Although still impressive, it’s not exactly surprising that the 2015 Jeep Cherokee can tow 4,500 pounds. More recent models boast a capacity of over 7,000 pounds. That’s to be expected from the Cherokee. It is an SUV well known for its strength and versatility.

It’s no surprise that the 2015 Audi Q5 comes in right behind the Cherokee with a towing capacity of 4,400 pounds. Another SUV known for its uncompromising capabilities and vigorous versatility, the Audi Q5 is a beast with generous towing capacity. Both the Jeep Cherokee and the Audi Q5 stand out as compact SUVs with the ability to haul a load. But, there are two 2015 makes and models that are lurking under the radar.

They aren’t trucks.

Ford, GMC, and Chevrolet are big brands that each offer an awesome array of trucks with mind-blowing towing capacities. Neither a Ford, a GMC, nor a Chevy is a surprising manufacturer when it comes to a vehicle that can pull some weight.

The surprise factor here comes from which models. These compact SUVs can each tow over 3,000 pounds. They are unassuming vehicles with unexpected capabilities. The 2015 Chevy Equinox and the GMC Terrain can tow nearly three-quarters of their own weight.

The GMC Terrain and the Chevy Equinox.

The 2015 Chevy Equinox and the 2015 GMC Terrain can both tow 3,500 pounds. Because they are basically the same vehicle, it makes sense to do the rundown of these SUVs in tandem.

The 2015 Chevy Equinox and the GMC Terrain both run on the same 182-hp, 2.4-liter I-4 engine. They both operate with a 6-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual transmission. These SUVs weigh in at exactly the same weight –– 4,960 pounds. With a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, the Chevy Equinox and the GMC Terrain are both able to tow a considerable amount of weight.

The Ford Escape.

The 2015 Ford Escape runs on a 2.5L Duratec® I-4 168 hp at 6,000 rpm with 170 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. This super functional Ford also operates on a 6-speed automatic transmission. It’s a widely accessible and user-friendly vehicle. Even more so when the towing capacity is taken into account.

Like the Terrain and the Equinox, the 2015 Ford Escape can tow a whopping 3,500 pounds. For an SUV with a gross vehicle weight of 4,760 pounds, a 3,500-pound max towing capacity is pretty notable. That is 73.53 percent of its own weight!

What can you tow?

Boats, trailers, campers –– there are so many options when it comes to something that you may want (or need) to tow with your 2015 Ford Escape. A 2015 GMC Terrain or Chevrolet Equinox can easily do a little overtime on the weekends. They all make a great daily driver but have the hidden surprise of a pretty decent maximum capacity for towing.

The average weight of a weekender-type popup camper is 600-2,000 pounds. That means plenty of wiggle room for cargo and other additions. For pulling a boat, using a compact SUV has its advantages.

The best of both worlds.

Towing a trailer with gear and a few recreational off-road vehicles is a reality even if you don’t have a giant truck with a heavy-duty engine. For heavier pulls like a full-size RV or loaded livestock trailers, a capacity upgrade would be necessary. There is still a plethora of options for a max towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

With the Ford Escape, the GMC Terrain, and the Chevrolet Equinox you can commute from A to B. They each make a great daily driver, but offer a little more in the back end.

While they don’t quite compete with the Jeep Cherokee or the Audi Q4 with their more robust max capacities, these compact SUVs have much to offer. As far as competitive compact SUVs go, the 2015 Escape, Terrain, and Equinox can tow their own weight… well, almost.