2020 Toyota Highlander.Jeremy Sinek/The Globe and Mail
We are driving a 2014 Nissan Rogue and generally like it well enough, but we like to camp and it isn’t big enough to take all of our stuff. It also has a really low towing capacity and it wouldn’t work if we decide to get a tent trailer.
We do have a small boat trailer and our usual launching ramp is sandy and steep, so all-wheel drive is important. We are retired and don’t drive much in the city, but do several highway trips a year, so low highway gas mileage is also important.
We always buy used, usually low-mileage older vehicles. We are looking for a used all-wheel-drive vehicle that is roomy and with good towing ability, but still has decent highway mileage.
Toyota Siennas look good but they seem bloated. I prefer more utilitarian vehicles. Any thoughts? – Jan, Vancouver
Petrina Gentile: A Sienna wouldn’t be my first pick. It wouldn’t even make my top five list for Jan’s needs. A minivan isn’t necessary. There are more practical SUVs with AWD and excellent towing capacities. But Mark, I know you like minivans, where do you stand with the Sienna?
Mark Richardson: The Sienna is a fine vehicle with plenty of space for everything. Its towing capacity of 3,500 pounds should be okay for a tent trailer or small boat, but I think Jan is really looking for a Toyota Highlander. The four-cylinder and hybrid versions have the same 3,500-pound tow capacity and will be frugal with fuel, but the V6s are rated for 5,000 pounds, which may give more peace of mind.
Gentile: They also come with all-wheel drive and are practical, comfortable and easy to drive. Plus, they’re way more stylish than a Sienna minivan.
Richardson: The Highlander is a solid and larger SUV that’s reliable and holds its value well. So that’s an easy answer – shall we leave it at that?
Gentile: How about a Subaru? That seems to fit Jan’s lifestyle.
2020 Subaru Outback.Petrina Gentile/The Globe and Mail
Richardson: The mid-sized Ascent tows the most, at 5,000 pounds with the higher-end trims, but the Outback is good for 3,500 pounds. That’s probably fine for Jan with a tent trailer – the 2014 Nissan Rogue is only rated at 1,000 pounds, after all. I always err upward with towing capacity though, after I killed the transmission on my old Mercury towing a tent trailer. They’re heavier than they look.
Gentile: I don’t think Jan needs an Ascent – it’s the largest in the Subaru family with three rows of seats. I think it’s unnecessary, but an Outback would fit the bill perfectly.
Richardson: Nothing’s ever perfect, and I’m wary of the reliability of Subarus. Most are very good, but when they go wrong, they can be a real headache. Fuel consumption can be thirsty, too. Even so, Jan can get a fairly basic used Outback with low mileage that I’m sure will be fine for probably $30,000-to-$35,000.
Gentile: I know several active families who own them and love them. Anything else you’d suggest?
Richardson: I’d suggest a Jeep Grand Cherokee for all-round comfort, space and towing capacity. They’re a good deal when bought used, and any serious reliability issues will have probably shown themselves before 100,000 kilometres.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee.Emily Atkins/The Globe and Mail
Gentile: That’s a good option. It is spacious and can tackle anything in its path. They are a bit on the expensive side, used. You can find some 2020-2022 models in the low $40,000s on Autotrader.
Richardson: The Grand Cherokee can tow at least 6,000 pounds and up to 7,200 pounds, but Jan doesn’t need such capability. It’ll be important to look for the smaller, more fuel-frugal V6 engine and not waste money on the V8.
Gentile: Nobody needs a V8 these days. V6s are more than capable in most circumstances for towing and hauling items.
Richardson: Modern V6s, anyway. Older engines can be much less efficient.
Gentile: Another good option could be the Volkswagen Atlas. What do you think?
Richardson: That’s a solid, utilitarian choice in my book. Again, Jan should avoid the four-cylinder editions, which are limited to towing 2,000 pounds, and look for the V6 that can tow 5,000 pounds.
Gentile: I was so impressed when I towed a 3,500-pound boat with it. It never struggled or even felt like you were towing anything behind it. And inside, it’s spacious and nicely appointed.
Richardson: Jan’s tent trailer is probably within the 3,500-pound limit, and a capacity of 5,000 pounds will make towing effortless. It’s easy to spend too much on too strong of an engine that you’ll never use, but if you overstretch it, repairs will be costly. Because Jan drives a Rogue, would you recommend the larger Nissan Pathfinder?
Gentile: Definitely. The Pathfinder has excellent towing capabilities, it’s spacious and has a comfortable and smooth ride. And if Jan has had a good experience with the Rogue and the Nissan dealership, it might make sense to stay with the same family.
2022 Nissan Pathfinder.Mark Richardson/The Globe and Mail
Richardson: I do think of the Pathfinder and the Highlander as being very similar vehicles, and the Nissan has plenty of towing capacity. If Jan likes the local Nissan dealer, that’s probably where the best deal will be found.
What car should you buy? Write to Mark and Petrina at globedrive@globeandmail.com and use ‘What car’ as as part of your subject line. Emails with different subject lines may not be answered.
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