Edmunds tested an 03 Pilot for a year and averaged 18.3 mpg. Said it was an average tow vehicle with not alot of low end torque. Honda rated it (6 cylinder) for 17/22 mpg. It's really about what you like. 17 mpg around town isn't too bad for an SUV that's also used to tow a boat. Honda rated the 03 for 3500 lb. tow rating unless you tow a boat (aerodynamics), then it was 4500 lbs. Edmunds also tested a v8 explorer and got 14.5 mpg. I know Willy (he had major issues with his) might disagree, but my 04 Trailblazer gets 20 (most I ever got was 21) on a trip and it's rated for 6300 lb. towing capacity with a 4.2 liter inline six rated at 275 hp and 290 ft lbs of torque. Yeah, I had to have the dash changed out twice by Chevrolet, but they paid for it. That's been the only issue it 70k miles so far. Alot of torque at low rpm's. There's alot of excellent vehicles available to choose from that can pull 4-6k lbs. Not to mention good deals too. Good luck!
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