How Much Can Your SUV Tow? 2026–2027 Lexus vs. BMW, Mercedes & More + Complete Towing Guide
LAST UPDATED: OCTOBER 18, 2026
Updated with newly announced 2027 Lexus GX towing
capacity information, 2026-2027 Lexus SUV specifications,
competitor towing comparisons, and important trailer
towing safety guidelines.
LEXUS VS. COMPETITORS: TOWING CAPACITY
2026 SUV towing comparison + 2027 Lexus GX and LX manufacturer updates
How much can a Lexus GX, TX, RX, LX or NX tow compared with a BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Acura and other SUVs? Use this research tool to compare manufacturer-published towing ratings and see how trim, equipment, payload and trailer weight affect the answer. Select a Lexus and competitor below; the results update in place without scrolling.
Like-for-like vehicle matching: The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid is paired with a similarly sized plug-in hybrid SUV, the 2026 Volvo XC60 T8, rather than the larger gasoline BMW X5. The standard RX is matched first with the BMW X3; the TX with the BMW X5; and the GX with the BMW X7. Towing ratings are still configuration-specific and not proof of identical vehicle capabilities.
Towing capacity difference: 1,596 lb more for selected Lexus
Published maxima are provided where available for the selected configuration. The 2026 UX is not recommended for towing. The 2027 GX Luxury+ requires confirmation from its specific 2027 specifications; no 2026 figure has been silently carried over. Competitor ratings that still require verification are labeled accordingly. If scripts are disabled, use the Lexus reference table below.
Apples-to-Apples Towing: Compare Similar SUV Sizes and Powertrains
Not all SUVs are direct rivals. Comparing a plug-in hybrid Lexus RX 450h+ with a gasoline-powered BMW X5 can mislead shoppers because the vehicles differ in size and powertrain. For this reason, the default RX 450h+ matchup is the 2026 Volvo XC60 T8 Plug-in Hybrid, which Volvo rates to tow 3,500 lb with a braked trailer and specifies a 350-lb maximum towball load. The Lexus RX 450h+ has a published 3,500-lb maximum towing rating when properly equipped. Equal advertised maximum trailer weights do not necessarily mean equal payload, hitch, tongue-weight, or braking requirements.
Volvo: 2026 XC60 Plug-in Hybrid towing specifications · Lexus RX Hybrid specifications
For shoppers comparing BMW models, the BMW X3 is the more natural size-class starting point for a gasoline or conventional-hybrid RX; the larger BMW X5 fits more naturally alongside the three-row Lexus TX. For a GX, the BMW X7 can be considered a luxury SUV shopping alternative, though the GX’s off-road-oriented architecture and the X7’s road-focused design are substantially different.
2027 Lexus GX Towing Capacity: What Changed?
Lexus separately published 2027 maximums of 9,096 lb for Overtrail and 9,063 lb for Premium, Premium+ and Overtrail+. The 2027 press release does not give a Luxury+ figure, so do not assume its limit matches another grade or the 2026 model. The 2026 Luxury+ has a previously published 7,601-lb configuration figure; seating and equipment can change a particular vehicle’s rating. Check the vehicle-specific towing documentation.
Source: Lexus USA Newsroom — 2027 GX · 2026 GX release
Lexus Towing Capacity Reference by Model and Grade
The table below is available even when interactive features are blocked by a website editor. Unverified grades are marked for confirmation rather than assigned another trim’s rating.
