Best Used SUVs for Beach Driving & Towing in Wilmington NC

One of the greatest perks of living in Southeastern North Carolina is the beach lifestyle. Whether you are packing up coolers and shade tents for a day at Freeman Park on the north end of Carolina Beach, driving down to Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, or towing a boat or jet skis to launch at the Wrightsville Beach boat ramp, water is a constant part of life.

But if you want to drive directly onto the sand or pull a heavy center-console boat out of the water, not just any vehicle will do. You need an SUV with specific mechanical capabilities: real four-wheel drive (4WD) or a robust all-wheel drive (AWD) system, high ground clearance, and sufficient towing capacity.

At Swell Car Company, we are local beach drivers and boaters ourselves. We understand what it takes to survive the sand and the salt. Here is our list of the best used SUVs for beach driving and towing in Wilmington, NC.

1. Toyota 4Runner (2014–2022) — The Undisputed King of the Sand

If you spend any time at Freeman Park, you’ve probably noticed that the Toyota 4Runner is the unofficial mascot of the beach.

• Why It's a Top Pick: The 4Runner is one of the last remaining "body-on-frame" SUVs on the market, built like a truck. Its traditional part-time 4WD system, high ground clearance (9.6 inches), and legendary reliability make it nearly impossible to get stuck if you air down your tires correctly.
• Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs — plenty for single-axle boat trailers, jet skis, or lightweight utility trailers.
• What to Look For: Older models are incredibly durable, but look for a 4Runner with a clean undercarriage frame (no heavy salt-water flaking) and verify that the 4WD transfer case engages smoothly.
• Swell Tip: Toyota's 4.0L V6 engine is practically bulletproof, but it's thirsty. Expect around 17–18 MPG on your commute down Oleander Drive.

2. Chevrolet Tahoe (2015–2020) — The Family Hauler and Heavy Tower

If you need to carry a family of six, all their beach gear, and tow a large boat (such as a 21-foot or 24-foot center console), the Chevy Tahoe is the gold standard.

• Why It's a Top Pick: Powered by a robust 5.3L V8 engine (355 hp), the Tahoe has massive torque for towing and highway passing. It features a spacious three-row cabin, comfortable leather options, and an available autotrac active 4WD transfer case that makes transitioning from dry asphalt to soft sand seamless.
• Towing Capacity: Up to 8,600 lbs (when equipped with the max trailering package). This handles double-axle boat trailers easily.
• What to Look For: Check for magnetic ride control health on LTZ or Premier trims (it can be expensive to replace). Ensure the AFM (Active Fuel Management) system is functioning quietly without ticking noises.

3. Jeep Grand Cherokee (2016–2021) — The Premium Beach Cruiser

The Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2 generation) offers the perfect balance of premium comfort, daily commuter efficiency, and genuine off-road capability.

• Why It's a Top Pick: Unlike the 4Runner, the Grand Cherokee uses a unibody construction, meaning it rides and handles like a luxury car on the pavement. However, when equipped with Jeep’s Quadra-Trac II or Quadra-Drive II 4WD systems, it is exceptionally capable on the sand.
• Towing Capacity: 6,200 lbs with the standard 3.6L V6, or an impressive 7,200 lbs if you find one with the 5.7L HEMI V8.
• Swell Tip: Look for models with the Quadra-Lift air suspension. This allows you to raise the vehicle's ride height at the press of a button, giving you up to 10.8 inches of ground clearance to clear deep sand ruts at Fort Fisher.

4. Ford Explorer (2016–2021) — The Practical Daily Commuter

If you want a three-row SUV but don't want the massive footprint or fuel bill of a full-size Tahoe, the Ford Explorer is a highly practical choice.

• Why It's a Top Pick: The Explorer offers plenty of space for families, excellent safety ratings, and modern technology. Models from 2020+ moved to a rear-wheel-drive platform, which significantly improved towing dynamics and off-road balance.
• Towing Capacity: Up to 5,600 lbs (with the 2020+ 2.3L EcoBoost or 3.0L EcoBoost V6).
• Swell Tip: Look for models equipped with Ford’s Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System. Turning the dial to "Sand" mode adjusts the throttle response and traction control to prevent your wheels from digging into soft beach sand.

5. Lexus GX 460 (2014–2020) — Luxury Meets Truck-Based Durability

If you love the reliability and capability of the Toyota 4Runner but want a cabin that feels like a five-star hotel, the Lexus GX 460 is an absolute steal on the used market.

• Why It's a Top Pick: Underneath its luxurious leather-and-wood interior, the GX 460 is a rugged off-roader (sharing its platform with the global Toyota Land Cruiser Prado). It features a standard 4.6L V8 engine, a full-time 4WD system with a Torsen locking center differential, and an incredibly quiet cabin.
• Towing Capacity: 6,500 lbs — easily pulling medium-sized boats.
• Typical Value: Because Lexus vehicles depreciate, you can often buy a pre-owned GX 460 with 80,000 miles for the same price as a similar-mileage Toyota 4Runner, giving you luxury comfort at a massive discount.

Crucial Tips for Driving Your SUV on Wilmington Beaches

No matter how capable your 4x4 or AWD SUV is, the sand will eat your vehicle if you don’t follow these rules:

1. Air Down Your Tires: This is the golden rule of sand driving. Before crossing the access ramp at Freeman Park, lower your tire pressure to 15–18 PSI. This widens your tire's footprint, allowing it to float on top of the sand instead of digging in. (Keep a portable air compressor in your trunk to air back up before hitting the highway!).
2. Turn Off Traction Control: Traditional traction control cuts engine power when it senses a wheel spinning. On sand, you need constant momentum. Turn traction control OFF so your wheels can spin and maintain your forward progress.
3. Maintain Consistent Momentum: Avoid sudden braking or rapid acceleration. Drive smoothly, follow existing tire ruts when possible, and always park facing downhill on sandy slopes.
4. Wash the Underbody Immediately: Salt sand and brackish water are highly corrosive. After every beach trip, visit a local car wash with an undercarriage spray to flush out every trace of salt from your brakes, frame, and suspension.

Looking for your next beach-ready SUV? Stop by Swell Car Company in Wilmington, NC. We source clean, fully inspected, coastal-ready 4x4s and AWD vehicles perfect for your next seaside adventure.