Forum Discussion

gschindel's avatar
gschindel
Explorer
Oct 06, 2013

Need suggestions for mid size suv

Hi
I would very much appreciate some suggestions on a mid size SUV. I have an 05 Escape that has been decent and has pulled my old ski boat well enough. But the engine is going and I have plans for a bigger boat, 20 feet about 3500 lbs loaded up with the trailer. Even if the escape wasn't on the way out I doubt it would be up to the job. What would you suggest that would pull my new boat? I live in Alberta so I need 4 or all wheel drive. The cabin space of the escape was just enough. A bit bigger or the same would work. Decent gas milage would be nice. Something a couple of years old 15-20 k would be about what I would want to spend.
Thanks much for the help
Tow Vehicles
  • jbres's avatar
    jbres
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2013
    I have an 2003 Tahoe 4x4 that's tows my 20' boat/trailer combo weighing in at 4,500 pounds very good. Enough power when towing it through some steep hills in Southern Kentucky/Tennessee. Overall the Tahoe is getting 14mpg mix of city/highway driving. Has the 5.3 motor. Been a very reliable vehicle for towing a boat.
  • gschindel's avatar
    gschindel
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2013
    Thanks for the reply. I'm sure the Tahoe would be fine but we already have a durango so I was wanting something a bit smaller.

    I did some looking and found a 08 jeep grand Cherokee with the diesel 3 liter with 100k for 24000. A bit more than I wanted to spend but the diesel sounds interesting. Might even be enough to pull my 30 foot TT. Would certainly whip any boat around like nothing. Any problems with these?

    Had also looked a bit at the touareg diesel. Any thoughts?
  • sky_free's avatar
    sky_free
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2013
    It might be hard to find a Touareg diesel in your price range, but it does make a great combo daily driver / tow vehicle. We just got back from a 2,125 mile trip with our 2012 Touareg 3.0 towing our 4,500 lb TT. I'd personally rather have a truck for towing, but if you want a mid size SUV that can also tow you'd be hard pressed to beat it. It certainly has all the power you need. It's just lacking in suspension as all mid-sized SUV's will be.
  • 1oldtruck's avatar
    1oldtruck
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2013
    Check out the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Very nice vehicle and capable of what you are asking it to do. I have a 2012 with no issues so far.

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