For those who crave adventure and need a reliable workhorse, the Toyota Tacoma stands out as a versatile mid-size pickup. A key question for many Tacoma enthusiasts is, “What is the Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity?” The latest models are engineered to impress, with the 2025 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity reaching up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped. With a diverse lineup of eleven trims for the 2025 model year, understanding which Tacoma configuration best suits your towing needs is crucial.
This guide will delve into the towing capabilities of the new Toyota Tacoma, exploring specs across various trims, from the base SR to the rugged TRD Pro. We’ll also provide a helpful chart detailing towing capacities for recent model years. Ready to discover the towing potential of the Tacoma? Visit DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville to explore our inventory and find the perfect Tacoma for your hauling demands.
2025 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity: Key Highlights
- Maximum Towing Prowess: Achieve up to 6,500 pounds of towing capacity, ideal for mid-size boats, campers, and trailers.
- Engine Choices: Powered by either the robust i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or the fuel-efficient i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain.
- Payload Mastery: Confidently carry heavy loads in the truck bed, with a maximum payload capacity of 1,705 pounds¹ on the TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX trim.
- Advanced Towing Tech: Benefit from features like Trailer-Sway Control and the available Towing Package, complete with a Class-IV towing hitch receiver, for enhanced towing stability and safety.
Explore Toyota Tacoma Specials
Unpacking the 2025 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity and Performance
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma builds upon the advancements introduced in the 2024 model, featuring two potent powertrain options: the standard i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo engine and the i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbo hybrid.
The i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine delivers a solid 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for everyday driving and towing tasks. For those seeking enhanced performance and efficiency, the i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four hybrid powertrain elevates the output to an impressive 326 horsepower and a robust 465 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission options for the Tacoma cater to different driving preferences. Enthusiasts can opt for a six-speed manual transmission with intelligent rev-matching and anti-stall technology, available on TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road trims. For smooth and convenient shifting, an eight-speed Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i), sequential shift mode, and uphill/downhill shift logic is also available. Furthermore, cab configurations, including the XtraCab and Double Cab, play a role in determining the overall towing capacity of your Tacoma.
When it comes to pure towing muscle, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity peaks at 6,500 pounds² with the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. Interestingly, this is a substantial 1,500 pounds² greater than the Toyota Highlander towing capacity, highlighting the Tacoma’s focused towing design. Tacoma models equipped with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine offer a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds², regardless of trim or configuration, with a slight variation for the Trailhunter trim. The Trailhunter achieves up to 5,950 pounds² of towing capacity in the Double Cab 4WD configuration with a 6-foot bed, which slightly increases to 6,000 pounds² with a 5-foot bed.
To navigate the towing capacities across the 2025 Tacoma lineup, consult the detailed chart below. It outlines the specific cab style, drivetrain, and bed size combinations required to achieve the maximum towing weight for each trim level.
2025 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity Chart: Trim by Trim Breakdown
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Cab Style | Bed Size | Drivetrain | Max Towing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR | i-FORCE 2.4L 4-cyl Turbo | 8-speed ECT-i | XtraCab or Double Cab | 5 ft or 6 ft | RWD or 4WD | 3,500 lbs² |
| SR5 | i-FORCE 2.4L 4-cyl Turbo | 8-speed ECT-i | XtraCab | 6 ft | RWD or 4WD | 6,500 lbs² |
| TRD PreRunner | i-FORCE 2.4L 4-cyl Turbo | 8-speed ECT-i | XtraCab | 6 ft | RWD | 6,500 lbs² |
| TRD Sport | i-FORCE 2.4L 4-cyl Turbo | 8-speed ECT-i or 6-speed manual | Double Cab | 5 ft or 6 ft | RWD or 4WD | 6,400 lbs² |
| TRD Off-Road | i-FORCE 2.4L 4-cyl Turbo | 8-speed ECT-i or 6-speed manual | Double Cab | 5 ft or 6 ft | 4WD | 6,400 lbs² |
| Limited | i-FORCE 2.4L 4-cyl Turbo | 8-speed ECT-i | Double Cab | 5 ft | RWD or 4WD | 6,300 lbs² |
| TRD Sport i-FORCE MAX | i-FORCE MAX 2.4L 4-cyl Hybrid | 8-speed ECT-i | Double Cab | 5 ft | 4WD | 6,000 lbs² |
| TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX | i-FORCE MAX 2.4L 4-cyl Hybrid | 8-speed ECT-i | Double Cab | 5 ft | 4WD | 6,000 lbs² |
| Limited i-FORCE MAX | i-FORCE MAX 2.4L 4-cyl Hybrid | 8-speed ECT-i | Double Cab | 5 ft | 4WD | 6,000 lbs² |
| Trailhunter | i-FORCE MAX 2.4L 4-cyl Hybrid | 8-speed ECT-i | Double Cab | 5 ft | 4WD | 6,000 lbs² |
| TRD Pro | i-FORCE MAX 2.4L 4-cyl Hybrid | 8-speed ECT-i | Double Cab | 5 ft | 4WD | 6,000 lbs² |
For the entry-level SR model, the towing capacity is capped at 3,500 pounds² across all configurations. To unlock the maximum 6,500 pounds² towing capacity of the Toyota Tacoma, consider the SR5 XtraCab (RWD or 4WD) or the TRD PreRunner XtraCab (RWD), both with a 6-foot bed.
