I give up. Help me find this CUV.

4329 Views 94 Replies 43 Participants Last post by adrew, 12 d ago

MandatoryOutsidePossum

Discussion Starter · 16 d ago

Having trouble finding this, maybe it doesn't exist. Just gonna run this up the TCL flagpole and see if I missed something.

-New
-Some kind of SUV/CUV, compact or midsize.
-Tows 3,500.
-Under $36,000
-No hybrids or EVs.
-Is actually available without some kind of 6 month wait.
-Is NOT a RAV4 Adventure/TRD, Subaru Outback, or Hyundai Santa Cruz/Ford Maverick pickup thingy.

There are a lot of potential models, but when you look at the specs you find out the base trims aren't rated to tow. For example, to tow 3,500 on the Hyundai Santa Fe, you must get at least the $40,600 Limited trim.

Other potential models may have base prices that don't really exist in the wild. The Toyota Highlander tows 5,000 and starts at $36,620...but you'll never find one.

I feel like this is unobtainable. Confirm or deny!

1 - 20 of 95 Posts

mittencuh

· #2 · 16 d ago

Model Y Performance

Reactions: 5

j31izzle

· #3 · 16 d ago

Average car price is ~$41k. I don't think $36k for a new CUV/SUV + additional requirements is gonna cut it today.

Reactions: 1

VarianceVQ

· #4 · 16 d ago

Pathfinder might fit the bill.

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Reactions: 4

Strange Mud

· #5 · 16 d ago

does the increased towing capacity come from more than a transmision cooler? If that's it base model and DIY?

yes I'm cheap and clueless

Reactions: 1

r_fostoria

· #6 · 16 d ago

Here's a Ford Escape that fits all those requirements. I searched new Escapes and then searched keywords for ones with the 3500lb Class II tow package. There seems to be a good amount of them around. New 2022 Ford Escape SEL For Sale $35,270 | Cars.com

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Reactions: 4

TurboFan

· #7 · 16 d ago

Subaru Ascent Premium. Use the VIP program, $500 to ASPCA. Working on buying our 2nd one this weekend and it is right at $36K with the discount and readily available. Just confirm your dealer will take the VIP pricing before you make the donation. Tows 5K with the dealer installed hitch.

Reactions: 3

Smigelski

· #8 · 16 d ago

I thought I had a winner with the Mitsubishi Outlander, but those only tow up to 2,000lbs.

MandatoryOutsidePossum

Discussion Starter · #9 · 16 d ago

Smigelski said:
I thought I had a winner with the Mitsubishi Outlander, but those only tow up to 2,000lbs.

Thank you for trying.

Senior Member

· #10 · 16 d ago

VW Atlas V6, after $6K discount in a few months from now.

Reactions: 2

Smigelski

· #11 · 16 d ago

The Pilot LX starts at $36,300 and can tow 3,500lbs in 2WD.

The Passport only has upper trims and starts at $41k.

ThatGTI

· #12 · 16 d ago

If the budget can be upped a bit, here's a premium option.

Starting at $36,350.
Towing capacity of 3,500lbs.

(Factory hitch is a $1,345 accessory.)

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Maroon

· #13 · 16 d ago

Yeah, all the midsizers that can tow 3500lbs basically start at 36k and the odds of finding a poverty spec one are not good.

PlatinumGLS

· #14 · 16 d ago (Edited)

Traverse LT can tow 5,000 lbs. With rebates and haggling, will probably be at or below $36k.

EDIT - There are quite a few available on Cars.com for less than $36k

https://www.cars.com/shopping/results/?dealer_id=&keyword=&list_price_max=35000&list_price_min=&makes[]=chevrolet&maximum_distance=all&mileage_max=&models[]=chevrolet-traverse&monthly_payment=658&page_size=20&sort=best_match_desc&stock_type=new&trims[]=chevrolet-traverse-lt_cloth&year_max=&year_min=&zip=48316

Reactions: 1

Cooper

· #15 · 16 d ago

I have a '22 Escape. Like it a lot.

MandatoryOutsidePossum

Discussion Starter · #16 · 16 d ago

Cooper said:
I have a '22 Escape. Like it a lot.

2.0?

MandatoryOutsidePossum

Discussion Starter · #17 · 16 d ago

ThatGTI said:
If the budget can be upped a bit, here's a premium option.

Starting at $36,350.
Towing capacity of 3,500lbs.

(Factory hitch is a $1,345 accessory.)

This is a cool idea, but a autotrader search within 100 miles shows the cheapest one at about $44k.

Reactions: 1

masa8888

· #18 · 16 d ago

Senior Member said:
VW Atlas V6, after $6K discount in a few months from now.

Not a bad suggestion. The 2024 facelift model is coming out in a few months (Turbo 4 only), so it might be possible to get a good deal on a leftover 2023 V6 model. 5k towing capacity.

Reactions: 2

todras

· #19 · 16 d ago (Edited)

GMC Acadia? 2021 or 2022. You didn't say 0 miles new or a year or 2 old.

Edit: Looks like it has to have the optional towing pkg to tow 4k.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/f2fb7226-cd9d-4636-be6b-2eaa55fc0bd1/?aff=atempest&CMP=atempest&utm_source=AutoTempest&utm_medium=TRP&utm_campaign=atempest

2.0_Mazda

· #20 · 16 d ago

You can get a CX-50 turbo for $37k if that floats your boat.

Reactions: 1

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