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...
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Don't think there's any other than the Toyota 4Runner as they are all car based Crossovers now. To get a SUV, you have to go to full size.
I wouldn't tow any travel trailer other than a R-Pod with these midsize crossovers as their payloads(GVWR) and hitch weight ratings are to low. They do deceive you with a tow rating around 3500 - 5000 lbs but offer only low 350 lbs to 500 lbs hitch ratings. Remember camper tongue weights average around 13%. That leaves only R-Pods and pop ups unless you want to overload your hitch and crossover unibody.
The Chevy Transverse and GM equivalent are the only crossovers that offer a higher 600 lbs hitch rating but still low for a travel trailer.
For a small and short travel trailer, I'd look at some of the smaller full size SUVs as Expedition. For midsize TT, maybe even the longer wheelbase Chevy Suburban or Expedition EL.
Since you said 16' dual axle trailer, I'm thinking you were guessing at the length as there are no 16' travel trailers that have dual axles, only a single axle. So I'm thinking at least 20' w/dual axles. Then you said 3500 lbs which is obviously only dry on a 20' travel trailer. Loaded you'll be sitting around 5000 lbs.
A 20' (bumper to hitch), 5000 lbs loaded trailer will need something more substantial than a crossover's low capacities. For that trailer, an Expedition would be a good fit.
I also drive about 20,000 miles/year but without towing. Add the towing and it's more. My F150 does get good mpg. Much better than V6 "SUVs" that I've owned in the past. With Ford's technology, they get very good mpg but also retain performance (better gear ratios) unlike some of the competition.
** Didn't see your follow up post, see you're talking about an aluminum low wall cargo trailer. None the less, many tree huggers chime in here and there, wanting to tow a house with a Toyota Prius. So the post still may have some value. **
I wouldn't tow any travel trailer other than a R-Pod with these midsize crossovers as their payloads(GVWR) and hitch weight ratings are to low. They do deceive you with a tow rating around 3500 - 5000 lbs but offer only low 350 lbs to 500 lbs hitch ratings. Remember camper tongue weights average around 13%. That leaves only R-Pods and pop ups unless you want to overload your hitch and crossover unibody.
The Chevy Transverse and GM equivalent are the only crossovers that offer a higher 600 lbs hitch rating but still low for a travel trailer.
For a small and short travel trailer, I'd look at some of the smaller full size SUVs as Expedition. For midsize TT, maybe even the longer wheelbase Chevy Suburban or Expedition EL.
Since you said 16' dual axle trailer, I'm thinking you were guessing at the length as there are no 16' travel trailers that have dual axles, only a single axle. So I'm thinking at least 20' w/dual axles. Then you said 3500 lbs which is obviously only dry on a 20' travel trailer. Loaded you'll be sitting around 5000 lbs.
A 20' (bumper to hitch), 5000 lbs loaded trailer will need something more substantial than a crossover's low capacities. For that trailer, an Expedition would be a good fit.
I also drive about 20,000 miles/year but without towing. Add the towing and it's more. My F150 does get good mpg. Much better than V6 "SUVs" that I've owned in the past. With Ford's technology, they get very good mpg but also retain performance (better gear ratios) unlike some of the competition.
** Didn't see your follow up post, see you're talking about an aluminum low wall cargo trailer. None the less, many tree huggers chime in here and there, wanting to tow a house with a Toyota Prius. So the post still may have some value. **
