Small SUVs have gained immense popularity in recent years for their versatility, practicality, and fuel efficiency. As the demand for compact utility vehicles grows, automakers continue to improve their capabilities, including towing capacity.
Whether you enjoy weekend getaways with a camper or need to haul a trailer for work or recreation, choosing the right small SUV with sufficient towing capacity is crucial.
In this article, we will explore the top 5 small SUVs for towing in 2023, considering their towing capabilities and other essential features. We will also tell you about the expert mechanics in Adelaide and the average cost of car maintenance in Adelaide so that you don’t end up paying more for the services you take.
Let us first understand why one must consider buying an SUV towing vehicle:
Why Buying An SUV Towing Vehicle Is a Good Choice?
One might consider buying an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) for several reasons. SUVs have become increasingly popular over the years, and their appeal is widespread among different demographics. Here are some compelling reasons why buying an SUV might be a great choice for many individuals:
1. Versatility
SUVs are known for their versatility. They offer a perfect blend of passenger comfort, ample cargo space, and the ability to tackle various terrains. Whether you have a large family, need extra cargo capacity for road trips, or want a vehicle that can handle off-road adventures, an SUV can accommodate diverse needs.
2. Spacious Interiors
SUVs typically have more spacious interiors than sedans or hatchbacks. This means more legroom, headroom, and comfort for both front and rear passengers. Additionally, many SUVs come with three rows of seats, making them an excellent choice for families or those who frequently transport groups of people.
3. Towing Capability
Many SUVs come equipped with robust engines and towing packages, allowing them to tow trailers, boats, or campers. This makes them popular for outdoor enthusiasts who want a vehicle capable of hauling their recreational gear.
4. Safety Features
SUVs often come with advanced safety features and technologies, making them a safer option on the road. Features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking can help prevent accidents and protect occupants. Talk to Car Suspension Services in Adelaide to learn more about the safety features of an SUV.
5. All-Weather Performance
According to Car Suspension Specialists in Adelaide, these all-wheel or four-wheel drive systems offer better traction and stability in challenging weather conditions like snow, rain, or mud. This makes them well-suited for regions with variable weather patterns.
Small SUVs that have the Towing Capacity
Given below are 5 Small SUVs that are ideal for towing in 2023:
1. Ford Escape
The Ford Escape has been a favourite in the small SUV segment for its well-rounded features and impressive towing capacity. In 2023, Ford upgraded the Escape to be even more capable with towing. With the available towing package, the 2023 Ford Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds, making it suitable for small campers, boats, or trailers.
This SUV’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system ensures better traction and stability while towing, enhancing the overall towing experience.
Here are some other features of this SUV:
It comes in various engine choices, including turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Talk to an Experts Mechanic in Adelaide to learn more about the different engine types.
Comes with towing features like a trailer hitch receiver, trailer sway control, a larger radiator, and additional transmission cooling.
Has a Trailer Sway Control that helps stabilize the trailer while towing for improved safety and control.
Its Trailer Brake controller allows the driver to independently control the trailer’s brakes.
2. Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester has a long-standing reputation for being an adventure-ready SUV, and in 2023, it will maintain its place among the top small SUVs for towing. Equipped with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, the Forester offers excellent stability and control on various terrains.
With a towing capacity of up to 3,000 pounds, the Forester is perfect for hauling small loads, such as a pair of jet skis or a lightweight camper.
Here are some other features of the Subaru Forester:
It has a Boxer Engine, which is a horizontally-opposed engine designed for a lower centre of gravity and improved stability.
Comes with an advanced safety suite including features like pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning.
Its X-MODE enhances off-road capability by optimizing engine output and transmission ratios for improved traction on slippery surfaces.
It has a generous cargo capacity with a flat load floor and 60/40-split rear seats for versatility.
3. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 has been a best-selling small SUV for several years, and in 2023, it continues to impress with its towing capabilities. The 2023 RAV4 can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the optional adventure trim and towing package.
This makes it a reliable choice for towing small boats, utility trailers, or small camping trailers. Toyota’s reputation for reliability and build quality further ensures that the RAV4 can handle towing demands without breaking a sweat.
Here are some of its features:
Comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), an advanced safety suite with features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and road sign assist.
It has an AWD system with dynamic torque vectoring for better cornering and handling.
It is also available in hybrid powertrain for improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Drivers can choose between different driving modes for various road surfaces (e.g., mud, sand, snow).
4. Jeep Cherokee
For those seeking a small SUV that can handle both city commutes and off-road adventures, the 2023 Jeep Cherokee fits the bill. Depending on the engine and configuration, the Cherokee can tow up to 4,500 pounds when equipped with the available towing package.
This increased towing capacity makes it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need to tow larger trailers or boats to their favourite camping spots or off-road trails.
Here are some other features of the Jeep Cherokee:
The driver can choose between different driving modes (Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud) to match various road conditions.
It comes with a rear locker for enhanced off-road traction.
It is available in different 4×4 systems with varying levels of capability for different trim levels.
It also has several safety features like a rearview camera, Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring system and Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking.
5. Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox may be a compact SUV, but it boasts impressive towing capabilities for its size. With the optional 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and towing package, the 2023 Equinox is among the Small SUVs that can tow up to 3,500 pounds. This makes it a great choice for those who need a small SUV for daily use but also want the ability to tow small campers, trailers, or recreational equipment for weekend getaways.
Here are some features of the Chevrolet Equinox:
It comes with multiple engine choices, typically including turbocharged four-cylinder engines for a balance of performance and efficiency.
It has advanced safety features like forward collision alert, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
It has an Automatic Emergency Braking feature that can automatically apply the brakes to avoid or reduce the severity of a potential collision.
It also provides flexibility to adjust rear legroom or increase cargo space as needed.
There are numerous Car mechanics in Adelaide who can offer you more information on the different types of SUV towing vehicles and offer advice on which one is best for you.
How Much Weight a Small SUV Can Tow?
When considering a small SUVs for towing, it’s crucial to understand the various factors affecting its towing capacity. The maximum towing capacity of an SUV depends on several key elements:
Engine and Power Train
The engine’s power and torque play a significant role in determining the towing capacity of a small SUV. Generally, SUVs equipped with larger and more powerful engines tend to have higher towing capacities.
Towing Package
Many small SUVs offer optional towing packages, including upgraded cooling systems, heavy-duty suspensions, and trailer sway control. Investing in these packages can significantly increase the vehicle’s towing capacity.
Drive System
All-wheel or four-wheel drive systems can enhance the SUV’s stability and traction while towing, allowing it to handle more significant loads.
Axle Ratio
The axle ratio affects the SUV’s ability to tow heavier loads. A lower numerical axle ratio generally results in a higher towing capacity.
Vehicle Weight
The SUV’s weight, including its passengers and cargo, will impact its towing capacity. The heavier the vehicle, the less weight it can safely tow.
Braking System
A robust and well-calibrated braking system is essential for safely towing heavy loads. Many modern small SUVs have advanced braking features to assist in towing.
In 2023, small SUVs have evolved into formidable contenders in the towing arena. With enhanced capabilities, these vehicles can handle various towing tasks, making them ideal choices for individuals and families with active lifestyles. When selecting the best small SUV for towing, factors such as engine power, towing packages, and drive systems should be carefully considered.
The top 5 small SUVs mentioned above offer the towing capacity needed to make your adventures on the road even more enjoyable. Always follow proper towing guidelines and safety precautions to ensure a smooth and secure towing experience.
