Best Small SUV For Towing 2024

"Different strokes for different folks." That is true when it comes to buying a new vehicle. Some motorists look for a little more than a vehicle that takes them from point A to B. For example, you might require a compact SUV with adequate towing capacity for whatever you need to pull.

It could be a camper, boat, or maybe something else, such as a heavy trailer for off-road expeditions. Whatever the reason, researching the maximum towing capacity when shopping around the compact SUVs category ensures that you will have the necessary towing capacity.

Without further delay, let us explore some of the best SUVs for towing with ranging features such as cargo space and towing capacities. Even a few all-wheel drive luxury SUV vehicles are on the list if you want the best of all worlds!

Jeep Renegade

Jeep is one of the undisputedly best SUVs with an adequate towing capacity. This car manufacturer has many SUV models, and most have all-wheel drive options as a standard. The 2022 Jeep Renegade also comes in this option with unparalleled towing capacities.

The Renegade is one of the top vehicles among small SUVs for towing campers and trailers. Even the models manufactured before 2022 have more than enough towing capacity to tow a small camper.

If you are looking for the right SUV for off-roading and camping with your family, the Jeep Renegade range will deliver more than you'd expect, but what specs are we talking about in this regard that pertains to the towing capacity of small SUVs?

Highlights

What are some of the best features that make the Renegade one of the best towing SUVs?

• An entry-level Jeep Renegade boasts a torque of 230 Nm @ 1750 r/min.
• The engine power starts at 103 kW @ 5500 r/min.
• All-wheel drive options come with a 9-speed gearbox as a standard on a 2.4l engine.
• When properly equipped, the Renegade has a towing capacity exceeding 3,000lbs.

Pricing

The pricing for the Jeep Renegade is relatively affordable, with the base price being just above $26,000. Considering the torque and towing capacity for these SUVs with powerful engines, this is a small price to pay.

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson walks the line between small and midsize SUVs, and this specific build is good at producing enough power but is fuel-efficient at the same time. Unfortunately, this small SUV is not the best candidate for off-roading. This Tucson has a front-wheel drive transmission, which is unsuitable for extreme off-roading expeditions.

However, with this SUV's power and torque, you can go camping with your family and still have a functional family car with enough cargo room.

Highlights

Here are some excellent features of the Hyundai Tucson that make it a great option for towing campers and other trailers.

• Hyundai designed this small SUV to output 192 Nm @ 4500 r/min of torque on a 2l engine.
• You can get 115 kW @ 6200 r/min of power from this 4-cylinder engine.
• The towing capacity of Tucson ranges between 1,500-2,000lbs, which is enough power to tow a wide variety of campers and trailers.

Pricing

You can get the 2022 Hyundai Tucson entry-level base model for approximately $25,350. However, the vehicle with the best trim costs up to $34,700 and has more power and accessories to match the price.

Ford Bronco

The latest Ford Bronco has that rugged appearance but maintains its compact body. More importantly, this model is lighter than the Ford Expedition but still has an impressive towing capacity.

Ford designed the Bronco to be an offroad vehicle instead of a predominantly urban one. However, this small SUV for towing adapts well to both terrains with ease.

Highlights

One feature Ford made as a standard for the Bronco is the All Wheel Drive drivetrain that immediately catches the buyer's eye. With this engine and transmission system, you can get more than enough power for towing.

• The 2.3L engine produces __270__hp and __310 __pound-feet of torque.
• You also get all-terrain wheels for excellent traction, especially when hauling a trailer in challenging terrains such as snow or dirt roads.

Pricing

The base price for Ford's all-new Bronco starts at $31,300, and other trims, such as the Raptor and Everglade, are relatively more expensive but offer more for their value.

Land Rover Discovery Sport

From England, we present the Land Rover Discovery Sport compact luxury crossover SUV with a robust towing capacity to get mentioned amongst some of the most excellent SUVs for towing.

