Looking for our list of 2023 trucks?
The world of electric vehicles is growing rapidly, and automakers are doing everything they can to release new models with great capabilities and performance. Nowhere is that more apparent than with electric pickup trucks, where the segment has grown from nonexistent to spectacular with the release of the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning. Electric vehicle towing is about to become even bigger business than it already is, so get ready.
The GMC Hummer EV is also on the streets now, and by the end of 2022, we may see even more towing-capable, rugged EVs hitting dealers’ lots. It’s important to remember that towing capacity is different than payload capacity, which deals with the weight of the vehicle itself, plus any fluids, passengers, and cargo. It’s also good to note that most vehicles, even today’s gas pickup trucks, need to be properly equipped before they’re able to tow anything, trailer or otherwise. Many vehicles, such as the Tesla Model Y on our list, require a towing package, which adds a hitch and other hardware, as well as software patches to handle the strain that towing puts on the vehicle.
Don’t get caught up in fancy range and torque numbers, because just like their gas counterparts, EVs will be nowhere near as efficient while pulling a trailer. There’s some dispute over whether the outrageous torque claims from GMC and Tesla are real, or an engineering flim-flam meant to tempt an unknowing public.
If you’re looking for an EV and need to tow, this is a decent time to be in the market, but the longer you can wait the more selection you’ll have. Be prepared to open your wallet for an electric vehicle of any type, however, because most are currently more expensive than comparable gas models. No matter where you end up with your next towing rig, gas or electric, be sure you understand your vehicle’s capabilities and your own skill before hitting the road.
Ford F-150 Lightning
Electric Vehicle Towing Capacity: 10,000 pounds
The F-150 Lightning may be one of Ford’s most anticipated and hotly desired vehicles of all time. The electric pickup truck sold out almost immediately, causing the automaker to expand its initial production numbers more than once. Looking at the Lightning, it’s easy to see the appeal: The truck looks, drives, and feels almost exactly like a standard F-150, and its electric powertrain delivers strong acceleration and great range.
Inside, the Lightning offers an upscale interior with a huge infotainment display and spacious accommodations for up to five passengers. There’s an entry-level Pro trim that offers more utilitarian finishes, but most variants of the truck come loaded with luxury and comfort features.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Electric Vehicle Towing Capacity: 1,650 pounds
Like its corporate cousin, Kia, Hyundai is set to debut a surprisingly capable small EV for 2022. The Ioniq 5 brings quirky forward-looking style to the table, along with an ok 1,650-pound tow rating. Hyundai says that the Ioniq 5 will sport a driving range of between 220 and 303 miles, and notes that it will be available with three powertrain options, the standard range model can deliver 168 horsepower, while two more powerful long range units deliver 215 and 302 horsepower. The Hyundai offers a clean, futuristic cabin with two large driver-oriented screens, and will be available with semi-autonomous driving features.
Rivian R1T and R1S
Photo courtesy of Rivian
Electric Vehicle Towing Capacity: 11,000 pounds
Rivian captured everyone’s attention with big investments from Ford, Amazon, and others, but it will also be one of the first companies to deliver an electric pickup truck when the first units land in late 2021. The R1T is a compelling electric truck with supercar acceleration, legitimate off-road chops, and the ability to tow up to 11,000 pounds, which puts it on par with some of the best full-size trucks available today. Making things even better for Rivian buyers, the company’s R1S SUV will sport much of the same capability and a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds.
Tesla Cybertruck
Electric Vehicle Towing Capacity: 14,000 pounds
The Cybertruck’s unveiling press event was weird on a bunch of levels, from Elon Musk’s theatrics to a broken window, of all things. But if any of the specs that were laid out at the event and soon after are true, the funky Tesla will be a revelation for people needing to tow heavy loads. Mixed in with a bunch of other eye-popping specs are the towing numbers. In its most basic configuration, Tesla says the traditional Cybertruck will be able to tow up to 7,500 pounds, but in its most capable configurations the truck is said to tow up to 14,000 pounds.
