The Toyota Tacoma towing capacity tops out at 6,500 pounds on the current 2024 to 2026 models. Older 2016 to 2023 Tacomas with the 3.5 liter V6 can tow up to 6,800 pounds, which is the highest rating any Tacoma has carried.
But that headline number only applies to certain builds. Your truck’s real limit depends on the model year, engine, cab, bed, drivetrain and whether it has a tow package. Some Tacomas are rated at just 3,500 pounds.
This guide gives you the exact towing numbers for every recent Tacoma, explains how to find your own truck’s rating and shows you how to tow safely without going over the limit.
Tacoma Towing Capacity at a Glance
| Model Years | Engine | Max Towing | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 to 2026 | 2.4L turbo 4 cylinder (i-FORCE) | 6,500 lbs | 1,705 lbs |
| 2024 to 2026 | 2.4L turbo hybrid (i-FORCE MAX) | 6,000 lbs | 1,705 lbs |
| 2024 to 2026 | 2.4L turbo, base SR tune | 3,500 lbs | Varies |
| 2016 to 2023 | 3.5L V6 | 6,800 lbs | About 1,685 lbs |
| 2016 to 2023 | 2.7L 4 cylinder | 3,500 lbs | Varies |
All figures are maximums when properly equipped. Your truck may be rated lower depending on its exact configuration.
2024 to 2026 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity by Trim
The fourth generation Tacoma launched for 2024 with a new turbocharged engine and an optional hybrid. The V6 is gone.
| Trim | Engine | Horsepower | Drivetrain | Max Towing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR | i-FORCE 2.4L turbo (base tune) | 228 hp | RWD or 4WD | 3,500 lbs |
| SR5 | i-FORCE 2.4L turbo | 278 hp | RWD or 4WD | 6,500 lbs |
| TRD PreRunner | i-FORCE 2.4L turbo | 278 hp | RWD | 6,500 lbs |
| TRD Sport | i-FORCE 2.4L turbo | 278 hp | RWD or 4WD | 6,400 lbs |
| TRD Off-Road | i-FORCE 2.4L turbo | 278 hp | 4WD | 6,400 lbs |
| Limited | i-FORCE 2.4L turbo | 278 hp | 4WD | 6,300 lbs |
| TRD Sport i-FORCE MAX | Hybrid | 326 hp | 4WD | 6,000 lbs |
| TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX | Hybrid | 326 hp | 4WD | 6,000 lbs |
| Limited i-FORCE MAX | Hybrid | 326 hp | 4WD | 6,000 lbs |
| Trailhunter | Hybrid | 326 hp | 4WD | 6,000 lbs |
| TRD Pro | Hybrid | 326 hp | 4WD | 6,000 lbs |
The 6,500 pound maximum comes from the SR5 and TRD PreRunner XtraCab builds with the 278 horsepower engine. These are lighter trucks, so more of the truck’s capacity is left for the trailer.
Why Does the Hybrid Tow Less?
It surprises a lot of buyers. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid makes 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, far more than the gas engine’s 317 lb-ft. Yet it is rated to tow 500 pounds less.
The reason is weight. The battery, electric motor and extra hardware make the hybrid trucks heavier. A truck’s total weight limit stays fixed, so a heavier truck leaves less room for the trailer.
That said, the hybrid often feels stronger while towing. The extra low-end torque helps on hills and highway merges. If your trailer weighs under 6,000 pounds, the hybrid can be the more relaxed tow vehicle.
For a deeper look at how Toyota hybrids work, see our Toyota Explained section.
What Changed for 2026
The 2026 Tacoma keeps the same towing ratings as 2024 and 2025. One useful update: a tow hitch is now standard on SR XtraCab models.
2022 and 2023 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity (V6 and 4 Cylinder)
The 2022 and 2023 Tacoma share the same towing ratings. They belong to the third generation, which ran from 2016 to 2023.