It only makes sense that this SUV gets ranked among small SUVs that can haul a trailer. This breed was designed predominantly with AWD off-road vehicle manufacturing outlook which is why it's the best small SUV to tow behind RV. Since then, Land Rover has been developing new vehicles with powerful engines in this product range.

Highlights

Land Rover's Discovery has enough passenger space and versatility for most family sizes. Moreover, when this vehicle gets properly equipped, its power output is very impressive. Also, its horsepower makes it perfect for long-distance traveling.

• The torque you can get from this SUV reaches 365nm@1500-4500 r/min.
• You can get up to 245.40bhp@5500rpm of power on the Discovery, including the Sport Range.

Pricing

This SUV has different trim levels, and the Sport range is available from $44,600. The price increases if you need more accessories and features.

Mazda CX-5

Mazda has several small SUV models with varying features. However, of all the available models from this auto manufacturer, the CX-5 is one of the best SUVs for towing. It has an impressive towing capacity that you get without compromising on cargo space.

The passengers can also enjoy the ride since this vehicle has ample room and won't get cramped after long drives.

Highlights

What are the benefits of using a Mazda CX-5 to tow a trailer or camper?

• First of all, you get a 213 Nm@ 4,000 r/min torque rate that is sufficient enough to tow approximately 2,000lbs.
• The power output to expect starts at 121 kW @ 6,000 r/min.
• Several options are available, including an AWD offering more than the base model.

Pricing

The base price for the Mazda CX-5 averages around $25,370, and higher-end trims could cost as much as more than $30,000.

Genesis GV70

Genesis has hailed the GV70 as a performance luxury SUV due to its comfortable features and powerful engine. In addition, the exterior and interior of the GV70 vehicle are very appealing. It is the epitome of what happens when beauty meets brawn among SUVs!

Since this SUV got built for comfort, there is enough leg room inside for its passengers. However, how do the torque and power of this vehicle compare with other SUVs?

Highlights

Here are some essential highlights you need to know before buying the Genesis GV70.

• Genesis' GV70 produces 391 lb-ft of torque on the 3.5l V6 engine.
• The horsepower produced by this SUV's engine starts at 375hp.

Undoubtedly, this is a luxury model, but it has enough towing capacity to haul a 3,500 pounds trailer.

Pricing

Any accessories and body kits you add will impact the pricing, but the base model is available for $41,000. Some higher-level models cost approximately $53,100.

Tesla Model Y

Perhaps Tesla was not the vehicle you expected to find on this list of small SUVs with a decent towing capacity. But, sorry to burst your bubble, but electric cars can haul a trailer or camper too!

The Model Y has outdone itself and is one of the best cars that don't run on fossil fuels. Also, this model can get safely counted among luxury models, adding to its appeal. So what are the specifications for the Tesla Model Y?

Highlights

Considering that the Tesla Model Y is a fully electric vehicle with no plug-in hybrid model, its performance is purely awe-inspiring. Moreover, the mechanism they used to juice up these SUVs for towing campers and trailers compared to Teslas's traditional motor setup is way more effective and practical for this purpose.

• The Model Y delivers a torque of 639 Nm (471 lb-ft).
• This SUV uses two motors that operate independently for the best electric AWD experience.
• You can haul around 3,500 pounds, according to the specs sheet released by Tesla.

Pricing

The Tesla Model Y begins at $59,999, and the price increases according to any extras or performance improvements made on the entry-level stock standard. Ensure your vehicle is adequately equipped with the necessary tow bars when you are purchasing this vehicle to get an all-inclusive quote.

For an electric small SUV that can tow 2500 lbs and above, it's worth it's salt.

Jeep Cherokee

Over the years, Jeep has gone through massive transitions from when the first Cherokee got manufactured. This SUV went from being full-sized to being a compact crossover from the 2013 models.

Jeep is notoriously famous for high-performance vehicles suitable for urban living and off-road adventures. So what sets this specific Jeep SUV apart from the others?

