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Power To Pull (33-3)  By Garth Cane

RV Lifestyle's intrepid Tech Editor looks at what's new in tow vehicles for 2004. General Motors The all-new Chevy Colorado pickup (and its near-identical twin, the GMC Canyon) is by far the biggest news from GM for 2004. Uniquely conceived from the ground up, it comes with a choice of two all-new engines – the Vortec 2800 inline four-cylinder and the Vortec 3500 inline five-cylinder. The Vortec 2800 delivers 175 horsepower and 185 pounds-feet of torque, while the bigger 3500 produces 220 horsepower and 225 pounds-feet of torque. Maximum trailer weight with the big engine, automatic transmission and 3.73 rear axle ratio is 4,000 pounds. The highly anticipated SSR (Super Sport Roadster) seamlessly combines the utility of a pickup with the performance and open-air excitement of a sports roadster. The 5.3 L, all-aluminium V8 powers the rear wheels, offering true sports car performance and handling characteristics. The SSR's most exciting feature is the power-operated, retractable hardtop. The two-piece top stows vertically between the seat and the rear storage bed. Tow capacity is 2,500 pounds. GMC’s Envoy SUV benefits from more power for 2004. The 4.2 L, 24-valve DOHC inline six now generates 275 horsepower and 275 pounds-feet of torque. The optional 5.3-liter OHV V8, available in the XL model, generates 290 horsepower and 325 pounds-feet of torque, increasing tow capacity to 7,200 pounds for two-wheel drive models and 7,000 pounds for four-by-fours. The full-sized Chevy Express/GMC Savana full-size van receives a facelift for 2004, including a redesigned front-end, stronger supporting structure, and standard 16-inch wheels and tires. A properly equipped Express/Savana can tow up to 10,000 pounds. Finally, Saturn’s VUE gets a new 3.5-liter V6 for 2004, that delivers 250 horsepower and 242 pounds-feet of torque. Combined with a new five-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission with grade logic control, the VUE can now tow up to 3,500 pounds. Also new from Saturn this year is the Relay with a similar tow rating. BMW Rated to tow 4,410 pounds when there are brakes on the trailer, BMW’s new X3 SUV is available with either a 3.0 or 2.5-liter straight six engine. It offers a useful Trailer Stability Control feature that ensures safe and smooth motoring when towing a trailer, along with a Hill Descent Control function that maintains safe handling on inclines, including those with loose surfaces. The long wheelbase and short overhangs deliver excellent towing manners. Not to be outdone by its new sibling, the popular X5 model gains a new, intelligent all-wheel-drive system, more powerful 4.4 and 4.8-liter engines and Trailer Stability Control. Chrysler The 2004 Dodge Durango offers a towing capability of 8,950 pounds with the optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which provides 345 horsepower and 375 pounds-feet of torque. The smaller 4.7-liter V-8 produces 230 horsepower and 290 pounds-feet of torque for a 7,400 pound towing capacity. Durango features a class 4 receiver with 7-pin wiring harness and fold out trailer mirrors. (Page Top) The 5.7-liter Hemi is also available on Ram 1500 pickups, increasing the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) to 14,000 pounds and the gross trailer weight rating (GTWR) to 9,200 pounds. Fuel efficiency is improved by 10 percent over the 5.9 L, while the new Hemi engine is approximately 60 pounds lighter in weight. The new 2500 and 3500 Ram Heavy Duty trucks get an even bolder big rig design for 2004, with an in-your-face front end, sculpted and muscular fenders and a new Quad Cab model with four standard doors. Choose from the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, or the new 5.9-liter Cummins V6. For 2004, the Dodge Dakota adds a new 210 horsepower V-6, giving it a towing capacity of 6,600 pounds. In the Jeep division, the 2004 Grand Cherokee boasts a new appearance and five trim levels: Laredo, the new Special and Freedom Editions, Limited and Overland. The top-of-the-line Grand Cherokee Overland features a 4.7-liter High Output V8 that generates 235 horsepower and 295 pounds-feet or torque, plus a high level of standard equipment and premium appointments that make it the most powerful and luxurious Grand Cherokee ever. Laredo and Limited models offer a 4.7-liter engine option, while the venerable 4.0-liter straight six, at 195 horsepower and 230 pounds-feet or torque, remains standard. The Grand Cherokee is rated to tow 5,000 pounds. Ford The biggest news from Ford is the all-new F150 pickup. Its 5.4-liter three-valve Triton V8 delivers 300 horsepower and 365 foot-pounds of torque when coupled to the four-speed automatic transmission. Both it and the 4.6 L, 231 horsepower Triton offer a unique torque-based electronic throttle control that incorporate driver input from the accelerator to actively modulate the torque at the drive wheels. The tow rating for the new F150 is 9,500 pounds. Not to be outdone, Ford’s Super Duty pickups are now available with a more powerful 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel and new five-speed TorqeShift automatic transmission that provide 325 horsepower and 560 foot-pounds of torque. Electronic Variable Response Turbo charging gives improved airflow, and an integral oil cooler helps reduce the risk of damage and leaks. The F250/350 can haul up to 12,500 pounds of fifth-wheel trailer. The all-new Freestar minivan offers a 4.2-liter V6 with best-in-class torque for improved towing performance, while a McPherson