[tabtrailers] Re: Time for a new Tow Vehicle...thoughts on small SUV?

Hi Guys,

Here's a summary and a big Thank You to all for your great input.  I've considered many of the vehicles that were mentioned. 

The Conclusion for me is a diesel Grand Cherokee.  5,000+ tow capacity, 21 mpg average, and I can run biodiesel.

Based on the owner's database showing tow vehicles I calculated the breakdown:

53% of us tow with SUVs
30% of us tow with a truck
17% of us tow with a car

Also, for posterity's sake, here are some thoughts about my test drives.  My needs are adequate towing for mountain driving, better than average gas mileage and/or reduced environmental impact.  If anyone has any questions on these, please feel free to email me.

• Toyota Highlander: The gas model was great at 5,000 lbs max, but the Hybrid maxed out at 3,500 lbs.  Thanks Sandra, for the recommendation and I think you're right about needing closer to 5,000.
• Jeep Liberty: A great car with 3,500 towing and good hp/torque.  Thanks to Mark & Leslie for the suggestion, but I think the hills require a bit more for me.
• Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: Good tow capacity at 3,500 lbs but too stripped-down on aesthetics for this girly-girl.
• Hyundai Santa Fe: Out of all of them, this drove the nicest.  Had great user options and stock class III hitch with wiring harness.  The 3,500 lb limit would be great on the plains, but I felt for regular use in the mountains, it didn't fit.  Thanks Gid, for the suggestion though.
• Toyota Rav4: 3,500 tow capacity, swinging rear door, good gas mileage.
• Toyota 4Runner: Had one of these and loved it.  Same gas mileage as Highlander, but tows much more.  Love it, but was looking for better gas mileage and lower carbon footprint.  Thanks David, for the suggestion and I'm jealous.
• Toyota FJ Cruiser:  Liked the tow/cargo capacity, but in driving it seemed that the windows had too small visibility.  I also didn't like the mileage and the fact that the FJ and Rav4 had swing-out rear doors which I felt wouldn't work when hitched.  Great car though, Cindy and I hope you have fun with it.  :)
• Ford Escape & Explorer: I didn't consider these because of my bad previous experience.  purely personal bias and I'm sure they're more than adequate.

Thanks to Mervyn who got me looking at the diesels.  While for finacial reasons, I eliminated most of the diesel SUV's currently on the market (Mercedes, VW, Audi) I found that Jeep made diesel SUVs in the Grand Cherokee (2007-2008) and the Liberty (2005-2006).  A combination of good torque, mercedes-designed 3L V6 and average of 21 mpg sold me on the Grand Cherokee model.

Happy T@bbing,
Theresa
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