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Stephen M. Bainbridge
December 31, 2014
Choosing a “Toad”
Vehicle must be listed as flat towable by Motorhome.com’s Guide to Dinghy Towing
SUVs only
• Eliminate sedans and hatchbacks, because we already own a sedan
• Eliminate pick ups, vans, and minivans, because of personal preference
Automatic only
• We live in LA and a manual in stop & go traffic would be intolerable
Cannot exceed 5,000 pounds
• Approximately 4,000 pounds preferred
Off-road ability preferred
MSRP of fully equipped trim below $40,000 preferred
Towable
Vehicle type
Transmission
Weight
Other
Factors used to filter list
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ExteriorEdmunds
Chevrolet Equinox 2015
Pros: Premium look inside and out; strong optional V6
engine; quiet interior; comfortable highway ride; spacious
and adjustable backseat.
Cons: Four-cylinder version feels sluggish on the
highway and real-world mpg falls short of EPA ratings;
low V6 mpg ratings as well; less cargo space than rivals;
steering isn't very precise.
The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox is tied for 11 out of 23
Affordable Compact SUVs.
The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox has a comfortable,
quiet ride and spacious seats, reviewers say.
However, they’re let down by its underpowered base
engine and dull handling.
MSRP LT AWD w/ 2LT trim,: $35,390
MPG: 20 city / 29 highway
Off-road: weak
Weight: 3,777
3
Drivers can find a comfortable driving position with plenty
of room all around. The steering wheel adjusts for tilt and
telescope. Drivers can see out well to the front, but the
sloping roof impedes the view to the rear quarter. The
back window's high sill blocks visibility to the rear.
Interior fit and finish: The interior is much improved, with
attractive details and rubber-rimed switchgear. The
plastics are nicely grained but hard to the touch and there
are a few sharp edges.
The ride is taut yet supple. Impacts are fairly muted
and mostly absorbed without drama. Body motions
are well controlled except for occasional quick
pitches. The highway ride is steady and absorbent.
Except for some raspy engine noise when
accelerating, the cabin stays pleasantly quiet.
Routine handling is fairly agile, with quick steering
response and little body lean.
The Equinox has easy cabin access and a huge rear seat. While the 3.6-liter V6 delivers decent performance, the
dithering transmission makes it feel sluggish and fuel economy is just 18 mpg overall. The four-cylinder returned 21
mpg but has to work hard. Handling is sound, if unexceptional, and the ride is fairly compliant. Interior components
look snazzy, but feel cheap. Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system is easy to use. High-trim LTZ models bring
forward-collision and lane-departure warnings, but lack common features like a dual-zone climate system. A
standard WiFi hotspot is new. Reliability has been above average, but the Equinox scores too low to be
recommended.
Overall
Interior Driving
Chevrolet Equinox: Consumer Reports
4
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GMC Terrain 2015
Pros: Premium look inside and out; quiet interior;
comfortable highway ride; powerful available V6
engine; spacious and adjustable backseat.
Cons: Real-world mpg falls well short of EPA ratings;
less cargo space than rivals; steering isn't very precise;
IntelliLink infotainment controls can be finicky.
The 2015 GMC Terrain ranks 2 out of 23 Affordable
Compact SUVs.
Test drivers report that the 2015 GMC Terrain stands out
with lots of rear-seat legroom, an upscale cabin and a
powerful available V6 engine. Earns reviewer praise for
its upscale materials and isolation from outside noise.
MSRP of Denali V6 AWD: $40,560
MPG: 20 city / 29 highway
KBB: “it's not meant for off-road duty, despite the
tough face”
Weight: 3,853
5
The ride is taut yet supple. Impacts are fairly muted and
mostly absorbed without drama. Body motions are well
controlled except for occasional quick pitches. The
highway ride is steady and absorbent. Except for some
raspy engine noise when accelerating, the cabin stays
pleasantly quiet.
Routine handling is fairly agile, with quick steering
response and little body lean.
Drivers can find a comfortable driving position with plenty
of room all around. The steering wheel adjusts for tilt and
telescope. Drivers can see out well to the front, but the
sloping roof impedes the view to the rear quarter. The
back window's high sill blocks visibility to the rear.
Interior fit and finish: The interior is much improved, with
attractive details and rubber-rimed switchgear. The
plastics are nicely grained but hard to the touch and there
are a few sharp edges.
The Terrain straddles the small and midsized SUV categories. It has a taut, yet supple and controlled ride, with
responsive and secure handling. The raspy 2.4-liter four-cylinder averaged a respectable 21 mpg overall, but
acceleration is not brisk; The 3.6-liter V6 is better. But a dithering transmission makes the SUV feel sluggish, and
fuel economy averaged just 18 mpg. The interior is well finished and cabin access is easy, but wide roof pillars block
the rear view. The rear seat is comfortable and roomy. Changes for 2015 include a standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.
