Seating: No other compact SUV offered as much front and backseat room. “The sliding and reclining split second row creates a really comfortable backseat for grownups,” said Meier. 2021 Nissan Magnite first look: New compact SUV in detail. Follow us on 21 st Oct 2020 1:24 pm. The Nissan Magnite compact SUV has been revealed in full, ahead of its launch in 2021. Compact SUVs tend to offer a high seating position, which provides a vast view of the road in addition to an easier step-in height than smaller cars or larger SUVs. These SUVs can be equipped with. The 2018 Ford Escape ranks near the top of the compact SUV class, largely due to its great predicted reliability rating, dynamic handling, a read more » 8.5SCORE $15,550 - $21,712 AVG PRICE PAID 21.
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.
Good Small Compact Suv
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.
The Kia Seltos is brand-new for the 2021 model year, but it already has a glaring problem. Though Kia classifies the Seltos as a compact SUV, many reviewers consider it a subcompact SUV instead. That’s because its cabin and cargo hold are smaller than other compact crossovers.
Consumer Reports also lists the Kia Seltos as a subcompact in part due to its cargo space. But categorizing this crossover as a subcompact makes it appear to be a class leader in terms of interior space.
How big is the 2021 Kia Seltos?
According to Kia, the Seltos offers 26 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear row. Folding down that row allows you to use its full cargo capacity of 62 cubic feet. It also has a wide hatch opening and an adjustable cargo floor.
In-cabin storage is somewhat limited compared to rivals. But there’s still room for small items under the front armrest and inside the center console. There are also four cup holders and four bottle holders on the doors. However, the rear cupholders provide little protection to prevent drinks from tipping.
Can the Kia Seltos carry more than its rivals?
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Sixty-two cubic feet is still a good amount of space compared to other subcompact crossovers, but not compared to other compact SUVs. The Honda CR-V boasts 39 cubic feet behind the rear seats and almost 76 cubic feet total. It also has several more interior storage compartments, plus extra perks like a cargo cover.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offers 38 cubic feet behind the second row and 70 cubic feet total. Consumer Reports found the carpeting on the load cheap-feeling, as it did with the Kia Seltos. However, the RAV4’s floor is fairly low to the ground, and you can get a weatherproof cargo liner with some trims.
Good Looking Compact Suv
But compared to subcompact SUVs, the Seltos appears much more impressive. The 2021 Hyundai Kona offers only 19 cubic feet of space behind its second row and a maximum of almost 46 cubic feet. During Consumer Reports‘ road test, staff found that only one baby stroller filled the space behind the second row. However, testers appreciated the storage compartment hidden under the cargo floor.
The 2021 Mazda CX-3 is even smaller, with 18 cubic feet of space behind the second row. Fold that row and get over 44 cubic feet. This compact crossover also provides a shallow compartment under the load floor but very few interior storage cubbies.
The Seltos excels in other areas
The 2021 Kia Seltos offers impressive gas mileage. With the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, the staff’s test vehicle got 28 mpg combined city/highway. Both engines feel slow during acceleration from a stop, but Consumer Reports said the Seltos is quick compared to rivals.
Its handling is snappy, and the brakes kick in quickly on short notice. However, its stiff suspension and groaning continuously variable transmission hamper its ride quality. If you want a comfortable Kia model, the Sportage is probably a better option.
Still, CR appreciates the wide door openings and lack of blind spots from the driver’s seat. The Kia Seltos also offers comfortable seats, though long-term support is lacking. The backseat has great headroom for taller riders, but legroom is somewhat restrictive.
The 2021 Kia Seltos also has a user-friendly infotainment system. The menu layouts are easy to understand, and the physical home button is a nice touch.
Though its cargo area can’t compete with other compact SUVs, the Kia Seltos is still a solid crossover.