| Lexus SUV / Year | Towing | Condition | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 UX 300h | Not recommended for towing | Lexus does not recommend towing with the UX; no tow rating is advertised. | Source |
| 2026 NX 350 / 350h / 450h+ | 2,000 lb | Up to 2,000 lb when properly equipped; check the exact trim, powertrain and tow preparation. | Source |
| 2026 RX 350 / 350h / 500h | 3,500 lb | When equipped with applicable tow package; confirm individual trim | Source |
| 2026 RX 450h+ | 3,500 lb | Up to 3,500 lb for the properly equipped plug-in hybrid. | Source |
| 2026 TX 350 / 500h / 550h+ | 5,000 lb | When properly equipped; manufacturer-published model-family figure | Source |
| 2026 GX 550 Premium | 9,063 lb | 2026 GX Premium, properly equipped | Source |
| 2026 GX 550 Premium+ | 9,041 lb | 2026 GX Premium+ rating, per Lexus of Concord model specifications | Source |
| 2026 GX 550 Overtrail | 9,096 lb | Highest published GX rating | Source |
| 2026 GX 550 Overtrail+ | 9,063 lb | Maximum published for Overtrail+ | Source |
| 2026 GX 550 Luxury+ | 7,601 lb | Published Luxury+ base configuration rating; equipment and seating configuration can alter the limit | Source |
| 2027 GX 550 Premium / Premium+ | 9,063 lb | 2027 manufacturer-announced figure | Source |
| 2027 GX 550 Overtrail | 9,096 lb | 2027 maximum; same published Overtrail maximum as 2026 | Source |
| 2027 GX 550 Overtrail+ | 9,063 lb | 2027 manufacturer-announced figure | Source |
| 2027 GX 550 Luxury+ | Confirm exact configuration | 2027 Luxury+ capacity is configuration-specific; 2027 launch announcement does not give a separate rating. Check official 2027 specification sheet before quoting. | Source |
| 2026 LX 600 / LX 700h | 8,000 lb | Both powertrains, properly equipped | Source |
| 2027 LX 600 / LX 700h | 8,000 lb | Both powertrains, properly equipped | Source |
Which Lexus Should You Choose for Towing?
Lexus GX vs. BMW X7: Luxury SUVs With Different Priorities
For properly configured vehicles, the 2027 GX Overtrail’s published 9,096-lb maximum compares with the 2026 BMW X7’s 7,500-lb maximum with the factory-installed trailer hitch. The GX offers body-on-frame construction and substantial off-road capability; the X7 emphasizes on-road luxury and three-row comfort. Ratings do not describe payload, tongue-weight limits, or how a vehicle feels towing at highway speeds.
Lexus TX vs. Acura MDX: Three-Row Family SUVs
The TX family has a published 5,000-lb towing capability when properly equipped. Acura publishes up to 5,000 lb for a properly equipped MDX with SH-AWD. This is a practical comparison for boat trailers and recreational gear, but hitch and vehicle ratings must still be checked.
Lexus RX vs. Mercedes-Benz GLE
Eligible RX configurations offer an available 3,500-lb tow package. Mercedes-Benz lists up to 7,700 lb for the 2026 GLE 350. These SUVs differ in capability, and a buyer who plans to tow should compare exact trim and required equipment before purchasing.
Lexus NX and UX: Confirm Whether Towing Is Approved
For smaller crossovers, do not assume a towing rating just because an accessory hitch can be installed. Check the official U.S. owner’s manual for the correct model year, powertrain and drivetrain. A cargo carrier receiver is not proof of towing approval.
Can My SUV Tow This Trailer? Loaded-Weight Planning Calculator
Use this preliminary screening tool to compare a loaded trailer with the limits printed on your own vehicle and hitch. Enter exact limits from your owner’s manual, certification labels and hitch documentation; don’t rely on an advertised class rating alone. Blank limits mean not checked—never treat that as approval to tow.
Important: This tool does not calculate GCWR, GAWR, loaded tow-vehicle GVW, ball-mount strength, trailer braking compliance, trailer balance or manufacturer-required tow-package equipment. Tongue weight must be measured, not assumed as 10%. Zero is not a valid substitute for an unknown limit. Review all those requirements before towing.
