Which Full-Size SUV is Best for Towing? A Real-World Test of the Tahoe, Expedition, Armada, and Sequoia

For families needing to haul a heavy trailer along with passengers and cargo, the 2018 Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe emerge as the top choices, with the Expedition winning on intelligent transmission design and the Tahoe on raw V-8 power. This conclusion comes from a real-world towing challenge that put four full-size SUVs—the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, and Toyota Sequoia—to the test with a 3,500-pound camper trailer on mountain roads. While all are truck-based SUVs capable of the task, key differences in powertrains, fuel economy, and towing-specific features created a clear hierarchy.

How Do the Engines and Transmissions Compare Under a Towing Load?

The heart of any tow vehicle is its powertrain. In this test, three SUVs employed traditional V-8 engines, while the Ford Expedition used a more modern twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6. Twin-turbocharging uses two turbochargers to force more air into the engine, allowing a smaller engine to produce power comparable to a larger one. On paper, the Ford’s specs seemed disadvantaged, but real-world performance told a different story.

A major differentiator was the transmission. The Sequoia's 6-speed and Armada's 7-speed automatics were outclassed by the modern 10-speed transmissions in the Tahoe and Expedition. The Expedition’s 10-speed was praised for being "nearly effortless and incredibly intelligent," making optimal gear choices that leveraged its abundant torque. The Tahoe’s transmission, while less sophisticated, was backed by the highest horsepower, giving it brutal off-the-line power with a trailer attached. The Armada and Sequoia powertrains felt capable but less willing, with the Armada’s downshifts described as "pretty violent" on steep grades.

What is the Impact of Towing on Fuel Economy?

Towing always reduces fuel economy, but the extent of the drop varies. The test measured fuel economy with and without the 3,500-pound trailer.

Surprisingly, the Tahoe with the largest engine achieved the best unloaded fuel economy at 22.5 mpg. It also experienced the smallest percentage drop when towing (46.2%), achieving 12.1 mpg. The Expedition suffered the most significant fuel economy decrease at 52.9%, dropping from 21.6 mpg to 10.2 mpg under load, a common trait observed in turbocharged engines working hard. The Armada and Sequoia landed at the bottom of the fuel economy rankings both with and without a trailer.

What Towing-Specific Features Make a Difference?

Beyond pure power, details like hitch height, suspension, and integrated technology significantly impact the towing experience and safety.

• Hitch Height: The Tahoe and Expedition’s tall bumpers required a drop hitch (a hitch that lowers the ball height) to connect the trailer safely. The Armada and Sequoia had lower, more convenient hitch heights.
• Suspension: The Nissan Armada featured an automatic load-leveling rear suspension, which compensated for the trailer’s weight to maintain proper headlight angle and stable handling. The Sequoia exhibited noticeable "squat" when hitched, which could worsen with heavier loads.
• Trailer Brake Controllers: An integrated trailer brake controller is a system built into the vehicle’s dashboard to electronically apply the trailer’s brakes. The Armada was the only vehicle not to offer one from the factory, requiring an aftermarket unit.
• Visibility: Large side mirrors are critical for towing safety. Judges found the Tahoe’s mirrors "comically small," while only the Armada’s were deemed adequate. The Armada’s Around View Monitor (a camera system that provides a 360-degree bird's-eye view of the vehicle) was highlighted as exceptionally useful for hitching up a trailer alone.

Ford Expedition vs. Chevrolet Tahoe: Which is the Better Tow Vehicle?

The final scores revealed a two-horse race. The Ford Expedition averaged an 8.3/10 towing score, edging out the Chevrolet Tahoe’s 7.7/10. The Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia trailed significantly.

Based on our assessment experience, the choice between the Expedition and Tahoe comes down to priority. The Ford Expedition is the intelligent choice for its seamless, confident, and feature-rich towing experience, including advanced tech like a trailer light check system. The Chevrolet Tahoe is the powerhouse, ideal for those who prioritize straightforward, brute-force capability and better overall fuel economy. While the Armada proved surprisingly competent, it wouldn't be a top choice, and the Sequoia finished a distant fourth, lacking the polish and capability of its rivals.

For anyone regularly towing heavy loads, the 2018 Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe represent the most capable and confident choices in the full-size SUV segment.