Top 10 Vehicles For Towing

2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty Lariat


2008 Ford F-450

What we think
If you absolutely have to move a mountain, the F-450 is the mule to do it. Capable of pulling 16,000 lbs by conventional towing methods or an untouchable 24,500 lbs by fifth-wheel, this truck is ruler of all things towing. This Ford’s epic size may be a bit of a squeeze when wrangling through traffic, but that’s a price worth paying when you know there’s little you can’t tow behind you.

At a glance
MSRP: $22,895 (base), $48,165 (Lariat)
Engine and Drivetrain: 5.4-liter V-8 engine, 300 horsepower, 365 lb-ft of torque; 6.8-liter V-10 engine, 362 horsepower, 457 lb-ft of torque, 6.4-liter turbocharged diesel V-8 engine, 350 horsepower, 650 lb-ft of torque; 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive with optional part-time four-wheel drive.
MPG: N/A

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD Extended Cab

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 2
2008 Chevrolet Silverado
3500HD

What we think
The head honcho of General Motors’ mammoth pick-ups, the Silverado 3500 HD, can pull 13,000 pounds under regular ball-and-hitch towing. When equipped with a fifth-wheel package, Chevrolet’s super hauler can pull an impressive 16,500 pounds, or just over eight tons. Powered by a 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V-8 engine, this is one bad Bow Tie.

At a glance
MSRP: $18,425 (base), $29,340 (3500 HD w/ 6.6 turbocharged diesel engine)
Engine and Drivetrain: 6.0-liter V-8 engine, 367 horsepower, 375 lb-ft of torque; 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine; 312 horsepower, 660 lb-ft of torque; 6-speed automatic transmission; rear wheel-drive with optional part-time four-wheel drive.
MPG: N/A

2008 Dodge Ram 3500

2008 Dodge Ram 3500 3
2008 Dodge Ram 3500

What we think
The bronze medal of towing goes to the Ram 3500, equipped with a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel. The power plant breathes out 350 horsepower and an incredible 650 lb-ft of torque, ensuring that whatever you’re hauling gets there on the quick. This rig isn’t all business either, available in Megacab, the Ram can seat the whole family.

At a glance
MSRP: $29,755
Engine and Drivetrain: 5.7-liter V-8 engine, 330 horsepower, 375 lb-ft of torque; 6.7-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, 350 horsepower, 650 lb-ft of torque; 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive with optional part-time four-wheel drive.
MPG: N/A

2008 Toyota Tundra

2008 Toyota Tundra 4WD Truck 4
2008 Toyota Tundra 4WD
Truck

What we think
While not as robust as its American competition, the Tundra still touts an impressive 10,500 lb regular towing capacity. The 5.7-liter V-8 is only available as a gasoline engine, meaning that this truck may actually save you pennies at the pump over the big diesels. The substantially lower price tag doesn’t hurt our feelings about Toyota’s Tundra, either.

At a glance
MSRP: $22,390
Engine and Drivetrain: 5.7-liter V-8 engine, 236 horsepower, 401 lb-ft of torque; 6-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive with optional part-time four-wheel drive.
MPG: 13 city/17 highway (four-wheel drive), 14 city/18 highway (rear-wheel drive)

2008 Toyota Sequoia

2008 Toyota Sequoia 5
2008 Toyota Sequoia

What we think
The Sequoia has the benefit of being a more of a multi-use vehicle than the others, while still being capable of towing 10,000 lbs. Though that tow rating is only available from the two-wheel drive version, this SUV’s 8-person seating capacity and cool options like a moonroof and 20-inch wheels make the Sequoia one of the coolest tow rigs out there.

At a glance
MSRP: $34,150
Engine and Drivetrain: 5.7-liter V-8 engine, 381 horsepower, 401 lb-ft of torque; 6-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive with optional part-time four-wheel drive.
MPG: 13 city/18 highway (four-wheel drive), 14 city/19 highway (rear-wheel drive)

2008 Chevrolet Express 3500 HD Work Van

2008 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van 6
2008 Chevrolet Express
Cargo Van

What we think
A no-frills equipment hauler, Chevrolet’s Work Van is just that, a hard worker. Great features for getting the gear you need on the job down the road make this van a good choice for anyone looking for a double-duty hauler. The Work Van sports optional driver’s side 60/40 spilt doors, making it a breeze to load and unload everything from band equipment to lumber.