Highlights

A compact crossover that can pack enough juice to haul a 4,500lbs trailer is a unicorn and is what sets this car apart! So what is under the hood that enables the Jeep Cherokee from other SUVs?

• You get 239 Nm @ 4400 r/min torque
• The power rating of the base model Jeep Cherokee is 271 kW @ 6500 r/min

For a higher towing capacity, you can opt for the higher-end models, such as the Grand Cherokee, which can haul approximately 6,200lbs.

Pricing

Compared with other peer models, the Cherokee is reasonably priced, with the base model fetching around $31,590.

Volvo XC40

If you are looking for the best Scandinavian SUV, Volvo is the perfect place to look. This company is adopting an innovative approach to designing its vehicles. Instead of ripping off the band-aid and developing all-electric cars, Volvo is easing into this field gradually.

The XC60 and XC40 are the mild hybrid vehicles introducing Volvo to this scene. The XCV40 is one of the best small SUVs with a hybrid powertrain.

Highlights

The T3 Momentum is the base model for XC40s and has a rated towing capacity ranging between 3,000-4,000lbs. That is slightly more than the 3,500 pounds the Tesla Model Y offers. Here are some of the XC40's specs broken down:

• You can get a 265 Nm @ 1500-3000 r/min torque from the XC40.
• This SUV outputs 110 Kw @ 5500 r/min of power.

Pricing

XC40s get priced at an MSRP of $34,100 for the base model. The R-Design with a more powerful drivetrain and higher maximum towing capacity costs around $39,850.

Ford Escape

The Ford Escape outshines its counterparts as a vehicle that adapts well to urban living with a decent towing capacity suitable for various uses. As a result, the Escape makes a perfect family vehicle for everyday use and occasional adventures. You can tow a boat, trailer, or camper with this eco-friendly vehicle.

Highlights

If you are considering buying the Escape, let us break down the essential details of this SUV's towing capacity. So what is the scoop about this vehicle?

• With the 170 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm torque, you can get enough towing capacity for a 1,500lbs to 2,000lbs trailer on the 1.5l engine.
• The horsepower is around 168 hp @ 6,000 rpm.

Although this SUV might not get classified as a performance vehicle, it gets the job done and is very economical.

Pricing

The base model Escape S costs about $27,185, and you still have to add a little more to kit it out for towing. However, this model has a 1.5l EcoBoost engine with impressive fuel efficiency that will give you more bang for your buck when exploring with your family.

Toyota RAV4

Toyota is one of the vastly distributed vehicles on all four corners of the world and has several SUV options. However, the RAV4 is the perfect compact-sized SUV with adequate towing capacity for trailers of different sizes.

When this vehicle was designed and manufactured, they tried to standardize the engine power and torque capacity on several trims. So what do these specs look like on the RAV4?

Highlights

What can you expect when towing a trailer with the RAV4? Here is a breakdown of what is under the hood:

• This car drives on a four-cylinder 1.5l engine on the base models and several other trims.
• The torque rating is 184 pound-feet and 203hp.

Although this might seem a bit light, the rated towing capacity of the entry-level RAV4 trims is 1,500lbs.

Pricing

The latest RAV4 model costs a little above average since it sells for $26,525. However, if you want the TRD off-road trim, you have to dig deeper in your pockets to cover the $35,000 price.

Cadillac XT4

Cadillac surprisingly made it on the list among the best SUVs for towing. This car manufacturer designed and produces luxury models, and the XT4 is nothing short of that. However, it isn't all beauty because the turbocharged engines have enough power for towing a trailer, camper, and boat.

Highlights

The Cadillac XT4's performance is awe-inspiring for the 2l engine outfitted on the base model. With this turbocharged 2l engine, you get enough power to tow 3,500lbs. So what are the detailed specs for this SUV?

• The torque rate is an impressive 258 lb.-ft.
• With premium gas, you can get 235 hp.

