Recommendation on SUVs

[rream]

Originally Posted by becks

+ 1 It looks like the new Cherokee is going to be a popular toad. Many have already bought them to tow, and Blue Ox is set to make a tow bracket for them soon.

Took delivery on my Cherokee Limited two weeks ago - have the 6 cylinder I really love it

[OrngTrillium]

What about a 2014 Suzuki grand vitara if you want to off-road, cheaper then the Cherokee and proven. Too bad this is the last year of sale.

Crv s are decent and hold their value well. The seats are easy to flip from both the 2nd row and back, literally pull a lever. The table is gone though. They are actually quite square and hold alot its the shape of the window that makes it look rounded, and it makes a big blind spot. The terrain is pretty nice as well. But should get better mileage. Imho I don't know why they make the equinox version its uglier, but some people must like it. The gm tranny is very smooth, they need to but in a more powerful and efficient engine.

If not using as a toad the escape is pretty spiffy. High quality materials that are soft touch. And easily one of the two most fun to drive along with the cx5.

The rav4 has poor quality plastics and with the venza is quite pointless. Go to Toyota nation and see how many owners have problems with their hatch glass shattering

[Cart]

We towed a Equinox 4 down over 3,000 miles this summer with no problems. Easy to setup and it was nice to have extra room for bulky items coats etc. in the back and not in the RV. We also have a little dog and we could fold down the seat in back and give her room.

[virginiamtns]

Have a 2013 CR-V. Hate it. Underpowered, seats are too hard, gas mileage is pretty poor for a car this light, and it's not fun to drive at all. Its most redeeming feature is the electronics. My 87 year old neighbor recently creamed it while it was parked in front of my house. It's being repaired, but I am not planning on keeping it. We have a 2013 Toyota Venza, and love it, but it can't be towed 4 down.

We are currently window shopping for another vehicle. I'm not at all sure what we'll end up with. The Motorhome Magazine Dinghy Towing Guide has awesome information on 4 down vehicles.

I do not have the space or patience for dolly towing.

Let us know what you settle on.

[OrngTrillium]

The problem of fuel mileage seems to affect all crossovers, actually considering a crv to replace our older daily driver, since our other daily driver is a bit big. But it does hold everyone (ford flex) and imho is more comfortable, drives better and feels more luxurious then our snob branded vehicle. Fuel efficiency is not its strong point and its butt ugly but its so easy to get into even for my mom. The problem is trying to find something easily toadable. That eliminates a lot of vehicle choices. Dollies, sticks and vehicles with transfer cases work but add another dimension. Unlike at the stick and bricks choosing between vehicles requires more planning if its an option at all.

[rream]

The 2014 Cherokee highway mileage comes in at 25,26 or 31 MPG depending on the set up.

Mine is 26 with the 6 cylinder and the transmission option that makes it towable 4 down.