For adventurers and workers alike, the Toyota Tacoma stands out as a reliable mid-size pickup, especially when it comes to hauling. If you’re planning to tow a camper, boat, or trailer for your next getaway or job, understanding the towing capacity of the Toyota Tacoma is crucial. The latest models boast a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds when properly equipped, offering impressive capability for a truck in its class. With a variety of trims available for the 2025 model year, it’s important to know which Tacoma configuration aligns with your towing needs.
This article will delve into the towing capabilities of the new Toyota Tacoma, exploring the specs across different trims, from the base SR to the rugged TRD Pro. We’ll also provide a handy chart detailing towing capacities for recent model years. Once you have a clear picture of what the Tacoma can handle, we invite you to visit DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville to experience your ideal Tacoma trim and configuration firsthand.
2025 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity: Key Highlights
- Maximum Towing Capacity: Up to 6,500 pounds when properly configured, ideal for towing mid-size boats, campers, and utility trailers.
- Engine Choices: Powered by either the robust i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine or the fuel-efficient i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain.
- Payload Prowess: Confidently carry heavy loads in the truck bed, with a maximum payload capacity of 1,705 pounds on the TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX trim.
- Advanced Towing Technology: Equipped with features like Trailer-Sway Control and an available Towing Package that includes a Class-IV towing hitch receiver, enhancing towing stability and safety.
Unpacking the 2025 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity and Performance
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma continues to impress with its powertrain options, carrying over the updated engines introduced in the 2024 model. You have the choice between the standard i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and the more powerful and efficient i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbo hybrid powertrain.
The i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo engine delivers a solid 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for everyday driving and towing tasks. For those seeking even more performance, the i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbo hybrid powertrain boosts output to an impressive 326 horsepower and a substantial 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid system not only enhances power but also contributes to improved fuel efficiency.
Transmission options for the Tacoma include a refined eight-speed Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i), featuring sequential shift mode and uphill/downhill shift logic for optimal control in various driving conditions. For driving enthusiasts, a six-speed manual transmission with automatic rev-matching and anti-stall technology is available on the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road trims, offering a more engaging driving experience.
The cab style of your Tacoma also plays a role in towing capability. The 2025 model is available in XtraCab and Double Cab configurations, each influencing the truck’s overall weight and, consequently, its towing capacity.
When it comes to 2025 Toyota Tacoma towing capacities, models equipped with the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged engine can achieve a maximum tow rating of 6,500 pounds. Interestingly, this is a significant 1,500 pounds more than the Toyota Highlander towing capacity, highlighting the Tacoma’s robust towing prowess within the Toyota lineup. Tacoma models powered by the i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine offer a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, regardless of trim level or configuration, with a slight variation for the Trailhunter trim. The Trailhunter, when configured as a Double Cab 4WD with a 6-foot bed, tows up to 5,950 pounds, which slightly increases to 6,000 pounds with a 5-foot bed.
To understand the specifics for each trim, refer to the detailed 2025 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity chart below, outlining cab style, drivetrain, and bed size requirements for achieving maximum towing weights across the Tacoma trim levels.
2025 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity Chart
| 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 lbs |
| SR5 | i-FORCE 2.4L 4-cyl Turbo | 8-speed ECT-i | XtraCab | 6 ft | RWD or 4WD | 6,500 lbs |
| TRD PreRunner | i-FORCE 2.4L 4-cyl Turbo | 8-speed ECT-i | XtraCab | 6 ft | RWD | 6,500 lbs |
| 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 lbs |
| 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 lbs |
| Limited | i-FORCE 2.4L 4-cyl Turbo | 8-speed ECT-i | Double Cab | 5 ft | RWD or 4WD | 6,300 lbs |
| TRD Sport i-FORCE MAX | i-FORCE MAX 2.4L 4-cyl Hybrid | 8-speed ECT-i | Double Cab | 5 ft | 4WD | 6,000 lbs |
| 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 lbs |
| Limited i-FORCE MAX | i-FORCE MAX 2.4L 4-cyl Hybrid | 8-speed ECT-i | Double Cab | 5 ft | 4WD | 6,000 lbs |
| Trailhunter | i-FORCE MAX 2.4L 4-cyl Hybrid | 8-speed ECT-i | Double Cab | 5 ft | 4WD | 6,000 lbs |
| TRD Pro | i-FORCE MAX 2.4L 4-cyl Hybrid | 8-speed ECT-i | Double Cab | 5 ft | 4WD | 6,000 lbs |
For the base SR model, the Tacoma towing capacity reaches 3,500 pounds across all configurations. To achieve the maximum 6,500-pound towing capacity in the 2025 Toyota Tacoma lineup, you’ll need to opt for either the SR5 XtraCab (RWD or 4WD) or the TRD PreRunner XtraCab (RWD), both equipped with a 6-foot bed.
