9 New SUVs With the Weakest Towing Capacity in 2025
Towing ability has become one of the biggest selling points for modern SUVs, but not every new model is built for the heavy work. In fact, several 2025 SUVs fall far behind the competition when it comes to pulling power. If you’re planning road trips, trailers, or even small campers, these are the nine models buyers should think twice about before relying on them for towing.
Toyota Corolla Cross
Corolla Cross starts around $25,000 and it’s super efficient, the hybrid gets like 40 mpg which is amazing for city driving. But towing? Like, it can barely handle 1,500 lbs, maybe good for a jet ski but don’t even think about hooking up a camper. It’s reliable as heck though, nice roomy interior for groceries and stuff, kinda like a mini RAV4 but way tinier. Honestly, great daily driver but if you wanna tow, you’ll be sweating.
Hyundai Kona
Kona from Hyundai is about $26,000 base price. The electric version is zippy, has funky looks and tech screens all over. But towing capacity is like 1,300 lbs braked which means it’s only good for a small utility trailer, nothing heavy. Beats some Jeep minis on style and is pretty comfy, but if towing is your thing, you gotta look elsewhere.
Kia Seltos
Seltos costs around $25,500 with a sharp redesign, long warranty, and a peppy drive especially with AWD option. But towing is just about 1,100 to 1,250 kg which is roughly 2,400 to 2,700 lbs. So maybe good if you’re just hauling a motorcycle. Compared to bigger SUVs it’s kinda weak but for city folks carrying light kayaks or bikes, it’s a solid ride. The warranty really saves it for me.
Volkswagen Taos
The VW Taos kicks off around $26,000. It’s a German build with turbo pep and slick infotainment, drives really smoothly on highways. Towing though? It’s barely recommended, maybe 1,500 lbs if you really push it so don’t expect much. It has that Euro flair over the bland US domestics and rides quietly. Fun solo car but definitely not a family towing machine, Atlas has that terroir.
Nissan Rogue Sport
The Rogue Sport, around $28,000, is a comfy cruiser with improved CVT and all the safety tech. But towing maxes out at 1,500 lbs with its little turbo three-cylinder engine. So, light trailers only, no drama. Honestly, it’s roomier than the Kona and holds good resale value but underpowered if you want to haul anything serious. Beats Mitsubishi in polls though, so there’s that.
Chevy Trax
The Trax from Chevy starts cheap at $21,000. It has a tiny turbo, gets around 30 mpg, and is super affordable to lease. The towing capacity is only 1,263 lbs which is like personal watercraft max. Forget anything bigger. Payload is okay for gear and it compares well to its Buick twin. It’s a great first SUV but if you wanna tow, the joke’s on you.
Buick Envista
The Buick Envista, priced about $25,000, has a fancy interior, quiet ride, and a stylish coupe-SUV vibe. But in the towing department, it’s like 1,000 lbs or not rated much, so basically zero for real pulls. It feels luxurious on a budget and has leather options. Compared to the Trax it’s posher but if you wanna tow, just go on city dates, not boat ramps.
Ford Escape
The Escape starts around $30,000, offers hybrid efficiency, plug-in options, spacious cargo, and a tech-heavy dash. Its towing is weak with a base capacity around 1,500 lbs, not exactly a tugboat. It has more power than the Trax but still weak sauce compared to trucks. It’s comfy for families but if towing is key, probably skip it.
Jeep Renegade
The Renegade from Jeep costs about $27,000. It has a trail-ready look, off-road mode, and a quirky charm with a zippy turbo. Towing max is just 2,000 lbs which barely edges out the others but still pretty puny for Jeep standards. It’s fun for light off-roading but compared to the Wrangler, it’s pretty meh in tow power. Honestly, cute but don’t buy it if you need real pull power.
