Living in Simcoe County means having some of Ontario's finest outdoor terrain right at your doorstep. From the snowmobile trails winding through Muskoka to the ATV routes near Horseshoe Valley, weekend adventures are part of life here. But getting your toys to the trailhead requires the right vehicle—one that handles the daily school run just as well as it pulls a double-sled trailer through January snow.
Looking for a pre-owned vehicle? Explore Autopark Barrie's collection of pre-owned vehicles designed to fit your life. With second chance financing, no haggle pricing, and 7 day exchange policy, there’s a perfect match waiting for you.
Shop NowIf you're shopping for a pre-owned SUV that can do both, towing capacity matters. For most ATV and snowmobile trailers, you'll want a vehicle rated between 3,500 lbs and 5,000 lbs. This range covers single and double-sled setups, side-by-sides, and most enclosed trailers without pushing your vehicle to its limits.
Here's what Barrie-area buyers should know about the pre-owned SUVs that fit this sweet spot.
Before diving into specific models, it helps to know what you're hauling. A single snowmobile weighs between 400 and 600 lbs, while a two-place trailer adds another 300 to 500 lbs. Load two sleds and gear, and you're looking at roughly 1,500 to 2,000 lbs total. ATVs and side-by-sides run heavier—a mid-size side-by-side on a trailer can hit 2,500 lbs or more.
The 5,000 lb towing threshold gives you comfortable headroom for these loads, plus the flexibility to help a neighbour move a boat or haul building materials from the hardware store.
The Ford Explorer has earned its reputation among Ontario families who need weekday practicality and weekend capability. Properly equipped models can tow up to 5,600 lbs, placing the Explorer at the top of this class for raw pulling power.
The key phrase here is "properly equipped." Ford offers a Class IV Trailer Tow Package on many Explorer trims, which includes a heavy-duty radiator, integrated trailer brake controller, and upgraded cooling systems. When shopping for a pre-owned Explorer, verifying whether this package is installed makes a significant difference. An Explorer without the tow package may be rated considerably lower.
The Explorer's independent rear suspension and available intelligent four-wheel drive handle well on snow-covered roads heading north to Penetanguishene or east toward Orillia. Third-row seating means the whole family fits, though folding those seats creates the cargo space you'll need for helmets, gear bags, and extra fuel cans.
Jeep's Grand Cherokee brings serious towing credentials to the table, with properly equipped models rated up to 6,200 lbs. That's enough to pull larger enclosed trailers or heavier side-by-sides without strain.
The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac and Quadra-Drive systems provide confident traction on the mixed conditions you'll encounter around Barrie—plowed highways one minute, snow-packed cottage roads the next. The available air suspension on higher trims can lower the rear end for easier trailer hookup, a small detail that matters when you're hitching up in a dark parking lot at 6 a.m.
For families, the standard two-row Grand Cherokee offers generous rear legroom, while the Grand Cherokee L adds a third row for larger households. Both configurations maintain strong towing numbers when properly equipped.
The Kia Telluride arrived as a surprise hit among Canadian families, and its 5,000 lb towing capacity makes it a genuine contender for outdoor enthusiasts. Unlike some competitors, this rating comes standard—no hunting for optional packages required.
What sets the Telluride apart is its combination of interior space and towing ability. The cabin seats up to eight, with enough room in the second and third rows for adults to sit comfortably on the drive up to your favourite trail system. Heated and ventilated front seats come on higher trims, a feature you'll appreciate after a cold day on the trails.
The Telluride's 3.8-litre V6 produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, delivered through an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive on Canadian models. It's a straightforward powertrain that prioritizes reliability over complexity.
Toyota's Highlander offers up to 5,000 lb towing capacity on properly equipped gasoline models, paired with the brand's well-documented reliability record. For buyers who plan to keep their SUV for years of trail seasons, this reputation carries real weight.
