Check Out the Five Best 2025 UTVs for Towing

When shopping for a 2025 UTV, it’s easy to get caught up in horsepower, suspension travel, and tech features, but overlooking towing capacity is a rookie mistake—one you’ll regret the moment you need to haul more than a packed cooler and a spare tire. A UTV’s towing capability isn’t just about horsepower; it’s a reflection of chassis strength, drivetrain durability, and overall design. Whether you’re dragging a trailer full of firewood, hauling gear for a backcountry hunt, or pulling a buddy’s broken-down rig out of a ditch, having a machine that can handle the load without straining its transmission or overheating is worth the weight of your buddy’s dead rig in gold.

In 2025, manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of what UTVs can tow, with some models rivaling compact trucks in sheer pulling power. So before you sign on the dotted line, make sure your dream UTV isn’t just fast and fun, but fully capable of handling whatever you plan to throw behind it.

The 2025 Kawasaki Ridge Crew isn’t just another four-door UTV; it’s one of the best machines on the market for towing, thanks to its reinforced chassis, powerful engine options, and refined CVT system. For the Ridge Crew, Kawasaki extended the frame with beefier rails and additional gussets to handle the added weight and potential hauling demands. That structural enhancement means the Ridge Crew feels planted and confident when pulling heavy loads, whether it’s a trailer full of gear or a work implement on the farm. That alone isn’t what makes the Kawasaki Ridge such a killer tow rig. Pair that with Kawasaki’s revised ECU tuning for a smoother throttle response and a clutch system designed to keep the CVT belt taut, and you’ve got a machine that delivers steady, reliable towing performance without asking too much of the drivetrain.

Beyond just strength, the Ridge Crew brings the luxury and practicality that serious haulers need. The 999cc inline-four engine delivers up to 116 hp and 74 lb.-ft. of torque in the XR Crew models, giving it the grunt to move heavy loads without worry. The hydraulic-assist dump bed provides easy access to vital maintenance points, ensuring the machine stays in top towing condition. And with up to 14 inches of ground clearance on the XR Crew, towing over rough terrain is far less of a hassle. Whether you’re hauling equipment for work or packing up for a weekend adventure, the Ridge Crew is built to handle the load with confidence and stability, making it one of the best UTVs for towing in 2025.

The 2025 Polaris Ranger XD 1500 is one of the best UTVs for towing thanks to its 1.5-liter ProStar Fury engine, which delivers an impressive 110 hp and 105 lb.-ft. of torque. Unlike many UTVs that struggle under heavy loads, the XD 1500′s high-strength steel frame and advanced Steeldrive transmission keep smooth, efficient power delivery, even when towing up to 3500 pounds. The oil-cooled CVT belt, built for long-term durability, provides consistent and reliable performance, making it an ideal choice for heavy-duty tasks on the farm, jobsite, or backcountry trails.

Beyond raw power, the Ranger XD 1500 is designed for comfort and control while towing. Its vacuum-boosted hydraulic brakes and dual A-arm suspension system provide stability and stopping power, even when fully loaded. The NorthStar Edition further enhances towing capability with larger 30-inch or optional 32-inch Kenda tires, offering monster grip and handling over the rough stuff. Combined with a high-capacity 6000-pound winch, sealed cab, and user-friendly ergonomic design, the Polaris XD 1500 makes hauling heavy loads easier and more efficient than ever before.

The 2025 John Deere Gator XUV835R stands out as a premier utility vehicle, offering a towing capacity that’s closer to some small pickup trucks than most UTVs; 4000 pounds, to be specific. This utility machine is marked by its standard 2-inch receiver hitch, allowing users to confidently haul heavy loads, whether it’s equipment for the jobsite or supplies for a weekend adventure. Complementing its towing strength, the Gator’s cargo box can handle up to 1000 pounds and features a durable composite construction resistant to dents and rust. The cargo box’s versatility is enhanced by integrated tie-down points and the option to convert it into a flatbed, accommodating larger items with ease.

Powering the John Deere is an 812cc electronic fuel injection (EFI) gasoline engine with liquid-cooling and dual overhead cams, designed to deliver maximum power and fuel efficiency for handling heavy work. The Deere has an independent suspension system, offering 8.0 inches of front travel and 9.0 inches at the rear.

The 2025 CFMoto UForce 1000 and 1000 XL offer impressive towing capabilities at an unbeatable price, making them killer choices for budget-conscious buyers who need serious pulling power. Both models are powered by a 963cc V-twin engine producing 71 hp and 54 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a CVT transmission for smooth power delivery. With a towing capacity of up to 2500 pounds and a standard 2-inch receiver hitch, the UForce can handle heavy loads with ease. Additionally, the standard 3500-pound winch (4500 pounds on the XL) provides a bit more bang for your buck for tough jobs, and buyers can upgrade to a 6000-pound winch for even more capability.

Beyond raw towing power, the UForce 1000 lineup boasts dependable and practical UTVs. The 1000-pound cargo-bed capacity rivals more expensive models, while the A-arm suspension provides solid ground clearance and stability when hauling loads across the rough stuff. Although it may lack some of the refined fit and finish of pricier machines, CFMoto makes up for it with a robust selection of accessories, including upgraded doors and winch systems. For those who need a hardworking UTV with excellent towing ability at a fraction of the cost of competitors, the 2025 UForce 1000 and 1000 XL deliver monster value.

Oh snap! Six wheels! The 2025 Can-Am Defender 6x6 stands out as one of the best UTVs for towing, thanks to its powerful 976cc Rotax V-twin engine producing 82 hp and 69 lb.-ft. of torque. With a class-leading 3000-pound towing capacity—500 pounds more than its closest competitor—the Defender 6x6 was made for only one thing: pulling a bunch of stuff to anywhere you want to take it. Its third axle provides additional traction and power delivery, ensuring stability and control even on the trail. The Pro-Torq transmission with Quick Response System (QRS) minimizes driveline windup, while the extra-low gear and Work mode enable smooth starts under load. The 2-inch hitch receiver makes connecting trailers effortless, and the tailgate is rated to support an additional 250 pounds, making it even better at demanding jobs.

Beyond raw towing power, the Defender 6x6′s robust suspension system ensures a smooth ride even when carrying heavy loads. The arched double A-arms in the front and Torsional Trailing Arms in the rear provide up to 11.0 inches of travel, while the 27-inch XPS Trail King tires deliver 13.0 inches of ground clearance. While it sacrifices some conveniences like turf mode and LED headlights, its 6-foot cargo bed with removable sides adds significant versatility for transporting the big stuff. For those who need a UTV that excels in heavy-duty towing, rugged performance, and has extra wheels, the 2025 Can-Am Defender 6x6 is it.

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