Smallest towing vehicle?

[Financiers]

Hey all,

I want to get a used vehicle for towing a 185 sport. The problem is that I absolutely hate driving big vehicles. I realize this might be an issue when looking for towing vehicles, but thought I'd ask here anyways. I drove an Infiniti fx35 years ago and really enjoyed it, but I can't help thinking that car would be too "nice" for a towing vehicle. Looking it up right now, it actually seems the newer years wouldn't even have the right towing capacity. I apologize for the rambling. I appreciate all of your help. Thanks in advance!

 

[Steve Craig]

Look at the overall weight including boat, trailer, fuel & all the goodies you bring along with you.
Ford has a towing guide on line for most years & models. I would bet the other manufacturers have the same.
Find 3-4 options in your range before you go shopping.
Wife's Lexus RX350, for instance, will haul 3500 lbs properly equipped. I'd bet the small Toyota truck with the same engine/trans would do about the same or better.

 

[Wylie_Tunes]

Im fond of a tow vehicle with an actual frame, as opposed to a unibody design found on smaller SUVs cross-over types.

 

[BillK2632]

I have towed my 185 with my wife's Lexus RX330, it has a factory tow package rated for 3500. It will do it, but you definitely know w the boat is there. I would not want it as my primary tow vehicle. Really need a small truck or mid size SUV, like a Toyota Tacoma or 4 Runner.

 

[northern]

We have a 2 door Blazer V6 4.2L that is rated for 3900 pounds. We towed our Jetboat (Just under 4,000 with no gas in it) 700 miles with it through the mountains. It was OK it is a 5 speed standard. Going up the hills we went 25MPH on the flat 65 was OK. We then got a 2006 Envoy Denali with a 5.3 V8 it is fine for the Jetboat. We towed the boat to Mexico Loreto in Baja. Lots of power no problem. You need a V8 in my opinion if there are hills or mountains. On the flat V6 is OK. GM no longer makes either of these models but they do make a similar to the Envoy. If you tow in snow big is required.

 

[Gofirstclass]

How about this one? 1981 Toyota 4-banger.



Just kidding, of course.

 

[mperlst216]

These have 5000b tow capacity if equipped with factory tow package-Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot 4x4. Nissan Pathfinder 2016
These have 6000 tow capacity-Jeep Grand Cherokee, BMW X5, Nissan Pathfinder 2017

 

[almostenuff]

Find a 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel. Probably the best torque/towing capacity of any medium SUV. 406 ft lbs/7716lbs and get 20 MPG doing it. If you want to save a few bucks, get the diesel Touareg-same engine, same numbers


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Gary B]

Many of us have the "3' a year" disease. A small SUV may do the job for your current boat but if you are buying a new tow vehicle it may make sense to go for a full size SUV or pick up. Not only will it likely tow your "next" boat but it will make towing your current boat a breeze.