Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity

The Toyota Tacoma towing capacity is just one of the many reasons this midsize truck remains a top choice for drivers seeking all-around capability. Between its durable design and robust engine options, the Tacoma continues to make waves in the market year after year.

But today, we're taking a deep dive into the 2025 Toyota Tacoma towing capabilities across its eight trims, along with a look at its year-over-year performance. It doesn't matter if you're hauling a trailer, towing a boat, or transporting heavy gear – the Tacoma is built to handle the challenge with a max towing capability of 6,500 pounds¹ while offering enhanced maneuverability.

This review is designed to help you determine which of the models offers the hauling power you need, whether new or pre-owned. When you've landed on your preferred truck, search for it at Desert Toyota of Tucson!

2025 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity: Powertrain & Configurations

Let's start by reviewing what's under the hood of the latest Tacoma midsize pickup truck for 2025, as the engine you select plays a crucial role in the towing capability of your Tacoma.

It's important to remember that your configuration is going to determine the ultimate Toyota Tacoma towing capacity your truck can achieve. Multiple cab styles and bed lengths are offered in the new Tacoma, including an XtraCab or Double Cab, along with a 5-foot or 6-foot bed.

Toyota Tacoma i-FORCE Towing Capacity (Gas)

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First up is the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo powertrain that offers a max horsepower of 278 and 317 pound-feet of torque, allowing the 2025 Tacoma to achieve its maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds when properly equipped.

This engine comes standard on the SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trim levels. The max tow ratings for all the trims equipped with the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo engine are as follows:

• Tacoma SR: 6,400 lbs¹
• Tacoma SR5: 6,500 lbs¹
• TRD PreRunner: 6,500 lbs¹
• TRD Sport: 6,400 lbs¹
• TRD Off-Road: 6,400 lbs¹
• Limited: 6,300 lbs¹

To hit the max tow rating of 6,500 pounds,¹ drivers must opt for either the SR5 XtraCab or TRD PreRunner XtraCab with RWD or 4WD and a 6-foot bed.

Every model comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the SR, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road provide an optional six-speed manual for those who like a more hands-on experience with their trucks. For most of the trims, the transmission won't affect the towing capacity. However, this isn't the case for the entry-level SR.

The SR has a max tow rating of 3,500 pounds¹ for every configuration except for the SR Double Cab 4WD with a 5-foot bed that's paired with the six-speed manual transmission. This build allows you to tow a maximum of 6,400 pounds!¹ It also increases its standard horsepower from 228 to 270; however, fuel economy decreases with the manual transmission.

Toyota Tacoma i-FORCE MAX Towing Capacity (Hybrid)

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The second option is the exciting and innovative i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid engine for Toyota Tacoma buyers who want the most power. This hybrid powertrain delivers 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque and has a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds when properly equipped.

This hybrid system is optional on the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited editions and standard on the top-tier Trailhunter and TRD Pro trims. The max towing capacity for all trims equipped with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine is:

• TRD Sport i-FORCE MAX: 6,000 lbs¹
• TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX: 6,000 lbs¹
• Limited i-FORCE MAX: 6,000 lbs¹
• Trailhunter: 6,000 lbs¹
• TRD Pro: 6,000 lbs¹

As you can see, the max 2025 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity for trims equipped with the i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter is 6,000 pounds¹ across the board. This number will stay consistent regardless of the trim level or how you configure your truck, except for the Trailhunter, which sees a dip to 5,950 pounds¹ when it's customized with a 6-foot bed.

Although trucks with this engine can tow a bit less than those with the standard powertrain, they have more thrilling performance specs and better gas mileage. Also, if hauling heavy loads in the bed is your main priority, the TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX hits the max payload capability of 1,705 pounds.²

While the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road offer an available six-speed manual transmission, this is not an option with i-FORCE MAX versions. Every trim built as a hybrid variant is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with ECT-i.

What Can the 2025 Tacoma Tow?

With a maximum towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds,¹ depending on the trim and configuration, the Tacoma won't have a problem towing:

• Small to midsize travel trailers
• Boats and Jet Skis
• ATVs and dirt bikes
• Utility and cargo trailers
• Small campers and teardrop trailers

No matter if your next adventure takes you across the desert roads of Arizona, north to the towering mountains of Utah, or even farther, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity is built to handle your haul.

Explore Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity by Year: How It Has Evolved

We've covered how the 2025 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity reaches up to 6,500 pounds,¹ but what about previous model years of this hardworking midsize Toyota pickup?

If you're comparing past models or looking at the latest 2025 Tacoma, understanding how its towing capabilities have changed can help you choose the right truck for your needs. Let's take a look:

Looking at the chart, you clearly see a slightly lower towing capacity for the most recent years. The reason behind this is that the past Toyota Tacoma pickups relied on the 3.5-liter V-6 engine, with models from 2016 to 2023 boasting the same towing capabilities. For the 2024 edition, the automaker introduced the all-new i-FORCE and i-FORCE MAX engines, with the hybrid powertrain providing better fuel economy and overall power than the discontinued V-6.

Whether you want to drive the latest edition of this truck in our all-new Toyota inventory or upgrade to a high-quality pre-owned Toyota pickup, we can help.

What Is the Toyota Tacoma Tow Package?

Every trim level and configuration you see comes standard with the Toyota Tacoma tow package except for the SR XtraCab RWD with a 6-foot bed. To maximize your towing capabilities on this version of the base SR, you should definitely consider opting for this package.

The Toyota Tacoma towing package adds equipment that helps this truck reach its maximum tow rating for each trim level and the top 6,500 pounds¹ on the SR and TRD PreRunner. These add-ons include a Class-IV towing hitch receiver, a wiring harness with a seven-pin/four-pin connector, and more.

Drivers can also explore additional towing features, including a Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist, an integrated brake controller, and a Blind Spot Monitor that expands its detection range when towing a trailer.

Shop for a Toyota Tacoma That Suits Your Towing Needs!

The towing capacity of Toyota Tacoma trucks proves that midsize pickups can provide stellar trailering performance. This is excellent for drivers who need to carry cargo around their job site or bring things like Jet Skis or campers along for a fun weekend.

Now that you know more about the towing capabilities of the Toyota Tacoma lineup, isn't it time to trade up to one of these new or pre-owned Toyota trucks for sale? If you want to shop our used selection or need help to finance your new Toyota Tacoma, our Toyota dealership in Tucson, AZ, is here to help you make the best choice!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Toyota Tacoma tow a car?

A Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped. As long as the trailer and the car being towed do not outweigh the Tacoma truck's max tow rating, towing a car behind this pickup is possible. However, your Toyota Tacoma truck must be properly equipped with factory equipment and other trailering equipment to tow a small car safely.

Which Toyota Tacoma has the highest towing capacity?

The 2025 Tacoma SR5 and TRD PreRunner models offer the maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds when properly equipped. Reaching this peak tow rating of 6,500 pounds requires these Toyota Tacoma trims to be outfitted in the XtraCab with RWD or 4WD and a 6-foot bed size. The second highest tow rating belongs to the SR, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road when properly equipped.

Other Toyota Models Towing Capacity Resources

¹Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.

²Payload includes the weight of occupants, cargo and options and is limited by weight distribution.