Guys, which of these two SUV's for tow vehicle
 

Ok boys, now need a tow vehicle to pull my new toy (still waiting for it, so no pics/info. hopefully in a week or two).

Here's the deal - it has to be one of these TWO. This will be my wife's DD and my tow vehicle when I need it. Please don't tell me Ford F-250 or some kind of crazy dually.

I would like cayenne S but it will cost 80K or so. My wife couldn't care less about cars and would be happy to keep her '05 ML500, so for once i'm trying to be somewhat practical. Besides, knowing me i'll start loading up on porsche options and before you know it i'll say "screw it, let's just go for turbo cayenne". Not gonna happen.

Would seriously consider ML 350 blutec but there is no bi-xenon light package until late spring/summer. probably a deal breaker for me as i'll be in the middle of no where coming back from VIR so I think decent lights are important.

So, she seems to be happy with either '12 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited or VW Touareg TDI Lux. The diesel sounds interesting so that gives a plus for VW.

They look to offer similar options. hadn't sat in a jeep for years, but I have to say, the new one is really nice. Tow capacity is 7,400 lbs. with Class IV hitch, larger alternator, tranny cooler, and sway control. Of course also with hemi V8.

VW has 7,700 tow capacity, also a pretty nice interior, and of course better gas mileage.

Drove both today and no real surprises. VW had better ride, jeep more truck like but certainly not bad.

VW is about 15K more, which buys lots of track instruction and mods/upkeep on the new toy LOL.

So, any thoughts on either one of these?

I'd say go for the VW for the mileage and it will probably maintain its resale value better. Either way you go, they're both nice. I can't afford to add a tow vehicle and trailer to the toy collection at the moment but when the time comes I'll also look at the X5 diesel. Good luck with your purchase!

With the Jeep 15k cheaper it's not an easy choice, but I still vote for the VW. I assume the latest generation still shares it's platform with the Cayenne, but without the risk of running up the options list. Plus a diesel tow vehicle does sound fun to own.

I've had several older Jeeps and repair upkeep was so frequent that I ended up getting rid of them. But that was over a decade ago so, no recent data points to give a fair comparison.

Trailer already purchased, or is that on the list as well?

Trailer already ordered - Trailex open aluminum with tire rack and winch. I keep spending money but don't have anything in my garage to look at LOL.

I would think diesel should have more pull...

Won't an ML500 do the trick?

Also are you looking for a new/newish car? I can't believe Cayenne Turbos are like $30-40 K and from what I've been told by owners, when fitted with the tow kit (factory or dealer installed) it's a beast of a machine due to huge torque and big brakes! I doubt it will tow like a V10 TDI though :)

Chris you truly are a great guy .Thank you .The car is more than what you described.You are as honest as they come. Best of luck with your new venture .

+1: "Won't an ML500 do the trick?" I would think the MB V8 would have more than enough torque to pull your car/trailer without having to ante up for a whole new vehicle. A diesel might have a little more grunt, but the fuel is more than gasoline...at least for the forseeable future.

An MB tow hitch might be a little pricey, but not compared to upgrading to a Toureg. I've always been leery of Jeep, but that's due to personal experiences with electrical bugs.

Good luck - I'm sure whatever you choose will be the best alternative. ;)

The ML500 tow capacity if 5,000 lbs. I can do it but it's getting close to it's max. It's an even shorter wheelbase than the newer cars out there, and with 60,000 miles on it, it may be time. Ill be spending a good bit of time in it, so something newer and more comfortable woudln't hurt.

Besides, having sold my turbo, I need to car shop to keep me busy :D

Thanks for the kind words Ed. I will try to get up to Kips either today or tomorrow. Will let you know how I make out.

V dub. The wheelbase is longer as well.

No rush at all :)

It's close but jeep is actually longer from what i've read.

Jeep wheelbase: 114.8" overall length: 189.8"
VW wheelbase: 113.9" overall length: 188.8"

Touareg, definitely. Despite the 15k difference.

Love the new design and VW makes a great truck

Just went for a nice 20 minute test drive with the Treg and it is very nice. Had a quick drive at another dealer last week, but this one got me out on the highway as well as some back streets. It's a very nice drive.

I'll have my wife go look at it with me tomorrow and if she likes it i'll probably go for the Treg.