Pricing

You get enough room for passengers and cargo space in the base model XT4 for $35,795, which is a very reasonable price for luxury SUV ranges. At the same time, you get a powerful engine suitable for towing a trailer with 3,500lbs.

Inifiniti QX50

Infiniti's 2022 QX50 has gotten hailed as the most advanced compact SUV from this car manufacturer. It has been styled beautifully and has all the bells and whistles one would expect from a car of this kind.

This SUV is a luxury model but with an impressive towing capacity. In addition, the exterior design got specifically designed for minimal drag, which also improves the driving experience when towing a trailer.

Highlights

The QX50 has a flagship engine that is the world's first that uses a VC turbo setup that delivers a lot of power to the drivetrain. Its engine's entry-level standard is a 2l that produces:

• 268 ft-lbs of torque
• 268 horsepower

Opting for the AWD option to reach the maximum towing capacity, especially if you need this SUV to pull an RV.

Pricing

Within the luxury models class, the QX50 is one of the least expensive, especially considering all its features and accessories. The base price is $39,000, and higher-end models could reach $56,950

Lincoln Corsair

Agility meets performance on the Lincoln Corsair small luxury SUV. The exterior and interior radiate luxury and even the driving experience is smooth. In addition, this car has excellent handling and is quite agile, which are features that improve your driving experience when towing a trailer.

The different trims fit different personalities and lifestyles. Therefore, you can get a Corsair versatile enough for everyday use and hauling a trailer.

Highlights

So what is under the hood? Well, it is your choice. You can either go for a gasoline engine and choose between the 2.0l, 2.3l, or 2,5l options. You can also get a hybrid engine that adds even more power to your motor of choice.

This luxury SUV can output enough power to tow at least 2,000 lbs due to its torque and horsepower. So what do these specs look like in this Lincoln?

• The horsepower got rated at 295hp.
• This vehicle's torque is approximately 310 lb.-ft.

Pricing

You can drive away with this beautiful beast at $36,580. That is also reasonably priced for a luxury SUV of this class.

Our Best Pick

So what is our best pick for small SUVs that can tow a trailer with a payload? We have two models that were our favorites due to their exceptional performance and fuel efficiency.

The first one is the Jeep Renegade, a compact-sized SUV that can haul a serious payload. At the same time, this car blended in very well in urban environments and got equipped with robust off-road driving capability.

Our second best pick is the Tesla Model Y because this EV has proven that you don't need to burn gas to haul a trailer, reducing your carbon footprint without sacrificing pleasure. Although it is a bit pricy, it delivers excellent value to the buyer and the environment.

FAQs

Learn more about your favorite small SUV models in these frequently asked questions that could answer some of the queries you might have in mind.

What small SUV has the greatest towing capacity?

The Land Rover Discovery range has perhaps the most extraordinary towing capability. These luxury models can have a towing capacity exceeding 4000lbs with enough passenger space, so you won't have to compromise on comfort for a higher towing capacity with this SUV.

Can a 4 cylinder SUV pull a trailer?

4-cylinder SUVs tow trailers that a rated within the stipulated GVWR. Even then, you might have to exercise caution since the towing capacity will get impacted by other factors, such as passenger weight and the vehicle's horsepower. Other than that, 4-cylinder SUVs have enough towing capacity for small to medium-sized trailers.

Does more horsepower mean better towing?

Torque matters most when it comes to towing capacity. Horsepower is helpful once you are on the highway, but torque on the wheel drive is critical for a higher towing capacity.

Final Thoughts

Is there any vehicle that has caught your eye in this list of small SUVs with a decent amount of towing capacity?

There are seemingly unlikely contenders in this list that are big in the electric vehicle game, so there is no reason you won't find the perfect vehicle for your specific requirements.

Just ensure that your choice has enough passenger and cargo space, especially if you won't be riding solo. Otherwise, you might have to search for midsize or full-size SUVs with the same towing capacity you were aiming for but with more space for family and friends.

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