A lot depends on what you like to do with your toad. Many tow jeeps, for example, because they are relatively light and can handle off-road well, but some models so ordained have a relatively rough highway ride.
We like our '97 Explorer Limited, known in the family as "Pearl" due to its pearlescent white paint, because I put a Ford Neutral Tow Kit on it so it is a simple tow-prep, and I added a Roadmaster Brakemaster auxilliary brake system, also easily prepped and removed and stowed. We bought the car new and it still takes us just about anywhere at 17-18 average combined fuel mileage. It has taken us onto Oregon beaches and into the wilds of the West and Canada to flyfish remote streams, and yet has an acceptable highway ride on its Goodyear Wrangler tires. It's had Michelin's too and did just as well.
It is very unique in that it has an air suspension, no longer put on Explorers that I know of, and automatically adjusts ride height according to conditions; the car lowers when shut off, raises when first started, and goes even higher if 4 wheel drive is set, and higher yet in 4X4 High. It won't likely go everywhere a Jeep Wrangler will, but then I don't need to always go where a Wrangler will. Yet I've crossed a few mudholes, rocky streambeds, the high desert after gems, and snowy/icy roads in it. Pearl even busted through a snowdrift once to make way for Monty Rae.
Whatever you do, consider a Roadmaster Guardian or other device to protect your toad's front. The first year we towed it behind Monty Rae it got gravel-pummeled pretty good, and I regret relying on the Beaver mudflap alone. Our Guardian helped reduce the rock chip damage, but we may yet add a Roadmaster under-towbar screen to help out, especially if we ever get a new Explorer. Hoodcovers and "bras" do more harm than good since they trap micro-grit underneath them and grind it in. As you can probably tell, I'm reluctant to tow an expensive new car, and would rather put an older one in harm's way back there.
As Mike and Mary suggest, check carefully whatever vehicle you consider buying. For example, not all Explorers are towable, as is true with many brand configurations - a lot depends on tranny or whether 4 wheel drive is involved. Motorhome magazine and FMC magazine offer annual towables guides you can reference, probably online, but manufacturers commonly change their towable certifications so they are the final consult for you.
Back around 2007, Ford's Hybrid Escape was toad-approved, perhaps the only such towable SUV hybrid. It was a bit too small for us or we might have gone that route back when. General Motors has a slew of towables you can consider too, and many here like their Chevy and GMC toads. I wouldn't go too humongous weight-wise, but your 330 should be up to most standard-sized or smaller toads. Not sure what your particular Patriot's chassis' hitch rating is, 5000 or 10,000, but don't go over it.
Joel
