We're in the market for a mid sized SUV to be used as a second tow vehicle. It'll need to tow a utility trailer with two ATVs,and two dirt bikes. The typical load will be up around 2000lbs. Occasionally a few hundred pounds more.The only model that's off my list is the Honda Pilot. The VCM (cylinder shut off) with the V6 is too problematic. Oil burning,fouling plugs,vibrations,etc.

I read really good things about the GM "Lambda" platform (GMC Acadia, Chevy Traverse). I see a lot of people towing similar loads with these.

I tow with a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a V6. It can tow 6,200 pounds.

My wife drives a 2010 Pilot and we've done some light towing with it (3500 or so lbs), and it's done really well. As far as I'm concerned it's a great overall family hauler. We've had it for 5 years (bought new) and it has about 60,000 miles on it and we haven't had any issues with the VCM or anything else for that matter. It hasn't ever burned any oil either. The only criticism I have is I thought it would get better mileage, but I may be too critical of it in that regard since it's a fairly high profile vehicle with 4wd that weighs nearly 5,000 lbs. My sister has a slightly older Pilot (2008 or so) and she's had great luck as well - well over 100,000 miles with no issues beyond regular maintenance type items.

We had 3 minivans prior to getting our Suburban. I've driven a few of the 3-row mid sized crossovers and few excite me. All those naturally aspirated V6s trying to move 5000+ pounds of vehicle and people was never enjoyable. I'd take a hard look at Ford Flex and Explorer Sport with 3.5L Ecoboost. If only wanting 2-rows, then Jeep Grand Cherokee Ecodiesel. Audi Q5 TDI or SQ5?

Campfire Time wrote:I read really good things about the GM "Lambda" platform (GMC Acadia, Chevy Traverse). I see a lot of people towing similar loads with these.Only problem with these is the low torque engine.There's nothing there under 3000rpms so you have to be prepared to let it rev to make progress with a load on the back.IIRC peak power is somewhere north of 6000 rpms.With the tow package it WILL tow 5000#, but it's hard work!

Who is towing with a mid sized SUV or Crossover?

jfkmk
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
Campfire Time wrote:
I read really good things about the GM "Lambda" platform (GMC Acadia, Chevy Traverse). I see a lot of people towing similar loads with these.

I rented a traverse LTX and, while it was a nice car, I couldn't imagine towing anything with it. With 4 people in the car (we share not heavyweights) it struggled to get out of its own way. Yeah, lots of high reving, not much get up and go.
wcjeep
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
Did you mention new or used? Budget? We are in the market for a new midsize Suv. Just did a Lemon Law on a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. It did tow my 1400lb empty car hauler with no problem.

The Toyota Highlander and Toyota Forerunner fit your criteria.
kaydeejay
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
Campfire Time wrote:
kaydeejay wrote:
Only problem with these is the low torque engine.
There's nothing there under 3000rpms so you have to be prepared to let it rev to make progress with a load on the back.
IIRC peak power is somewhere north of 6000 rpms.
With the tow package it WILL tow 5000#, but it's hard work!
He's not talking about towing 5k#, only 2k, and he's not towing a travel trailer (giant sail!) either.
OK, 2000# would probably be fine. I towed a 3500# boat once and hated every minute!
My old '96 Buick Roadmaster wagon did a MUCH better job with 30 fewer horsepower, but the bottom end torque made all the difference.
vermilye
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
For what it is worth, I've towed a 3010 lb actual loaded weight Escape 17B travel trailer 56,000 miles with a Toyota RAV4 Sport (V6 & Tow Package). The good - 24 - 25 MPG unhooked, and a fun vehicle to drive. The bad? 15MPG towing, small fuel tank, and in 2013 they dropped the V6, limiting tow weight to 1500 lbs. Most towing on secondary roads @ 57 - 60 MPH.
JustLabs
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
Fordlover wrote:

I'd expect two ATVs + two dirtbikes + trailer to weigh in more than 2,000 lbs. My 6x12 trailer is about 900 lbs. and my 450 Kodiak ATV is 600 lbs. dry.

Nope,right at 2000. The bikes are 2 strokes. One at 240 and other at 210. The ATVs are 250 sport quads. The pair is about 660.
BurbMan
Explorer II
Mar 10, 2015
No bluetooth???
Fordlover
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
JustLabs wrote:
We're in the market for a mid sized SUV to be used as a second tow vehicle. It'll need to tow a utility trailer with two ATVs,and two dirt bikes. The typical load will be up around 2000lbs. Occasionally a few hundred pounds more.

The only model that's off my list is the Honda Pilot. The VCM (cylinder shut off) with the V6 is too problematic. Oil burning,fouling plugs,vibrations,etc.

For 2K just about anything should suffice. I've got an antique Explorer that I've been very pleased with, but I'd recommend you get something newer, mine doesn't even have bluetooth or heated/cooled seats. :W

I'd expect two ATVs + two dirtbikes + trailer to weigh in more than 2,000 lbs. My 6x12 trailer is about 900 lbs. and my 450 Kodiak ATV is 600 lbs. dry.
Campfire_Time
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
kaydeejay wrote:
Only problem with these is the low torque engine.
There's nothing there under 3000rpms so you have to be prepared to let it rev to make progress with a load on the back.
IIRC peak power is somewhere north of 6000 rpms.
With the tow package it WILL tow 5000#, but it's hard work!

He's not talking about towing 5k#, only 2k, and he's not towing a travel trailer (giant sail!) either.
kaydeejay
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
Campfire Time wrote:
I read really good things about the GM "Lambda" platform (GMC Acadia, Chevy Traverse). I see a lot of people towing similar loads with these.
Only problem with these is the low torque engine.
There's nothing there under 3000rpms so you have to be prepared to let it rev to make progress with a load on the back.
IIRC peak power is somewhere north of 6000 rpms.
With the tow package it WILL tow 5000#, but it's hard work!
APT
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
We had 3 minivans prior to getting our Suburban. I've driven a few of the 3-row mid sized crossovers and few excite me. All those naturally aspirated V6s trying to move 5000+ pounds of vehicle and people was never enjoyable. I'd take a hard look at Ford Flex and Explorer Sport with 3.5L Ecoboost. If only wanting 2-rows, then Jeep Grand Cherokee Ecodiesel. Audi Q5 TDI or SQ5?