down on the hitch.
You also need to understand the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). That's the maximum weight your SUV can handle when fully loaded, including people, cargo, and the vehicle's own weight. The gross combined weight rating (GCWR) is the total weight of your SUV and the attached trailer. For the safest towing, opt for the Max Trailering package, which includes a heavy-duty cooling system, a 220-amp alternator, and a Hitch View feature that utilizes your backup camera to help you align your vehicle with your trailer.
Other helpful technologies include trailer tire pressure monitoring, a boat-ramp assist feature, and navigation. Regular maintenance is crucial when towing regularly, so be sure to monitor the transmission fluid, brake components, and cooling system. Texas summers are brutal, so cooling system maintenance isn't optional if you want your SUV to keep performing well through the August heat.
Find Your Perfect Chevy SUV for Heavy-Duty Towing
The Tahoe wins the race when it comes to towing capacity, making it ideal for boat owners, RV enthusiasts, and contractors who require dependable hauling capability. Choosing the right combination of engine, drivetrain, and packages ensures your vehicle can meet your towing needs.
Are you ready to find the ideal towing solution? Contact our Huffines Chevrolet Plano team today about our full lineup of 2026 Chevy SUVs. Our specialists can help you find the perfect vehicle. We'll also keep your SUV running strong with ongoing service support for years of reliable towing.