Best Towing Cars - Us New & World Article

We bought a 2018 Pathfinder when the family plan was to get a more robust travel trailer, something like an Rpod.

The big idea behind the Pathfinder was the towing capacity-most of the 3rd row SUVs not built on truck frames (read: Tahoe, Suburban, Expedition, etc) top out at 5k towing capacity. The Pathfinder is rated for 6k. When we were imagining towing a travel trailer as heavy as 4500 pounds, the extra cushion sounded comfortable.

We backed out on the rPod after finalizing the purchase of the Pathfinder, and ended up with what we originally wanted before we went tow vehicle shopping-a 560. The Pathfinder rated to tow 6k handles the 560 pretty easy, and with barely an impact to gas mileage.

If thinking of a Pathfinder, note that the tow package only comes standard on one trim level-the most premium level (Platinum). The next lower trim level has a tow package option (I believe the trim level is SV). An SV with tow package added or any Platinum will come with a factory installed hitch and a 7 pin connector. At least with recent model Pathfinders, any lower trim level (and potentially an SV if it didn't have the factory tow package option) will be sporting an after market third party hitch and wiring set up. Also, if the factory tow package isn't installed then the transmission cooler likely isn't on there either.

 

We love our Outback 2.4 (2012), and it mostly does fine, but we are limited because we can't pull the camper and have our bikes with us. We went to the Subaru dealer to look at the Ascent, and learned that the 2020 Outback has a turbo engine that is capable of towing 3700 lb with a 370 lb tongue weight. PERFECT for those of you like me who don't want a large vehicle, but need just a little bit more oomph and towing capacity than the older Outback can handle.

 

Also amazed that Subaru can also tow but there is just a certain limit for the towing capacity of it so I don't use it with heavy materials. My 2 trucks (jeep and ram) is what I use for rv and to carry building materials but still, bias with Ram when towing. Had a chance to upgrade the hitch I used from 5,000 lb rating to 12,000 lb rating. Already linked the hitch and as of the moment, it really does carry that weight. Would be surprised if this can also double tow.