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Three-quarter front view of a grey Ford F450 Super Duty

Buyers Guide: The Best Trucks by Towing Capacity for 2023

These Trucks Meet Your Hauling and Load Needs

Any car can tow a small load, but some do it more elegantly than others. Trucks, in particular, are robust and spacious, and many buyers place a premium on a truck’s towing and payload capacities, even above the vehicle’s entertainment amenities and other customized choices designed to satisfy comfort or efficiency needs.

If you regularly pull heavy loads, such as boats, trailers, or campers, one of the trucks on our list will surely be up to the task. From midsize to heavy-duty models, the following are the top ten trucks if you care about towing capacity.

  1. 2023 Nissan Frontier
  2. 2023 Jeep Gladiator
  3. 2023 Nissan Titan
  4. 2023 Toyota Tundra
  5. 2023 Ram 1500 Mild-Hybrid
  6. 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty
  7. 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD
  8. 2023 GMC Sierra 3500 HD
  9. 2023 RAM 3500 HD
  10. 2023 Ford F-450 Super Duty

2023 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

Via Nissan

Specifications

  • MSRP: $30,670 USD / $40,900 CAD
  • Engine: 3.8L V6
  • Power / Torque: 310 hp / 281 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: 4WD
  • 0-60 mph: 7.9 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 20 MPG combined / 12.3L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile
  • Payload Capacity: 1,620 lbs
  • Towing Capacity: 6,640 lbs

Our Take

The new Frontier has been upgraded in numerous ways to compete with rival midsize trucks. Its most important selling points are its potent and refined V6 engine, comfortable cabin, and enjoyable driving experience.

Frontier’s optional 4×4 capability, maximum towing capacity of up to 6,640 pounds, maximum payload capacity of up to 1,620 pounds, and cutting-edge driving innovations allows for respectable capabilities for your everyday towing needs.

2023 Jeep Gladiator

Three-quarter front view of a 2023 Jeep Gladiator pulling a Jeep Wagoneer on a trailer

Via Jeep

Specifications

  • MSRP: $47,325 USD / $53,295 CAD
  • Engine: 3.0L Diesel V6
  • Power / Torque: 285 hp / 260 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: 4WD
  • 0-60 mph: 7.3 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 28 MPG combined / 12.6L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile
  • Payload Capacity: 1,710 lbs
  • Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs

Our Take

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator, when properly equipped, can tow up to 7,700 pounds and offers superb off-road performance. The ZF eight-speed automatic transmission on this truck shifts gears smoothly and provides plenty of grunt at low engine speeds. 

The Gladiator has a permanent all-wheel drive system called Command-Trac, which may be engaged on paved roads. However, the driver can have only the back wheels turn to move the vehicle. 

2023 Nissan Titan XD

Front view of a 2023 black Nissan Titan XD towing an Airstram RV

Via Nissan

Specifications

  • MSRP: $49,885 USD / $67,198 CAD
  • Engine: 5.6L V8
  • Power / Torque: 400 hp / 413 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: 4WD
  • 0-60 mph: 7.4 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 18 MPG combined / 12.5L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 5-Year / 100,000-Mile
  • Payload Capacity: 2,390 lbs
  • Towing Capacity: 11,040 lbs

Our Take

The 2023 Nissan Titan XD is a heavy-duty truck with the best towing and payload ratings of any Nissan pickup. It has a maximum payload of 2,390 pounds and can pull up to 11,040 pounds. 

Trailer sway control (TSC), a tow mode that allows for the regulation of the trailer’s fall rate, and a trailer light control system are all included in the towing assistance. The Titan has the best truck warranty with  5-Year / 100,000-Mile.

2023 Toyota Tundra

Three-quarter front view of a 2023 brown Toyota Tundra pulling a trailer

Via Toyota

Specifications

  • MSRP: $67,000 USD / $86,000 CAD
  • Engine: 3.4L Twin-Turbocharged V6
  • Power / Torque: 437 hp / 583 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: 4WD
  • 0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 20 MPG combined / 12.2L/100km combined 
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 
  • Payload Capacity: 1,940 lbs
  • Towing Capacity: 12,000 lbs

Our Take

The Toyota Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds thanks to its Strong TripleTech™ frame and built-in trailer hitch receiver. The tow/haul mode of this trailer hitch improves throttle response and allows the vehicle to remain in lower gears for longer. An optional integrated trailer brake controller is also available.

Tundra gives you peace of mind when towing, whether you’re headed out on a weekend camping trip or taking the ATVs for a spin in the desert.

2023 RAM 1500 Mild-Hybrid

Front view of a 2023 grey Ram 1500 towing a heavy load

Via RAM

Specifications

  • MSRP: $48,670 USD / $61,900 CAD
  • Engine: 5.7L V8 + Mild Hybrid eTorque
  • Power / Torque: 395 hp / 410 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: 4WD
  • 0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 19 MPG combined / 12.2L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 
  • Payload Capacity: 2,300 lbs
  • Towing Capacity: 12,750 lbs

Our Take

The only hybrid on our list, the RAM 1500 mild-hybrid with eTorque, is a beast that blends power, luxury, and technology.

