2010 Toyota Highlander Ltd as a tow car

kyooch · Oct 16, 2009, 06:28 PM

What do you think?

http://www.toyota.com/highlander/

I want it to be a family car/tow car for events, it has a 5000lb towing capacity with the towing option package. Evo's around 3200lbs, eventually less, and the trailex trailer is around 900 lbs.

I really liked the FX50 but it's towing capacity is 3500.. I thought about something smaller, like a Rav4 but it's only 3500 lbs too.

Do you guys have any other suggestions for a family/luxury suv that can tow enough?

So far the most viable options include:

Tacoma
Sequoia
Pathfinder
Grand Cherokee
GX470
Touareg
Explorer
Trailblazer
Commander

Of these I think I'm leaning towards the GX470 at the moment

**otter** · Oct 16, 2009, 06:59 PM

IMO, you're cutting it close to the towing capacity. Evo + flatbed + gear is going to get awfully close to the 5,000. What about a a double-cab truck? You get the interior seating/space of a SUV but with greater towing capacity. A double-cab Tacoma with tow package can pull 6500 easily.

If that's not an option you like, you'd probably be best off looking for a SUV with a V8.

jjm4life · Oct 16, 2009, 07:22 PM

towing with a crossover, not gonna be a good time. get a real suv with a v8, or diesel truck so you could even tow a couple of ponies

kyooch · Oct 16, 2009, 07:26 PM

Thanks for the input - So it's not recommended with a smaller capacity SUV huh? When you say real suv, do you have any suggestions? The towing will be pretty infrequent but I would like the car to be great for family trips and such.

kyooch · Oct 16, 2009, 08:26 PM

bump for the best towing luxury suv!

**otter** · Oct 17, 2009, 05:04 PM

If you like the Highlander, why not look at the Toyota Sequoia? Two different V8 options, of which the smaller V8 will be fine for what you need.

Be easier to help you out if you share what your budget is.

KenMasters · Oct 17, 2009, 05:36 PM

Look for an older turbo diesel Land Cruiser. They are rare, but super nice vehicles.

kyooch · Oct 17, 2009, 05:40 PM

Good point, sorry

I'm thinking around $50k max for something very well equipped? Highlander with all the options I like is around $41k or so, I guess I'm just looking for similar options without going big trucks or body on frame suvs.. I'm not sure the Sequoia would fit in my garage lol. The outback is pretty close, at 189 inches.

I think I'd like the emphasis to be on a nice family car, with the ability to tow at least 5k

**otter** · Oct 17, 2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyooch

Good point, sorry

I'm thinking around $50k max for something very well equipped? Highlander with all the options I like is around $41k or so, I guess I'm just looking for similar options without going big trucks or body on frame suvs.. I'm not sure the Sequoia would fit in my garage lol. The outback is pretty close, at 189 inches.

I think I'd like the emphasis to be on a nice family car, with the ability to tow at least 5k

Ah, you're in a tough spot, then. They don't put V8s in the smaller SUVs, so if you want to fit it in the garage, you're probably going to have to find which manu. makes the most powerful V6 and go from there.

Land Rover has a 190" long SUV with a V8 and 7000 lb capacity that you should be able to pick up for under $50k (the LR4). Nissan Pathfinder has an optional V8 and is about the same size.

kyooch · Oct 17, 2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otter

Ah, you're in a tough spot, then. They don't put V8s in the smaller SUVs, so if you want to fit it in the garage, you're probably going to have to find which manu. makes the most powerful V6 and go from there.

Land Rover has a 190" long SUV with a V8 and 7000 lb capacity that you should be able to pick up for under $50k (the LR4). Nissan Pathfinder has an optional V8 and is about the same size.

Thanks! I'll look into it!

jjm4life · Oct 17, 2009, 10:52 PM

you just listed a jeep grand cherokee. i think they can tow over 7k, i think about 185 inches, and should be well within your price range fully loaded.

the landrover was a good option too. but options on those get expensive fast.

**otter** · Oct 18, 2009, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjm4life

you just listed a jeep grand cherokee. i think they can tow over 7k, i think about 185 inches, and should be well within your price range fully loaded.

the landrover was a good option too. but options on those get expensive fast.

Completely forgot about the Cherokee. The V6 is rated at 6500, which would do what you need.

anjapower · Oct 19, 2009, 12:14 PM

Get the 4 Runner with the V8...there might be some leftover ones on the lots, considering the 2010s are probably hitting soon.

kyooch · Oct 19, 2009, 12:32 PM

Yea - It's unfortunate the 4runner doesn't come in the v8 anymore for 2010. So it's the general consensus that 5000 won't be enough for evo and trailer huh?

Forrest Gump 9 · Oct 19, 2009, 03:56 PM

How about a slightly used Lexus LX470? That sucka will tow your Evo with ease, seat eight comfortably, and will probably outlast your evo.