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Potential Owner, so many decisions

2K views 10 replies 9 participants last post by  Renthorin 
#1 ·
I'm just starting the process of choosing a new/different vehicle(s). My requirements are decent mileage for my 26 mile per day commute and ability to tow my 18' Four Winns I/O (3200 lbs boat, motor, and trailer dry). I don't tow far very often as there are 2 lakes within 10 miles of my house and the roads in MI are flat. However, a few times a year, I will tow it to my family's place about 90 miles away and that lake has no ramp so I need 4 wheel drive to be able to get out of the sand. For reference my brother's 4 cylinder 2009 Tacoma 4x4 was able to get the boat out last summer. My wife's 2008 Honda Odyssey FWD most definitely was not able to do it.

I'm considering the Cherokee and the GMC Canyon/Chevy Colorado. I've test driven the Cherokee and was impressed. I haven't driven the Canyon/Colorado and I'm not sure I want a pickup. I'm also considering getting an older tow vehicle and a small used car like a Civic or something for driving to/from work. I think I'd prefer to have a newer vehicle than multiple older ones however but I'm not completely sure on that yet.

What do you guys think? Will the 4500 tow capacity be enough for me? Does the V6 4x4 Cherokee come close to the 27 mpg highway rating (when not towing)? I'd love to hear your feedback.
 
#3 ·
I agree with above opinion. The Cherokee to me was way more functional than the the Colorado in every day use and the ride not even close. I have a friend with the Colorado and overall the Cherokee seems on another level. The V6 4X4 with the tow package should do everything you need.
 
#4 ·
I considered the new Colorado as well, but the model I would get (Z71 Crew Cab Short Box) was overpriced IMO, especially because I'd end up getting a bed topper and all the creature comforts. Plus I believe it's only "part-time" 4x4 (you switch between 2HI, 4HI and 4LO), which concerns me due to the risk of "binding" if in 4HI and total traction. The Canyon has "full-time" AWD, much like the Cherokee. Of course, GMC = more than Chevy in cost.

The Cherokee won me over in the end, primarily because of the drive system and it just fit my lifestyle better.

But good luck! If you decide on the Cherokee you'll be in good company :)
 
#5 ·
The highest I've ever seen on my cherokee was a little over 25 mpg and I have the v6 with tow. Also I looked into the colorado but I was reading on a colorado forum which can be found by google "chevy colorado forum" but anyways most people report on the highway just getting over 20. I don't have proof of this but I believe that the cherokee will get you the better MPG. It'll also give you better ride quality(IMO) and more for your money(again IMO). Good luck with whichever you choose I don't think you can really go wrong with either!
 
#7 ·
Have crash test ratings come out for the Colorado? Small truck back seats tend to be unsafe for occupants. A full size truck gets near the same mileage as small trucks with increased safety and tow/haul ratings.

Most I ever towed was 1500lbs with the Cherokee V6. Zero problems. Listing a small used Honda Civic as a daily driver with truck as weekend only with your insurance company could be cheaper than new Cherokee. One time I bought a new Honda Civic. Because my Dodge Diesel went from daily driver to stand by, my overall insurance went down by adding a new vehicle. The diesel savings also paid for the car payment and car gas. The new Honda was a free car!
 
#8 ·
I don't tow far very often as there are 2 lakes within 10 miles of my house and the roads in MI are flat.
Welcome to the forum. Where abouts in MI?

In Novemeber, before it turned Arctic here, I was getting 22-23mpg on 55mph roads. Unless it dropped into 8th on the freeway (mine wasn't broken in so it rarely did) I was getting 20 on the highway. That is also in Dec - today when it's cold enough to freeze the..well..you live here too so you know.

When it's this cold out the jeep automatically keeps in in 4x4 rather than disconnecting the rear end so that doesn't help MPG. I'm hoping for better MPG once it warms up.
 
#9 ·
In my expereince, 18 mph in city type driving is very optimistic. Highway mph is just great with the 9 speed, resultant rpms, and steady pace.
 
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