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Topic ClosedSUV Tow Vehicles
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Posts: 2630 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: SUV Tow Vehicles
    Posted: 05 Jul 2018 at 3:07pm
I didn't look at the Jeep, as I am fairly negative on FCA for the last year or two.

The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Ford Explorer are real similar in most respects. Similar power and such. The Explorer is a little bit bigger in most dimensions, and also has significantly more cargo room. The Explorer also is better across the board as far as crash and safety ratings are concerned. I think the Santa Fe looks a bit spiffier, but I'd give the nod to the Explorer as far as specs and ratings go.
bp
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LuvToCamp View Drop Down
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Posts: 20 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2018 at 2:02pm
So I am looking at the Hyundai Santa Fe new, a 2015 Grand Cherokee with a V6, and a 2016 Ford Explorer with the ecoboost V6. The Ford has the most horsepower and torque, the Jeep has the highest tow rating at 7200, but I really like the Hyundai the best. Any thoughts on my choices? Thanks everyone for the great feedback!
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TheBum View Drop Down
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Posts: 1407 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 3:51pm
Originally posted by LuvToCamp

Hi TheBum,
Is the Dodge Durango on your wish list a V6 or a V8?


V6. It will likely be an everyday vehicle too, so I'd prefer the better fuel economy of a V6. However, realistically, if a dealer could put me in a V8 Hemi for the price of a V6, with all else being equal, I'd probably take the Hemi.
Alan
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Posts: 20 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 1:57pm
Originally posted by Ghosthawk

After looking long and hard we went with a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with factory trailer package.

Factory channels for roof racks (for the kayaks)
Listed tow capability was 5500 lbs.

It is a darker red color so I call it "big red" and people stay out of my way.

Have not towed with it yet, but in town it is getting about 25 mpg.

Inside it is the most comfortable vehicle I have owned, bar none. Seats feel awesome. Controls are nicely laid out. We paid 19,000 $ for ours with 90,000 miles on her. And then I bought the best possible extended warranty for the next 4 years.

Your mileage may vary, but thus far big red works for us. But we are still waiting on our pod.

What engine is in your Jeep?
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Posts: 20 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 1:55pm
Originally posted by StephenH

Originally posted by TheBum

Originally posted by StephenH

If you go for an SUV, make sure it has 4WD or AWD.

Did you mean to say "4WD or RWD"? In the vast majority of cases, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference in handling between 4WD and RWD. 4WD will allow you to handle off-road grades a little better and will be better in slick conditions.
Well, it should have been RWD, 4WD, or AWD. Anything but FWD. Smile

Got it! No, FWD!
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Posts: 20 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 1:53pm
Originally posted by TheBum

We have a 2012 Toyota Highlander V6 we use as a tow vehicle and it has handled everything we've thrown at it pretty well. The only real downside has been the front wheel drive, which makes it more prone to get stuck when boondocking. We'll probably go to a Dodge Durango for our next one.

Is the Dodge on your wish list a V6 or a V8?
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Posts: 20 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 1:52pm
Originally posted by Capt Kidd

I have a 2016 Dodge Durango with the V6 engine and all wheel drive.  on the flat level highways towing at 55 mph I get 15 mpg.  I just drove from Chico, CA to Roseburg, OR and had the cruise set at 55 and averaged 14 mpg.

It goes over the hills with no effort at all but does down shift going up hill.  Car has an 8 speed auto and usually runs in 6th gear which is 1to1.  Sometimes it will go along in 7th gear and only gets in 8th down hill.

Thank you, I think the Dodge is one of my top runners. I am struggling with V-6 versus V-8 so I appreciate your feedback...
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Posts: 20 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 1:49pm
Hi TheBum,
Is the Dodge Durango on your wish list a V6 or a V8?
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Posts: 20 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 1:47pm
Thank you for your feedback. What engine does your Jeep Grand Cherokee have? That one is on my list...
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TheBum View Drop Down
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Posts: 1407 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 1:24pm
Originally posted by Capt Kidd

I have a 2016 Dodge Durango with the V6 engine and all wheel drive.  on the flat level highways towing at 55 mph I get 15 mpg.  I just drove from Chico, CA to Roseburg, OR and had the cruise set at 55 and averaged 14 mpg.
It goes over the hills with no effort at all but does down shift going up hill.  Car has an 8 speed auto and usually runs in 6th gear which is 1to1.  Sometimes it will go along in 7th gear and only gets in 8th down hill.


Great to know. I'm looking at a Durango V6 also, but purchase will probably have to wait until next year. I'm hoping the 2019s will offer wireless CarPlay in their radios; I know the 2018s finally got support for wired CarPlay.
Alan
2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod"
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