Just returned from a 4500 mile round trip with my new to me 2016 17b. Encountered 70 mph wind gusts, snow and ice on several mountain passes and the Cherokee Trailhawk took it all in stride towing the 17b, and averaged around 18 mpg while doing it. Just thought I'd pass that along to anyone considering the Cherokee Trailhawk as a tow vehicle for the Escape 17a or 17b.
That's really good mpg for towing... I just picked up my new-to-me 15A and didn't do that well with my FJ Cruiser (14 to 17 when I remembered to check). Of course the gas mileage is better in general for the Cherokee than the FJ.
Just finished 4500 miles in our 2017 17B, tug 2018 Ridgeline, Northern California to Chicago and back. Intermittent 45 mph cross and head winds, 17 mpg. Sure glad I had anti sway with those winds.
Jonathan