Hybrid tow vehicle?

[jukes]

I've been considering replacing my gas vehicle for an electric, but then figured it would be useful if this vehicle could also tow... so perhaps a hybrid as a compromise.
However, I don't like driving a full size truck, currently have a midsize SUV...I'd prefer midsize SUV or truck.
We still use our 2003 7.3l diesel Excursion just for towing, but not sure how long it's got left lol.
Also, our TT died on the Alcan so isn't with us anymore.. We are looking at some lighter TT options, but likely GVWR 7000.
Thanks!

[aftermath]

Toyota is coming out with a hybrid Tundra with plenty of power to tow 7K loads. I believe that the F-150 also has something in the works. This years Tundra has an Ecoboost wannabe set up with a turbo charged V-6. I think mileage is a big focus as companies move forward. Of course, all these improvements come with rather large costs.

[valhalla360]

7000lb is full size truck territory.

[ktmrfs]

one issue with many hybrids today is they use either a CVT or dual clutch transmission. Neither make good tow transmissions. Some hybrids have a "no towing" rating. There are some hybrids with a more conventional automatic transmission that could make a reasonable tow vehicle. Just check out tow ratings.

That said I do wish there were more mild hybrid tow vehicles, even a 3/4 ton diesel with a smaller battery pack and regen braking to capture stopping would be a big help in around town mpg.

[time2roll]

Stick with the 2003. That is a great vehicle. The hybrids and electrics are improving at a rapid pace. A few more years and there will be far more capable options available. If getting a hybrid, get a plug-in hybrid for best results.

[Grit_dog]

Reisender wrote:
My nephew is waiting on a Jeep hybrid. Don’t know the specs but apparently it can tow.

A grand Cherokee with a turbo 2 litre?
7klb high profile trailer?
Even I wouldn’t want that combo going either direction on the Coq!

[wanderingaimles]

And another option, not what you mentioned, but would still avoid the full size truck would be the Chevy Colorado. Smaller with better fuel economy than a 1500. Properly set up can tow 7,000 lbs.
Just food for thought.

[rjstractor]

I get not wanting a full size pickup for a daily driver, but modern 1500 series pickups are very easy and pleasant to drive. There are some hybrid options from Ram (sort of a hybrid), Ford and Toyota, and all are capable of easily towing a 7000 GVWR trailer. Ram and Chevy have little diesels that offer good towing grunt and shockingly great highway mpg, and you don't pay a huge premium for the diesel option like in the bigger trucks. I'm not a Chevy guy, but I'd look at their 1500 diesel option-also available in the Tahoe and Suburban if you must have an SUV. IMO, nothing smaller will handle the trailer you want.

[Lwiddis]

Don’t forget to check that new hybrid TV’s payload limit. Almost a thousand pounds of tongue weight alone.

[RetiredRealtorR]

According to Four Wheel Trends, May 2022, these are the only hybrid SUV's with an over-5000 lb towing capacity:

Landrover Defender – 7,700 lbs.
Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring – 6,700 lbs.
Nissan Pathfinder – 6,200 lbs.

[Reisender]

My nephew is waiting on a Jeep hybrid. Don’t know the specs but apparently it can tow.

[Grit_dog]

Midsize hybrid suv and 7klb TT don’t belong in the same sentence unless there is a “don’t” between the two words.

[blt2ski]

Not sure if their are any hybrids rated to 7000 lbs or there about. My older sister had the larger Toyota SUV that is a hybrid. Rated at 5000 lbs. She had a single axle Cub Cadet from the 50's. That one did better than the smaller RAV? hybrid with the same trailer.
She had no complaints, but in reality, did not have a lot of towing experience. I wish she would have put brakes on the trailer. She was legal per towing laws, but reality, the weight was a bit much non braked......
You could probably do one of the smaller double axle rigs, or a single axle to around 4000 lbs total and be fine. Reality, the way toyota rates these, it up to 5000 lbs as long as you keep the gvw of the SUV within ratings also.

Marty