MatW

Hi, shopping for an SUV to tow my 7000lb 26ft travel trailer.
I already researched on how to reinforce the tow hitch so that I'll stay within spec for the tongue weight.
Big question is what type of engine would be more reliable long term - 2012 GL 550 or 2013 GL- 450 (if I find a deal I would consider 2013 550)
opinions welcome.
Thanks!

Max Blast

They’re damn near the same, there’s really no difference in the alternatives you’ve provided; except for the 350.

It sucks.

BlownV8

2012 GL550 is naturally aspirated and is very reliable.

MatW

is it enough power for 7000lb trailer? I live in WA state so we have some mountain passes here...

BlownV8

Yes, it's a strong V8 and will have no issues towing but you will need to run premium unleaded. The later bi-turbo V8's will work even better but with turbo vs NA you give up some reliability for the extra hp.

EWT

I tow a boat/trailer that weighs somewhere between 7000-7500 lbs with my 08 550, and power is not a problem. I haven't towed in the mountains, but it doesn't have any problems getting up to speed on an uphill onramp, so I'm sure it would do fine. The transmission seems to go into a trailering mode once the trailer is connected and holds gears quite a bit longer than normal before upshifting which helps. I definitely feel it behind me though. It doesn't feel overloaded, but you know you have something substantial behind you. Putting the suspension in sport mode firms things up and helps.

I'd go for the 2012 over the 13 because the 12 is the last year of the X164 series with many years of production to fix problems vs. the first year of X166, which from what I've read here has more issues in general than the X164s.

MB33

for this poll, perhaps it would have been helpful to list out the various engine type of the 450. in the 2013 version one could have the turbo (4.7) which is essentially the same as gl 500 without the tune