Looking for a luxury SUV for daily driver duty, and to tow ~5,000lb around the country every couple weeks.

I currently both daily and track/autocross my Miata, but driving that tiny thing over 200 miles to some events is getting to be a PITA (not to mention burning up my nice sticky 200tw tires). I also want to upgrade its suspension to a more competitive spec for its class, which would make it awfully stiff for daily duty.

I'm looking at getting something that can haul it to and from events in relative comfort, and replace it as a daily driver. My only hard requirements are a good track record of reliability, comfortable seating for 5 people, a >5,000lb tow rating and ventilated seats. Fuel economy, especially under load, is a big plus though, and has me looking at some diesel offerings. Lane keeping would also be nice for long hauls, as well as any other creature comforts that would make the car a nicer place to spend a lot of time.

I'm flexible on price, but would like to keep it under $30k used unless I'm really getting something for the extra money. I am comfortable performing major mechanical service, so maintenance costs would mostly fall to parts cost/availability. Cars I have considered:

  • VAG TDI Touareg/Q7/Cayenne: These seem absolutely perfect, but especially the Cayenne seems to have an enthusiast premium attached for later model years. Would also be limited to <2016MY cars.

  • BMW X5: Though they had a TDI offering, I would probably prefer a B58/ZF8 model, since it's just such a good drivetrain.

  • Jeep Grand Cherokee: If I'm being honest, I really don't trust Jeep. But I have a friend that tows his car with one, and it's actually a really nice ride.

  • Wildcard: Old Shitbox Diesel Truck: If there's some old Cummins-powered truck or SUV with surprisingly good seats and road isolation, I'll hear you out. I want to be comfortable on long hauls, but am not a badge snob.

If anyone can talk me into/out of one of these, or has other suggestions, I am all ears!

Posted Jun 17, 2023, 2:02 AM UTC

47
Live_Ice8502•

Lexus GX460. AWD, 6500 lbs towing. Seats up to 7. Comfortable ride and used as a daily driver.

3
Spiritual-Belt•

This is the answer. A Toyota Sequoia would also be a good option but is probably overkill for your towing needs.

2
Rollo0547•

Look into the following luxury SUVs that tow more than 5k lbs:

2023 Lincoln Navigator
2023 Infiniti QX80
2023 Cadillac Escalade
2023 Land Rover Range Rover P530
2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450
2023 Audi Q8/SQ8/RS Q8
2023 Audi Q7/SQ7

According to gearjunkie.com

2
whtabt2ndbreakfast•

Bump up the budget and get a GM 1/2ton truck or suv with the 3.0 Duramax. Tow rating up to 9200lbs, up to 30mpg highway, proving to be reliable after 4 years on the market.

Wildcard: ‘03-‘07 Ford 6.0 Powerstroke. Buy one for $15k-$20k, rebuild the motor and do a complete bulletproof for around $8k. Then you’ll have a very reliable, 600hp/1000trq beast that’s the definition of a wildcard. You’ll get 10mpg though.

2
rick707•

Mercedes ML350 bluetec would easily work for that but like the other options listed will probably be expensive long term. 5k lbs is Toyota Tacoma territory and it won’t kill you in the shop with great resale.

2
hydrogen-optima•

regardless of maintenance consider wear and tear items. VAG brakes are not cheap.

Jeep parts are cheap. even if the car needs repair it won't be expensive. It wont touch the others for comfort though.

Consider used lexus GX/LX. Capable of towing, last forever, unbeatable in comfort. Personally I like X5s but I'm not sure a <30k one would be trouble free

1
thextcninja•

Volvo XC90 2017+

1