Considering other Toyota trucks? While the Toyota Tundra towing capacity certainly surpasses the Tacoma as a full-size truck, the Tacoma offers superior agility and is often preferred for city driving and off-road adventures.
To help you decide which Toyota truck best fits your needs, explore our detailed Toyota Tacoma vs. Tundra comparison, where you can examine specs side-by-side and make an informed decision.
Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity and Payload Across Model Years
The Toyota Tacoma’s reputation for reliability extends to its consistent towing and payload capabilities over the years. Whether you’re a contractor needing to haul equipment or an outdoor enthusiast towing recreational gear, understanding the towing capacity and payload ratings by model year is essential. This historical perspective demonstrates the Tacoma’s enduring capability.
| Model Year | Max Towing | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6,500 lbs | 1,705 lbs |
| 2024 | 6,500 lbs | 1,709 lbs |
| 2023 | 6,800 lbs | 1,685 lbs |
| 2022 | 6,800 lbs | 1,685 lbs |
| 2021 | 6,800 lbs | 1,685 lbs |
| 2020 | 6,800 lbs | 1,620 lbs |
Decoding the Tacoma Tow Package
Wondering what the tow package on a Tacoma includes? If your chosen Tacoma trim offers the Tow Package, you’ll gain access to essential features designed to streamline and enhance your towing experience, including a genuine Toyota Tacoma towing trailer hitch. With the Toyota Tacoma tow package, featuring a Class-IV towing hitch receiver and a wiring harness with 7-pin/4-pin connectors, you can confidently tow trailers and campers knowing you have the right equipment.
Explore New Toyota Tacoma Trucks at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville
Beyond its impressive towing capabilities, the Toyota Tacoma offers a blend of style, comfort, and advanced technology. From vibrant Toyota Tacoma colors to a well-appointed interior, this mid-size truck delivers on multiple fronts. At DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville, we are ready to answer all your questions and provide detailed information about the Toyota Tacoma towing capacity, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, and more.
Whether you’re set on the Tacoma or considering other models in our lineup of SUVs and trucks, our new Toyota inventory is available online for easy browsing. We also offer attractive lease and financing options to help you secure a great deal on your next Toyota vehicle. Contact us today to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions about Toyota Tacoma Towing
Can a Tacoma actually tow 6,500 pounds?
Yes, the 2024 and 2025 Toyota Tacoma models are capable of towing up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped. Achieving this maximum towing capacity requires specific configurations within certain trim levels and the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. For models with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, the maximum tow rating is slightly lower at 6,000 pounds when correctly configured.
Which Toyota Tacoma trim offers the highest towing capacity?
The highest towing capacity of 6,500 pounds for the 2025 Tacoma is found on the SR5 XtraCab and TRD PreRunner XtraCab models, in both RWD and 4WD configurations, when equipped with a 6-foot bed and the available tow package. If you are considering a pre-owned Tacoma, models from 2020 to 2023 offer a slightly higher maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds when properly equipped.
What types of items can a Toyota Tacoma tow?
With a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds, the Toyota Tacoma is versatile enough to tow a wide range of items. This includes mid-size trailers, pop-up and teardrop campers, various types of boats, ATVs, motorcycles, and utility trailers. The Tacoma strikes an excellent balance between practical capability and everyday usability, making it suitable for both work and recreational towing needs.
What engine powers the 2025 Tacoma?
The 2025 Tacoma offers two advanced engine options: the standard i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine and the optional i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four hybrid. The i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo produces 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, while the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain delivers even greater performance with 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.
