Upcoming mid-size SUV's for towing
I'll be replacing my 2009 Mazda CX9 soon, and I'm looking at several new mid-size SUV models that will be coming out soon. I tow a 16' enclosed trailer, 3500 lbs, dual axle with electric brakes on al...
Forum Discussion
Choosing a tow vehicle for non towing gas mileage makes sense if you use it as your daily driver. I tow a 3010 lb (actual weight loaded for a trip) 17' fiberglass trailer with a 2010 RAV4 Sport V6 & tow package (3500/350 lbs). 56,000 miles so far including multiple trips over the rockies & other east & west coast mountains, 25MPG unhooked, 15MPG average towing. Handling, for both cross winds, passing trucks, etc has been excellent even though it is a pretty small SUV. A couple points from my experience over the last 4 years -
1.You can't get the RAV4 with a 6 any more, but when looking at others check the fuel tank size. They size them for the non towing mileage, and the 15 gallon tank in the RAV4 gets exciting between Wyoming gas stations when you have a headwind. You get a much bigger hit when towing with a small 6 compared to a V8.
2. With a small V6 heavily loaded (maybe with the exception of the turbocharged 2.7L Ford V6), don't expect to keep up on interstate hills. I usually tow at a top speed of 60MPH, and prefer secondary roads.
1.You can't get the RAV4 with a 6 any more, but when looking at others check the fuel tank size. They size them for the non towing mileage, and the 15 gallon tank in the RAV4 gets exciting between Wyoming gas stations when you have a headwind. You get a much bigger hit when towing with a small 6 compared to a V8.
2. With a small V6 heavily loaded (maybe with the exception of the turbocharged 2.7L Ford V6), don't expect to keep up on interstate hills. I usually tow at a top speed of 60MPH, and prefer secondary roads.
