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?

23 Replies

IdaD
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
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.
Community Alumni
Mar 10, 2015
I tow with a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a V6. It can tow 6,200 pounds.
Campfire_Time
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
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.

Forum Discussion

Who is towing with a mid sized SUV or Crossover?

23 Replies

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