We're getting a 16' layout 4 next year so we're tow-vehicle shopping now. 5 adults going on long road trips, so looking for a 3-row 7-seat suv with a good 3rd bench. And of course, the ability to tow what scamp estimates will be 2600-2700 lb with 300 lb tongue weight.
We're zeroing in on the Kia Telluride. Opinions? Anyone have this combination?
We rejected the Ascent because it's 4-cylinder. Were we correct to do this?
Highlander, Pilot, and Pathfinder felt good in test drives (sans trailer of course) but the 3rd-row bench would not accommodate an adult for long periods of time. Or at least that was our assessment. Any other thoughts?
Are there other SUVs out there we should consider?
Thanks
Always a lot of comments on an issue like this, If you aren't locked into a TV at this point you might look into any TV that has roughly a 5000 # tow rating. Overkill is good stress reducer and the it's just not worth a few MPG to push it. IMHO
I think that people often need a larger and more powerful vehicle than they think. You frequently will be towing on hilly roads and with a wind. With five people, baggage, and long trips, a four cylinder is out. You may want to consider a large SUV with 8 cylinders. If you are ordering a new vehicle, you might look into a factory towing package with it (i.e., factory hitch, bigger radiator, transmission cooler, etc.)
I towed our 16 ft Scamp Deluxe back from Minnesota with an old 6 cylinder Dodge Grand Caravan. It struggled on big hills. I bought a used 2014 Dodge Durango AWD 6 cylinder with a towing package because I wanted to have more than enough power to pull the Scamp under most conditions. The Durango has about the biggest towing capacity for a mid-size SUV. It works well for two people, a dog, a cat, and a lot of baggage. It is not as fancy as many SUVs but it is comfortable (3 rows of seats). You also can get 8-cylinder Durangos with a towing capacity of 8,700 lbs.
However, with the number of people, long hours on the road, and the load your propose, I would think about a big SUV.
We've been towing a 16-er for five years with a 2000 Tacoma, V-6, TRD off-road package. We're looking into a change for two reasons:
1. Although the Tacoma handles it, I often wish for a little more oomph. Particluarly noticeable in mountains (we live in Western Colorado) and in wind.
2. Comfort - my wife has concluded that the Tacoma's ride is too stiff and jolty, especially on back roads. Also, more passenger space would be a plus, especially since grandkids are getting bigger.k
I wouldn't dis the Tacoma - it's a very solid vehicle - we're just rediscovering our needs.
We'll be looking for one of the mid-to-big size SUVs with at least 5 passenger capacity, good power, and a softer ride. Highlander is certainly on the list, but we haven't made a decision yet.
Randy
Randy in Paonia