Looking for a 4x4 car to tow a caravan up to around 1400kgs.
Narrowed it down to 3 manual diesel SUV's with SAT NAV, maybe reversing camera/sensors and leather seats:-
Honda CRV 2008-2012
Nissan X-Trail 2009-2013
Mitsubishi Outlander 2009-2012
Appreciate peoples thoughts please based on comfort, reliability, fuel economy towing & not towing, tax bracket etc
Were on our second CRV and our first model was a 2009 cdti EX which was faultless in 5 years ownership from new and 50,000 miles , towed a 1500kg Lunar very well and took us to Spain and Portugal every winter without any issues .
Our present 2014 D-tec SR is equally as good
I know someone who had a Mitsubishi Outlander and another who had a Citroen C-Crosser which is basically the same vehicle and neither of them said that they were excellent towing vehicles as the one couple have now changed to a Kia Sorrento and the other a Volvo XC90. However, I do know a couple of other caravanners that have had the Nissan X-Trail and the Honda CR-V which both were impressed as towing vehicles.
If I was going to choose a 4x4 for towing then my first choice would be the Volvo XC60 with a caravan weight of 1400 kgs. and then possibly the Honda CR-V (second choice) and the Nissan X-Trail (third choice).
If you're thinking of the Outlander then why not the ASX 4? Look for the 1.8 diesel MIVEC engine with 150bhp which is a better engine than fitted to similar period Outlanders. It meets all your requirements.
Also have a look at the door weight plate of the ASX and I think you will find the max towing limit is 1470kg. Even towing 1400kg its not short of power, and all the running gear is identical to the Outlander - it has the same wheelbase. Rock steady as a towcar.
With our first ASX we achieved 37mpg towing all the way down to Italy, and it would do 50mpg on a long run, or 45mpg round town.
Thanks all for the info so far. Forgot to mention we have 2 dogs so after a 4x4 with a decent boot as well. Was wondering about a Sorento as read good things but looks like tax is high and only 5 speed so think fuel economy won't be as good. Maybe CRV about an 08 first of all but maybe not with SAT NAV if difficult to upgrade software. Later will sell my Impreza :-( and look to get a newer CRV or X trail. Not sure on shape of the ASX 4.
I looked a both the CRV and Sorento.
Chose an 09 CRV, better fuel economy and cheaper road tax.
As already said, you don't need to go for the fitted satnav as they're expensive to update the software.
------------- I came into this world with nothing and I've still got most of it left.
174000 miles from new in a 57(newshape) crv
3 fly wheels, 3 clutches, 1 windscreen motor.
It was absolutely finished by the time we got rid at 6 years old, probably ok for a mum as a school runabout, but certainly not up to the job of 40k per year.
oh would have another in a heartbeat (but he's forgotten that it was his short shifting that buggered the flywheel each time) we now have an amarok. I adore it (although I wish it had 3litres under the bonet and not 2) oh hates it because it's an automatic and he can't drive them ........men!!!
------------- Doing whatever the rice krispies tell me to.
Quote: Originally posted by GCMS2012 on 22/8/2016
Can't see the point of sat navs in cars these days...
They're 'out of date' within months, and cost an arm and a leg (no doubt by the dealer) to get updated...
Google's free......
We went for Android Auto. Hands over Google Maps and other apps to the car screen, controllable by voice or steering wheel button, and as you say, always up to date. Saved £600 over the built in nav option.
------------- Mike
My advice is worth no more than the price paid for it
Quote: Originally posted by mikegalagher on 25/8/2016
Quote: Originally posted by GCMS2012 on 22/8/2016
Can't see the point of sat navs in cars these days...
They're 'out of date' within months, and cost an arm and a leg (no doubt by the dealer) to get updated...
Google's free......
We went for Android Auto. Hands over Google Maps and other apps to the car screen, controllable by voice or steering wheel button, and as you say, always up to date. Saved £600 over the built in nav option.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: 4x4 Tow car
