When it comes to vehicles with top towing capacity, there’s no denying that pickup trucks are the best choice. Here, we’ve rounded up 11 of the strongest models that can all pull their weight (and then some). Read on to find out which trucks made the list.
What Makes a Good Towing Truck?
2023 Trucks with the Best Towing Capacity
Comparison Charts: Trucks for Towing
What Makes a Good Towing Truck?
If sports cars are measured by their top speeds and SUVs by the amount of cargo space they have, then towing capacity (and payload value) is the statistic that pickup trucks are compared against. And when it comes to the amount of weight a truck can tow, more is generally better.
2023 Trucks with the Best Towing Capacity
If you’re looking for a truck that can pack a punch when it comes to towing, here are 11 of the models that do it best:
1. Ram 3500
Maximum towing capacity: 37,090 pounds
Starting MSRP: $48,675
Pros: Comfortable seating, cab stays quiet while driving, user-friendly infotainment system
Cons: Diesel engine is noisy, parking can be difficult in the city
Overview
If you’re looking for a capable heavy-duty truck that also prioritizes comfort and high-tech features, then the Ram 3500 could be the pickup for you. In addition to its best-in-class towing, its extra roomy interior, use of high-end materials, and smooth ride top the competition.
2. Ford F-450 Super Duty
Maximum towing capacity: 37,000 pounds
Starting MSRP: $60,040
Pros: Can make tight turns with an extra-wide front axle, turbodiesel engine generates impressive power, spacious cab interior
Cons: Not a good option if you’re on a budget, lower payload potential because of its weight
Overview
The F-450 is tough to match in terms of its sheer power – in addition to its astounding towing capacity, it makes 900 pound feet of torque. Some of its other notable features include the standard diesel engine and rear dual wheels. While this truck isn’t the most budget-friendly on this list, its impressive strength justifies the cost.
3. Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
Maximum towing capacity: 36,000 pounds
Starting MSRP: $48,795
Pros: Ample interior storage space, roomy cab interior, 15-view camera system for easier towing
Cons: Interior design feels dated, large hood size can impair forward vision
Overview
The Silverado 3500 is made of both brains and brawn. Not only is it able to pull 36,000-pound loads, but it can also integrate with apps from Chevrolet to help owners with trailering. A spacious interior, comfortable touches, and the latest tech options make this a truck you’ll love driving for work and leisure.
4. GMC Sierra 3500HD
Maximum towing capacity: 36,000 pounds
Starting MSRP: $49,695
Pros: Spacious cab interior, excellent hauling capabilities, features the latest in tech
Cons: Wide hood can limit forward visibility, some competitor trucks offer higher payload values
Overview
In terms of capability, the Sierra 3500 can tow with the best of the best. But when it comes to looks, this pickup doesn’t have the same rugged aesthetics as some of the other trucks on this list. Instead, it features a sleek design that has an air of elegance. Continuing in this theme, higher-end trim levels offer a refined cab interior that brings premium SUVs to mind.
5. Ford Super Duty F-350
Maximum towing capacity: 23,700 pounds
Starting MSRP: $45,015
Pros: Roomy cab interior, multiple options for tech upgrades, lightweight aluminum body means increased efficiency
Cons: Lacks refined driving manners, getting in and out of lifted models is difficult
Overview
The F-350 takes the middle spot in Ford’s Super Duty line and is a great choice for those looking for a powerful pickup thanks to its top-class towing and payload capacities. Not only is this truck tough, but it also comes with integrated safety features that will put your mind at ease while you’re on the road.
6. Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
Maximum towing capacity: 20,000 pounds
Starting MSRP: $47,595
Pros: Acceleration is quick, ample storage space inside the cab, 15-view camera system for easier towing
Cons: Interior design feels dated, large hood size can impair forward visibility
Overview
This is a solid truck that could be perfect if you need more power than the average pickup truck can provide. It also makes towing easier with its Advanced Trailering System and accompanying mobile app that features custom profiles, pre-departure checklists, and diagnostics for trailer lighting.
7. Ford Super Duty F-250
Maximum towing capacity: 20,000 pounds
Starting MSRP: $43,970
Pros: Diesel engine generates an impressive amount of torque, excellent payload capacity, roomy cab interior
Cons: Long stopping distance, difficult to get in and out of without side steps
Overview
Rounding out the Super Duty trucks from Ford is the F-250. Though it sits in the last spot of the lineup, its towing and payload capacities are still impressive, and it expertly handles rough terrain as well. The spacious cab interior also gets high marks and features ample leg room, refined touches, and seating for six.