These trucks offered two engines:
- 2.7L 4 cylinder: 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque
- 3.5L V6: 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque
2022 and 2023 Tacoma Towing Capacity Chart
| Configuration | 2.7L 4 Cyl (2WD / 4WD) | 3.5L V6 2WD | 3.5L V6 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access Cab, 6 ft bed | 3,500 lbs | 6,800 lbs | 6,500 lbs |
| Double Cab, 5 ft bed | 3,500 lbs | 6,700 lbs | 6,400 lbs |
| Double Cab, 6 ft bed | Not offered | 6,600 lbs | 6,400 lbs |
The 2022 Tacoma towing capacity and the 2023 Tacoma towing capacity both peak at 6,800 pounds. That rating requires a two-wheel drive Access Cab with the V6 and the tow package.
Most 2022 and 2023 Tacomas on the road are Double Cab 4×4 V6 trucks. Those are rated at 6,400 pounds, which is still plenty for most campers and boats.
Toyota Tacoma V6 Towing Capacity
The Toyota Tacoma V6 towing capacity ranges from 6,400 to 6,800 pounds across 2016 to 2023 models. The exact number depends on cab, bed and drivetrain, as shown in the chart above.
The V6 is a popular choice on the used market because it tows more than any current Tacoma. If you need the highest towing number in a Tacoma, a two-wheel drive V6 Access Cab is the one to find.
One caution: some third generation trucks were sold with a manual transmission. Ratings can differ on those, so always confirm the number for your exact truck in the owner’s manual.
Tacoma Towing Capacity by Model Year (2016 to 2026)
| Model Year | Generation | Max Towing | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4th gen | 6,500 lbs | 1,705 lbs |
| 2025 | 4th gen | 6,500 lbs | 1,705 lbs |
| 2024 | 4th gen | 6,500 lbs | 1,709 lbs |
| 2023 | 3rd gen | 6,800 lbs | 1,685 lbs |
| 2022 | 3rd gen | 6,800 lbs | 1,685 lbs |
| 2021 | 3rd gen | 6,800 lbs | 1,685 lbs |
| 2016 to 2020 | 3rd gen | 6,800 lbs | Varies by year |
So yes, older V6 Tacomas tow slightly more than the new ones. But the new turbo engine makes far more torque, which many owners say makes towing feel easier.
What Is the Tacoma Tow Package?
On the third generation (2016 to 2023), the V6 Tow Package was the key to reaching the top rating. It included:
- Class IV receiver hitch
- 4 and 7 pin wiring connector
- Transmission fluid cooler
- Engine oil cooler
- 130 amp alternator
- Heavy-duty battery
- Trailer-Sway Control
On current Tacomas, a Class IV hitch receiver and wiring are part of the towing setup on most trims. Higher trims add helpful tech, such as:
- Trailer Backup Guide: helps you steer while reversing a trailer
- Trailer Blind Spot Monitor: watches the area beside your trailer
- Trailer camera support: shows the view behind the trailer on screen
- Integrated trailer brake controller: available on some models, needed for trailers with electric brakes
- Tow/Haul mode: adjusts shift points to reduce strain
If you shop used, check for a factory hitch and wiring. A truck without the tow package may carry a lower rating.
How to Find Your Tacoma’s Exact Towing Capacity
The charts above give you the maximums. To find the true number for your truck, use these three steps.
- Check the owner’s manual. It has a towing chart listing ratings by cab, bed, engine and drivetrain.
- Read the door jamb sticker. The Tire and Loading Information label on the driver’s door frame shows your truck’s payload limit.
- Confirm your build. Note your trim, engine, drivetrain, cab and bed length. You can also ask a dealer to look up your VIN.
Payload matters as much as towing. Everything in the cab and bed, plus the trailer’s tongue weight, counts against payload.
How Much Can You Safely Tow? A Simple Example
The maximum rating assumes the truck is otherwise lightly loaded. Real trips rarely work that way.
Here is a simple example for a 2025 Tacoma TRD Off-Road rated at 6,400 pounds:
- Trailer weight: a camper weighing 5,000 pounds when fully loaded
- Tongue weight: about 10% to 15% of the trailer weight, or 500 to 750 pounds
- People and gear: two adults and camping gear, say 450 pounds
- Total payload used: about 950 to 1,200 pounds
That stays under the 6,400 pound towing limit and should fit within the truck’s payload. Check your door sticker to be sure.
Many experienced towers also follow a common rule of thumb: keep the loaded trailer at or below about 80% of the max rating. That leaves a safety margin for hills, wind and heat. For a 6,400 pound truck, that means about 5,100 pounds.