Reliability has been above average but it scored too low in our tests to be recommended.
Overall
Driving Interior
GMC Terrain: Consumer Reports
6
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ExteriorEdmunds
Jeep Cherokee 2015
More off-road capability than anyone expects from a
crossover, but the bigger story is that it's civilized and
comfortable enough to drive to work every day.
Smooth and refined V6 engine; pleasant ride; spacious
passenger quarters; availability of high-end tech features;
Trailhawk offers unique off-road capability for the
segment.
The 2015 Jeep Cherokee is tied for 11 out of 23
Affordable Compact SUVs.
Reviewers like the Jeep Cherokee’s strong optional
V6 engine, extensive off-road capabilities and
premium interior, but they find its on-road handling
dull.
MSRP of Trailhawk: $37,635
MPG: 19 city / 25 highway
Strong off-road capability in Trailhawk trim
Weight: 4,044
7
Feels solid and quiet
Uconnect 8.4 touch-screen infotainment system is
one of the best we've seen
Impressive suite of available upscale features
including advanced electronic safety aids
Optional V6 gives it class-leading towing capacity
Trailhawk versions are capable off-roaders
The nine-speed transmission is good for bragging rights
but not smooth shifts
The Cherokee is priced higher than the competition,
particularly in lower trim levels
Most rivals provide easier access, a roomier driving
position, and more cargo space
Thick roof pillars seriously constrain visibility
Desirable features often require purchasing expensive
option packages
This small SUV could be a contender, but the Dart-based Cherokee is too underdeveloped and unrefined. If
you have your heart set on one, get the 3.2-liter V6 in Limited trim. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder is slow and gets
lousy fuel economy for the class at just 22 mpg overall. The nine-speed automatic is not all that responsive or
refined. Handling is competent, but short on agility and the ride is jittery. It's a quiet SUV, with a comfortable
backseat and a state-of-the-art infotainment system. Limited trims can be equipped with many high-end
features. The Trailhawk is very capable off-road, and the V6 can tow an impressive 4,500 pounds. First year
reliability has been much below average.
Overall
“Why to Buy” “Why Not to Buy”
Jeep Cherokee: Consumer Reports
8
Car and Driver Motor Trend
Highest ranked towable compact SUV on Car
and Driver’s list:
• Polarizing to purists and newcomers alike, the
Cherokee is the best-driving small Jeep.
Solid, not light, with good on-road dynamics,
the Cherokee offers a 2.4-liter four-cylinder
and 3.2-liter V-6 engines (the V-6 is better for
all-wheel drive and towing) and a nine-speed
automatic for highway cruising. Cabin tech
and materials rival the Grand Cherokee; cargo
capacity, however, is average at best.
• Its suspension clearly designed for more than
crawling over rocks, the Cherokee is quiet and
composed over the road. None of its varied
platform-mates is so refined. Steering
response remains sharp, with a degree of
road feel we’d never have expected in a Jeep.
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee will impress even the
hardest-core enthusiast with its capabilities. More
important, it advances the Jeep cause with an
ingenious drive system, a polarizing design, and a
well-appointed interior. It looks like no other and
behaves like no other, but it is still a Jeep all the way
through its Italian platform.
The Cherokee's interior has more in common with the
Grand Cherokee than the Liberty the Cherokee
replaces. It's comfortable, well-laid-out, and uses a
combination of choice materials that make it feel
more like a luxury car than a vehicle that can turn a
mountain into a mustard seed. There are soft-touch
points and the cabin's layout is driver-friendly. Two
analog gauges bookend either a 3.5-inch or 7-inch
thin-film transistor screen that offers a half-dozen
different configurations for real-time information.
During a day of off-roading, it was easy to understand
how capable the Cherokee really is. See a rock, climb
a rock. Combining this capability with crossover
comfort, quiet, and economy gives the Cherokee the
potential to attract new followers to the Jeep fold.
Jeep Cherokee Reviews
9
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Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2015
Pros: All but unstoppable on the trail; unmistakable
styling; two- and four-door variants; extensive factory and
aftermarket parts support; fun to drive in its own special
way.
Cons: Long braking distances; sloppy on-road handling;
noisy interior; busy ride; poor crash-test scores.
The 2015 Jeep Wrangler ranks 19 out of 23
Affordable Compact SUVs.
The 2015 Jeep Wrangler has remarkable off-road
prowess, reviewers agree. However, its lack of
standard features and rough ride quality make it
impractical for most drivers.
MSRP of Rubicon 4 DR: $42,200
MPG: 16 city / 21 highway
Strong off-road capability
Weight: 3,760 (2 DR)
• 4,075 (4 DR)
10
At low speeds, the Wrangler absorbs bumps reasonably
well, but things get worse quickly. It jiggles constantly
on just about any type of pavement, even when cruising
on the highway.