8. GMC Sierra 2500HD
Maximum towing capacity: 20,000 pounds
Starting MSRP: $46,600
Pros: Optional diesel engine is extremely powerful, camera system makes towing easier, useful in-cab technology
Cons: Interior design feels dated, competitor trucks can tow more weight
Overview
While this truck can’t boast the same towing capacity and payload values as some of its competitors, the Sierra 2500 is still a capable pickup that could be a good option if you’re looking for a solidly built vehicle. Where the Sierra 2500 really shines is in its storage ability. It comes equipped with plenty of in-bed tie-downs, a Multi-Pro tailgate, and ample interior cargo space.
9. Ford F-150
Maximum towing capacity: 14,000 pounds
Starting MSRP: $35,680
Pros: User-friendly infotainment system, many different engine options to choose from, cab interior feels upscale
Cons: Rougher ride over bumpy roads, unimpressive fuel economy
Overview
There’s a reason why the F-150 is the best-selling pickup truck in the U.S. It offers just the right combination of features, engine types, towing and payload capacities, trim levels, and price points to make it a practical choice. Despite its versatility, there are better options if you need to haul heavier loads.
10. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Maximum towing capacity: 13,300 pounds
Starting MSRP: $36,645
Pros: Ample rear legroom, infotainment system has a user-friendly touchscreen, includes multiple in-bed tie-down points
Cons: Rougher ride than competitors, unremarkable interior design
Overview
While it tends to get outperformed by other trucks in its class, the Silverado 1500 still has some bright spots. These highlights include: user-friendly technology features, a wealth of driver aids, as well as ample bed and interior storage space.
11. GMC Sierra 1500
Maximum towing capacity: 13,200 pounds
Starting MSRP: $37,445
Pros: Wide variety of offered powertrains, ample rear legroom, large bed capacity
Cons: Rides rougher than competitor trucks, wide hood and roof pillars can limit forward visibility
Overview
With eight different trim levels to choose from, there’s a Sierra 1500 for everyone. Higher-end trims offer luxurious touches like open-pore wood and leather coverings, but no matter which trim you choose, you’ll benefit from a wide range of standard safety features such as lane keep assist, forward collision warning, and traction control.
Comparison Chart: Best Trucks for Towing
Make | Model | Max. Towing Capacity | Pros | Cons | MSRP Price |
Chevrolet | Silverado 3500 HD | 36,000 pounds | Ample interior storage Roomy cab 15-view camera system for easier towing | Dated interior Hood size impairs visibility | From $48,795 |
Chevrolet | Silverado 2500 HD | 20,000 pounds | Quick acceleration Ample interior storage 15-view camera system for easier towing | Dated interior Hood size impairs visibility | From $47,595 |
Chevrolet | Silverado 1500 | 13,300 pounds | Ample rear legroom User-friendly touchscreen In-bed tie-down points | Rougher ride than competitors Unremarkable interior design | From $36,645 |
Ford | Super Duty F-450 | 37,000 pounds | Extra-wide front axle allows for tight turns Turbodiesel engine Spacious interior | Not budget-friendly Lower payload potential | From $60,040 |
Ford | Super Duty F-350 | 23,700 pounds | Roomy cab Multiple tech options Light, aluminum body increases efficiency | Lacking driving manners Getting in and out is difficult in lifted models | From $45,015 |
Ford | Super Duty F-250 | 20,000 pounds | Diesel engine generates an impressive amount of torque Excellent payload capacity Roomy cab | Long stopping distance Hard to get in and out of without side steps | From $43,970 |
Ford | F-150 | 14,000 pounds | User-friendly infotainment system Many different engines to choose from Cab feels upscale | Rough ride over bumpy roads Unimpressive fuel economy | From $35,680 |
GMC | Sierra 3500 HD | 36,000 pounds | Spacious cab Excellent hauling capabilities Features latest tech | Wide hood limits visibility Other trucks have higher payload values | From $49,695 |
GMC | Sierra 2500 HD | 20,000 pounds | Optional diesel engine is powerful Towing camera system Useful in-cab technology | Dated interior Other trucks can tow more | From $46,600 |
GMC | Sierra 1500 | 13,200 pounds | Variety of powertrains offered Ample rear legroom Large bed capacity | Rides rough Wide hood and roof pillars limit visibility | From $37,445 |
Ram | 3500 | 37,090 pounds | Comfortable seating Quiet cab User-friendly infotainment system | Noisy diesel engine Difficult city parking | From $48,675 |
If you’re looking for a truck that can pull its weight (and then some), any of the pickups on this list would be an excellent choice. Got one in mind? We can help! Our commercial sales professionals work hard to ensure you have a positive experience when shopping for your next truck, or any commercial vehicle. They are dedicated individuals who will answer your questions, help you in find the right vehicle, stay with you during the entire process, and address any future purchases or needs.
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