Best Small & Compact SUVs With Towing Capacity

Best Small & Compact SUVs With Towing Capacity

Small SUVs can tow more than people expect–but you have to stay realistic. In this category, the tow rating might be 1,500–2,000 lbs for many models, with a few capable of more when properly equipped.

What small SUVs tow well

• small utility trailers
• lightweight jet skis or small watercraft
• very lightweight campers (and only if the vehicle is rated for it)

What to prioritize in a compact tow setup

• Cooling (towing makes heat; tow packages help)
• Brakes (and trailer brakes if your trailer supports them)
• Payload (easy to run out of payload with passengers + tongue weight)
• Tires in good shape and properly inflated

Friendly advice

If you’re towing with a compact SUV, give yourself margin. Just because something “moves” doesn’t mean it’s comfortable or safe at highway speeds in wind. When in doubt, step up one class (midsize) and you’ll feel the difference immediately.

If you tell me the trailer weight and the SUV model/year, I can help you sanity-check the setup and what limits you’ll hit first.