Best Small Crossover Suv

CARS.COM — Compact SUVs are flying out of dealer showrooms. These popular, car-based utility vehicles provide a great combination of efficiency, a high seating position, passenger comfort, cargo room and versatility. And unlike their truck-based predecessors, they’re not too big or unwieldy. One thing they’re not typically good at, in contrast to their larger ancestors which were, is towing. Whether it’s a trailer full of Jet Skis, a lightweight racecar or a small camper, these SUVs aren’t quite the workhorses that their forebears were.

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And why should they be? Most of these smaller SUVs are powered by small, fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines and are front-wheel drive by nature (though some are all-wheel drive), and their chassis bits are better suited for shopping mall parking lots rather than mountain passes. But head to Europe and you’ll find these little trucklets towing an amazing array of things, from campers on up. During our recent $28,000 Compact SUV Challenge, we found ourselves wondering just how well these popular runabouts rate at actually towing things. Here’s our take on the 10 best compact SUVs to use for towing, in order of decreasing towing capacity.

1. 2015 Jeep Cherokee: 4,500 pounds

There are two powertrain options in the Jeep Cherokee, but the one you’d want for towing is the optional 271-horsepower, 3.2-liter V-6. With a nine-speed automatic and the required tow package, the 2015 Jeep Cherokee can haul up to 4,500 pounds, which is enough to cart around a boat or camper with ease.

2. 2015 Audi Q5: 4,400 pounds

Some of the better compact SUVs for towing are luxury models, given their typically more powerful engines. The Audi Q5 is one such beast. Based on the same platform as the A4 sedan, it can tow 4,400 pounds even with its small 220-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Of course, being an Audi, it’ll cost you considerably more than a Cherokee.

3. 2015 Chevrolet Equinox/2015 GMC Terrain: 3,500 pounds

The SUV that came in second in our recent comparison challenge, despite its aging looks and interior, is quite capable when it comes to towing. Opt for the powerful 301-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 engine and dealer-installed trailer tow package that includes electronic trailer sway control and hill start assist, and you’ll enjoy a towing capacity of about 3,500 pounds.

4. 2015 Ford Escape: 3,500 pounds

Some small SUVs don’t have an optional V-6 engine, but that hasn’t limited their abilities. The latest Ford Escape can be equipped with a 240-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine and a Class II Trailer Tow Package that lets it haul 3,500 pounds.

5. 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK250/350: 3,500 pounds

The Mercedes-Benz GLK may be overshadowed lately by the new GLA-Class, but it has plenty of merits, including an optional diesel engine and the ability to tow up to 3,500 pounds. You can do that with either the GLK250 Bluetec diesel or the conventional GLK350 and its 302-hp, 3.5-liter V-6; both have the same towing capacity.

6. 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander: 3,500 pounds

It may not be one of the more popular SUVs on the market, but it is one of the more capable ones for towing. The Outlander (not the Outlander Sport, the smaller sibling which is not tow-rated) has a 3,500-pound towing capacity, but you’ll need to invest in the top-trim GT V-6 model. That truck’s 3.0-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission combine with its all-wheel-drive system to offer a reasonable towing package, with optional seven-passenger seating to boot.

7. 2015 Lincoln MKC: 3,000 pounds

Another luxury truck makes the list, but this one is tricky. The MKC is rated to tow 3,000 pounds when equipped with an optional Class II Trailer Tow Package, but only with the less powerful 240-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine. If you opt for the 285-hp, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, you’re limited to a towing capacity of just 2,000 pounds. Go figure.

8. 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan: 2,200 pounds

Volkswagen’s compact SUV is a popular towing vehicle in Europe, hauling “caravans” (small campers) across the countryside with its stout turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 200 hp. It’s rated to 2,200 pounds in the U.S., but with the diesel engine available in Europe, it can tow almost 3,200 pounds there.

9. 2015 Kia Sportage: 2,000 pounds

Many compact SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester can tow 1,000-1,500 pounds, but the Kia Sportage is able to drag 2,000 pounds behind it with its 260-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or its less powerful 182-hp, 2.4-liter engine and a proper tow package.

10. 2015 Mazda CX-5: 2,000 pounds

With the Mazda CX-5, you get the ability to haul 2,000 pounds with a fairly small, efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes just 184 hp. When you’re not towing, you’ll get to enjoy the Mazda’s sporty character and recently upgraded interior.

A major turnoff of some compact SUVs is how excessive noise from the outside can ruin the overall driving experience from the inside. Due to the rectangular shape of compact SUVs, they tend to echo off annoying sounds. A small, standard engine can make these noisy matters even worse. But fortunately, there are some good, quality compact SUVs available that prioritize limiting noise from the outside world. Here we have gathered the best and quietest compact SUVs based on data from Consumer Reports.

2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 is a crossover SUV leader in more ways than one. What makes the CX-5 so great is its high-quality, luxurious features that come attached to a more affordable price tag. The CX-5’s cabin interior is actually reminiscent of that of a Mercedes.

Engine noise in this SUV is very minimal thanks to a muted 2.5-liter four-cylinder, and other outside sounds are no problem either. In fact, Mazda specifically set out to reduce outside noise in general, even on the highway. The CX-5’s thoughtful design contributes to an overall plush experience.

2020 Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevy Equinox is just behind the CX-5. It is another popular SUV on the market, especially for 2020. The Equinox is bold on the outside and very subdued on the inside as far as styling goes. Even though the cabin isn’t lavish, this SUV still offers enough amenities and comfort. Wind and road noise is low. Plus, the Equinox has a great infotainment system and provides responsive handling.

2020 Honda CR-V

With the 2020 Honda CR-V, you get the right mix of comfort and power. The model’s 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine provides satisfying control and is also exceptionally fuel-efficient. This popular crossover also gives ample space and support while muffling outside noise. Storage compartments on the inside help the CR-V earn higher marks for efficiency. Another great in-car perk is Honda’s advanced safety features which now come standard on every trim.

2020 Subaru Forester

CR recommends the Forester because of its spacious cabin, great visibility, and for facilitating an overall great driving experience. All-wheel drive comes standard on this model which further enhances this ride. Some say the Forester’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder is too modest, but that really is debatable.

This SUV also gets an impressive fuel economy rating and its higher ground clearance makes it a better option for off-roading. The limited noise from the outside makes the Forester feel even more serene. It also comes standard with forwarding- collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

2020 Kia Sportage