Expect very clumsy handling, with the early onset of
body lean in corners even at low speeds. The Jeep
feels reluctant to turn, and the slow steering is devoid of
feedback. Extreme body lean, early and sustained
understeer, and numb steering all contribute to a poor
performance.
You sit high and upright in the Wrangler, close to the
steering wheel, which adjusts for tilt but does not
telescope. The wheel is also offset slightly to the left.
Shorter drivers found the pedals to be a reach, and
there isn't a lot of seat adjustment range fore and aft.
The footwell is narrow, but at least there's plenty of
head room.
Front seats are largely flat and lacking lateral support,
with spongy and unevenly supportive cushions. There is
no lumbar support adjustment, and the recline
adjustment lever is hard to access.
As an everyday vehicle, the Wrangler trails most SUVs. However, for mainly off-road use, few
vehicles are better. The Wrangler uses Chrysler's 3.6-liter V6 and five-speed automatic, which
returned 17 mpg overall in our tests. While the Jeep is better than it's ever been, the ride still rocks
and jiggles constantly, and handling is very clumsy. Wind noise is very loud at highway speeds.
Getting in and out is an awkward act, and the interior is uncomfortable. Off-road performance is still
impressive, but the Rubicon performs better than our tested Unlimited Sahara did. IIHS side-crash
results without the optional side air bags are unimpressive. Reliability has been well below average.
Overall
Driving Comfort
Jeep Wrangler: Consumer Reports
11
Car and Driver Motor Trend
Second highest ranked towable compact
SUV:
• If you’re looking for the most serious of off-
roading vehicles available, look no further
than the legendary Wrangler. It takes all of
the right features—four-wheel drive, ample
ground clearance, and a nimble
suspension—and puts them all in one go-
anywhere package. A 285-hp, 3.6-liter V-6
is the sole engine; it teams up with either a
six-speed manual or a five-speed
automatic transmission. For the ultimate
Wrangler, check out the Rubicon—it’s as
tough as the legendary trail that inspired it.
The Wrangler Rubicon gets its name after the
Rubicon Trail that borders Lake Tahoe, one of
the most challenging off-road courses in the
country, where Jeep engineers do much of
their testing.
The Wrangler's on-road characteristics don't
surprise either. While stable at speed, its slow
steering response will make you second-
guess any aggressive lane changes. It'll dive
under hard braking, and the roar from those
big knobby tires will make it near impossible
to have conversations using your library
voice.
Jeep Wrangler Reviews
12
Horsepower Torque Weight MPG
Equinox 301 272 3,777 20/29
Terrain 301 272 3,853 20/29
Cherokee 271 239 4,044 19/25
Wrangler 285 260 4,075 16/21
Specifications
13
Front head
room
Front hip
room
From leg
room
Front
shoulder
room
Equinox 40.9 55.1 41.2 55.7
Terrain 39.4 53.8 41.1 57.6
Cherokee 41.3 55.6 41.0 55.8
Wrangler 42.8 60.7 45.3 66.0
Front row comfort dimensions
14
Width Height Length Ground
Clearance
Equinox 72.5 69.3 187.8 6.9
Terrain 72.8 n/a 185.3 6.9
Cherokee 74.9 67.8 182.0 10.1
Wrangler 80.0 74.2 184.8 10.1
Dimensions
15
Equinox Terrain Cherokee Wrangler
Alarm S x O S
Backup
CameraS S S x
Power Liftgate x S O x
Leather Seats S S O O
Heated/Coole
d SeatsS/x S/x O/O O/x
Power/Memor
y SeatsS S O x
Blind Spot
Monitorx S O x
Lane
Departure
Warning
S S O x
Key options
16
Overall Performance Interior Safety
Equinox 7.7 7.1 8.1 8.5
Terrain 8.3 7.5 8.4 8.5
Cherokee 7.7 7.8 8.3 9.3
Wrangler 7.3 7.8 6.8 n/a
US News Ratings
17
US News
Edmunds
Interior
ExteriorMust buy used
Honda CR-V (2014 and older)
Honda announcement: "With the addition of CVT
transmissions to both the Fit and the CR-V, our automatic
transmission dinghy towing options disappeared. At this
point, among all Honda vehicles, only the 2015 Fit with
manual transmission has been tested for dinghy towing.
There is no manual transmission option for the CR-V. I
wish I had better news for your readers."
Pros: Abundant passenger and cargo room; good
fuel economy; user-friendly controls; ample standard
tech features; strong crash test scores.
Cons: No available engine upgrade; some cheap
cabin materials; transmission lacks a manual mode.
The 2015 Honda CR-V ranks 1 out of 23 Affordable
Compact SUVs.
The Honda CR-V gets excellent fuel economy, and
reviewers love its roomy cabin and long list of
standard features.
18
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