What Can a Toyota Tacoma Tow?
With a rating of 6,000 to 6,800 pounds, a properly equipped Tacoma can handle many common trailers:
- Small and mid-size travel trailers and teardrop campers
- Pop-up campers
- Fishing and ski boats on single-axle trailers
- ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes on utility trailers
- Jet skis
- Small enclosed cargo trailers
Always use the trailer’s loaded weight, not its empty weight. Water, propane, gear and food can add hundreds of pounds.
If you need to tow a large travel trailer or a heavy boat, a full-size truck like the Toyota Tundra, rated up to 12,000 pounds, is a better fit.
Toyota Tacoma Towing Tips
These habits make towing safer and easier on your truck.
- Use Tow/Haul mode every time you pull a trailer.
- Balance your load. Put about 60% of the trailer’s cargo ahead of the axle to keep tongue weight in the right range.
- Use trailer brakes for heavier trailers. Many states require them above a certain weight, so check your state’s rules.
- Check tire pressure on both the truck and trailer before you leave.
- Leave extra stopping distance. A loaded trailer can add a lot of weight to stop.
- Watch your temperatures on long climbs, especially in summer heat.
- Service your truck more often if you tow regularly. Towing counts as severe use in most maintenance schedules.
Heading out on a long trip with a trailer? Our Owner Guides include an eight point pre-trip checklist for Toyota trucks, covering fluids, brakes, tires and suspension.
Tacoma Gas vs Hybrid: Which Is Better for Towing?
| Factor | i-FORCE Gas | i-FORCE MAX Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | Up to 6,500 lbs | 6,000 lbs |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft |
| Towing feel | Strong | Stronger, smoother low-end pull |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Max towing number | Frequent hill or mountain towing |
Our take: if you tow close to 6,000 pounds or more, choose the gas engine for the extra margin. If your trailer is lighter and you tow in hilly areas, the hybrid’s extra torque makes the job feel easier.
Need a Family Vehicle That Can Tow?
Not everyone needs a pickup. If you mainly carry people and tow a small trailer now and then, a three-row SUV may work better. Our 2018 Toyota Highlander review covers a popular used option for families who also tow.
Final Verdict
The current Toyota Tacoma towing capacity reaches 6,500 pounds, while 2016 to 2023 V6 models top out at 6,800 pounds. Most Tacomas fall between 6,000 and 6,500 pounds, which covers campers, boats and utility trailers for most owners.
Before you hitch up, confirm your exact rating, check your payload and leave a safety margin. That is the best way to make the most of your Tacoma’s towing ability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the max towing capacity of a Toyota Tacoma?
The current 2024 to 2026 Tacoma tows up to 6,500 pounds. The 2016 to 2023 V6 Tacoma tows up to 6,800 pounds when properly equipped.
How much can a 2023 Tacoma tow?
The 2023 Tacoma towing capacity is up to 6,800 pounds with the V6, two-wheel drive and Access Cab. Four-cylinder models are rated at 3,500 pounds.
How much can a 2022 Tacoma tow?
The 2022 Tacoma has the same ratings as the 2023. The V6 tows 6,400 to 6,800 pounds depending on configuration, and the four-cylinder tows 3,500 pounds.
What is the Toyota Tacoma V6 towing capacity?
The Tacoma V6 tows between 6,400 and 6,800 pounds on 2016 to 2023 models. Two-wheel drive Access Cab trucks reach the top rating.
Can the Tacoma hybrid tow?
Yes. Every Tacoma i-FORCE MAX hybrid is rated to tow up to 6,000 pounds.
Can a Toyota Tacoma tow a camper?
Yes. A properly equipped Tacoma can tow many small and mid-size campers. Always check the camper’s loaded weight against your truck’s exact rating and payload.
Do I need a tow package to tow with my Tacoma?
To reach the maximum rating, yes. The tow package adds the hitch, wiring and cooling hardware the truck needs for heavier loads.
Does a 4×4 Tacoma tow less than a 2WD?
Often, yes. Four-wheel drive adds weight, which lowers the towing rating slightly. On 2016 to 2023 V6 trucks, 4×4 models are rated about 300 to 400 pounds lower.
