RAV4 vs XTrail (given up on Freelander 2)

[Lee_374361419]

Any thoughts on whats best Rav4 (shape2) or Xtrail? Ive given up on freelander 2 as I have read too many horror stories, my heart and wallet arent big enough!

Im limited on Cash, there is me, the wife and the kid - possibly another one at some point so kid seats are a defo.

Towing an Elddis Whisp Eb450 qith awning and stuff. (like loads of clothes and shoes for the wife, you know how it is!)

Any thoughts

 

[Marsha_374361062]

Of course you would need to check the weights etc with your van but we've just bought our first caravan (Swift Charisma 560) and are using a 2007 Rav4 to tow with (2.2td) seems to tow it easily. Seats are easy enough, seat belts seem long enough to get little ones seats in (some cars are a nightmare for that) and the seats in ours move back and forwards on runners so you can put more in the boot when the children are still little. Oh the seats in the back also lay back which my son loves.

 

[Gareth_374362591]

lee i towed with a 07 plate 2.2 nissan xtrail but mine was the 2wd version and it towed perfect being only 2wd,

the only problem is witjh 2wd only you get stuck in the wet grass lol but other than that it was fine i now tow with a hyundai santa fe which is excellent you might want to look at one of these

 

[Zbungle]

I tow a Bailey Pageant Monarch with my Nissan X Trail Columbia. The 2.2 diesel engine is a terrific puller. Nothing better than sitting on the motorway, in 6th gear, cruise control switched on and we simply sail along. Another advantage is the noseweight limit on mine is 125Kg. Beefy enough for any caravan, plus a bit to spare. From memory I think the RAV4 is only 75Kg (but I could be wrong).

 

[Bezzer]

The 4.3 (from 06) Rav is 80kg towball limit, another 07 2.2d owner here towing an Odyssey 524 no problem. One of the considerations that made our minds up to get the Rav was its solo ride, it's not "soggy" like some other soft roaders it has a car type quality ride.

 

[Marsha_374361062]

Noseweight - Ours is 80kg I believe, but the caravan is only 90kg so wouldn't make much of a difference.

 

[Duggie_374362603]

HI! i would recomend the xtrail i have 55plate 2.2 sport get good mileage in town 36/38mpg good on long travels 46/49mpg not so good on towing 25/28mpg towing a Swift charisma 555 (1460kg). good alround vehicle plus it is selectable 4 wheel drive rather than constant 4 wheel drive the second being not so good on fuel .Only thing to watch about the xtrail is the turbo,s on some are bloomin crap ,mine has only done 33,500 mls and it is on its 3rd turbo (all done under warenty thank god .other wise will cost you

 

[MikeG2]

Unfortunately you only feed the Freelander hate mob with this type of post. . .

The Freelander 2 is light years away from what you are currently looking at, and whenever I drive mine (solo and towing)n I do so with an enormous smile on my face. My previous Freelander (the previous model) was reliable and confortable.

 

[John_374224558]

Unfortunately you only feed the Freelander hate mob with this type of post. . .

The Freelander 2 is light years away from what you are currently looking at, and whenever I drive mine (solo and towing)n I do so with an enormous smile on my face. My previous Freelander (the previous model) was reliable and confortable.

Couldn't agree with MikeG more.

My FL2 is nothing short of brilliant!

I know that there can be exceptions to every vehicle, as I expect X Trail owners who have had their turbos blow up will confirm.

 

[BigJohn1]

Couldn't agree with Mike G and John More. I have freelander 2 and tow a 1600kg hymer with it. Faster than my wifes jeep cherokee solo. Climbs hills for fun minimal gear changes and a great drive solo or towing.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

I tow a Bailey Pageant Monarch with my Nissan X Trail Columbia. The 2.2 diesel engine is a terrific puller. Nothing better than sitting on the motorway, in 6th gear, cruise control switched on and we simply sail along. Another advantage is the noseweight limit on mine is 125Kg. Beefy enough for any caravan, plus a bit to spare. From memory I think the RAV4 is only 75Kg (but I could be wrong).

I thought that XTs were 100kg max.My Columbia was