Can My Lexus Tow a Boat, Camper or Utility Trailer? Real-World Examples
These examples illustrate how to evaluate common trailers—not what any particular Lexus is automatically approved to tow. Trailer labels, loaded weights, and vehicle-specific ratings always control.
| Towing situation | Illustrative loaded weight | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Small utility trailer carrying home-project supplies | 1,500 lb | Trailer + actual cargo; coupler, lights, loaded tongue weight, all vehicle limits |
| Jet ski and trailer | 2,000 lb | Fuel, additional equipment, trailer brakes if required, ramp conditions |
| Boat and trailer | 3,500 lb | Boat, engine, fuel, gear and trailer together; tongue weight and hitch limit |
| Travel trailer with camping gear | 5,000 lb | Actual loaded weight, trailer GVWR, water, propane, payload and GCWR |
Illustrative scenarios only, not typical or published weights for any particular trailer. Confirm with a certified scale and trailer label. A 5,000-lb SUV tow rating does not itself establish that a 5,000-lb camper is permissible with passengers and luggage aboard.
Dry weight vs. GVWR vs. actual loaded trailer weight
Dry/empty weight is an advertised or measured unloaded figure. GVWR is the trailer manufacturer’s maximum permitted loaded trailer weight—not necessarily what it currently weighs. Actual loaded weight includes the trailer and everything aboard (water, propane, batteries, boat fuel, cargo and accessories). Use actual loaded weight for calculations, and never load beyond trailer GVWR.
Where to find your real-world ratings
Check the driver-door certification and tire-loading labels for vehicle weight and cargo limits, the owner’s manual and towing guide for tow and tongue limits, the receiver and ball-mount stamps for hardware limits, and the trailer VIN/GVWR plate for its limits. A qualified scale can help determine your actual fully loaded combination and tongue weight.
4-pin vs. 7-pin wiring and trailer brakes
A typical 4-pin connector supplies basic trailer lighting; 7-pin connectors can support additional functions such as electric trailer brakes or auxiliary power when correctly wired. A 7-pin socket does not automatically mean a working trailer brake controller is installed. Required brakes, breakaway equipment and wiring depend on the trailer, jurisdiction and manufacturer instructions.
Printable Pre-Towing Safety Checklist
Before each trip, confirm the following items. Print this section with your browser’s print command or copy it to a document for your glove box.
Checklist supplements, but does not replace, the vehicle and trailer manufacturer procedures or applicable law. Never tow a trailer using a Lexus/Toyota Activity Mount.
Understanding Tow Ratings: Capacity Is Only One Number
Maximum trailer weight is the upper trailer-weight rating for the vehicle under defined conditions. Payload includes passengers, cargo and trailer tongue weight. Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) limits the total loaded vehicle-and-trailer combination. Hitch tongue-weight rating, trailer brakes and the owner’s manual may impose lower limits. Do not assume a vehicle can tow its advertised maximum while carrying a full load of passengers and luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions About SUV Towing
Can a 2027 Lexus GX tow more than a BMW X7?
The published maxima compared here are 9,096 lb for the 2027 GX Overtrail and 7,500 lb for the 2026 BMW X7 when equipped with the factory hitch. Actual permissible loads depend on configuration and combined weight limits.
Did the 2027 GX towing rating increase?
No increase is documented in Lexus’s published 2027 peak rating compared with the manufacturer-announced 2026 peak: both list up to 9,096 lb for the Overtrail grade. Check for later specification revisions.
Does AWD automatically increase towing capacity?
No. Tow ratings depend on vehicle engineering, cooling, suspension, braking, drivetrain and the manufacturer’s certification. Compare vehicle-specific ratings, not general assumptions.
Can I tow a 5,000-lb trailer with a vehicle rated at 5,000 lb?
The trailer’s loaded weight, hitch and tongue-weight ratings, payload, passengers and other constraints all count. A vehicle’s published maximum is not a guarantee that every 5,000-lb trailer and load combination is permissible.
Complete SUV Towing Guide: Capacity, Tongue Weight, Payload & Trailer Safety
Manufacturer maximum towing capacity is only the starting point. The Lexus of Concord complete Lexus towing guide explains why loaded vehicle weight, hitch ratings, trailer brakes and trailer balance are equally important. Before choosing an SUV for a boat, camper, utility trailer or recreational equipment, understand the following terms.
