Sun's Out, Boats Out: 5 Vehicles Ready to Tow This Summer
The forecast is good, the water's warming up, and there's a boat with your name on it in your driveway. Before you flip the engine on and hit the waves, you've got to get your boat to the water. What vehicle can actually move your vessel from the garage to the dock without breaking a sweat. Here are five that are more than up to the job.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Two numbers matter most when towing: towing capacity and engine torque.
Towing capacity is straightforward — it's the maximum weight the vehicle can pull. Know your boat's loaded weight (including the fuel, gear, and trailer) and make sure the vehicle's towing capacity is comfortably above it. Pushing right up to your limit isn't just hard on the vehicle, it's a safety issue on hills, in wind, and at highway speeds.
To find the towing capacity of any vehicle on our site, you’ll want to scroll down to the ‘Details’ section, find the ‘Specs’ section, then click ‘Weights and Capacities” to see the Max Towing Capacity.
Torque is the one people skip, and they shouldn't. Where horsepower measures top-end power, torque is the low-end grunt that actually gets a heavy load moving from a stop — off a boat ramp, out of a parking lot, onto a highway on-ramp. More torque means more confidence during those vital moments.
To find the torque of any vehicle on our site, you’ll want to scroll down to the ‘Details’ section, find the ‘Specs’ section, then click ‘Engine’ to see the Total Max Torque.
Beyond those two numbers, look for available trailer sway control (automatically helps correct if your trailer starts to fishtail), a tow/haul driving mode (adjusts transmission behavior to keep power in the right gear when under load), and an integrated brake controller (syncs your trailer's brakes with the vehicle's). These features aren't flashy, but they make real-world towing significantly safer and easier.
Because CarShop sells like-new used vehicles, the model year may vary. The ranges we’ve provided below cover all versions of each vehicle from the past five years – which includes all of our CarShop Certified vehicles!
Ford F-150
The one that basically invented "capable"
The F-150 has been America's best-selling truck for decades, and when it comes to towing, it's easy to see why. Depending on the engine and configuration, towing capacity runs from 7,500 to 13,500 lbs across recent model years, with torque between 400 and 570 lb-ft. That upper end handles serious boats with room to spare. It also comes well-stocked with towing features like trailer camera integration, sway control, a backup assist system for the trailer, and an available integrated brake controller, all of which make it easy to operate.
(Ready to trade in for an F-150? See what CarShop will give you for your vehicle.)
Jeep Wagoneer
All-American SUV. All capable.
The Wagoneer is a serious tow vehicle hiding inside a three-row family SUV. Across 2022–2025 model years, it consistently tops out at 10,000 lbs of towing capacity with torque between 404 and 486 lb-ft depending on the engine. Those numbers put it ahead of most other full-size SUVs in the class. Automatic hitch assist and a trailer reverse guidance system take the stress out of backing down boat ramps, and the cabin comfortably seats eight, so you can ‘tow’ the whole family along too!
(Curious about financing for your next vehicle? CarShop can help.)
Toyota Tundra
Built for the long haul. Literally.
The Tundra got a significant redesign for 2022, and that made a strong truck even stronger. The 2021 model tows up to 10,200 lbs with 401 lb-ft of torque. From 2022 onward, capacity climbs toward 12,000 lbs with torque between 405 and 583 lb-ft (the higher end comes from the available hybrid powertrain). Add trailer backup guidance, blind spot monitoring with trailer coverage, and Toyota's long track record for reliability, and you've got a truck that's earned its reputation.
(Ready to find your Tundra? Shop Certified for CarShop’s best warranties.)
Lexus GX
Because driving should feel as relaxing as a day on the water.
The GX is proof that "luxury SUV" and "serious tow vehicle" are not mutually exclusive. GX was fully redesigned for 2024, and the two generations differ enough to make it worth knowing the difference. The 2021–2023 GX 460 tows up to 6,500 lbs with 329 lb-ft of torque, so it’s capable of towing ski boats and lighter pontoons. The 2024–2025 GX 550 steps it up considerably, with towing capacity between 8,000–9,096 lbs and a torque figure of 479 lb-ft. Either generation comes with standard four-wheel drive, available tow mode, and a cabin that makes the drive to the water genuinely pleasant.
(Ready to make a move on a Lexus GX? CarShop's finance team has your options.)
KIA Telluride
Not every boat needs a whole pickup truck.
Towing a ski boat, a small pontoon, or a jet ski trailer? You don't necessarily need a full-size truck, you may just need the right SUV. The Telluride is consistent across all recent model years: 5,000–5,500 lbs of towing capacity with 262-311 lb-ft of torque. That means it can handle the majority of recreational watercraft without breaking a sweat. What it adds beyond the numbers is space, a premium interior, and ride quality that makes the drive to the lake feel like part of the trip.
(Find out how much you can trade your vehicle in for in exchange for a Telluride today.)
FAQs
How much does a boat and trailer weigh?
Honestly, it varies widely. A small fishing boat or jet ski trailer typically runs 1,500–3,000 lbs. A ski boat or mid-size pontoon can hit 4,000–6,000 lbs loaded. Larger boats can push 8,000–10,000 lbs or more. Always weigh your rig fully loaded — fuel and your gear will add up.
What towing capacity do I need to tow a boat?
Match your vehicle's tow rating to your boat's loaded weight with a comfortable margin. Shoot for under or around 80% of your maximum rating to ensure safety and mitigate long-term wear. For most recreational boats, a vehicle rated between 5,000 and 8,500 lbs covers the majority of situations. Larger boats may need 10,000 lbs or more.
Do I need a special hitch to tow a boat?
Most boats use a standard ball hitch, but the hitch class matters. Heavier boats require a Class III or IV hitch. If you need a hand figuring out what exactly your vehicle needs, our service team has you covered.
Do I need a truck to tow a boat?
Nope! A well-equipped SUV can handle most recreational watercraft with ease. The Jeep Wagoneer, Lexus GX, and Kia Telluride on this list are proof. For very heavy boats, a truck like the F-150 or Tundra gives you more headroom.
The Takeaway
Summer doesn't wait, and neither should your search for the right vehicle. Whether you're upgrading to something with more tow capacity, or just ready for a change before the season really gets going, CarShop has vehicles worth driving. Sell, trade, finance, or just come see what's available at your local CarShop today!
The water is calling. We'll help you get there faster.
(Already have a vehicle and not sure it's tow-ready? Our service team can get you squared away before your first trip out.)