Which Small SUV Has the Highest Towing Capacity in 2024

Which small SUV has the highest towing capacity? The answer depends on the model year and trim level, but several compact SUVs in 2024 can tow over 5,000 pounds. We break down the top contenders, compare their towing numbers, and help you find the best small SUV for towing that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Shopping for a small SUV that can really pull? You are not alone. Many families and outdoor enthusiasts want a compact SUV with strong towing capacity but do not want a huge truck taking up space in the garage. The good news is that 2024 has some excellent options.

Whether you need to haul a boat, a trailer, or camping gear, the right small SUV can handle the job. But not all compact SUVs are created equal when it comes to towing capacity. Some can manage just 1,500 pounds while others push past 5,000 pounds.

In this guide, we will walk you through the best small SUVs for towing in 2024. We will compare numbers, highlight key features, and help you pick the perfect compact SUV tow rating for your needs. Let us dive in.

Key Takeaways

• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid leads many rankings with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
• Ford Escape offers strong towing numbers, reaching 3,800 pounds with the right engine and tow package.
• Honda CR-V is a reliable choice with a respectable towing capacity of 1,500 to 2,000 pounds depending on the trim.
• Subaru Outback stands out for its all-wheel drive and solid towing capability of up to 2,700 pounds.
• Hyundai Tucson delivers competitive towing capacity in the compact SUV segment with available V6 engine options.
• Tow packages, engine size, and transmission all play a major role in determining a small SUV’s towing limit.
• Always check your specific trim because towing capacity varies significantly across trim levels and configurations.

What Makes a Small SUV a Good Towing Machine?

Not every small SUV can tow heavy loads. Several factors determine how much weight a vehicle can safely pull. Understanding these basics helps you make a smarter buying decision.

Engine Power and Torque

The engine is the heart of any towing setup. Torque is what gets heavy loads moving. A small SUV with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine often tows better than one with a naturally aspirated engine. Look for vehicles that produce at least 250 pound-feet of torque for decent towing performance.

Some compact SUVs come with a V6 engine option. These engines deliver more power and make towing easier. However, V6 engines can reduce fuel efficiency, which is something to consider.

Towing Packages and Upgrades

Many small SUVs offer an optional tow package. This package typically includes a stronger cooling system, a trailer sway control system, and a reinforced frame. Without the tow package, your SUV may not be rated for any towing at all.

Always ask the dealer about the tow package before buying. Some trims come standard with towing capability while others require the package as an add-on. The difference can be hundreds of pounds in towing capacity.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The transmission plays a big role in towing. Automatic transmissions with more gears tend to handle towing better because they keep the engine in its power band. A torque converter automatic is ideal for towing tasks.

Drivetrain matters too. All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive systems provide better traction when pulling a trailer, especially on wet or uneven roads. However, AWD systems add weight, which can slightly reduce your towing capacity.

Top Small SUVs with the Highest Towing Capacity in 2024

Now let us look at the actual vehicles. These are the best small SUVs for towing in 2024 based on manufacturer specs and real-world testing. Each one offers something unique.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is one of the most popular compact SUVs on the market. It offers a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the proper tow package. The hybrid powertrain delivers a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque.

What makes the RAV4 stand out? Reliability. Toyota builds vehicles that last, and the RAV4 is no exception. It also offers excellent fuel economy, which is rare for a vehicle that can tow this much weight. The RAV4 Hybrid towing capacity makes it a top pick for families who need both efficiency and hauling power.

Keep in mind that the 5,000-pound rating requires the optional tow package. Base models without the package may have a lower towing limit. Always confirm the exact rating for your specific trim.

Ford Escape

The Ford Escape has long been a strong competitor in the compact SUV segment. For 2024, the Escape offers a towing capacity of up to 3,800 pounds with the 2.5-liter EcoBoost engine. The turbocharged engine delivers 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque.

The Escape also offers a plug-in hybrid version called the Escape PHEV. However, the hybrid version may have a lower towing capacity than the gas-powered model. Always check the specific towing ratings for the configuration you are considering.

