Tips on Buying Cars: SUV for towing, hyundai santa fe, british columbia canada

Question
Good Morning...my husband and I just retired.  We reside in British Columbia, Canada and are looking forward to "snowbirding" to a warmer climate in winter.  We currently have 2 vehicles which we want to sell.  We wish to purchase only one vehicle which will suit all our needs.  We have been looking at the Hyundai Santa Fe but wonder if it will be suitable for towing a small trailer, bicycles, etc.  We are trying to avoid purchasing a HUGE vehicle which would easily tow just about anything because I would not be comfortable driving a large vehicle, plus the fuel is very expensive.  We are attempting to find one vehicle that both of us are comfortable driving as well as a vehicle that can tow a small travel trailer.  We have heard that Hyundai vehicles tend to be less expensive than their competitors for similar vehicles.  Do you believe a Santa Fe would be a good choice for us??  If so, which model??
Thanks for any help you can give us.  We haven't purchased vehicles in a long time.

Answer
Dear Haley,

I hope you are doing well.

I believe I can make some suggestions concerning your question.  I am assuming that you are looking for a vehicle which is more carlike for a more comfortable ride while still being able to offer the utility that you are looking for.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a good vehicle, but I would recommend looking at other vehicles to provide you with some additional choices.  Yes, Hyundai provides good value in their vehicles and they offer segment leading Powertrain warranties, however the vehicle list that I would suggest are as follows:

- Honda Pilot
- Buick Enclave
- Toyota Highlander
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Hyundai Veracruz

The Buick is the most carlike of the group, but it has one of the higher towing capacities of the group.  I am not sure how much your trailer would weigh, but most of the vehicles have a towing capacity of 3500 lbs, while the Toyota Highlander has a towing capacity of 5000 lbs, and the Buick Enclave has 4500 lbs.  I would suggest seeing all of these and most importantly driving them since this is the most important method of judging the vehicles.  They are all credible vehicles and will serve you well.  The Asian brands will offer you the best reliability long term.  If you are set on purchasing a Hyundai vehicle, I would also consider the Veracruz since it is a bigger vehicle and you may be able to negotiate a better price, since they are not too popular and the dealers may be more willing to negotiate.

Fuel economy wise, they are about equal while providing decent mileage.  These are a good compromise providing you good space and utility without going to a large SUV.

If you have any specific questions or you would like to ask me additional questions after your test drives, I would be happy to assist you.

I would be interested in knowing which vehicle you end up purchasing.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Best regards,

Paul