ATLANTA, Oct. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As the leaves change and winter weather approaches, consumers across the country are gearing up to pull their boats out of the water, haul large items home for yard projects and transport tailgate essentials to and from stadium parking lots. For car shoppers looking for a vehicle that can tow serious weight, there are many options beyond the typical list of pick-up trucks.

"Pick-up trucks might get the most attention when it comes to towing heavy loads, but there are a number of SUVs that can handle the job just as well," says Brian Moody, AutoTrader.com site editor. "As gas prices continue to fall, traffic on our site shows that consideration for SUVs is on the rise. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is now the fifth most popular model on AutoTrader.com, up from the ninth spot in August. We've seen significant spikes in search for SUVs like these as consumers hunt for a vehicle that offers both utility and comfort."

AutoTrader.com editors say these SUVs present the perfect combination of towing ability and interior luxury:

• Cadillac Escalade
• Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban
• Dodge Durango
• Ford Expedition
• GMC Yukon
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Toyota Sequoia

Moody reminds consumers that while towing, safety should be the driver's top priority.

"Before you hit the road, make sure your SUV is equipped to tow large loads, and that includes checking your brakes," says Moody. "Take a test run with your trailer or camper to get a sense of how the vehicle will handle with the extra weight. Don't forget to adjust your mirrors and determine your blind spots before you're in motion."

For more car shopping advice and to search more than 4 million new, CPO and used cars for sale, visit AutoTrader.com.  

About AutoTrader.com:

Atlanta-based AutoTrader.com is the leading resource for car shoppers and sellers. The site aggregates millions of new, used and certified pre-owned cars from thousands of dealers and private sellers and provides expert articles and reviews. AutoTrader.com, which also operates the AutoTraderClassics.com auto marketing brand, is wholly owned by Cox Automotive. Additionally, Cox Automotive owns Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com®), Manheim Auctions as well as companies that provide a full suite of software tools that help dealers and manufacturers manage their inventory and advertising online: vAuto®, HomeNet Automotive®, VinSolutions®, AIS Rebates™, Genius Labs® and Haystak™. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com.

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SOURCE AutoTrader.com