Towing capacity defines what you can accomplish with your SUV, from weekend boat launches to cross-country moves. The 2025 Nissan SUV lineup spans a wide range of capabilities, with options that handle everything from light utility trailers to substantial recreational vehicles.
Understanding each model's specific capacity helps you choose the right vehicle for your towing requirements. The lineup ranges from the Armada's commanding 8,500 lbs capability down to focused daily drivers that prioritize efficiency over hauling power.
Nissan Armada: Maximum Capacity Leader
The 2025 Nissan Armada delivers 8,500 lbs of towing capacity with an 850 lbs maximum tongue weight, positioning it as Nissan's heavy-duty towing solution. This full-size SUV handles large travel trailers, boat trailers, and equipment haulers that would overwhelm smaller vehicles.
Your towing confidence benefits from integrated systems including an available trailer brake controller, trailer sway control, and specialized tow mode. PRO-4X, Platinum, and Platinum Reserve trims include the integrated trailer brake controller as standard equipment. Higher trim levels add trailer back-up assist, which simplifies maneuvering in tight spaces or boat launches.
The Armada's Class IV tow hitch receiver comes pre-wired with a 7-pin trailer harness plug, eliminating aftermarket modifications. Trailer sway control actively monitors your setup and applies individual wheel braking to maintain stability during crosswinds or passing maneuvers.
Nissan Pathfinder: Versatile Mid-Range Towing
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder offers two distinct towing capacities based on trim level. The base S trim handles 3,500 lbs, while SV, Rock Creek, SL, Platinum, and Platinum Captain's Chairs variants increase capacity to 6,000 lbs with proper equipment.
Higher-capacity trims include a transmission oil cooler specifically designed for towing applications, helping maintain optimal operating temperatures during extended pulls. The standard Class III tow hitch and trailer harness eliminate the need for aftermarket installations on equipped trims.
Your control benefits from the 7-position Drive and Terrain Mode Selector, which includes settings optimized for towing conditions. Hill Start Assist prevents rollback during stops on inclined surfaces, while Hill Descent Control manages speed on steep downgrades. All models include 7-inch pre-wiring connections and trailer sway control for enhanced safety.
Light-Duty Towing: Murano, Rogue, and ARIYA
Three models in the 2025 Nissan lineup share a 1,500 lbs towing capacity: the Murano, Rogue, and ARIYA. This capacity handles utility trailers, small boat trailers, motorcycle haulers, and recreational equipment without requiring a larger vehicle's fuel consumption or parking challenges.
The Murano brings refinement to light towing with Intelligent AWD and multiple drive modes that adapt to varying conditions. Its spacious interior maintains comfort during longer trips with trailers attached.
The Rogue maximizes efficiency while maintaining towing capability through its Xtronic transmission with dedicated modes for off-road, snow, eco, and sport conditions. The compact footprint simplifies daily driving while preserving weekend versatility.
The ARIYA introduces electric towing with both front-wheel drive and e-4ORCE all-wheel drive options. Electric motors provide instant torque for smooth acceleration with light loads, while the e-4ORCE system adds snow mode for enhanced Canadian winter capability.
Towing Applications by Capacity Range
Understanding what each capacity level accommodates helps you select the appropriate SUV for your specific needs. The 8,500 lbs Armada capacity handles travel trailers up to 30 feet, large boats, equipment trailers, and enclosed car haulers.
The Pathfinder's 6,000 lbs capacity suits medium-sized travel trailers, larger boats, landscape trailers, and recreational vehicles. This range covers most family towing needs without requiring a full-size SUV's dimensions or fuel consumption.
The 1,500 lbs capacity shared by the Murano, Rogue, and ARIYA handles jet ski trailers, utility trailers, small boats, motorcycle trailers, and camping equipment. This capacity serves occasional towers who prioritize daily efficiency over maximum capability.
Essential Towing Features Across the Lineup
Modern towing extends beyond raw capacity to include safety and convenience technologies. Trailer sway control appears across multiple models, actively monitoring your vehicle-trailer combination and applying corrective measures during unstable conditions.
Hill Start Assist prevents rollback during stops on inclined surfaces, providing confidence during boat launches or steep driveway navigation. Available drive mode selectors help optimize performance for different towing scenarios, from highway cruising to off-road adventures.
Pre-wired harness connections eliminate aftermarket modifications, while available transmission coolers maintain optimal operating temperatures during sustained towing. Higher trim levels add features like trailer back-up assist and integrated brake controllers for enhanced control and convenience.
Choosing Your Towing Solution
Your ideal towing capacity balances capability with daily usability. The Armada suits buyers who regularly tow heavy loads and can accommodate a full-size SUV's dimensions and fuel requirements. The Pathfinder serves families who need substantial towing capability in a more manageable package.
The 1,500 lbs models serve buyers who occasionally tow light loads while prioritizing fuel efficiency and urban maneuverability. The ARIYA adds electric efficiency to light towing, reducing operating costs and environmental impact for shorter-distance applications.
Discover which 2025 Nissan SUV aligns with your towing requirements and lifestyle priorities—contact Orangeville Nissan to arrange a comprehensive demonstration of the model that matches your specific needs.
