Need recommendations for a SUV to tow an aluminum bass boat

I need info on a V6 SUV that could safely tow an 18 foot Aluminum boat with a 90/115 motor. I really do not know what to look for. I have an Escape with a 260 HP engine but it is FWD. Any feedback?

you should look at the new 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, they re-designed them for 2018, added a lot more room. 3.6L V6, will tow an aluminum boat easy. I believe they have a 5,000 pound tow rating.

What motor do you have in the escape? I believe the 2.0 ecoboost is a pretty stout little motor, is rated to do what your asking and would probably do it.

I would probably lean to something a little bigger, like a 4-runner, explorer, etc. size range

I have the 3.0, 260 hp. It runs very good.

4 Runner would be my choice because it is rear wheel drive

Your boat, motor, trailer combo probably comes in under 2500#'s. Pretty much any midsized SUV should be able to tow it.

I've seen two different minivan's pulling full sized Bassmasters tournament rigs. One was Jim Moynagh who has over a million dollars in career earnings.
I think it was a Chevy Astro but don't remember exactly. I fished with him at the Missouri Invitational in the late 90's.

The two boats were a Ranger 518 and a Bass Cat Jaguar.

I agree with this about pulling, however, what you might need to look into is the stopping power. Small vehicles don't typically have big brake rotors and heavy loads can present a problem without trailer brakes.

Ah, you have the 3.0 v-6? I wouldn't let front wheel drive bother me too much, the weight of the engine sits over the drive axle, you will have plenty of traction I would think. I would want the trailer to have brakes no matter what pulling it with a smaller suv.

Did you want to buy new or used?
If used I'd recommended a 2008-2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel. I had one before trading it in for my Sierra. Towing my Lund 1675 Explorer with a 90 e-Tec I was getting 19 mpg doing 50-65 mph.
The 3.0 diesel is plenty of torque and pulling power.

It's more about ability to stop!

Tahoe gets my vote. Lots of power and very dependable.

Like stated already, its more about stopping than towing. I tow a 16.5 ft aluminum bass boat with a 4 door F150. The truck will stop the boat but in no way can i stop as quickly as i can unloaded. My wife drives a Hyundai Sante Fe (V6 SUV front wheel drive). I would not even think about trying to stop quickly with my boat attached to the back of it. I know it wouldn't be pretty and i would be willing to bet the boat would push the rear end of the car around. Also, Front wheel drive on a ramp can be tricky when it comes to traction.

I'd seriously look into getting at least a 3/4 ton diesel for towing.....

Jokes aside, Tahoe bud! 5.3 V8 will haul that boat all day, even the 4.8 would be fine. Or even the 4.3 V6. But if you are ok with maybe going used, find a Chevy Trailblazer in good condition. We had one a while back and it yanked a Stratos 201PE/225 'Rude some miles through Texas with no problemo son!

I tow a 17'6" fiberglass boat with a 2007 Mercury Mountaineer with a V-6 engine just fine and avg. 14.6 MPG at 70 MPH.

I have a 4 Runner for sale with 4.0 V6 engine and towing pkg. Asking $8995...Text 409-670-5675 for more info or pics.