Top 10 Luxury SUVs for Towing

There's one thing American automakers still can do better than any others: build the biggest, toughest trucks. The Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon XL can tow nearly 10,000 pounds but are surprisingly refined and comfortable to drive due to significant engineering advances made during the comprehensive redesign for 2007. ***

For 2007, Ford stretched the already-massive Expedition and Lincoln Navigator by nearly 15 inches, offering these extended versions alongside the standard-length ones. The supersized SUVs can comfortably carry eight passengers while towing a hefty load. Power from Ford's 5.4-liter V8 offers 300 hp and 365 pound-feet of torque and is a good match for all but the heaviest loads. While serious heavyweights in all respects, these big SUVs exhibit very controlled ride and handling characteristics, thanks to a fully independent rear suspension. ***

Built on a fully boxed frame for rigidity and strength, the two-wheel-drive Nissan Armada goes head-to-head with domestic heavyweights, something Japanese trucks couldn't muster in the past. The standard, 5.6-liter V8 produces 317 hp and 385 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The four-wheel-drive version is also quite capable off-road, towing up to 9,000 pounds, as long as the trail can accommodate the Armada's generous dimensions. ***

Positioned between mid- and full-size SUVs, the two-wheel-drive Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango pack a punch when it comes to towing. The muscle to move nearly 9,000 pounds of trailer comes from the 5.7-liter Hemi that delivers 335 hp and 370 pound-feet of torque. An innovative control system detects trailer sway and modulates engine torque and braking to counteract it. The four-wheel-drive Aspen can tow up to 8,750 pounds. ***

Pushing past the four-ton tow mark, the two-wheel-drive Cadillac Escalade tows more than its Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon twins thanks to a new, 6.2-liter all-aluminum V8 that produces 403 hp and 417 pound-feet of torque. Larger four-wheel disc antilock brakes provide reassuring stopping power, and GM's StabiliTrak stability control system now features rollover mitigation technology for a secure and balanced ride. All-wheel-drive models can tow up to 7,700 pounds. ***

One doesn't normally associate Volkswagens with towing, but the V10 Turbo Direct Inject (TDI) diesel Touareg isn't your average VW. Powered by a 310-hp diesel that makes an impressive 553 pound-feet of torque at just 2,000 rpm, this five-passenger SUV has plenty of power to haul mass ***

Even the most jaded luxury-car buyers will find the Land Rover Range Rover's interior to be over-the-top ostentatious. But the classic British SUV isn't all show; properly equipped it can tow 7,716 pounds with loads of room for cargo inside. Two engines are offered ***

Buyers looking for something a bit more civilized than the truck-like G-Class, should consider the full-size GL-Class. It's built on a rigid, car-like platform for a better ride. Three rows of seats (the third one stows electrically) accommodate seven passengers in comfort. The GL320 CDI is powered by a 215-hp V6 diesel, delivering exceptional fuel economy for a big SUV; or you can order the GL450 with a 335-hp V8. Both models offer standard four-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission. ***

GM's recently redesigned full-size SUVs are veteran tow rigs. Drawing on decades of big-load experience, the new Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon are exceptionally stable and solid. When ordered with the 320-hp 5.3-liter V8, the SUVs are reasonably fuel efficient (16 mpg city/21 mpg highway) thanks to GM's Active Fuel Management technology that transforms the V8 into a four-cylinder under light loads. In 2008, a hybrid version will be available with roughly 25 percent better fuel economy. ***

Drivers of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class are part of an exclusive club. The uncommon, boxy and luxurious Gelaendewagen ("cross-country vehicle," in German) makes a statement that few SUVs can match. Originally engineered for German military use and built like a tank, figuratively speaking, the G-Class is a stout towing platform thanks to a rugged frame and tough suspension components. Offered in G500 and performance-tuned G55 AMG variants, the 5,500-pound G-Class has the mass and the power to handle big loads. ***