New Tow Vehicle

All other things being equal, I'd stick to a rear wheel drive based SUV.  I towed with both and the rear wheel drive pulls a lot better.  Front wheel drive based vehicles (AWD or not, expect Subaru) tend to thrust left or right when pushed hard while towing, due to most of the power going to one of the front wheels.  The new pathfinder is FWD-based, probably the Acadia as well, but I'm not sure.  Unfortunately they are making everything this way these days.   How about a toyota four runner or Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Pam, have you looked at the Jeep Grand Cherokee?  It would do the job with ease.  Especially in the 4X4 version.  Actually, any real 4X4, not AWD, has a higher tow rating than the 2WD version.  Plus the Jeep is a very good looking vehicle.  Another reason for a 4X4 is exploring off road or very ruff forest trails.

Terry
(Do you think that if Jeep reads this they would give me a good discount?)

Infinity makes a few high style SUV's that are RWD-based, big bucks tho.  Here is a full list of RWD based SUVs: http://autos.aol.com/car-finder/style-suv/rear-wheel-drive/

If someone had a FWD SUV there'd be no reason to sell it to tow, but when thinking about buying it really should be given serious consideration.    My other suggestion for someone with a FWD SUV would be sure to tow with the draw bar low, get the ball below the center of the rear axle, that way when lots of force is applied to the hitch, it's not working to lift the front tires.  Of course that conflicts with getting the TT level. 

Buy a Chevy Tahoe 4WD V8.  Lots of pulling power, comfort, etc. we get between 10 - 12 MPG towing which is consistent with the 6 cylinder TV's.  As far as I'm concerned the more towing capacity, the better.  Lots will disagree, but I'm sticking with that.  Safe Travels.  

Kickstart.  You said it better than I did.  Looking at a barely capable TV is not only dangerous, but going to be very frustrating on those long hill climbs, when you have the pedal floored and trying to maintain 35 MPH. Or, buying something with a short wheelbase and all the problems that you could face with that vehicle.  As was told to me many years ago, "You can either cry now, or cry later."  Spend less now and not be happy, or buy what you really need with extra towing capacity, and be very satisfied as well as being safer.  Ask Techntrek why he upgraded or I believe Thad who had an accident with his tow vehicle, and moved up to a much larger TV.  Not trying to sell you anything, just giving you some sound advice.  Safe Travels.