Most fuel efficient TV?

[Padgett]

I did. I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee with V6 (Pentastar) and factory tow package. I've been towing things for a very long time and is the best tow car I've ever had - also not ashamed to take a date to a nice restaurant (see Orlando- restaurant row) and makes a great 2 passenger trip car with a lot of luggage space.

[BrucePerens]

I have a strategy for saving gas that will beat any tow vehicle: I drive my Prius most of the time, and save the Grand Cherokee for skiing, freight, and towing.

Originally Posted by Padgett

I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee with V6 (Pentastar) and factory tow package.

Padgett, the 2016 model Pentastar engine implemented dual-height valve lift and can shut down two cylinders. For the 2017 Grand Cherokee 4x2 they are claiming 19 city, 26 highway.

I drive the 2015 Grand Cherokee 4x4-AWD, which doesn't have a transaxle control. There are models that have a 2-speed transaxle (the lower speed is for off-road only) and transaxle-neutral which allows the vehicle to be towed on its own wheels. I like it a lot. It handles the Trailmanor well.

I considered towing with the Toyota Hybrid SUV. It's a marginal configuration as far as safety is concerned, and may be asking too much of the vehicle as well.

[Padgett]

We came to the same conclusion for different reasons. Since 1972 I have always had a tow can (and usually a tandem axel car trailer for a race car). Originally I had a station wagon (true it was a GTO station wagon but still...). Then a Minivan with a 3800 engine. Did everything I needed but wanted "more". Gave the van to my sister and after a LOT or research bought a new (with rebates was less than a large more than a '11 with 10k miles) Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x2 (have never felt any need for a 4x4 even when living in Michigan) with 3.6 Pentastar, a 24 vale DOHC 6 with VVT i&e (not sure what variable lift buys you over VVT) that tows not only the TM but also loaded largest tandem axle U-Hauls (now those kill MPG) and cars (mostly use a dolly now).

One reason it gives about 1-2 MPG better than the other GCs is because it is the lightest one, about 1,000 lbs lighter than a 4x4 Overland. Only had a few options but the major one was the Factory Towing Package rated for 5,000 lbs and almost perfect 50-50 weight distribution. With all independent suspension and both front and rear sway bars it really handles very well.

Strange thing is that I have been driving it more than my other cars (click on .sig). So while there are better drivetrains (the Ford EcoBoost 3.5 comes to mind), I really like the GCs overall package (and am the type of person who creates spreadsheets of gear ratios).

Besides it costs a lot less than a Merc ML350 (same chassis).

[LoveToCamp]

I tow with a 2014 Grand Cherokee diesel. When not towing, on the highway I get 30 mpg (just did two 1500 mile trips over the last two weekends, Denver to Nevada and back). When I was pulling my 2417 into the mountains and back, I got 21 mpg. Flatland towing was 18 pg. I attribute that to gaining more in fuel economy going downhill than I lose going uphill, so mountain towing is better.

Yes, the diesel engine initially cost more. But, it has paid for itself in increased fuel economy (I figured at about 75,000 miles I was "even").

My 2-cents.