Seeking Recommendations on SUV Tow Vehicle
 

We need to get an SUV for use as a family vehicle which is reasonably roomy and comfortable, and it occurred to us that maybe we should get one which is capable of towing a trailer/car when that day comes (the wife is pushing for that, not me, honestly!). I don't know how big the trailer needs to be, but maybe it would be best to estimate something on the heavier side, like an enclosed trailer, so that we don't wind up regretting getting an SUV which falls short.

Here are some rankings of midize and large SUVs:

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com...-Midsize-SUVs/

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com...ry-Large-SUVs/

Recommendations would be appreciated.

Chevy Suburban 3/4 ton is probably the best of the SUV's for towing if you are buying new.
9600lbs towing capacity and you can load it up nicely for the family.


http://www.chevrolet.com/suburban-su...%203%2F4%20ton

Some of the vehicles in your links cannot tow an open trailer, let alone an enclosed trailer, so be careful and understand the tow capacity before getting your heart set on anything. The Suburban is prevalent out in the paddock, as are diesel pickup trucks. You'd want to look at vehicles with towing capacities approaching 8000 lbs for an enclosed trailer and car.

Indeed.. look around the paddock... Excursions, Expedition, Suburban, Tahoe, Durango and large pickups are very good at the work you mention.

Jumping straight to an enclosed trailer already? Many find an open trailer easier to stow/move and of course, are much lighter. An open trailex weighs about 900-1,100 lbs. Add 3200-34000lb car, add all your family (800lb?) and anything else you put in the vehicle and you can see how a tow capacity is quickly reached or exceeded.

Not sure where you live but make sure you actually want to be driving a full size SUV all the time. Tight parking lots? narrow streets? Only actually needing the capacity when it comes time to tow? Make sure you get one that fits YOUR needs best.

wife bought a yukon denali AWD earlier this year - she loves it as a DD and i use it to tow. win-win. easily tows my open steel + car + kid & dog + luggage/tires, etc, at 65mph+ with no problem whatsoever. (my only wish was that it was 2/4x4 but that model only came in AWD.)

RAV 4.

Lot of variables depending on family/household uses. 4 Door pick ups with adequate towing capacity, good for hauling junk to the dump, fuel jugs, tyres, and still have room for family for the most part. Suggest starting with a lighter open trailer depending on previous towing experience, parking problems. Suburbans etc are great for kid hauling, dogs etc but not for junk, fuel jugs etc. As before make sure whatever has the towing capacity.
Dirk

I still love my 2004 Land Cruiser. 7500 tow capacity and full time 4WD, not that sissy AWD crap. But I'm on the fence about a fully enclosed trailer and any SUV. When things get that heavy and long I'm much happier with a gooseneck which puts you into the badass full extended cab full bed duramax/allison 3500 series GMC/Chevy dually diesel pickup. You grow two inches in heights, length, and girth when you buy a dually diesel by the way. :D

Great option if towing Hot Wheels collection......

Tow a fo fo with the Cayman. ;)

I looked at new and used Suburbans a while back. Very few 3/4 tons out there. I couldn't get over the gas mileage, the lack of a middle seat headrest for the second row, and that the 3rd row seat is still old school have to remove.