Hey everyone, I’m trying to figure out the best vehicle for our family of five that can also handle towing and hauling. I had an F150 that’s now on its last legs, and I’d love to go back to Toyota for my next car.
My wife and I have three kids (7, 6, and 3), and we also need space for occasional passengers like friends or family. While I’ve loved trucks, my current one is only doing truck work once a month, so I’m okay with moving to an SUV and just getting a trailer for those times.
Here’s what I’m looking for:
Reliable enough to last 10+ years. I don’t want to worry about breakdowns or repairs.
Seating for 5 comfortably, plus room for a couple more. Our kids will be adults before I’m done with this car.
Tows a pontoon boat and can haul stuff like soil and mulch with a utility trailer.
Enough storage space, even when the third row is in use.
Good safety ratings and seats far enough from the rear hatch to feel secure.
I’ve looked at options like the Sequoia, but I’m nervous about the hybrid-only powertrain. It seems like Toyota’s lineup doesn’t have anything close to a Suburban, and even the Sequoia has limitations with its payload and third-row space.
Any recommendations? Would love some advice from people who’ve dealt with similar needs.
It sounds like you want the power of a truck with the body of an SUV. I think it’s tough to find something that checks all your boxes. Maybe focus on a few models and go from there?
Slate said:
It sounds like you want the power of a truck with the body of an SUV. I think it’s tough to find something that checks all your boxes. Maybe focus on a few models and go from there?
You’re right; I might be asking too much. I guess I’m frustrated that Toyota doesn’t have a true Suburban competitor. The Sequoia is close, but the hybrid setup eats up a lot of interior space. I’ve even looked at Land Cruisers and Lexus models, but the trunk space behind the third row is tiny. Any other suggestions?
@Wilkie
That makes sense. If you’re okay with a full-size, the Tundra or a second-gen Sequoia could work. For the payload and towing you want, I’d lean toward those or maybe the Lexus GX460 like you mentioned.
I’m not an expert on towing, but Toyota hybrids are very reliable. The batteries are designed to last the life of the vehicle, and they hold up really well if you take care of them.
Parrish said:
I’m not an expert on towing, but Toyota hybrids are very reliable. The batteries are designed to last the life of the vehicle, and they hold up really well if you take care of them.
That’s reassuring. I guess I just worry that ‘life of the vehicle’ might mean 100k miles for some people. I want to hit at least 250k. Are there any specific maintenance steps I’d need to follow for a hybrid? I’m not afraid of routine maintenance—just want to avoid unexpected repairs.
@Wilkie
My hybrid’s at 140k miles and still going strong. The main thing is keeping the vent filters clean and avoiding deep cycling the battery—don’t let it run to full or completely empty. The car’s system protects it pretty well, though, so it’s not hard to manage. Just don’t leave it in Neutral for long or let it sit unused for months.
Sequoia might be your best bet! I get it—it’s not as big as a Suburban, but they really make use of the space. The third row is actually comfortable for adults, unlike the Tahoe, and the storage is manageable.
If size is the priority, you might consider a Suburban, but be prepared for Chevy issues once you hit 100k miles. My Tahoe was fine until then, but keeping it running after that was expensive. Depends on whether you value longevity or space more.
Honestly, sounds like a second-gen Sequoia would work great for you. It’s super reliable, though a little older, so it lacks modern safety features. The newer Sequoias lose third-row space because of the hybrid battery and solid axle, so I’d skip those.
If you’re okay with something non-Toyota, a lightly used Suburban could also do the job, and you could trade it in after a few years before any major issues pop up.