1. Towing capacity is not the same as your real-world allowable trailer weight
A published maximum may assume particular factory equipment, drivetrain, wheels, seating configuration and loading conditions. Passengers, luggage, accessories and tongue weight affect the vehicle’s remaining payload and can limit the trailer you can actually tow. Never exceed the lowest applicable vehicle, hitch, axle or trailer limit, even if the engine is capable of pulling more.
2. What is trailer tongue weight? How does the 10% rule work?
Tongue weight is the vertical downward load a conventional trailer applies to the tow ball. A commonly discussed planning example is 10% of the loaded trailer weight; conventional trailers are often discussed in a roughly 10%–15% range, but the appropriate target depends on trailer design and the manufacturer’s instructions. Lexus of Concord’s existing towing guide also discusses a narrower approximate Lexus range. Never automatically assume that 10% is safe for every combination. Verify the applicable trailer tongue-load specification and hitch/vehicle rating.
10% Tongue Weight Planning Calculator
Enter the loaded trailer weight, including cargo, water and equipment. This shows a 10% example only—not a certified tow recommendation.
500 lb
750 lb
Tongue weight uses up available tow-vehicle payload. Check the owner’s manual, hitch receiver label, and trailer instructions. Some setups require a different tongue-weight ratio; never use a weight-distributing hitch unless the vehicle manufacturer authorizes it.
3. Payload, GVWR, GCWR and axle ratings
| Rating | What it means when towing |
|---|---|
| Payload | Capacity available for occupants, luggage, accessories and trailer tongue load; use the actual vehicle’s label and manual. |
| GVWR | Maximum allowable weight of the loaded tow vehicle, including its share of trailer tongue weight. |
| GCWR | Maximum manufacturer-rated combined weight of tow vehicle and trailer together, when specified. |
| GAWR | Maximum allowable load on each axle; rear axle load can rise substantially with trailer tongue weight. |
| Hitch and tongue rating | Receiver, ball mount, hitch ball and manufacturer tongue-load ratings each impose their own limits. |
Example: A trailer weighing 5,000 lb with a 500-lb tongue load adds approximately 500 lb to the tow vehicle’s load budget before accounting for hitch hardware, passengers or cargo. A 5,000-lb trailer rating does not automatically mean you have 500 lb of spare payload.
4. Trailer brakes, hitch equipment and weight distribution
Confirm whether your trailer requires independent brakes under state law and the vehicle manufacturer’s towing instructions. Check the trailer brake controller (if applicable), approved hitch, ball size, rated safety chains, wiring, breakaway cable and lights. A weight-distribution system is not automatically permitted on every luxury SUV; follow the manufacturer and hitch instructions. An aftermarket hitch does not increase the vehicle’s towing capacity.
Can You Install an Aftermarket Tow Hitch on Lexus, BMW, Toyota or Other SUVs?
Often yes, but not automatically. Depending on the exact model year, engine, tow-preparation equipment and manufacturer’s requirements, a properly fitted aftermarket hitch from a qualified installer may be suitable for trailer towing. An aftermarket receiver does not substitute for factory-required cooling, wiring, electronic programming or other tow-package equipment, and it never increases the automaker’s approved trailer rating. Some manufacturers or configurations require an original-equipment hitch or prohibit towing altogether. Confirm the owner’s manual and the specific hitch’s vehicle fitment instructions before installation.
Dealership-installed or aftermarket hitches from suppliers such as CURT, Draw-Tite and qualified installers, including certain U-Haul locations, must be selected for the exact vehicle. Check the complete setup: hitch receiver, ball mount, hitch ball, coupler, wiring, trailer brakes, tongue-weight limit and available vehicle payload. Verify what towing-package features the vehicle already has; a tow-prep package does not necessarily mean that a receiver or trailer-brake controller is installed.