When considering towing power in the Toyota family, how does the Tacoma stack up against its larger sibling, the Toyota Tundra towing capacity? While the full-size Tundra naturally offers greater towing capabilities, the Tacoma provides enhanced agility and maneuverability, particularly beneficial for navigating city streets and tighter trails.
To help you decide between these two capable trucks, explore our detailed Toyota Tacoma vs. Tundra comparison, where you can examine their specifications side-by-side.
Toyota Tacoma Towing and Payload Through the Years
The Toyota Tacoma has built a strong reputation for reliability and capability over the years, making it a popular choice for drivers who need a dependable mid-size truck for both work and play. Understanding the towing capacity and payload ratings across different model years can provide valuable insight into the Tacoma’s consistent performance.
| Model Year | Max Towing | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6,500 lbs² | 1,705 lbs¹ |
| 2024 | 6,500 lbs² | 1,709 lbs¹ |
| 2023 | 6,800 lbs² | 1,685 lbs¹ |
| 2022 | 6,800 lbs² | 1,685 lbs¹ |
| 2021 | 6,800 lbs² | 1,685 lbs¹ |
| 2020 | 6,800 lbs² | 1,620 lbs¹ |
Decoding the Toyota Tacoma Tow Package
For Tacoma trims offering the Tow Package, you gain access to essential equipment designed to optimize your towing experience, notably including a robust Toyota Tacoma towing trailer hitch. The Tow Package inspires confidence when hauling trailers or campers, featuring a Class-IV towing hitch receiver and a wiring harness with both 7-pin and 4-pin connectors, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of trailers.
Discover Your Ideal Toyota Tacoma at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville
Beyond its impressive towing prowess, the Toyota Tacoma offers a spectrum of appealing features, from eye-catching Toyota Tacoma colors to a comfortable and tech-forward interior. At DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville, our experts are ready to answer all your questions about the Tacoma, clarifying details about its towing capacity, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), and more.
Whether you’re set on a Tacoma or wish to explore our broader selection of SUVs and trucks, our new Toyota inventory is readily available online for your browsing convenience. We are also eager to discuss flexible lease and financing options to help you secure a fantastic deal on your next Toyota vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toyota Tacoma Towing
Can a Tacoma Tow 6,500 Pounds?
Yes, the 2024 and 2025 Toyota Tacoma models are capable of towing up to 6,500 pounds when properly configured. Achieving this maximum towing capacity necessitates specific trim levels and configurations, combined with the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. For hybrid models equipped with the i-FORCE MAX powertrain, the maximum towing capacity is slightly less at 6,000 pounds² when correctly equipped.
Which Toyota Tacoma Trim Offers the Highest Towing Capacity?
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma trims that reach the maximum 6,500 pounds² towing capacity are the SR5 XtraCab and the TRD PreRunner XtraCab. These require either RWD or 4WD, a 6-foot bed, and the inclusion of the available tow package. For pre-owned Tacomas in the 2020 to 2023 model years, the maximum towing capacity can reach 6,800 pounds when properly equipped.
What Types of Trailers Can a Toyota Tacoma Tow?
With a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds², the Toyota Tacoma is well-suited for towing a variety of trailers, including mid-size travel trailers, pop-up and teardrop campers, fishing boats, ATV trailers, utility trailers, and more. The Tacoma effectively blends robust capability with everyday usability, making it an excellent choice for both work and recreational towing needs.
What Engine Powers the 2025 Toyota Tacoma?
The 2025 Tacoma presents two engine choices: the standard i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, and the available i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four hybrid powertrain, which boosts output to 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque.
¹Payload includes the weight of occupants, cargo and options and is limited by weight distribution.
²Before 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.
