I was looking around, and the thread on the fx35/45 made me try to think of what other non-traditional tow pigs there are. The fx35 up to 2008 had a 3500lb towing capacity, pretty good.
What other comfortable, not trucks, exist with "decent" towing capacities? My current minimalist setup only weights 2k and has surge brakes. Adaptive cruise control would be a real winner (the fx35/45 has it with the tech package). The current generation of trucks have all these, but the cost of entry is way too high for me. I'm always looking for a more comfortable way to get to the track when I have to drive >4 hours - my current truck is nice for what it is, but bounce you around a bit (and are very trucky).
I think the Panther had good towing capacity, but it's getting long in the tooth (though it's a comfortable place to be). What others are there?
A lot of minivans can tow up to 3500lbs, I know our Sedona can. Done it many, many times with no issue.
Driven5
SuperDork
12/27/18 9:58 a.m.
I believe the 1st gen Porsche Panamera was rated at 4850 pounds towing capacity. That's certainly a comfortable place to be.
Most 3-Row CUV's (Highlander/Pilot/etc) seem to typically have a ~5000 pound towing capacity. I would include the Ridgeline in this category too, as even though it's a 'truck', it's not a truck.
B-body wagon with the tow package was rated to 5,000 lbs, but the newest one is over 20 years old now. They are comfy though.
Tow package lt1 Fleetwoods were rated for 7k. Super comfy but I've never towed with any of mine (can't find a hitch).
Previous gen Volvo S60/S80 were rated to 3300lbs.
Audi Q5 can be optioned to tow something like 4400lbs.
Strangely 2000s-ish Hyundai Sonatas were rated to tow 2000lbs. No way I'd ever do that though.
I think our gx460 is rated to 6,500
93gsxturbo said:
4 Runner/GX470
Land Cruiser/LX470
The gx’s are actually on a Prado platform- a little different than a 4Runner.
3500lbs for the previous gen Grand Caravan/T&C.
Even our older 4th gen (01-07) T&C is rated for 3500 lbs. The long wheelbase and short rear overhang of the minivan makes it very stable and comfortable for towing.
pirate
Reader
12/27/18 12:18 p.m.
Ford Edge with tow package rated up to 3500 pounds. Pulls a small car trailer with Lotus 7 clone. Trailer has electric brakes so added a digital brake controller.
grover said:
The gx’s are actually on a Prado platform- a little different than a 4Runner.
I thought Prado and 4Runner were both on the150 chassis.
lc-prado-vs-4runner.78568
doesn't Vigo tow with the GS450h?
That's got to be a comfortable way to tow
pirate said:
Ford Edge with tow package rated up to 3500 pounds. Pulls a small car trailer with Lotus 7 clone. Trailer has electric brakes so added a digital brake controller.
We pulled an Alfa GTV with a small trailer really comfortably with an Edge. Seemed much better at it than a Ranger, even with the 2000lb lower rating.
I’d bet that every other CUV of that size will be fine.
AWD Ford Flex is rated to 4500 lb. and ought to be a nice, comfortable ride when not towing. Lots of interior space, too.
sleepyhead said:
doesn't Vigo tow with the GS450h?
That's got to be a comfortable way to tow
Vigo will post in here to recommend a Porsche Cayenne. That's my prediction and recommendation as well.
Jeep KJ with tow package, 5000 lbs. Towed 3900 lbs. all over the NE and more.
Another vote for the Cayenne. 7716lb towing capacity.
NGTD
UberDork
12/27/18 6:26 p.m.
2011-up Ford Exploders can do 5K with Factory Towing package.
mr2s2000elise said:
grover said:
The gx’s are actually on a Prado platform- a little different than a 4Runner.
I thought Prado and 4Runner were both on the150 chassis.
lc-prado-vs-4runner.78568
Looks like you are correct. Sorry about that.
Vigo
UltimaDork
12/27/18 9:02 p.m.
doesn't Vigo tow with the GS450h?
That's got to be a comfortable way to tow
That car lives with my ex now but yes i did, and it was sweet!
https://imgur.com/tCyJMDf
Vigo will post in here to recommend a Porsche Cayenne. That's my prediction and recommendation as well.
Yeah, you're right! 
I haven't towed with mine yet but based on my fairly extensive experience towing cars with things that 'shouldnt' tow cars, it sure feels like it will do well. Of course, with a 7700lb rating i can't really say this one isn't supposed to tow cars.
I also recently bought an AWD Highlander Hybrid (as a flip, but also because ive been curious for a long time) and it seems like it would be a good do-all type of vehicle as well. Not as fun as the Porsche but basically as fast, gets decent mpg and has a style of transmission that won't care that you're towing. Mine actually has a trailer brake controller in it that i need to remove before sale. I was considering towing a car with it in a week or two, so if I do i'll post back.
