Advice on towing

[Mum, skivvy, groom, driver]

I know this has been discussed to death but here goes.
I have a 3.5t pony box which I need to sell as pony now too big for it, I have a limited budget and need to transport one pony and four people.
We hVe had the van conversions but not enough seats, have had 7.5 but too big.
So thinking next logical step is to go back to trailer but as I drive for work lots of short journeys, a 4x4 is very expensive to run, so need recommendations for a cheaper to run 4x4 or big car which won't cost me a fortune for work journeys but will tow trailer and one pony.
Please no nasty comments about towing with cars etc etc.
Thanks

[hazeysunshine]

I have a defender 90, tows 3.5t and is just ace.
I use it as my everyday car as well. I don't have high mileage do maybe 15miles a week and it costs about 60quid in diesel a month.
Insurance isn't too bad with nfu and tax is 220 I think... I pay monthly.
They are an acquired taste because they aren't built for luxury but I would t have anything else.

[kirky]

Also look at the VW Touareg lovely vehicle and more than capable for towing also for a big car very economical.

[Mum, skivvy, groom, driver]

Thanks, I love defenders but I do quite a few miles for work so wouldn't work for me.

[bugs]

Discovery is a fab towing vehicle with great train weight. Also large volvos xc90 and normally have good fuel economy but hold their value. Mercedes 4x4 also has high train weight. And a Mitsubishi. Just avoid cars that look like a 4x4 but aren't eg qashqui, vitara and other similar cars. Not designed for towing just big city cars.