My wife and I have been towing a 17’ fiberglass trailer (about 3,000 pounds) with a 2016 Kia Sorento SXL with a V6 and all wheel drive. Even though the Kia has a maximum tow capacity of 5,000 pounds, I wouldn’t feel comfortable towing anything heavier than our little trailer with it. I’ve been shopping for a replacement but I’ve got parameters that limit my choices: First, I can’t fit a full-sized truck in my garage and I won’t leave an $80,000 vehicle on the street. Second, I want something with a towing capacity of at least 7,000 pounds. My research has come up with two possibilities - the Lexus GX 550 or the Dodge Durango (don’t laugh).
I’d especially like to hear from those who tow a trailer with their GX 550. What have your experiences been? Any significant issues? Also, my wife and I frequently travel to some remote places and we’ve often found that ‘premium’ fuel isn’t always available (sometimes we couldn’t find gas with an octane rating of over 85 and I prefer to use at least 87 in the Kia when we’re towing). If you’ve ever used less than 91 octane in your GX 550, have you noticed any ‘spark knocking’ aka ‘pre-ignition’? It sounds like a ball peen hammer is bouncing around inside your engine.
I’d appreciate any input. Please stay safe and enjoy your ride.
I’d especially like to hear from those who tow a trailer with their GX 550. What have your experiences been? Any significant issues? Also, my wife and I frequently travel to some remote places and we’ve often found that ‘premium’ fuel isn’t always available (sometimes we couldn’t find gas with an octane rating of over 85 and I prefer to use at least 87 in the Kia when we’re towing). If you’ve ever used less than 91 octane in your GX 550, have you noticed any ‘spark knocking’ aka ‘pre-ignition’? It sounds like a ball peen hammer is bouncing around inside your engine.
I’d appreciate any input. Please stay safe and enjoy your ride.
