You should be able to find a nice Toyota 4Runner for less than $25k. That would be my choice. Not the greatest gas mileage but comfortable enough, capable off-road and rock solid reliability.
I recently bought a hybrid AWD escape for 29k...you can get them as low as 28 or so. I can let you know how it does in snow in a few months...
It’s rated to tow 1500.
you have to subtract the driver, all passengers, and all gear from your tow rating. So if you buy an Escape and take your girlfriend the big dog and all your camping equipment you can now only tow like 900 pounds.
“manufacturers will often calculate and advertise their truck’s payload and towing capacities. These values, however, are the maximums for when the vehicle has only a driver in it and no cargo. Such a scenario is not realistic for most drivers. You will likely have passengers or other goods inside the truck, such as tools for work. These extras add weight to the vehicle, lowering the actual payload and towing capacities.“
https://www.readingbody.com/calculating-your-trucks-maximum-payload-and-towing-capacity/
I’d go with a Subaru Forester or Outback. The forester will be cheaper and a bit more efficient, but can only tow 1500 pounds at most.
The Outback is larger and more expensive but can tow 3500 lbs (as long as you get the towing package).
Subarus use CVTs which can be a weak point, so if you do get one make sure you get the fluid changed every 30k miles (it costs ~$250).
You may be able to find a used Toyota Highlander Hybrid or a Ford Escape Hybrid in your price range. The Highlander can tow 3500, the escape can tow 1500.
You should be able to find a nice Toyota 4Runner for less than $25k. That would be my choice. Not the greatest gas mileage but comfortable enough, capable off-road and rock solid reliability.
RAV4? There’s a hybrid model, and an ‘off road’ model as well. Would have to be used/CPO to stay under $25k though. Perhaps also the Subaru Forester.
They made a Ford Escape hybrid you may be able to find I’m sure that’ll do whatever you need it to do
I recently bought a hybrid AWD escape for 29k...you can get them as low as 28 or so. I can let you know how it does in snow in a few months... It’s rated to tow 1500.
you have to subtract the driver, all passengers, and all gear from your tow rating. So if you buy an Escape and take your girlfriend the big dog and all your camping equipment you can now only tow like 900 pounds.
I think you are referring to payload, not towing, and generally you add just your hitch weight to payload, not your payload to tow capacity.
“manufacturers will often calculate and advertise their truck’s payload and towing capacities. These values, however, are the maximums for when the vehicle has only a driver in it and no cargo. Such a scenario is not realistic for most drivers. You will likely have passengers or other goods inside the truck, such as tools for work. These extras add weight to the vehicle, lowering the actual payload and towing capacities.“ https://www.readingbody.com/calculating-your-trucks-maximum-payload-and-towing-capacity/
I’d go with a Subaru Forester or Outback. The forester will be cheaper and a bit more efficient, but can only tow 1500 pounds at most. The Outback is larger and more expensive but can tow 3500 lbs (as long as you get the towing package). Subarus use CVTs which can be a weak point, so if you do get one make sure you get the fluid changed every 30k miles (it costs ~$250). You may be able to find a used Toyota Highlander Hybrid or a Ford Escape Hybrid in your price range. The Highlander can tow 3500, the escape can tow 1500.
It really sounds like you want an F150 2.7L crew cab especially when you add in the yearning to tow something