What SUV for towing should I buy?

The dilemma

Sarah is in the market for an SUV, which will be mainly used for urban commuting but also needs to be able to tow a two-tonne speedboat. She's been looking at Volkswagen's Tiguan but isn't sure if it's a good fit for her scenario.

The budget

Not provided

The shortlist

We hope Sarah isn't too attached to the Tiguan because its 2000kg maximum braked towing capacity is cutting things much too fine in this scenario.

Its 100kg towball download limit (TDL) is also problematic when towball download can be up to 10 per cent of the total load ? while a weight-distribution hitch could be a potential solution, it's not much help when the outright capacity is limiting.

Indeed, she might have to also compromise a little on her size requirement as most small and medium SUVs aren't much different to the Tiguan when it comes to their stated towing capacities.

There is one exception to the rule that you can't get real towing muscle and a compact exterior. But if it doesn't work, moving up to the large-SUV segment might be inevitable.

Ford Territory AWD, from $45,740

AWD versions of this Ford have a 2700kg maximum braked towing capacity, plus a 270kg TDL, so offer the kind of safety margin you'd want with a two-tonne load.

We can't see Sarah being upset about how it drives (it's agile and easy on the senses), its functional qualities (its roomy, comfortable and versatile) or servicing (Ford caps costs for life).

The elephant in the room, though, is its elephant-like size compared to a Tiguan. It costs more than the VW, so ? like the other cars here ? used examples might have to be considered.

Move the focus from towing and there are rival large SUVs with more contemporary origins, fresher presentation, snappier diesel engines, better economy and more safety technology.

Read Drive's Ford Territory reviews:

Ford Territory Titanium TDCi AWD road test

Hyundai Sante Fe diesel manual, from $41,490

This Hyundai's 2500kg maximum towing capacity puts it a step ahead of many large SUVs, if not the Territory.

It's one of those rivals to the Ford we mentioned with newer design, fresher presentation and a snappier, thriftier diesel engine.

It doesn't drive as well but isn't at all bad, and while it's not quite as roomy that's unlikely to be an issue for Sarah.

It matches the Territory with lifetime capped-price servicing but throws in a five-year warranty (versus three).

The Santa Fe's TDL number, however, isn't ideal, even with the optional 'load-assist' kit that boosts it from 100kg to 150kg.

Only manual versions have a 2500kg rating (autos rate 2000kg) and they only come in base Active trim, so the Elite's added luxuries (sat-nav, etc) and Highlander's safety tech (autonomous emergency braking, etc) are out.

Read Drive's Hyundai Santa Fe reviews:

Hyundai Sante Fe Series II first drive

Jeep Cherokee Limited diesel, from $49,000

This Jeep has this group's weakest maximum towing capacity (2393kg) but counters with a strong TDL number (239kg) and standard auto gearbox.

Significantly, it's less bulky than its rivals here, so closer to the size Sarah wants.

It's nicely functional, economical, drives well and has technology like adaptive cruise and blindspot/lane-departure warnings (albeit as options), plus this group's best off-road credentials (if that matters).

But don't expect to save money because it's small ? you need the diesel engine to get the best towing numbers in the Cherokee range and only this topline Limited model has it.

There are some rough spots to stomach (occasionally clumsy nine-speed auto, no driver's footrest) and Jeep's servicing deal is this group's least tempting (no capped-price servicing, six-monthly/10,000km intervals versus yearly/15,000km for the other cars).

Read Drive's Jeep Cherokee reviews:

Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4 diesel road test
Medium SUV road-test comparison

Drive recommends

The Hyundai goes a long way to being this group's best all-rounder and best buy, and there are ways around its TDL deficiencies.

The key factor is whether Sarah can handle its mandatory manual gearbox. If she can, it's worth thinking about very seriously.

If she can't, it's down to the Ford and Jeep. The latter best fulfils Sarah's wish for something compact with big towing ability but its cost and ownership question marks are big crosses to bear.

The Territory isn't the latest, or even the greatest in some respects, and its size is an issue. But its towing abilities, functionality, driving flair and Jeep-beating ownership make it a smart choice if you absolutely must have an auto.