"How much can a Tacoma tow?" gets answered with 6,500 lb almost everywhere, and that number is right for exactly the trucks Toyota advertises it on. Plenty of Tacomas are rated a lot lower: four-cylinder trucks, 2nd gen V6 trucks without the factory tow package, long-bed 4WD Double Cabs, and the base SR in the 4th gen. This guide lays out the rating for every configuration in Toyota's owner's manuals, so you can look up your truck instead of guessing.
Where these numbers come from. Toyota's trailer weight ratings (TWR) and gross combination weight ratings (GCWR) for each model code, from the owner's manuals for the 2015, 2020, 2023, 2025 and 2026 Tacoma. The 2020 and 2023 tables are identical, as are 2025 and 2026. All ratings meet SAE J2807, the industry towing standard. Hybrid figures are Toyota's published i-FORCE MAX maximum, not a manual table.
4th Gen Tacoma (2024+)
From the 2025 and 2026 owner's manuals (gasoline i-FORCE models).
| CAB / BED | DRIVE | ENGINE / GRADE | TOWING (TWR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cab, short or long bed | 2WD (SR5, TRD Sport, PreRunner) | i-FORCE 2.4T, 278 hp | 6,400 lb |
| Double Cab, short bed | 4WD (SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited) | i-FORCE 2.4T, 278 hp | 6,300–6,400 lb |
| Double Cab, long bed | 4WD (SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road) | i-FORCE 2.4T, 278 hp | 6,400 lb |
| XtraCab | 2WD or 4WD SR5 / PreRunner | i-FORCE 2.4T, 278 hp | 6,500 lb |
| Double Cab or XtraCab SR | 2WD or 4WD | i-FORCE 2.4T, 228 hp | 3,500 lb |
| i-FORCE MAX hybrid grades | 4WD | 2.4T hybrid, 326 hp | up to 6,000 lb |
Why is the SR rated so much lower? The SR models with model codes TZNA41 and TZNA46 use the 228 hp version of the 2.4L turbo, and Toyota's manual rates them at 3,500 lb with a GCWR of about 8,100–8,400 lb. SR-grade trucks listed under other model codes are rated 6,400 lb. Check the engine output on your window sticker, or the model code on the door jamb, before you buy a trailer.
Unbraked trailers: 1,000 lb (453 kg) maximum on every 4th gen.
3rd Gen Tacoma (2016–2023)
From the 2020 and 2023 owner's manuals; the tables are identical.
| CAB | ENGINE | DRIVE | TOWING (TWR) | GCWR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access Cab | 2.7L 2TR-FE | 2WD or 4WD | 3,500 lb | 7,740–7,980 lb |
| Access Cab | 3.5L V6 2GR-FKS | 2WD | 6,800 lb | 11,270 lb |
| Access Cab | 3.5L V6 | 4WD | 6,500 lb | 11,230–11,310 lb |
| Double Cab | 2.7L | 2WD | 3,500 lb | 7,870 lb |
| Double Cab | 3.5L V6 | 2WD | 6,600–6,700 lb | 11,240–11,300 lb |
| Double Cab | 3.5L V6 | 4WD | 6,400 lb on most model codes; 6,000 lb on one long-bed code (GRN310L-PRTLHA) | 11,040–11,300 lb |
The 6,800 lb Tacoma is the 2WD V6 Access Cab (model code GRN325L-CRTSHA). Every other configuration is lower.
2nd Gen Tacoma (2005–2015)
From the 2015 owner's manual. The V6 rating depends entirely on the factory towing package.
| CAB | ENGINE | DRIVE | WITHOUT TOW PACKAGE | WITH TOW PACKAGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access Cab | 2.7L 2TR-FE | 2WD or 4WD | 3,500 lb | n/a |
| Access Cab | 4.0L V6 1GR-FE | 2WD (base) | 3,300 lb | n/a |
| Access Cab | 4.0L V6 | 4WD or 2WD | 3,500 lb | 6,500 lb |
| Double Cab | 2.7L | 2WD | 3,400–3,500 lb | n/a |
| Double Cab | 4.0L V6 | 4WD short bed | 3,500 lb | 6,500 lb |
| Double Cab | 4.0L V6 | 4WD long bed | 3,400 lb | 6,200 lb |
| Double Cab | 4.0L V6 | 2WD | 3,500 lb | 6,500 lb |
How to tell if a 2nd gen has the tow package: The factory package came with the receiver hitch and a 7-pin connector, and is commonly described as adding extra cooling and electrical capacity. If you are not sure, the window sticker or a Toyota dealer's VIN lookup will confirm it. Without it, Toyota's rating is about half.