The smooth ride, secure brakes, and tight steering make this RAM mild hybrid stand out. The self-leveling suspension system features four modes of operation: a 4×4 system with an Anti-Spin rear axle and a 4×4 coupling with Shift-On-Demand to ensure fluid driving on various terrains.

2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty

Side view of a 2023 blue Ford F-250 Super Duty pulling a trailer

Via MotorTrend

Specifications

  • MSRP: $43,970 USD / $54,755 CAD
  • Engine: 6.7 Turbo Diesel V8
  • Power / Torque: 475 hp / 1,050 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: 4WD
  • 0-60 mph: 7.0 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 17 MPG combined / 13L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 
  • Payload Capacity: 4,260 lbs
  • Towing Capacity: 21,200 lbs

Our Take

Among the toughest and most dependable pickup trucks in the market is Ford’s F-Series lineup. The F-250 can easily compete in towing capacity thanks to its advanced engine design, luxury features, and cutting-edge technology.

With a maximum towing capacity of 21,200 pounds, the 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque 6.7L V8 Power Stroke engine is highly capable of hauling big loads.

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD

Via Chevrolet

Specifications

  • MSRP: $51,120 USD / $54,200 CAD
  • Engine: 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8
  • Power / Torque: 445 hp / 910 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: 4WD
  • 0-60 mph: 7.5 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 19 MPG combined / 12L/100km combined
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 
  • Payload Capacity: 4,260 lbs
  • Towing Capacity: 21,200 lbs

Our Take

This Chevy truck has the previous-generation Duramax diesel 6.6-liter V8. The conventional rear-wheel drive can be upgraded to four-wheel drive with a single- or dual-rear-wheel axle. Its robust engine and smooth shifting offer confidence when moving big loads on any terrain.

The Silverado 2500 HD’s configurable trailering system lets you monitor exterior trailer lighting diagnostics, maintenance reminders, and pre-departure checklists through the infotainment system.

2023 GMC Sierra 3500 HD

Front view of a 2023 black GMC Sierra 3500

Via GMC

Specifications

  • MSRP: $47,800 USD / N/A
  • Engine: 6.6L Turbo Diesel V8
  • Power / Torque: 445 hp / 910 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: 4WD
  • 0-60 mph: 7.6 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 17 MPG combined 
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 
  • Payload Capacity: 6,196 lbs
  • Towing Capacity: 35,00 lbs

Our Take

The 2023 GMC Sierra 3500 HD is a powerful, well-mannered diesel pickup. This truck can tow up to 35,000 pounds when equipped with a fifth-wheel attachment or 20,000 pounds when using a standard trailer hitch. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but you can opt for four-wheel.

Among its fifteen camera views, the GMC ProGrade Trailering System offers a class-exclusive clear trailer view to help you monitor items behind the vehicle.

2023 RAM 3500 HD

three-quarter front view of a 2023 black Ram 3500 HD

Via Ram

Specifications

  • MSRP: $51,400 USD / $58,795 CAD
  • Engine: 6.7L Turbo Diesel I6
  • Power / Torque: 420 hp / 1,075 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: 4WD
  • 0-60 mph: 7.5 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 17 MPG combined
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 60,000-Mile 
  • Payload Capacity: 7,680 lbs
  • Towing Capacity: 37,090 lbs

Our Take

The 2023 Ram 3500 HD is an outstanding workhorse thanks to its class-leading towing capacity, plush cabin, and standard all-wheel drive. You can opt for a digital instrument cluster with a 12-inch display and a rearview camera mirror that provides a 180-degree, unobstructed view behind your truck or trailer. 

The optional Class-Exclusive Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension and the brand-new 2023 Trailer Reverse Steering Control are two exceptional technological features that may make towing easier.

2023 Ford F-450 Super Duty

Three-quarter front view of a grey Ford F450 Super Duty

Via Ford

Specifications

  • MSRP: $70,930USD / $79,000 CAD
  • Engine: 6.7L Turbo Diesel V8
  • Power / Torque: 420 hp / 1,075 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: 4WD
  • 0-60 mph: 7.5 seconds
  • Fuel Economy: 17 MPG combined / N/A
  • Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile 
  • Payload Capacity: 8,000 lbs
  • Towing Capacity: 40,000 lbs

Our Take

The capabilities of the 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty are ridiculous. Powered by a 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 Power Stroke, it generates 500 horsepower and an incredible 1,200 pound-feet of torque, which is semi territory. Its maximum diesel gooseneck towing capacity is 40,000 pounds, which is the most in its class. 

The Ford F-Series Super Duty, with all-wheel drive as standard, features the most advanced towing technology currently available in a pickup truck.