Flat Tow 6 Passenger vehicles under 5,000 lbs

Mazda 5 or the earlier MPV, with manual transmission, can seat six and tow four-down without modification. Under 4000 pounds empty.

Also Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 (with seven seats in the "no luggage" mode) up to 2006, with manual or automatic transmissions. Under 4000 pounds in most configurations.

Next generation XL-7 was a platform share with GM Theta (Equinox, Vue, Torrent, GMC Terrain in yet another generation) but I don't know if any model variations had seating for six. Base weights for this platform come in under 4000 pounds, there are not enough options to push it over 5000. You might choose the 4-cylinder base trim models if you want to tow them, or the V-6 luxury models to use for towing. Theta platform cars compete in two size categories with engine options and accessories.

Ford Flex (on Taurus platform) is pushing hard at your weight limit, almost 5000 pounds at no-options base weights. The upscale Lincoln MKT on the same platform is usually quite a bit over 5000 empty. A heavily optioned Flex will top 5000.

These are in the size category of Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook, and Buick Enclave, a platform that replaced GMs mid-size SUVs and minivans. This platform comes in right around 4700-5000 pounds before you start buying option packages and accessories.

I'm certainly going to look at the Flex after all of these votes, but are there any other vehicles? I've heard people talking about the Honda Pilot and Toyota Rav4 - but both are a bit pricey...

Another vote for the Flex...get a 2010-2012, AWD Ecobost, you wont be disappointed.

We don't tow a Flex but my wife drives one. Great 6 passenger vehicle.

The Flex is great! 3rd row room is better than most SUVs, including its platform-mate Explorer. Plus the EcoBoost is a powerhouse.

We tow a Ford Flex 4200#s

Any 2WD full sized SUV or van should work pretty easily. If not "approved" by the OEM, U-joints are easy to remove.

Edit: I totally misread that. I thought you wanted the vehicle being towed to have a 5k tow rating.

Minivans are lighter, cheaper, and offer more interior space than any 3-row SUV/CUV except the long wheelbase half tons. I do not know which ones can be towed 4-down, though.

Doing a search on this forum, looks like Ford Flex is an option for you.

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