Hi,

As a proud owner of a 2006 silver xA with a whopping 6,000 miles on it, I am now in the market to replace my aging 03 Saturn VUE with another Toyota product. I've been looking at other CUV type vehicles and to be honest do not like anything out there. I looked at the Matrix, but do not like it.

I do occasionally tow a utility trailer (less than 500lb weight loaded), and like the VUE because of its ground clearance. The VUE has 8" and the xD looks to have 6.5.

My VUE is FWD. I do drive it over a curb to access a piece of property I own. I have not test drove an xD yet. I know the interior volume is smaller than the VUE but bikes went on the roof rack and would do the same on the xD.

For those of you who own one, is the ground clearance decent and can a tow hitch be added. Would this make a good alternative to small CUV?

Also any skiers or boarders? Do the skis fit inside with one part of the rear seat down?

Thoughts & comments please.

 

I do not think it would make a good car for towing, going over curbs, etc. Sorry to rain on your parade!

 

towing would be a no-no...but it sure ride tall... for the ist at least (the xD seems slightly lower stock)... alot of people commented that it feels like a SUV..furthermore with the plastic trimmings front n back gives it a rugged look...not sure if i shud drop it

 

Well, there are 1st gen xB owners who have a hitch on their car, and I believe those xBs are slightly lower than us xD owners when both cars are stock. However, I wouldn't tow anything with my xD simply because it's not recommended that you do and... I like to follow recommendations

Now a roof rack is highly possible for these babies. Not sure if you'd be ok with having a roof rack, but I would rather have a roof rack than deal with a possible mishap from a hitch. :?

 

The engine and transmission will handle pulling a 500 lb load, and if you got a hitch mounted directly to the frame you should be ok. But I don't think the suspension was designed to handle the load placement of a trailer. The electrical wiring is not there to handle the trailer brake lights, running lights, and turning signals. Though you could have that installed as well. I am not sure about how strong the brakes are though I am sure they could handle short trips and normal use just fine, But I wouldn't take any long downhill runs with that trailer on. The xD is probably not the best option for you in that price range.