Hi Scotty,
I'm trying determine what midsize SUV to purchase to tow the travel trailer I do NOT yet own. I am considering a 'Lite' smaller size trailer GVWR between 3500 pounds and 3800 pounds. The Midsize SUV's I am considering are Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride (as examples). I'm trying to 'thread the needle' a bit in that I want to safely pull a small travel trailer but also want the best daily driver vehicle with emphasis on reliability, comfort, gas mileage and safety as well as the ability to tow the type of trailer I've described. Understanding all of the factors in matching the vehicle with the trailer is confusing and the information is not entirely readily available by either trailer or car manufactures. Can a highlander or Telluride safely tow a 3500 pound-3800 pound trailer? What are the considerations. I appreciate anything you can add to clarify this.
Clarification. I guess I'm also asking generally what are the best choices for mid size SUV to tow a smaller GVWR 3500-3800 pound trailer. I know it is within many mid size SUV's 5000 pound towing capacity but I'm seeing cautions regarding the real world towing ability of this class of SUV. Not to mention what additional 'towing package' might be required or what towing options are needed to tow safely. Thanks!!
Toyota Highlander in L, LE, and XLE trims and equipped with 3.5L V6, 8-speed transmission, either in FWD or AWD, are factory rated to tow 5,000 pounds and come with Trailer Sway Control as standard equipment. However, a trailer brake controller is not available from the factory.
You may also want to consider a Toyota 4Runner. Slightly higher cost but even base model SR5 has 4.0-Liter DOHC 24-Valve V6 with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence, transmission 5-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission with intelligence, Part-Time 4WD system standard and Active Traction Control. Same 5,000 towing but includes factory trailer 4/7 pin wiring, weight slightly higher but has greater ground clearance and a higher GVWR.
A highlander would provide a higher average fuel economy. Both a Highlander and 4Runner are made in Japan, so expect superior quality and long life.
Although Hyundai (the fathers line) and Kia (the sons line), both now made on the same assembly plant/line, have been demonstrating better levels of reliability and workmanship since first introduction, I still consider that model to be less desirable than a Highlander or 4Runner in any trim.
But it's certainly up to you ..
I too vote for the 4Runner. Made in Japan. Very reliable. Can tow up to 5000 lbs. Nice roomie inside. And the ride quality is nice. The only downside is the throttle response is a bit on the slowed side.
Well the new Highlanders can tow up to 5,000 pounds straight from the factory. So you are good on that. Also, there is no comparing a Toyota to a Kia. The Toyota will be far more reliable and have much better build quality. I see a lot of the Tellurides on the road lately as they are the "new thing". But 10 years from now you can still be driving that highlander while the Kia, ehhhhhh, not so much. Plus if you get tired of it the resale on the Toyota is far better.
@mod_man
I appreciate your thoughts! I have owned 3 Toyota's and have been very happy with them, especially in terms of reliability. The KIA Telluride is certainly a popular vehicle right now, and has some additional towing load leveling, but you echo my concern regarding long term reliability and the lack of a model specific track record. Toyota seems reticent to make clear the towing features and capability of the Highlander. That's the crux of my hesitation in selecting it immediately. I updated my OP with a comment to clarify my inquiry.
No problem! If you can do a 4Runner they are a bit better for towing as noted in the answer below. However, just depends on what your budget looks like and if you are ok with the slightly lower MPG in the 4Runner.