At a glance
MSRP: $23,845
Engine and Drivetrain: 4.3-liter V-6 engine, 195 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque; 4.8-liter V-8 engine, 279 horsepower, 294 lb-ft of torque; 5.3-liter V-8 engine, 301 horsepower, 325 lb-ft of torque; 6.0-liter V-8 engine, 323 horsepower, 373 lb-ft of torque; 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel V-8 engine, 250 horsepower, 460 lb-ft of torque; 4-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive.
MPG: N/A

2008 Ford E-350 Van

2008 Ford Econoline Cargo Van 7
2008 Ford Econoline Cargo
Van

What we think
A long time favorite of anyone who needs a cavernous cargo area, Ford’s E-series van is a capable people or equipment mover. With the same frame and running gear as the company’s full-size pick-ups, the E-350 shares the same impressive towing capacity. That means you can safely haul 15 passengers and 10,000 lbs of their worldly belongings anywhere you want to go.

At a glance
MSRP: $26,135
Engine and Drivetrain: 4.6-liter V-8 engine, 225 horsepower, 286 lb-ft of torque; 5.4-liter V-8 engine, 255 horsepower, 350 lb-ft of torque; 6.8-liter V-10 engine, 305 horsepower, 420 lb-ft of torque; 6.0-liter turbocharged diesel V-8 engine, 235 horsepower, 440 lb-ft of torque; 4-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive with optional full-time all-wheel drive.
MPG: N/A

2008 Nissan Titan

2008 Nissan Titan 8
2008 Nissan Titan

What we think
The Titan’s bold looks are backed up by heavy duty features like a boxed frame and a stout 5.6-liter V-8. With a 9,500-lb towing capacity even in base trim, the Titan well worth its $25,330 price tag. Of course, for a little extra change, you can opt for any number of cool features, including a kicking Rockford Fosgate sound system. Who says you can’t rock out while you tow?

At a glance
MSRP: $25,330
Engine and Drivetrain: 5.6-liter V-8 engine, 317 horsepower, 385 lb-ft of torque; 5-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive with optional part-time four-wheel drive.
MPG: 12 city/17 highway

2008 Ford F-150

2008 Ford F-150 9
2008 Ford F-150

What we think
The Super Duty’s little brother, the Ford F-150, still packs an impressive 9,500-lb towing capacity while being easier on your wallet than the mammoth dualie. Armed with the optional 5.4-liter V-8 that enables the truck’s pulling power, the F-150 still comes in at just over $30,000. That’s not too bad for the best-selling vehicle in America.

At a glance
MSRP: $17,700
Engine and Drivetrain: 4.2-liter V-6 engine, 202 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque; 4.6-liter V-8 engine, 248 horsepower, 294 lb-ft of torque; 5.4-liter V-8 engine, 300 horsepower, 365 lb-ft of torque; 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive with optional part-time four-wheel drive.
MPG: 14 city/20 highway (4.2-liter, manual, two-wheel drive), 14 city/19 highway (4.2-liter, auto, two-wheel drive), 14 city/19 highway (4.6-liter, two-wheel drive), 13 city/17 highway (4.6-liter, four-wheel drive), 13 city/17 highway (5.4-liter),

2008 Nissan Armada

2008 Nissan Armada 10
2008 Nissan Armada

What we think
Perfect for the family with a good-sized boat to haul, the Nissan Armada has enough tricks up its sleeve to keep the kids entertained while it pulls. Available with GPS navigation, a full-sized sunroof and a Bose sound system, the Armada is a high-class hauler. Even though its 9,100 lb towing capacity is the lowest of all the rigs on the list, it should be more than enough to get you and the goods down the road.

At a glance
MSRP: $36,130
Engine and Drivetrain: 5.6-liter V-8 engine, 317 horsepower, 385 lb-ft of torque; 5-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive with optional part-time four-wheel drive.
MPG: 12 city/18 highway (rear-wheel drive), 12 city/17 highway (four-wheel drive)




Track Your Service Records
Get Recall Alerts
Get Updated Value Estimates on Your Car.
Go to a Review