The Numbers That Actually Limit You
The trailer rating is only one of several limits, and on a loaded Tacoma it is often not the first one you hit.
- GCWR (gross combination weight rating): the truck, everything in it, and the trailer, combined. A crew of four, gear, a rooftop tent and a heavy bumper can use up thousands of pounds before the trailer is counted.
- Tongue weight: Toyota specifies 9% to 11% of the trailer's weight on the hitch. A 6,000 lb trailer puts 540–660 lb on the rear axle.
- Sway control and weight distribution: Toyota's manuals call for a sway control device above 2,000 lb and a weight-distributing hitch above 5,000 lb of trailer weight.
- Trailer brakes: required above the 1,000 lb unbraked limit. 4th gen trucks offer a factory trailer brake controller; older trucks need an aftermarket one.
- Fifth wheel and gooseneck: Toyota does not recommend either on the Tacoma.
- Maintenance: towing moves you onto Toyota's special operating conditions schedule, with more frequent oil, differential and transfer case service. See our 3rd gen Tacoma maintenance schedule or 2nd gen schedule.
Bigger tires and lifts do not change Toyota's rating, but taller tires effectively raise your gearing and make the truck work harder on grades. If you tow heavy on 33s or bigger, see our regear chart.
Links below are Amazon affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, toyotadata earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
| ITEM | USED FOR | BUY |
|---|---|---|
| Weight-distributing hitch with sway control | Required by Toyota above 5,000 lb; sway control above 2,000 lb | Shop on Amazon |
| Electronic trailer brake controller | Trailers over the 1,000 lb unbraked limit on trucks without the factory controller | Shop on Amazon |
| Tongue weight scale | Checking that tongue weight is 9–11% of the trailer | Shop on Amazon |
| Genuine Toyota ATF WS, 1 qt | Transmission service on the towing schedule | Shop on Amazon |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Toyota Tacoma?
6,800 lb for a 2016–2023 2WD V6 Access Cab, the highest rating in Toyota's manuals. Most V6 3rd gen trucks are rated 6,400–6,700 lb, most 4th gen i-FORCE trucks 6,300–6,500 lb, and 2nd gen V6 trucks with the tow package 6,200–6,500 lb.
How much can a 4th gen Tacoma SR tow?
3,500 lb for SR models with the 228 hp engine (model codes TZNA41 and TZNA46), per the 2025 and 2026 owner's manuals. SR-grade trucks under other model codes are rated 6,400 lb.
How much can a 3rd gen Tacoma V6 tow?
6,400 to 6,800 lb depending on cab and drive: 6,800 lb for the 2WD Access Cab, 6,500 lb for the 4WD Access Cab, 6,600–6,700 lb for 2WD Double Cabs, and 6,400 lb for most 4WD Double Cabs (6,000 lb for one long-bed code).
Does a 2nd gen Tacoma need the tow package to tow 6,500 lb?
Yes. Toyota's 2015 manual rates the 4.0L V6 at 6,200–6,500 lb with the factory towing package and only 3,300–3,500 lb without it.
How much can a 4-cylinder Tacoma tow?
3,500 lb for the 2.7L on most 2nd and 3rd gen configurations, with some 2nd gen 2WD trucks rated 3,300–3,400 lb.
What is the Tacoma's unbraked towing limit?
1,000 lb. Anything heavier needs trailer brakes and a brake controller.