Lexus & Toyota Activity Mount vs. Trailer Tow Hitch: What’s the Difference?
Important: Lexus and Toyota Activity Mount accessories are NOT designed for towing trailers. Although an Activity Mount can look like a small hitch receiver, it is intended only for specified compatible cargo-carrying accessories, subject to the accessory’s own load limit. NEVER attach a trailer, tow ball or trailer coupler to an Activity Mount.
| Feature | Activity Mount | Properly rated trailer tow hitch |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Approved accessory carriers, such as certain bike or cargo racks | Towing a compatible trailer when the vehicle is approved and equipped |
| Trailer towing allowed? | NO — NOT FOR TOWING | Only within the vehicle, hitch and equipment limits |
| Rated capacity | Accessory-specific. One Toyota genuine 1¼-inch Activity Mount lists 110 lb maximum load; other models may differ. | Model-specific trailer-weight and tongue-weight ratings |
| Electrical/trailer-brake provisions | Not a substitute for a towing system | Install required wiring, brakes and any specified tow-prep components |
Example: Toyota sells a genuine Activity Mount with a 1¼-inch receiver and a 110-lb maximum accessory load and explicitly states that it is not intended for towing. The rating is for that particular accessory, not a universal limit for every Lexus or Toyota Activity Mount.
Similarly, Lexus’s TX accessory brochure instructs owners to follow load limits and never tow using the Activity Mount. If a Lexus or Toyota is factory-rated to tow a trailer, use the manufacturer-compatible, properly rated trailer towing equipment—not an Activity Mount—subject to the exact vehicle’s towing instructions.
Manufacturer references: Toyota Genuine Activity Mount specifications and no-towing disclaimer · Lexus TX brochure, Activity Mount restriction.
Trailer Hitch Classes Explained: Class I, II, III, IV and V
Hitch classes describe common receiver-hitch capacity categories. These are example maximum hitch ratings published by CURT, not guaranteed ratings for every hitch or vehicle. Some hitches within a class carry lower limits; the actual hitch label and installation documentation control.
| Hitch class | Typical receiver opening | Trailer weight: up to | Tongue weight: up to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class I | 1-1/4 in | 2,000 lb | 200 lb |
| Class II | 1-1/4 in | 3,500 lb | 350 lb |
| Class III | 2 in | 8,000 lb | 800 lb |
| Class IV | 2 in | 10,000 lb | 1,000 lb |
| Class V — Xtra Duty | 2 in | 17,000 lb | 2,550 lb |
| Class V — Commercial Duty | 2-1/2 in | 20,000 lb | 2,700 lb |
Source: CURT Manufacturing — Hitch Classes and Ratings. Weight-distribution ratings, where specified, are separate and do not apply unless authorized by the vehicle, receiver and hitch manufacturers.
Example: A 3,500-lb-rated Lexus RX and a Class II hitch
Even if a vehicle is rated to tow 3,500 lb, a Class II hitch rated for 350 lb of tongue weight may limit the combination. At 12% tongue weight, a 3,500-lb trailer places approximately 420 lb on the hitch, exceeding that example receiver’s tongue-weight rating. The trailer must be loaded according to its manufacturer and must satisfy the vehicle’s tongue-weight range and all applicable limits. Do not assume you can reduce tongue weight to 10% unless the manufacturer permits that loading.
Bottom line: The allowable trailer weight is governed by the lowest applicable rating among the vehicle, hitch receiver, ball mount, ball, tongue load, payload, axle limits and other requirements. A Class IV or V hitch on a lighter-duty SUV does not upgrade that SUV’s rated towing capacity.
5. Loaded trailer weight includes more than the empty trailer
Include the trailer itself, passengers or cargo carried in the trailer where applicable, batteries, fuel, water, gear, bicycles, camping supplies, boat equipment and other items. A travel trailer’s advertised dry weight can be much lower than its actual departure weight. Weigh the loaded trailer and tow vehicle at an appropriate scale when practical.
