Which small SUVs can tow 3,500 pounds?

Several small SUVs can tow 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, including the Toyota RAV4 Adventure/TRD Off-Road, Ford Escape with the 2.0L EcoBoost and tow package, Mazda CX-50 Turbo, Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Ford Bronco, plus luxury compacts such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60, Genesis GV70, Tesla Model Y, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque, and Porsche Macan. Towing ratings vary by engine, drivetrain, tow package, and model year, so always confirm the specific configuration in the owner’s manual and window sticker.

Mainstream small SUVs rated to 3,500 lb

This list covers widely available non-luxury small/compact SUVs in the U.S. market that are rated to tow 3,500 pounds in specific trims or with an optional tow package.

• Toyota RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road (gas): Up to 3,500 lb; other RAV4 trims are typically 1,500 lb; RAV4 Prime is generally rated lower (around 2,500 lb).
• Ford Escape (2.0L EcoBoost with Class II Trailer Tow Package): Up to 3,500 lb; lesser engines and hybrids are rated lower.
• Mazda CX-50 Turbo: Up to 3,500 lb with the turbo engine; non‑turbo versions are typically 2,000 lb.
• Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: Up to 3,500 lb thanks to model-specific cooling and gearing; other Crosstrek trims are lower.

These models hit the 3,500‑lb benchmark only in the right configuration; choosing a different engine or skipping the factory tow package can reduce the rating substantially.

Off-road-oriented small SUVs that meet or exceed 3,500 lb

The following smaller body-on-frame or off-road-focused SUVs also reach the 3,500‑lb mark and are often chosen for towing small campers, boats, and utility trailers.

• Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (4‑door): Typically rated at 3,500 lb; 2‑door models are often limited to around 2,000 lb.
• Ford Bronco (2‑door and 4‑door): Commonly rated at 3,500 lb across most configurations.

These off-roaders pair robust frames and low-range gearing with useful tow ratings, but payload and tongue-weight limits still apply and must be observed.

Luxury compact SUVs with at least 3,500 lb towing

Many luxury-brand compact SUVs meet or exceed 3,500 pounds when equipped with a factory hitch and appropriate towing package.

• Mercedes-Benz GLC: Around 3,500 lb with factory towing equipment.
• Volvo XC60: Typically up to 3,500 lb when properly equipped.
• Genesis GV70: Around 3,500 lb with the tow package.
• Tesla Model Y: 3,500 lb with the factory tow package; expect notable range reduction while towing.
• Audi Q5: Often rated up to about 4,400 lb with the tow package.
• BMW X3: Frequently rated up to about 4,400 lb when properly equipped.
• Land Rover Discovery Sport: Commonly around 4,409 lb; Range Rover Evoque often near 3,968 lb.
• Porsche Macan: Often rated up to about 4,409 lb.

Luxury models tend to offer higher limits but require factory-approved towing equipment; tow ratings may vary by engine (gas, hybrid, or performance variants) and model year.

What to check before you tow 3,500 lb

Even if a model is rated for 3,500 lb, safe and legal towing depends on more than the headline number. Use this checklist to match your vehicle and trailer correctly.

• Configuration specifics: Verify the exact trim, engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, and the presence of a factory tow package or hitch—ratings can change dramatically.
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): Ensure the total of vehicle, passengers, cargo, and trailer stays within GCWR.
• Tongue weight and payload: Keep tongue weight (often 10% of trailer weight) within the hitch and vehicle’s payload limits.
• Brakes and local laws: Many states require trailer brakes above 1,500–3,000 lb; check your state and the trailer’s brake system.
• Cooling and stability: Factory tow packages often add transmission/engine cooling and trailer-sway control—critical for sustained towing.
• Hitch class and rating: Use the correct class (often Class II/III for 3,500 lb) and ensure ball mount and receiver are rated accordingly.
• EV/hybrid considerations: Expect reduced range and plan charging/brake heat management if towing with an electrified vehicle.

Confirming these details in your owner’s manual and on the door-jamb labels will help ensure you remain within all limits for safe, warranty-compliant towing.

Summary

If you need a small SUV with a 3,500‑pound towing capacity, strong options include the Toyota RAV4 Adventure/TRD Off‑Road, Ford Escape 2.0L with tow package, Mazda CX‑50 Turbo, Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, and Ford Bronco. Luxury choices such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60, Genesis GV70, Tesla Model Y, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque, and Porsche Macan also meet or exceed the mark when properly equipped. Always verify the exact configuration, tow package, and legal requirements before hitching up.

What small SUV has a towing capacity of 3500 lbs?

What Is the Best Small SUV for Towing?

SUV Model	Towing Capacity (lbs)	Payload Capacity (lbs)
Hyundai Tucson / Venue	Up to 2,000	Up to 1,289
Ford Bronco Sport	Up to 2,200	Up to 1,163
Hyundai Ioniq 5	Up to 2,300	Up to 1,003
Ford Escape / Edge	Up to 3,500	Up to 1,081

What mid-size SUV has the best towing capacity?

Midsize SUVs with Best Towing Capacity

• 2026 Dodge Durango. Towing Capacity: Up to 8,700 lbs.
• 2025 Land Rover Discovery. Towing Capacity: Up to 8,200 lbs.
• 2025 Land Rover Defender. Towing Capacity: Up to 8,200 lbs.
• 2026 Porsche Cayenne. Towing Capacity: Up to 7,716 lbs.
• 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

Which Toyota RAV4 can tow 3500 lbs?

The Toyota RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims are the models capable of towing 3,500 lbs, typically equipped with the Tow Prep Package for enhanced cooling and increased towing capability. Standard RAV4s and hybrid models generally have a lower towing capacity, around 1,500 to 1,750 lbs, depending on the specific configuration. 
RAV4 Trims that can tow 3,500 lbs 

• Adventure: This trim comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and includes the Tow Prep Package, giving it the 3,500-lb capacity.
• TRD Off-Road: Similar to the Adventure, the TRD Off-Road also features AWD and the Tow Prep Package, allowing it to tow up to 3,500 lbs.

Why these trims can tow more
These specific trims are equipped with features designed to handle heavier loads, including a larger radiator and additional transmission/oil cooling systems, which provide better temperature management during towing. 
Important Considerations

• “Properly equipped”: Opens in new tabFor any RAV4, it’s crucial to ensure the vehicle has the proper equipment, such as the Tow Prep Package and a tow hitch receiver, to achieve the advertised towing capacity. 
• Model Year: Opens in new tabWhile the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims have been capable of 3,500 lbs for several years, it’s always best to check the specific towing capacity for your exact model year. 

What used SUV has a towing capacity of 3500 pounds?

Used Toyota RAV4
For those in search of greater towing power, the RAV4 Trail model can accommodate up to 3,500 pounds.