Hi Mr. Truck,

I am looking for a tow vehicle to pull a Brenderup Solo with one 900# horse (2200# total I believe).

I am considering either a Toyota RAV4 or a Toyota Highlander. The newer models (2008, 2009) are bigger in size than their predecessors. This will be my only vehicle, both the family car and tow vehicle for the Solo. I've been told that the RAV4 is too small. However, I've not been able to get an opinion from someone who is familiar with the Solo, only bigger Brenderups or non-Brenderups. What is your recommendation? Here are the specs:

2008 RAV4:

3.5 L V-6, 269 HP engine
269 HP @ 6,200 RPM
Torque 246 lbs-ft @4700 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,677 lbs
Tow rating: 3500 lbs
Wheel base: 104.70 inches
4WD
19/26 mph estimate

2008 Highlander Sport 4WD:

3.5 L V-6, 270 HP engine
270 HP @ 6,200 RPM
Torque 248 lbs-ft @4700 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,321 lbs
Tow rating: 5000 lbs
Wheel base: 110 inches
4WD
17/24 mph estimate

I'm leaning toward the Highlander since I like to be confident when I tow, but would rather the better gas mileage.

Thanks for your help!!

Hello Maddie ... Welcome to the forum. As nobody has responded to you yet, allow me to make a few comments.

The two vehicles you're considering have a mileage difference of 2 mpg. Over 10,000 miles that means a difference of 31 gallons. Even at $4.00 per gallon that's a cost difference of $124

For the piddling difference in fuel cost, you'll get a greater tow rating and a longer wheelbase. That means more vehicle capability in turning, moving and stopping a horse trailer. While some folks will disagree with me, I chose a much heavier tow vehicle for my own horse trailer. The horse is not like the trailer load of bricks the auto engineers designed for. His 900 pounds will sway, jerk, dance and most of his mass will be 36 inches above the floor of the trailer. Better to be over trucked than under trucked.

The other piece is the greater tow capability means the vehicle is less stressed by the trailer. A transmission's internals will cost a lot more than $124 dollars to merely be looked at by a qualified repair tech.

So get the bigger vehicle. Safety doesn't cost, it pays.