I am looking for a small to midsize car that will tow up to 1500lb's possibly with a load in the back in addition. My budget is up to $20k but closer to $15k is better, and I will be using the car as my personal vehicle as well so above 25mpg city average is what I'm looking for. Any suggestions?

Check out the Toyota Rav4. I bought one for my wife in 2008 with the idea in mind that towing might be something I would do. Rather than buy the four cylinder, I bought the six which allows towing up to 3500 pounds. As it turns out, I never had to use the Rav for towing but I enjoy knowing that I still can if I need to. While Toyota no longer offers a six cylinder engine, you might be able to find a CERTIFIED used one within your price range. The difference in fuel mileage between the four and six cylinder was only 1 MPG, which is great. The vehicle is roomy inside for the size vehicle it is and with the roof luggage rack, I refuse to believe you won't be completely satisfied with your choice and purchase for a long time to come. Look forward to getting a little less MPG than the 25 you're looking for, but know that Toyota performance and reliability are almost unsurpassed, not to mention the resale value is always high compared to most American makes and models. I speak as a generational Chrysler driver until I bought my wife's Rav but 110,000 miles in six years and only regular maintenance to keep it running was all I needed to sell me on buying a four-door, six cylinder Tacoma last year.