When you’re gearing up for your next big adventure and need to bring along a camper, boat, or trailer, understanding the Toyota Tacoma towing capacity is crucial. The latest Toyota Tacoma offers a robust maximum towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped, making it a versatile mid-size pickup ready for a variety of tasks. With a range of trims for the 2025 model year, it’s important to know which Tacoma configuration aligns with your towing needs.
This guide will explore the 2025 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity across different models, from the base SR to the off-road-ready TRD Pro. We’ll also provide a helpful chart detailing the towing capabilities of previous model years. Once you have a clear picture of what the Tacoma can handle, visit DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville to explore the perfect trim and options for your lifestyle.
2025 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capabilities: Key Highlights
- Maximum Towing Capacity: Achieves up to 6,500 pounds of towing capacity when properly configured, ideal for towing mid-sized boats, campers, and utility trailers.
- Engine Choices: Powered by either a responsive i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or the powerful i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain.
- Payload Capacity: Designed to manage substantial cargo in the truck bed, offering a maximum payload capacity of 1,705 pounds1 on the TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX trim.
- Advanced Towing Technology: Equipped with features like Trailer-Sway Control and an available Towing Package including a Class-IV towing hitch receiver, enhancing towing stability and safety.
Explore Toyota Tacoma Specials
In-Depth Look at the 2025 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity and Performance
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma continues the legacy of power and reliability with its engine options introduced in the 2024 model year: the standard i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo engine and the upgraded i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbo hybrid powertrain.
The i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine delivers a solid 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. For those needing even more power, the i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four hybrid powertrain boosts performance to an impressive 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission options for the Toyota Tacoma include a six-speed manual transmission with intelligent features like automatic rev-matching and anti-stall technology (available on TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road trims), and an eight-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i), featuring sequential shift mode and uphill/downhill shift logic. The choice between XtraCab and Double Cab configurations also plays a role in towing capabilities.
Specifically, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity reaches its peak at 6,500 pounds2 when equipped with the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. Notably, this is a significant 1,500 pounds2 greater than the Toyota Highlander towing capacity. Models equipped with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine offer a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, regardless of the specific trim or cab configuration. An exception is the Trailhunter trim, which tows up to 5,950 pounds2 as a Double Cab 4WD with a 6-foot bed, slightly increasing to 6,000 pounds2 with a 5-foot bed.
To understand the towing capacity across the 2025 Tacoma lineup, review the detailed chart below, which outlines cab styles, drivetrains, and bed sizes necessary to achieve the maximum towing weight for each trim level.
2025 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity Chart by Trim
| 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 base SR model, the towing capacity is capped at 3,500 pounds2 across all configurations. To achieve the maximum 6,500 pounds2 towing capacity with the Toyota Tacoma, opt for the SR5 XtraCab or TRD PreRunner XtraCab, both with a 6-foot bed and available in RWD or 4WD.
Considering other Toyota trucks? While the Toyota Tundra offers greater towing power as a full-size truck, the Tacoma provides enhanced agility, particularly beneficial for navigating urban environments.
Explore a detailed comparison in our Toyota Tacoma vs. Tundra guide to help determine which Toyota truck best meets your needs.
Toyota Tacoma Towing and Payload History by Model Year
The Toyota Tacoma’s reputation as a dependable midsize truck is built on its consistent towing and payload capabilities. Whether for professional job sites or weekend adventures, understanding the historical towing capacity and payload ratings can affirm the Tacoma’s long-standing reliability.
| Model Year | Max Towing | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3,500 – 6,500 pounds2 | 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 |
Understanding the Toyota Tacoma Tow Package
What does the Toyota Tacoma Tow Package include? If your chosen trim offers the Tow Package, it adds essential features for confident towing, including a robust Toyota Tacoma trailer hitch. The Tow Package typically includes 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 and campers.
Discover the New Toyota Tacoma at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville
Beyond its impressive towing capabilities, the Toyota Tacoma offers a spectrum of appealing features, from vibrant Toyota Tacoma colors to a comfortable interior and advanced technology. At DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville, we are ready to answer all your questions about the Tacoma, including details about its towing capacity and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
Whether you’re set on a Tacoma or exploring other models in our extensive new Toyota inventory, you can easily compare vehicles online. We’re also here to discuss the latest lease and financing options to help you secure a great deal on your next Toyota.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toyota Tacoma Towing
Is it true that a Tacoma can 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 depends on specific configurations within certain trim levels and requires the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. For hybrid models with the i-FORCE MAX powertrain, the maximum towing capacity is slightly less at 6,000 pounds2 under optimal conditions.
Which Toyota Tacoma model offers the highest towing capacity?
For the 2025 Toyota Tacoma, the SR5 XtraCab and TRD PreRunner XtraCab configurations, equipped with a 6-foot bed and the available tow package, reach the maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds2. For pre-owned models from 2020 to 2023, the maximum towing capacity can reach up to 6,800 pounds when properly configured.
What types of items 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 items, including midsize trailers, pop-up campers, teardrop campers, boats, and ATVs. This capability makes the Tacoma a versatile choice for both work and recreational activities, balancing robust performance with everyday usability.
What kind of engine is in the 2025 Tacoma?
The 2025 Tacoma is powered by two engine options: 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 delivers 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque for enhanced power and efficiency.
Footnotes:
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.