6. How trailer balance affects stability
Distribute cargo according to the trailer manufacturer’s instructions, keep heavy loads low and secured, avoid overloading either axle, and confirm actual tongue weight. Too little tongue weight can contribute to trailer sway; too much can overload the hitch, rear axle, or payload capacity and reduce steering/braking effectiveness. Do not simply move heavy items forward without checking the result.
7. Bay Area and California towing considerations
Towing around Concord, Walnut Creek, Napa, Lake Tahoe and Northern California can involve steep grades, crosswinds, heat and long descents. Review the vehicle’s towing mode, transmission and cooling guidance, allow extra braking distance, check both sets of tires and follow applicable California trailer-brake and towing-speed rules. Confirm posted restrictions along your intended route.
8. Towing safety checklist before departure
- Confirm your exact VIN/grade and factory tow rating; use the lowest applicable rating.
- Weigh the fully loaded trailer and confirm tongue weight.
- Check payload, GVWR, GCWR, GAWR, receiver and ball-mount ratings.
- Check trailer brakes, safety chains, lighting, breakaway system and coupler.
- Check tire load ratings, pressure and condition on both vehicle and trailer.
- Secure cargo, adjust mirrors and ensure proper visibility.
- Allow more time and distance for braking and turning; obey posted towing laws.
Frequently Asked Towing Questions
Does 9,096 lb towing capacity mean I should pull a 9,096 lb camper?
No. It is a published maximum for a particular properly equipped configuration, not a universal recommended trailer weight. Check fully loaded weights, tongue load, payload and all other ratings.
Is tongue weight always exactly 10%?
No. Ten percent is an illustrative calculation for some conventional trailers. Follow the specific vehicle, hitch and trailer manufacturers’ stated tongue weight requirements and safe loading guidance.
Can I tow with an aftermarket hitch on a BMW, Toyota, Ford or other SUV?
Possibly, if the vehicle maker approves trailer towing for that exact configuration and the installed hitch and other equipment meet all published requirements. Some ratings require a factory towing package or factory-installed hitch; aftermarket hardware cannot replicate uninstalled factory equipment or increase the vehicle’s rated limit.
Does a Class III or Class IV hitch let my SUV tow 8,000 or 10,000 lb?
No. Those are possible hitch ratings, not vehicle ratings. Follow the lowest applicable limit for the complete combination.
Does adding a larger hitch increase towing capacity?
No. The towing limit cannot exceed the manufacturer’s vehicle rating even if the hitch hardware has a higher number stamped on it.
Why does GX Luxury+ tow less than GX Overtrail?
Tow ratings vary with vehicle grade, weight, seating and equipment. Never transfer the Overtrail rating to Luxury+ simply because both share an engine.
Are 2027 GX Luxury+ towing figures the same as 2026?
Do not assume so. Lexus’s September 2026 2027 GX announcement explicitly lists maximums for Premium, Premium+, Overtrail and Overtrail+; confirm the exact 2027 Luxury+ configuration using Lexus vehicle-specific specifications before quoting a limit.
Can I tow a trailer with a Lexus or Toyota Activity Mount?
No. Activity Mounts are for compatible carrier accessories only, subject to their specific load limits; Lexus and Toyota explicitly prohibit trailer towing with them. A receiver-shaped opening does not make an Activity Mount a trailer hitch. Use a properly rated towing hitch and any required factory towing equipment only if your exact vehicle is approved for towing.
Where can I read Lexus of Concord’s detailed towing guide?
See How Much Can a Lexus Tow? Complete Lexus Towing Capacity Guide by Model & Year, covering towing terminology, tongue load and safe trailer setup.
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Editorial sources: Lexus of Concord towing guide, Lexus 2027 GX announcement, Lexus GX specifications, and applicable competitor manufacturer pages. The RX 450h+ is matched against the Volvo XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid for size and powertrain relevance. The 10% tongue-load calculation is illustrative only and does not certify any towing combination.
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