Tow Vehicles

Tow Vehicles ?

Anyone towing with a latest model Chrysler Pacifica or most recent Honda Odyssey  ?

I have been towing my 2013 R-177 with my 14 yo, 210 k miles Toyota Sienna but it's time to buy something new. I don't want a truck or an SUV, SUVs don't have the storage space a van does. My Sienna has 225 hp and works hard to pull the Pod and mileage is horrific, 9-10 mpg but I can live with that while towing because when not towing the Sienna gets 24 mpg on the highway.

Given my preference to avoid trucks and SUVs what suggestions does anyone have?

Ron

Thanks for your reply, the higher torque rating will be important. I appreciate that no vans are really built for towing even an RPod. I would really strongly consider the redesigned 2019 Sienna but rumors are that it won't be out until early 2019. Toyota does things right and won't take any vehicle to market that might risk their reliability reputation.

I may simply break down and buy $10-$15 K pickup to see how well I like it and buy time until the 2019 Sienna is available.  All the new generation vans have around 290 hp, since I have lived with 225 hp in my 2004 sienna, 290 would be an improvement plus the newer van have very advanced safety features.

Kup-Pod,

Thanks for your insightful reply.  You sound like us in that you buy vehicles for the long haul --  a vehicles worth starts to be measured at 100 K.

I hadn't thought of a Santa Fe but will look into it especially since it tows better than your previous Sienna.  I was not even considering six cyl vehicles but with your report and a stated 5000 lb towing capability I'm willing to change my mind.

Sincerly,

Ron

Jim and Diane,

Good input thank you.  A temporary truck or explorer may be my solution until the 2019 Toyota Sienna is available supposedly early 2019. It likely will have 290 hp or greater.

Ron

Capt Kidd,

14.7 mpg is very good, I would be happy too !  I typically buy only new Toyota vehicles and keep them until their dead.

My dilemma coming into focus now is that I really want a van for the extra room they have vs. SUV's.

Adding to the problem is that I want to see what the promised redesigned 2019 Toyota Sienna has to offer.

So what do I do ?

By a decent "tide me over" vehicle expecting to loose no more that $2K ? 

Buy a domestic older truck as a near throw away, given the former Big 3's poor reliability record, and hope it doesn't break down for 6 months ?

Damn Toyota for dragging their feet on the Sienna redesign.