Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity
The Toyota Tacoma has a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds when equipped with a V6 engine.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The Toyota Tacoma pickup truck has a towing capacity of 3,500 to 6,800 pounds. Your actual towing capacity will depend on which engine option you choose to outfit your Tacoma with—the 4-cylinder engine or V6 engine.
Finding the perfect workhorse with off-roading capabilities can be tough, but knowing the towing capacity of your top picks can help you narrow down the choices. Most compact pickup trucks are made to haul heavy cargo. However, the exact capacity will depend on your vehicle’s size, transmission, engine power, and other additional features.
We have all the important information you need about the Toyota Tacoma’s towing capacity. We’ll go through the Tacoma’s maximum towing capacity and tips to help you calculate and increase your vehicle’s towing capacity for whatever task you have at hand.
How much can a Toyota Tacoma tow?
Base towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
Maximum towing capacity: 6,800 pounds
Engines: 2.7L 4-cylinder engine (159 hp) or 3.5L V6 engine (278 hp)
The Toyota Tacoma is a workhorse with off-roading capabilities, improved comfort, multiple trim options, and a sufficient towing capacity for a compact pickup truck.
The minimum towing capacity of a Tacoma with a 2.7L 4-cylinder engine is 3,500 pounds, but the
Toyota Tacoma V6
engine model can tow up to 6,800 pounds. Both engines are an available option for the SR and SR5 trims. However, higher trims like the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road are only available with the V6 engine.Trailer hitches for the Toyota Tacoma
When buying a new Toyota Tacoma, there is an option to install a ball mount for towing a boat, RV, or construction materials. You can also opt to install a trailer ball that connects the Tacoma’s tow hitch receiver and trailer. These mounts can tow up to 5,000 pounds but will align with the weight ratings in the owner’s manual.
If you already own a Tacoma, there are many aftermarket trailer hitches you can add, such as Amazon’s choice, the
CURT 13323 Class 3
trailer hitch, which is also rated for up to 5,000 pounds gross trailer weight. 
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How to calculate the towing capacity you need
Keep in mind that the maximum towing capacity doesn’t always mean you can haul the full amount. Your towing capacity should be more than the biggest load you will need to tow. In other words, your Tacoma will not hitch the full 3,500 pounds with a 2.7L 4-cylinder engine.
Here’s an estimate of what you can expect to tow with a Tacoma—but keep in mind the weight differences of your items.
With a 2.7L 4-cylinder engine :
- Canoe or kayak trailer (600 to 800 lbs.)
- Motorcycle trailer (800 to 3,000 lbs.)
With a 3.5L V6 engine:
- Pop-up camper (2,800 to 4,300 lbs.)
- Some utility trailers (up to 5,000 lbs.)
If you plan to hitch a utility trailer for carrying construction materials, check the total weight of your trailer and hitch when it’s fully loaded. Don’t forget to also include the vehicle’s weight, the weight of any passengers, and any additional cargo you will be carrying.
How to increase towing capacity
If you want to increase the towing capacity of your Toyota Tacoma, it’s possible with the following options:
- Install a weight-distribution hitch: Reduces the sway and lessens the load on the suspension
- Upgrade the brake pads and rotors: Accommodates more weight
- Add a bigger radiator: Improves the cooling capacity of the engine
- Switch in stronger axles: Allows you to increase towing capacity
Some upgrades may decrease a pickup truck’s towing capacity. For example, getting bigger aftermarket rims means there will be more pressure on the engine, which in turn reduces the load the Tacoma can haul.
Although these upgrades can improve your towing performance, they will not contribute to a significant increase in the Tacoma’s towing capacity. If you’re looking to tow even greater loads, you may want to consider full-size pickup trucks such as the
Nissan Titan
, with a maximum towing capacity of 9,660 pounds, or the Ford F-150
, with a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds. How to find affordable car insurance
Picking the right Tacoma model is just as important as getting the right insurance coverage that fits your budget. If you want to save money on
Toyota car insurance costs
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
Is the Toyota Tacoma good for towing?
The Toyota Tacoma is a compact pickup truck that can tow loads up to 6,800 pounds with the V6 engine, which allows the Tacoma to easily handle smaller loads, such as a motorcycle or kayak trailer. However, if you plan to haul heavy construction materials over the capacity limit, you may want to consider a truck with more towing power.
Can you put a trailer hitch on a Toyota Tacoma?
Toyota only offers a ball mount or trailer ball attachment for the Tacoma. However, you can find an aftermarket trailer hitch compatible with the Tacoma readily available.
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