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    What car should I buy to tow a trailer?

    Nissan Nissan Advice Nissan X-TRAIL Nissan X-TRAIL Advice Subaru Subaru Advice Subaru Outback Subaru Outback Advice

    In the next year we are going to be looking for our next car, we tow often, nothing heavy (four-berth dog trailer) but we find that our 2009 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 sometimes struggles on hills and sucks the fuel when the trailer is loaded with dogs and camping equipment. I see the weights they can tow but should I be looking at some other spec like torque or power output. We want to stick to a medium size SUV. We currently also have a 2002 Subaru Outback (which is the one we are replacing) we might look at a newer model. Can you assist with what I need to look for?

    Answered by CarsGuide
    10 October 2021
    David Morley

    While turbo-diesels aren’t perfect for everybody, when it comes to towing trailers, they do a pretty impressive job. The combination of a torquey diesel engine with an automatic transmission is a pretty handy one when you have a decent sized trailer hooked up. The caveat with a modern diesel, however, is that if most of your driving is urban running about, then the diesel is probably not for you. That’s because the emissions system on a modern diesel (the particulate filter) needs regular longer runs at freeway speeds to avoid giving trouble. But if, as you say, you tow a trailer often, then that should provide the load on the engine the diesel requires to remain trouble-free.

    The good news is that the dominance of the SUV right now means that just about every car-maker has a mid-sized SUV in its showrooms right now. So really, you’re spoiled for choice. I’m not surprised the X-Trail is found a bit wanting at times; even brand-new, that version of the petrol-engined X-Trail could feel a bit underdone. You’ll be amazed at how good newer vehicles have become.

    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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