Hi: Bob120... I shouldn't comment about the VW other than to reiterate their poor record of repair... already stated.
I know you like the diesel but there's no price advantage for the fuel or mileage combination and you pay a hefty premium for the engine option.
We certainly love our new Nissan Frontier tug and our mpg runs 19.5 towing 26.5 not towing. When we retire it will be our primary vehicle.
For my money I'd be looking at the Nissan Pathfinder, the Toyota 4runner, or the Honda Pilot as an SUV with at least a 5000# tow cap. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie