At heart, a tow vehicle’s “raison d’etre” is to competently and safely get you and your boat to and from the water. A great tow vehicle, though, goes way beyond that. It provides transportation for our families and gear, hopefully with comfort and a little panache. So it’s important to look beyond the numbers (horsepower, torque and towing capacity) to find a vehicle that performs in a variety of conditions. Here are the key factors to consider when making your decision.

Upholstery : Look for uniform stitching with no loose threads, whether cloth or leather. Exposed seams can be easily ripped. Look at the armrests — soft padding will add comfort.   

Seating : Seats should be firm yet comfortable. Note the forward/aft travel of front seats — more is better.    

Instruments And Controls : All gauges should be easy to see and read at a glance. All controls should be easy to reach and identify by feel. Simpler is better — complex systems take your attention off the road.

Visibility : The fewer the impediments to vision, the better. Small windows look sharp, but limit visibility. Big windows increase visibility and add a sense of roominess. Side mirrors should be large enough to see the length of the trailer.       

Accessibility : Doors should open wide for easy entrance and exit. Second-row seats should easily fold away for access to third-row seating (if so equipped). The step up into the vehicle should be low enough for children (or smaller/less agile adults) to easily get in and out, or a running board should aid in access. SUV liftgates and pickup tailgates should raise and lower easily — you shouldn’t have to be a bodybuilder to operate them.

Cargo Area : Second- and third-row seats should fold flat for maximum capacity and usefulness. Seats that must be removed cause problems. Give bonus points if the cargo area offers you a choice of carpet or rubber/plastic for added protection.

Value And Quality Of Build : Overall fit and finish are critical when evaluating a tow vehicle. In addition, check the J.D. Power and Associates consumer satisfaction ratings.

Horsepower & Torque Rating : Horsepower essentially determines top speed; torque determines a vehicle’s ability to pull a load from a standing start. Both are dependent on engine size. An engine that delivers 300 hp and 300 pounds per foot of torque will handle most loads adequately.

Acceleration : Mid-range acceleration (from 35 to 75 mph) is most important for navigating traffic and hills. Don’t be swayed by flashy 0-to-60-mph numbers unless you plan to use the vehicle for drag racing. Top speed is irrelevant for anything but bragging at the marina.

Braking : Brakes should respond quickly and steadily to input from the pedal, and they should also reflect pedal pressure.

Handling : Steering should be immediate. There should be minimal “free play” in the steering wheel — any movement of the steering wheel should result in a response from the front wheels. The steering wheel should remain centered on straights with little input from the driver and return to straight quickly from a turn. Body roll in turns should be fairly minimal.

Suspension : A stiff suspension will generally tow better, but it will also deliver a rougher ride when not under load. A suspension that’s too soft may feel fine without a load but be difficult to control when a trailer is attached.