The Highlander's hybrid variants deserve mention for Barrie-area commuters concerned about fuel costs. While hybrid models sacrifice some towing capacity compared to their gasoline counterparts, they still handle lighter trailers adequately. For buyers whose towing needs lean toward the lower end of the spectrum, the fuel savings during daily driving can add up quickly.
Inside, the Highlander provides seating for up to eight passengers, depending on configuration. The cargo area behind the third row is modest, but folding the rear seats opens up substantial space for gear.
The Hyundai Palisade shares its platform with the Kia Telluride, which means it also delivers a 5,000 lb towing rating as standard equipment. The Palisade differentiates itself through interior refinement—higher trims feature quilted leather, a premium audio system, and a generally more upscale feel.
For families who spend significant time in their vehicle beyond towing duties, this interior quality matters. The drive from Barrie to Huntsville or Parry Sound for a weekend of riding passes more pleasantly in a comfortable cabin.
Like the Telluride, the Palisade uses a 3.8-litre V6 with 291 horsepower and all-wheel drive. The powertrain is proven and uncomplicated, which translates to predictable maintenance costs down the road.
The revived Chevrolet Blazer takes a sportier approach than its competitors, with bold styling and a more driver-focused cabin. Towing capacity reaches 4,500 lbs when properly equipped with GM's available V92 trailering package.
The Blazer works well for buyers whose towing needs centre on lighter loads—a single sled, a small ATV, or a modest utility trailer. Its slightly smaller footprint compared to three-row SUVs makes it easier to manoeuvre in tight parking lots and narrower trails.
Inside, the Blazer seats five rather than seven or eight, which means it suits smaller families or couples who don't need the extra capacity. The trade-off is a more engaging driving experience for those who value how their vehicle handles on Simcoe County's winding back roads.
The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport brings a different flavour to this segment, with 5,000 lb towing capacity and a distinctly European approach to design and engineering. The Cross Sport is the two-row, coupe-styled variant of the larger Atlas, sacrificing third-row seating for a sleeker profile and more cargo space.
For buyers without a need for seven or eight seats, this configuration makes sense. The lower roofline creates a more substantial cargo area behind the rear seats, useful for bulky items like helmets, boots, and maintenance tools.
VW's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system handles well in winter conditions, distributing power between axles as traction demands. The turbocharged four-cylinder and V6 engine options both deliver adequate power, though V6 models provide a more relaxed towing experience.
When shopping for any pre-owned SUV with towing in mind, confirming the vehicle's actual equipment matters as much as knowing the model's maximum ratings. Manufacturers publish headline towing numbers based on specific configurations—numbers that assume the vehicle includes the appropriate tow package.
Ford's Class IV Trailer Tow Package, GM's V92 trailering equipment, and similar options from other brands add crucial components: upgraded cooling systems, transmission oil coolers, integrated brake controllers, and properly rated hitches. Without these items, a vehicle's safe towing capacity may be significantly lower than advertised maximums.
When evaluating a specific vehicle, check the original window sticker if available, review service records for any towing-related installations, and ask the sales team to verify equipment codes. This due diligence ensures the SUV you're considering can actually handle your trailer safely.
Towing through a Simcoe County winter demands more than just capacity numbers. Consider how each vehicle handles cold starts, how its all-wheel-drive system manages icy boat launches, and whether the cabin keeps passengers warm during early morning drives to the trail.
All the SUVs discussed here offer capable all-wheel-drive systems and sufficient ground clearance for typical winter conditions. The differences come down to your priorities—maximum towing headroom, interior space, fuel efficiency, or long-term reliability.
Test driving with your specific needs in mind helps clarify the decision. How does the vehicle feel with your family aboard? Can you easily access the cargo area with winter gloves on? Does the infotainment system frustrate you or work intuitively?
AutoPark Barrie maintains a rotating selection of pre-owned SUVs suited for Simcoe County's outdoor lifestyle. Our team can help you identify which vehicles in our current inventory include the towing packages and equipment you need for your specific trailer setup.
Schedule a visit to explore our pre-owned SUV inventory and find the right match for your family and your toys.
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