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Which SUV for towing a 650-kilo dinghy?

I currently drive a 2009 Skoda Roomster 1.4 turbo diesel, which is fine for towing my small dinghy. However, I am considering buying a bigger boat and will need a vehicle that can comfortably tow 650 kilos. I don’t want to spend much more than the trade-in price of my Skoda and was contemplating either a used Toyota RAV4 or Nissan X-Trail. Which of these would be best suited to the task? Or should I consider a different vehicle?

Asked on 2 February 2013 by CH, Horsforth, Leeds

Answered by Honest John
A Roomster should be able to tow 650kg, but an X-Trail or RAV4 will tow it more comfortably. Better an older one without a diesel particulate filter, which means the old 2.2-litre diesel X-Trail.
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