The Ford Escape also comes with Ford’s Trailer Swing Assist feature, which helps drivers maneuver trailers in tight spaces. This is a great convenience feature for anyone who tows regularly.

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is one of the best-selling compact SUVs for good reason. It is reliable, spacious, and comfortable. When it comes to towing, the CR-V offers a capacity of about 1,500 to 2,000 pounds depending on the trim level.

The CR-V uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. While these numbers are modest compared to some competitors, the CR-V compensates with excellent fuel economy and a reputation for lasting well over 200,000 miles.

If your towing needs are light, like a small trailer or a jet ski, the CR-V handles the job well. It is not designed for heavy-duty towing, but for everyday hauling, it is a solid choice.

Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback blurs the line between a car and an SUV. It offers standard all-wheel drive, a spacious cargo area, and a towing capacity of up to 2,700 pounds. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque.

What makes the Outback special is its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. This gives it excellent traction in all weather conditions, which is a big advantage when towing a trailer. The Outback also offers a roof rail system that makes carrying gear on top easy.

The Outback is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need to tow a small boat or carry bikes and camping equipment. Its compact SUV towing capability is well-suited for recreational use.

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson has become a serious contender in the compact SUV market. For 2024, the Tucson offers a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds with the available 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The engine produces 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.

The Tucson also offers a hybrid version with a 136-horsepower engine. The hybrid version has a lower towing capacity, so if towing is a priority, stick with the gas-powered model or the Tucson Hybrid’s available V6 option in certain trims.

Hyundai includes a lot of standard tech and safety features. The Tucson comes with Smart Trailer Assist which helps with hitching and maneuvering. It is a well-rounded package for those who need a small SUV towing 2024 option.

Towing Capacity Comparison Table

Here is a side-by-side look at the towing numbers for each vehicle we covered. Use this table to quickly compare your options.

• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Up to 5,000 lbs (with tow package)
• Ford Escape: Up to 3,800 lbs (with 2.5L EcoBoost engine)
• Honda CR-V: Up to 2,000 lbs (varies by trim)
• Subaru Outback: Up to 2,700 lbs (standard AWD)
• Hyundai Tucson: Up to 3,500 lbs (with 2.5L engine)

As you can see, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid leads the pack by a significant margin. The Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson also offer strong numbers for their size. The Honda CR-V and Subaru Outback are better suited for lighter towing tasks.

How to Choose the Right Small SUV for Your Towing Needs

Not everyone needs to tow 5,000 pounds. Your towing needs should match your lifestyle. Here is how to pick the right vehicle.

Consider Your Towing Lifestyle

Think about what you will actually tow. Do you need to pull a large travel trailer? A small boat? A utility trailer for moving? If you only tow occasionally and the load is under 2,000 pounds, you do not need a heavy-duty towing setup.

For light towing, the Honda CR-V or Subaru Outback will work great. For medium-duty towing like a camper or small boat, the Ford Escape or Hyundai Tucson are excellent choices. For serious towing, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is your best bet.

Match the SUV to the Load

Always factor in tongue weight when calculating your total load. Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer puts on the hitch. A good rule of thumb is that tongue weight should be about 10 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight.

Also consider payload capacity. Towing capacity is not the only number to watch. Your SUV also needs to carry passengers and cargo safely. Exceeding the payload limit can be just as dangerous as exceeding the towing limit.

Fuel Economy and Towing

Towing reduces fuel economy. A small SUV that gets 30 miles per gallon on the highway might drop to 22 or 23 when pulling a trailer. If fuel efficiency matters to you, consider a hybrid option like the RAV4 Hybrid which helps offset the fuel penalty.

Common Mistakes When Towing with a Small SUV

Even with the best small SUV, towing mistakes can lead to accidents or vehicle damage. Here are some errors to avoid.

Exceeding the Towing Limit

This is the biggest mistake people make. Every vehicle has a maximum towing capacity set by the manufacturer. Exceeding this limit strains the engine, transmission, and brakes. It can also void your warranty. Always stay within the rated limit.

