by seandwyer » Mon Mar 22, 2010 12:56 pm
Greenlake,
I use a Ford Escape and to me it seems a purely perfect towing combination for the DS. I think if you are thinking about a new vehicle this would be an ideal option - and they are not bouncy or uncomfortable (as you mentioned about the Explorer). I have a good amount of towing experience - everything from stock trailers, to towing livestock trailers, to tractor trailers, and I am very pleased with the way the escape performs. It is a smaller SUV so it gets pretty good mileage. I CAN open the glass window on the back, but there is not enough room for the door to open. I think when I am towing I get about 27 miles per gallon - when not trailering I get about 30+. Now, all that said - mine is a 2.0 4 cylinder with 5 speed manual. Personally, for towing I prefer a manual, but that's up to you. It's front wheel drive so the ramps have never been a problem, and breaking seems perfectly adequate. If you are concerned about power go for the 6 cylinder. I can't complain about the way mine performs, and that is usually with the car filled with passengers as well as he boat and gear in tow. You may find it a little sluggish if you are used to 8 cylinders, or be happy is used to 4 - I'd test drive one obviously. I did a lot of research on efficiency and the Escape had the best mileage of all the SUV's except the Honda CRV - But the CRV was thousands more and the mileage increase was only a mile or 2 per gallon. I actually get better mileage than the manufacturer promised - but that's due to the manual gear box and driving habits. I'm sure you would be happy with the 6 cylinder automatic if you are not a stick guy.
Sean
DS1 - 3203