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!

I would prefer a body on frame. Durango or Tahoe would fit the bill. Tahoe can be had with the new 3.0 diesel so mileage would be good.

^BC mountains towing, I'd err on the side of bigger= better in this scenario for sure. Like packape said.However, I'm not certain the OP had a basically $100k cdn kid hauler in mind. If so, then nicely done!Personally, I'd want a Durango/Grand Cherokee/Explorer (or EU equivalents) on the small end or a Tahoe/Burb/Expedition on the big end.

Wet and loaded your new TT will weigh 5,000 pounds and have a tongue weight of 650 to 750 pounds. Clearly need a Tahoe or equivalent SUV.

It appears the GVWR of your trailer is 4300lbs. Use that in your calculations rather than the dry weight.Be sure to consider the payload of the tow vehicle.I agree with packpe89 about the body on frame versus unibody.I would look at SUVs with a towing capacity of 6000lbs. That gives you enough leeway that you won't struggle in the mountains, etc.

Looking for SUV recommendation | Good Sam Community

packpe89
Explorer
Mar 31, 2021
I would prefer a body on frame. Durango or Tahoe would fit the bill. Tahoe can be had with the new 3.0 diesel so mileage would be good.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Mar 31, 2021
^BC mountains towing, I'd err on the side of bigger= better in this scenario for sure. Like packape said.

However, I'm not certain the OP had a basically $100k cdn kid hauler in mind. If so, then nicely done!

Personally, I'd want a Durango/Grand Cherokee/Explorer (or EU equivalents) on the small end or a Tahoe/Burb/Expedition on the big end.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Mar 31, 2021
Wet and loaded your new TT will weigh 5,000 pounds and have a tongue weight of 650 to 750 pounds. Clearly need a Tahoe or equivalent SUV.
JAC1982
Explorer
Mar 31, 2021
What price point?
toedtoes
Explorer III
Mar 31, 2021
It appears the GVWR of your trailer is 4300lbs. Use that in your calculations rather than the dry weight.

Be sure to consider the payload of the tow vehicle.

I agree with packpe89 about the body on frame versus unibody.

I would look at SUVs with a towing capacity of 6000lbs. That gives you enough leeway that you won't struggle in the mountains, etc.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Mar 31, 2021
“Jay Flight SLX7 184BS model (dry weight of about 3400lbs).“

Dry weight 3400 plus 1600 pounds of water, batteries, propane, bikes, stuff...5000 pounds
OkanaganAmanda
Explorer
Mar 31, 2021
packpe89 wrote:
I would prefer a body on frame. Durango or Tahoe would fit the bill. Tahoe can be had with the new 3.0 diesel so mileage would be good.

Thanks for those suggestions. I have some research to do about body on frame. It is certainly a bit of a job to sort out since all the promo for these small trailers shows small SUV’s towing them....guess they have no gear, family or passengers to bring along.
KD4UPL
Explorer
Mar 31, 2021
There are a lot of small SUVs rated for about 5,000 pounds towing. I would stay away from most of them. They are unibody which means no actual frame. Some may not allow the use of a weight distributing hitch which you will need. They are not really meant for regular towing, their rating is largely just a marketing tool.
I would look at a Tahoe or Suburban from GM or an Expedition from Ford. A Durango might be good too but I've never like Chrysler automatic transmissions.
Boomerweps
Explorer
Apr 01, 2021
All the larger SUVs can handle in the 5000# range GVWR trailers.
Even an Explorer could handle that.
carringb
Explorer
Apr 01, 2021
Explorer Hybrid. It can easily pull that, but still get reasonable fuel economy when you aren’t hitched up. It’s RWD architecture shares most power train components with the F150.