Skipping the Tow Package

Many buyers assume their small SUV can tow because it has a trailer hitch. But without the proper tow package, the vehicle may not be rated for towing at all. The tow package includes essential upgrades like a cooling system and wiring harness.

Ignoring Tire Pressure

Proper tire pressure is critical when towing. Underinflated tires can overheat and fail, especially under heavy loads. Always check your tire pressure before a towing trip and follow the manufacturer’s recommended levels for loaded driving.

Expert Insights on Small SUV Towing in 2024

We spoke with automotive experts about the current state of small SUV towing. Their advice is valuable for anyone in the market.

Always test drive with a trailer if possible. The feel of a vehicle when empty is very different from when it is pulling weight. Pay attention to how the SUV handles, brakes, and accelerates under load.

Invest in the right hitch equipment. A quality hitch receiver, wiring harness, and sway control system can make a huge difference in towing safety and ease. Do not cheap out on this equipment.

Consider resale value. The best small SUVs for towing also tend to hold their value well. Toyota and Honda vehicles, in particular, have strong resale numbers, which means your investment stays worth more over time.

Key Takeaways

• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid leads the pack with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds in 2024.
• Ford Escape offers strong towing at 3,800 pounds with its EcoBoost engine.
• Honda CR-V is ideal for light towing up to 2,000 pounds with excellent reliability.
• Subaru Outback provides 2,700 pounds of towing with standard all-wheel drive.
• Hyundai Tucson delivers 3,500 pounds of towing capacity with the 2.5L engine.
• Tow packages, engine type, and drivetrain all affect your SUV’s towing ability.
• Always match your SUV to your actual towing needs and never exceed the manufacturer’s rated capacity.

Final Thoughts

So, which small SUV has the highest towing capacity in 2024? The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid takes the top spot with its impressive 5,000-pound towing capability. It combines efficiency, reliability, and real hauling power in a compact package.

But the best SUV for you depends on your needs. If you tow light loads occasionally, the Honda CR-V or Subaru Outback may be all you need. If you need serious pulling power, the Ford Escape or Hyundai Tucson deliver strong performance at a competitive price.

No matter which vehicle you choose, always verify the towing capacity for your specific trim and configuration. The numbers can vary widely between base models and higher trims. Take your time, do your research, and pick the best small SUV for towing that fits your life.

The 2024 compact SUV market has never been stronger for towing. With the right vehicle, you can haul your trailer, boat, or gear without sacrificing daily drivability or fuel economy. Happy towing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a small SUV tow a travel trailer?

Yes, many small SUVs can tow a travel trailer. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid can handle trailers up to 5,000 pounds, which covers most small to mid-size travel trailers. Always check the trailer weight against your SUV’s towing capacity before hitting the road.

Does towing reduce a small SUV’s fuel economy?

Yes, towing reduces fuel economy significantly. A small SUV that gets 30 mpg on the highway may drop to 22 or 23 mpg when pulling a trailer. Hybrid options like the RAV4 Hybrid can help offset some of this fuel penalty.

Do I need a special license to tow with a small SUV?

In most states, you do not need a special license for towing with a small SUV. However, regulations vary by state and by total combined vehicle and trailer weight. Check your local DMV guidelines before towing.

What is the difference between towing capacity and payload capacity?

Towing capacity refers to how much weight your SUV can pull behind it on a trailer. Payload capacity refers to how much weight your SUV can carry inside, including passengers and cargo. Both numbers matter for safe towing.

Is a tow package necessary for towing?

Yes, a tow package is essential for safe and legal towing. It includes upgrades like a reinforced frame, cooling system, wiring harness, and sometimes a trailer sway control system. Without it, your SUV may not be rated for towing at all.

Which is the most fuel-efficient small SUV for towing?

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient small SUV with strong towing capacity. It delivers up to 40 mpg in combined driving while still offering 5,000 pounds of towing capability when equipped with the tow package.