strut suspension system with a rear facing control arm will also be available this year. Properly equipped, the Freestar can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Ford’s compact SUV, the Escape, has been upgraded this year with new headlamps, fog lamps, grill, and new 15-inch and 16-inch wheels. With the optional 3.0-liter engine, it can tow 3,500 pounds. AdvanceTrac stability control is now available on Explorer XLT and Eddie Bauer models with the V6 engine, which for 2004 puts out 210 horsepower for a towing capacity of 7,000 pounds. There is also a new 4.6-liter V8 that meets LEV II emission standards. From Ford’s Lincoln division, the 2004 Aviator offers a 4.6-liter V8 that produces 302 horsepower and 300 foot-pounds of torque. With a 3.73 rear axle ratio, this gives a maximum tow rating of 7,300 pounds. The larger Navigator can tow up to 8,300 pounds. (Page Top) Hyundai The popular Santa Fe gets a new 3.5-liter V6 this year, which is coupled to a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic. Rated at 200 horsepower and 219 pounds-feet of torque, this engine can tow 3,300 pounds. The 16-inich standard alloy wheels fitted with 225/70R-16 tires give the Santa Fe an aggressive stance and excellent on- and off-road capabilities. Kia The newest member of the Kia line-up, the 2004 Sorento, combines the muscle of a 192 hp, 3.5-liter V6 coupled to a four-speed automatic with Adaptive Shift Control for better fuel economy and the power to tow 3,500 pounds. Mazda The MPV minivan gets its performance from an aluminium alloy, 3.0 L, 24-valve, DOHC V6 that generates 200 horsepower 200 pounds-feet of torque. Standard on every MPV is a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with slope control, a system that minimizes gear shifts when driving on hilly roads. You can tow up to 3,000 pounds with the towing package. The Tribute SUV offers four-wheel multi-link independent suspension and power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. The GS model offers an optional Sports Package, which includes an in-dash six-disc CD stereo, power moon roof, engine oil cooler, trailer hitch receiver and wiring plug. Equipped with the optional 200-horsepower, DOHC, 3.0-liter V6, the Tribute tows 3,500 pounds. Nissan The brand new, eight-passenger Armada full-sized SUV is a powerful and roomy unit featuring a long wheelbase with short front and rear overhangs that enhance stability and handling. A power operated rear lift gate and power rear quarter windows are standard on the LE models. The Armada features a rugged fully boxed frame for enhanced crash performance and durability with double wishbone suspension. With the 5.6-liter V8, the Armada will tow 9,100 pounds. Available in both king cab and crew cab configurations, the more powerful Frontier pickup comes with a spray-in bed liner and Utili-trac bed channel system with adjustable aluminium-alloy tie-down cleats. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System controls brake pressure and engine torque automatically in under steer, overseer or slippery road surface situations. Using steering sensors, g-sensors, wheel speed sensors, brake pressure sensors and more, VDC can control individual wheel brake pressure or rear wheel power to help improve vehicle stability in adverse driving conditions. The 4.0L DOHC V6 now rates at 250 horsepower and 270 pounds-feet of torque for a 5,500 pound towing capacity. (Page Top) The Pathfinder adds a number of substantial luxury touches to the 2004 LE model, and introduces a Canada-only Chinook special edition. The LE will have 17-inch alloy wheels, and is powered by a 3.5-liter VQ35DE DOHC 24-valve V6 with electronic throttle control. Rated at 240 horsepower and 265 pounds-feet of torque, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds. For 2004, the Xterra offers a supercharged version of its proven 3.3-liter V6 engine that delivers 210 horsepower. The supercharged version will come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, providing a towing rating of 5,000 pounds The 2004 Nissan Quest has grown in size to be the roomiest in the front-wheel-drive minivan segment. Power comes from a 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 that produces 240 horsepower and 242 pounds-feet of torque, for a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Toyota The redesigned Sienna minivan rides on an all-new low-slung chassis with a wheelbase that is more than five inches longer than the previous model. Both its front and rear tracks are nearly four inches wider, yet its turning radius is reduced by more than three feet. The new model also benefits from a substantial boost in power, fuel-efficiency and refinement thanks to its all-new 3.3 L, 230 horsepower V6 with 242 pounds-feet of torque and an all-new five-speed automatic transmission. With the optional towing package, the Sienna can pull 3,500 pounds. For heavy duty high-torque performance, the venerable 4Runner SUV now offers a 4.7-liter V8 on all models. The powerful mill produces 235 horsepower and 320 pounds-feet of torque for a tow rating of 7,300 pounds. The 4.0L engine produces a tow capacity of 5,000 pounds. All 4Runner 4x4s equipped with the V8 are full-time four-wheel-drive, a limited slip differential with a locking feature and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. The 2004 Lexus RX 330 SUV incorporates a new 3.3-liter V6 that produces 230 horsepower and 242 pounds-feet of torque for a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The new GX470, with its 4.7-liter engine, will haul up to 6,500 pounds. (Page Top)