Looking for SUV recommendation

[OkanaganAmanda]

Currently have a Hyundai Santa Fe and used it to tow a light tent trailer (no trailer brakes), no problem. With Covid closing bathhouses, we have been looking to upgrade, and just bought a Jayco Jay Flight SLX7 184BS model (dry weight of about 3400lbs).

We need to trade in the SUV to something that can safely tow this (Santa Fe is limited to 1600lbs). Still prefer an SUV and this will be my primary vehicle for work, school drop offs etc, (camping a few times each summer). Gas mileage is important as we are in BC where gas prices are ridiculously high (I get about 8L/100km with the Santa Fe with is pretty good).

Which SUVs would anyone recommend that would tow this trailer well but still be a good everyday vehicle? We have two kids (in booster seats) and a dog. Appreciate any insight you might have!

[Curly2001]

Please make sure with whatever you purchase, has a tow package with a good rear end ratio. I have been through this with a Tahoe with a 3:23 gear ratio and burned up the rear end. I do feel the Tahoe with the properly rated rear/front diff, will do a fine job. I had my diff ratio changed and it pulled very well with no issues. I am sure you can find one with a tow package but check on the rear end ratio before you pull the trigger on it. It is very important for towing. Also, the size of the Tahoe or whatever you look it is important in towing that you don't get a tow vehicle that is so small or narrow that you can't see around the trailer that you are towing.
Good luck,
Curly

[Geo_Boy]

Grit dog wrote:

Reisender wrote:
A neighbour went through this and ended up with a Tesla model X towing a safari alto. But I think the alto was only around 2700 pounds or so. Expensive combo but they seem to be enjoying it. I hardly ever see them home anymore. :).

I never woulda guessed....lol

:B

[Grit_dog]

Reisender wrote:
A neighbour went through this and ended up with a Tesla model X towing a safari alto. But I think the alto was only around 2700 pounds or so. Expensive combo but they seem to be enjoying it. I hardly ever see them home anymore. :).

I never woulda guessed....lol

[Reisender]

A neighbour went through this and ended up with a Tesla model X towing a safari alto. But I think the alto was only around 2700 pounds or so. Expensive combo but they seem to be enjoying it. I hardly ever see them home anymore. :).

[whododat]

How about a used GX 460? With the factory hitch, not aftermarket, the towing capacity is 6500 and these very capable/reliable vehicles take a large depreciation hit. We compared the used market for 4Runner vs GX460 and were shocked at the price point of a used GX 460.

Good luck.

[PA12DRVR]

BenK wrote:
Also consider a cap instead of a tonneau cover.

If there is a load of snow on it, you'll have a tough time lifting it.

Plus, the price difference isn't large...depends on the options and model you choose

Have owned (???) 8-9 pickups in Alaska (with short stints elsewhere). Had one with the tonneau cover, one bare bed, the rest with caps. If the OP is considering covering the bed, I'd second BenK's advice and suggest a cap as the preferred method. Provides room for bulkier items as well....

[BenK]

Also consider a cap instead of a tonneau cover.

If there is a load of snow on it, you'll have a tough time lifting it.

Plus, the price difference isn't large...depends on the options and model you choose

[SpeakEasy]

OkanaganAmanda wrote:
Thanks again everyone. Looking at the SUVs that are capable of safely towing our trailer, we have decided to just get a midsize truck. While I still like the use ability of an SUV (interior space for groceries etc as we live in a climate that gets lots of snow) it is nothing that a tonneau cover couldn’t assist with and would be more useful for camping etc. Love SUVs but do NOT want a massive SUV with three rows. Those things are giants so will opt for open truck bed space again.

I ended up in the same place. Bought a "super crew" cab, which had as much or more seating space as a 2-row SUV. And the utility of a pickup bed turns out to be great: firewood, yard and garden "stuff", gravel, furniture, etc. You won't be sorry.

-Speak

[OkanaganAmanda]

Thanks again everyone. Looking at the SUVs that are capable of safely towing our trailer, we have decided to just get a midsize truck. While I still like the use ability of an SUV (interior space for groceries etc as we live in a climate that gets lots of snow) it is nothing that a tonneau cover couldn’t assist with and would be more useful for camping etc. Love SUVs but do NOT want a massive SUV with three rows. Those things are giants so will opt for open truck bed space again.

[mkirsch]

I parked my 2015 Silverado next to the latest "mid size" Colorado.

I could not tell any difference in exterior size, at least not enough to be worth it to take the hit on interior space.

They cost the same. They get the same gas mileage. They're not much different in overall size. What's the point?

[APT]

I think any of the 3-row mid-size SUVs should work (with proper towing options). Most have a naturally aspirated V6, but something with a turbo-4-cyl will likely be better towing at higher elevations. Can you afford a 2020 Subaru Ascent? I would tow that with my wife's 2020 Buick Enclave if I had to. 9-gears and plenty of power.

[Hammerhead]

If you are looking at used vehicles, think about the ecodiesel Grand Cherokee. Our mileage did drop a little bit after all of the emission fixes, but it’s still better than a V-8.

[SpeakEasy]

parker.rowe wrote:


Found a bunch of nice ecoboost expeditions(2016+) between $20-25K, 50-80K miles for most of them. All with the tow package, integrated trailer brakes, etc. Very nice trucks, and I like my GM trucks. I thought they felt smaller from the drivers seat than a tahoe as well, although physically they are the close in size.

That would tow the trailer you a describing with no problem. And they were priced around $10K less then tahoes/suburbans with the same year/mileage around here. Most of the tahoes didn't have the tow package and had really terrible tow ratings.

My daughter and s-i-l bought an Expedition last year. They are not towing anything (yet!?), but it is a well-equipped, very capable vehicle. I like it a lot.

-Speak

[parker_rowe]

Just helped my father in law with shopping for a replacement for their 04 tahoe.

Found a bunch of nice ecoboost expeditions(2016+) between $20-25K, 50-80K miles for most of them. All with the tow package, integrated trailer brakes, etc. Very nice trucks, and I like my GM trucks. I thought they felt smaller from the drivers seat than a tahoe as well, although physically they are the close in size.

That would tow the trailer you a describing with no problem. And they were priced around $10K less then tahoes/suburbans with the same year/mileage around here. Most of the tahoes didn't have the tow package and had really terrible tow ratings.

If you are looking for older or cheaper than that, we can still give suggestions. But it is hard to say without at least a general price range.