Related Tacoma Guides
- Tacoma Fluid Capacities and Types
- Toyota Regear Chart
- Tacoma Recall Tracker (2016–2026)
- 3rd Gen vs 4th Gen Tacoma
- Toyota Towing Capacity Chart: Every Truck and SUV
- 4Runner Towing Capacity by Year
- Tundra Towing Capacity by Year and Cab
Sources: Toyota Tacoma owner's manuals (2015 OM04009U, 2020 OM04025U, 2023 OM04047U, 2025 OM04011U, 2026 OM04051U), "GCWR and TWR" tables; Toyota newsroom, 2026 Tacoma (maximum 6,500 lb); i-FORCE MAX maximum of 6,000 lb from Toyota dealer specifications for the 2025 Tacoma i-FORCE MAX.
Keep reading
4th Gen Tacoma Fluid Capacities and Types (2024+ i-FORCE 2.4L Turbo)
Engine oil: 5.9 qt (5.6 L) with filter, SAE 0W-20 ILSAC GF-6A. Coolant: 12.6 qt or 12.8 qt depending on model code, Toyota Super Long Life Coolant. Automatic transmission: 12.2 qt total, Toyota Genuine ATF WS. Manual transmission: 2.6 qt, 75W-90 GL-3 (GL-4). Transfer case: 1.2 qt, Toyota Transfer Gear Oil LF 75W. Front differential: 1.4 qt; rear differential: 4.8 qt (5.0 qt on manual TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road), Toyota Differential Gear Oil LT 75W-85 GL-5. Brakes and clutch: DOT 3. Fuel: 87 octane, 18.2 gal tank. Spark plugs: NGK DILZKAR8E7H, 0.027 in gap. Lug nuts: 97 ft-lb on aluminum wheels, 154 ft-lb on steel. All from Toyota's 2025 and 2026 Tacoma owner's manuals.
4th Gen Tacoma Maintenance Schedule: 5k to 150k Mile Checklist (2024+)
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months: rotate the tires, check fluids, brakes and wipers. Every 10,000 or 12 months: oil and filter (0W-20, 5.9 qt). Every 15,000: re-torque the propeller shaft bolts and run the under-truck inspection. Every 30,000: engine air filter and cabin air filter, plus a transmission fluid and transfer case inspection. Every 40,000: spark plugs. The 2.4L turbo's plug interval is 40,000 miles, not the 60,000 or 120,000 of the old V6. 100,000: first engine and intercooler coolant change, then every 50,000. Dirt roads and towing move the oil to 5,000 miles and add differential and transfer case oil changes every 15,000 to 30,000. Compiled from Toyota's 2025 Tacoma Warranty and Maintenance Guide.
The Toyota Truck Home Garage Tool List: What You Need for Every Job
To do your own oil, tire, brake and fluid work on a Toyota truck you need six things: a 3-ton floor jack, a pair of jack stands, a 1/2-inch click torque wrench that reaches at least 100 ft-lb (154 ft-lb for steel wheels on a 2024+ Tacoma or 2022+ Tundra), a metric socket set, an OBD2 scanner, and a drain pan. That kit costs roughly $300–400. Add a fluid pump for differential and transmission fills, a vacuum coolant filler, and a smoke machine for EVAP codes and you can handle almost every job on our maintenance schedules. Toyota's lug nut torque is 83 ft-lb on 2nd and 3rd gen Tacomas and 97 ft-lb on aluminum wheels for the 4th gen Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia and Land Cruiser 250, per the owner's manuals.
Toyota Towing Capacity Chart: Every Truck and SUV (2026)
Tundra up to 12,000 lb (2022+ gas, 2WD Double Cab, no SR Package; 11,450 lb hybrid). Sequoia up to 9,520 lb (2023+). Tacoma up to 6,500 lb (2024+; 6,800 lb on a 2016 to 2023 2WD V6 Access Cab). 4Runner 6,000 lb (2025+; 5,000 lb for 2010 to 2024). Land Cruiser 250 6,000 lb (2025+, GCWR 12,725 to 12,945 lb). These are maximums: many configurations are rated lower, so use the door-jamb label for your truck.