Best Tow Vehicles for Hybrids
We would like to purchase a sub-$10,000 tow vehicle for a hybrid trailer (not yet purchased) that can double as a safe "sharing car" for two teen drivers in our family. We camp roughly six times per y...
Forum Discussion
I should also mention the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee, which also have suitable tow ratings (over 6K lbs with V6, over 7K lbs with V8 or diesel) and nimble handling. And the Ford Explorer has a 5K lb rating, plus you can get the optional turbo.
I beg to differ with APT about the towing capability of a Highlander. I have towed 16' and 17' trailers, both cargo and travel trailers, for 140,000 of my HL's 186,000 miles. Only in the Rocky Mountains did I wish for more power. Never a hint of instability, either. Yes, the Sienna might have the same 3.5L engine as the HL, but the HL suspension, receiver, and receiver attachment points are all more beefy than the Sienna's. Where 350 lbs would have the Sienna's back end dragging, 450 lbs on the HL hitch is well tolerated.
All of the above are unibody vehicles with relatively carlike handling and will be relatively forgiving of sudden swerves and unplanned avoidance maneuvers performed by inexperienced drivers. I did not suggest any of the largest SUVs such as Expedition, Suburban, Sequoyah because they are built on truck frames and do not handle as nimbly. While not at all prone to flipping over, they are easier to flip than the ones previously named.
But really there are plenty of options out there.
I beg to differ with APT about the towing capability of a Highlander. I have towed 16' and 17' trailers, both cargo and travel trailers, for 140,000 of my HL's 186,000 miles. Only in the Rocky Mountains did I wish for more power. Never a hint of instability, either. Yes, the Sienna might have the same 3.5L engine as the HL, but the HL suspension, receiver, and receiver attachment points are all more beefy than the Sienna's. Where 350 lbs would have the Sienna's back end dragging, 450 lbs on the HL hitch is well tolerated.
All of the above are unibody vehicles with relatively carlike handling and will be relatively forgiving of sudden swerves and unplanned avoidance maneuvers performed by inexperienced drivers. I did not suggest any of the largest SUVs such as Expedition, Suburban, Sequoyah because they are built on truck frames and do not handle as nimbly. While not at all prone to flipping over, they are easier to flip than the ones previously named.
But really there are plenty of options out there.
