My Wife is interested in parting ways with her faithful 2001 Ford Expedition w/4.6 v8 and almost 200k miles for a slightly newer, smaller, and lower mile XC90. We use the expy to haul 2-3 kids 95% of the time and during the summer, tow our 22' Aluminum deck boat @~3000lbs and a lot of wind drag, trailer has surge brakes. We are looking at a ~100k mile 04-08 to have for 3-4 years. Not really interested in gambling on the T6, so we're left with the T5, I6, and v8. AWD is desired for the boat ramp duties.

As an old school domestic guy, I gravitate toward the v8 as the torque numbers of the smaller engines don't impress, but the 2.5T and the 3.2 are much more plentiful in my area. We tow 80 minutes each way at intersate speeds with the AC on. Is the 2.5T/3.2 up to the task? Which would be preferable? From what I read, the XC90 itself is up to the task and may be a more enjoyable tow vehicle than the expy and it's lumbering suspension. With the 4.6l v8, it is considered to be under-powered with it's 3.31 gears.