It’s important to take a step back for a moment and note that nobody’s actually driven or tested the Cybertruck and things could change drastically before it actually reaches the market.
Audi E-Tron Sportback
Electric Vehicle Towing Capacity: 4,000 pounds
Audi’s electric offerings range from cushy premium crossovers to red-hot electric sports sedans, and some can tow an impressive amount. The E-Tron Sportback is one, and with the ability to tow up to 4,000 pounds, it can take the whole family, all of their gear, and pull a small trailer at the same time. On top of that, the Audi’s interior is packed with upscale materials and useful tech.
Volvo XC40 Recharge
Electric Vehicle Towing Capacity: 3,307 pounds
The funky XC40 crossover got an all-electric model a couple of years ago, and though it’s small, the Recharge EV model can tow up to 3,307 pounds. The crossover’s upright and slightly boxy shape give it excellent headroom inside, and the folding seats inside open up the storage area to a decent 47.39 cubic feet of cargo space. To sweeten the pot, Volvo offers the XC40 Recharge with several desirable feature, such as a panoramic sunroof, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and the latest advanced driver assistance tech.
Electric Vehicle Kia EV6
Electric Vehicle Towing Capacity: 2,300 pounds
Despite its name being strikingly similar to a popular band from the 1990s, the Kia EV6 has some serious capability. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 3,500 pounds which is more than enough for a small boat or trailer. That’s impressive for such a small vehicle, but the Kia offers more than that, with futuristic looks, an available long-range battery, and an open, airy cabin.
Volkswagen ID.4
Electric Vehicle Towing Capacity: 2,200 pounds
The Volkswagen ID.4 isn’t the most powerful vehicle on our list, but it’s got just enough capability to get the job done for folks wanting to pull a small trailer or boat. The ID.4’s tow rating of 2,200 pounds may not be all that impressive, but its price tag, upscale interior, and clever features make it a compelling choice among small electric crossovers. The ID.4 also gets a slew of advanced driver aids, many of which are standard, as well as a 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation.
Polestar 2
Electric Vehicle Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds
The Polestar 2 lands just under VW ID.4 at the low end of the towing spectrum, with capability of pulling up to 2,000 pounds. Volvo’s sub-brand offers plenty of other compelling features for the vehicle that more than make up for the slight lack of towing ability. Polestar says the 2 can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in under five seconds, and notes that the vehicle is built with the goal of being as sustainable as possible in the areas of battery design and manufacturing.
Tesla Model X
Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds
Tesla’s funky gullwing-doored crossover is weird, expensive, and surprisingly capable. When properly equipped, the Model X can tow up to 5,000 pounds. It’s also blazingly quick, and in some configurations can reach 60 mph from a standstill in just 2.5 seconds. Teslas are also known for their technology, and the Model X is no different. It can be equipped with advanced driver assist systems and comes with one of the largest and most functional infotainment touchscreens on the market today.
Hyundai Kona Electric
Electric Vehicle Towing Capacity: 2,800 pounds
Hyundai’s EV offerings are growing in number and sophistication, and no vehicle illustrates that point better than the Kona Electric. The tiny but mighty Hyundai Kona Electric is able to tow up to 2,800 pounds when properly equipped, and with an MSRP that lands well under $40,000, it brings a healthy dose of value to the table as well. Though the Kona isn’t offered with all-wheel drive, its 201-horsepower electric motor is strong enough to propel it from zero to 60 mph in a little over six seconds.
Audi E-Tron
Photo courtesy of Audi AG
Electric Vehicle Towing Capacity: 4,000 pounds
Another crossover. This time from a legacy European automaker with a catalog full of premium vehicles. The E-Tron is powered by twin electric motors with up to 402 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque. On top of that, it’s got a top speed of 124 mph and a cabin packed with upscale materials. Audi also says that the E-Tron is good to tow up to 4,000 pounds, which is plenty for a small trailer or boat.
