SUV Tow Vehicles

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!

I have to chime in as a Santa Fe fan, we looked for ours specifically because our lifestyle would not accommodate a truckso we needed an SUV. The Santa Fe is rated to pull 5000lbs but will need a WD hitch. Pulls our 179  beautifully, I have pulled up large hills on I80 in Iowa and could maintain 65mph if I wished. I'm convinced it would do a little better than just ok in the mountains but not truck like.

Though I would highly recommend the Santa Fe with it's new great powertrain warranty you should consider the Ford, despite whatever horsepower rating it may have it will have exceptional torque which is a better measure of how it will pull. The Ecoboost engines pull much like a diesel, if mountains are in your future the Ford may be a better option. I'd compare cost, and warranty coverage.

Originally posted by dr2428 I have to chime in as a Santa Fe fan, we looked for ours specifically because our lifestyle would not accommodate a truckso we needed an SUV. The Santa Fe is rated to pull 5000lbs but will need a WD hitch. Pulls our 179  beautifully, I have pulled up large hills on I80 in Iowa and could maintain 65mph if I wished. I'm convinced it would do a little better than just ok in the mountains but not truck like. Though I would highly recommend the Santa Fe with it's new great powertrain warranty you should consider the Ford, despite whatever horsepower rating it may have it will have exceptional torque which is a better measure of how it will pull. The Ecoboost engines pull much like a diesel, if mountains are in your future the Ford may be a better option. I'd compare cost, and warranty coverage.

Originally posted by Kup-Pod Just to add to the mix, we tow with a Santa Fe XL (the 7 seater, not the smaller Santa Fe Sport), with the 3.3l v6 and it pulls the 178 well,  It will need the weight distribution hitch tho

Thank you!!!

I tow a 176T with a 2017 Pilot, 9 speed.  I think its a good compromise between a tow vehicle and an every day driver (I have no use for a pickup truck).  Its rated for 5000lbs and like with any vehicle this size you will want a WDH for towing an Rpod.  Will be heading out in a couple weeks on a 4000km journey with the family of 4 and 4 bikes on the roof.  I do this all the time but longest trip so far had been 1000km round trip.