Top Five SUVs Under 25K That Can Tow a Motorcycle and Haul Your Gear

Dec 05, 2013 at 5:39am ET

By: Aaron Gold

If you have a motorcycle to tow, you don't have to spend a ton for a pickup truck or SUV. Here are the top Five SUVs under 25K that can tow and haul.

If you have a motorcycle or an ATV to tow, you don't have to spend a ton of money for a high-end pickup truck or a big, brawny sport utility vehicle. Here are five SUVs under $25,000 that can tow your bike or ATV.

2014 Kia Sorento

Kia Sorento: $24,100

Kia's freshly-updated Sorento is big and beautiful, with a roomy, high-class interior that belies its inexpensive price. Towing capacity with the basic four-cylinder engine is 1,650 lbs with an unbraked trailer, so it can handle a pair of dirt bikes on a lightweight trailer or your heaviest Hog riding solo.

Photos: 2014 Kia Sorento >>

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: $24,750

A close relative to the Kia Sorento, Hyundai's Santa Fe Sport offers the same 1,650 lb. towing capacity (which rises to one ton with trailer brakes) and 190 horsepower four-cylinder engine in a slickly-styled, value-laden package.

Photos: 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport >>

2014 Jeep Cherokee

Jeep Cherokee: $22,995

While the other SUVs on this list require front-wheel-drive to stay under $25k, the Cherokee offers a 4x4 model priced at $24,995 - and since it's a Jeep, it'll go further off-road than most small 'utes. A 2,000 towing capacity lets you pull ATVs and dirt bikes off the pavement to where the action is.

Photos: 2014 Jeep Cherokee >>

2014 Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan: $22,995

The VW Tiguan is the sports car of this list, with a 2-liter turbocharged engine, 6-speed manual transmission, and road manners that German car fans rave about. Towing capacity is around 1,650 lbs with an unbraked trailer and 2,200 lbs with brakes - enough for a pair of Harleys on a lightweight trailer.

Photos: 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan >>

2014 Ford Escape

Ford Escape: $22,700

Ford's European-designed small SUV is arguably the most stylish on this list. Towing capacity is 1,500 lbs, which makes it best suited to a single bike or ATV, but the torquey 2.5 liter engine and standard six-speed automatic will help it keep pace on steep hills.

Photos: 2014 Ford Escape >>

**A NOTE ON SAFE TOWING: Towing capacity is based on the capability of the powertrain as well as the suspension and brakes. Always stay within your vehicle's towing capacity and gross combined weight rating (GCWR), the maximum permissible weight of vehicle, trailer, passengers, cargo and fuel.