2019 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity and What it Can Tow

Understanding the towing capacity of your 2019 Toyota Tacoma will allow you to safely be able to tow your travel trailer or a boat to your destination. This number determines how much weight your truck and its configuration can safely handle, and matching it up to the trailer weight makes it easy to determine this.

The maximum towing capacity of the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is 6,800 lbs. when ordered with a V6 engine and a tow package. Models equipped with the 4-cylinder engine will be able to tow a maximum of 3,500 lbs.

If you want to see how all the Toyota Tacoma year models compare in the towing department, read the Can Toyota Tacoma Tow? article I wrote earlier about all the Toyota Tacoma years. You can see all the years listed where you can easily compare them. You will also find out that years 2016 and up have the highest towing capacity and the years 2001 through 2003 have the lowest.

This one is in the same towing group as the following year trucks:

About the 2019 Toyota Tacoma

The 2019 model year of the Toyota Tacoma mid-size pickup has a reputation for reliability and versatility. On the outside, the Tacoma looks pretty aggressive and imposes itself on the roads with huge wheelbases and a large hex grille. Inside, you’ll find a leather interior with plenty of bells and whistles to make life a little bit more comfortable, depending on the trim level that you select.

The base model comes equipped with a four-cylinder engine, which is more than enough for everyday use. But, if you want to up the ante a little, the Tacoma comes with 2 engine options, and the more powerful one is the 3.5-liter V6 engine.

The Tacoma is a great all-rounder and makes for a perfect small truck. It can handle road trips, camping trips, simple runs to the supermarket, and even the morning school run. It’s a perfect companion who will get you through anything, and for the price, you really can’t go wrong.

As for towing capacity, base models will be capped at 3,500 lbs. This is on the lower end, especially for a pickup. But, for most everyday tasks, this limit is more than enough and you’ll rarely feel like you need more power. However, if you do enjoy a fishing trip, or carrying heavier trailers, the V6 option nearly doubles this capacity to 6,800 lbs. With this limit, there isn’t much that you won’t be able to pull.

What Does Towing Capacity Mean?

Towing capacity refers to the amount of weight that your vehicle can pull safely. For instance, if your truck had a towing capacity of 1,000 lbs., you could safely pull a trailer weighing up to this limit. However, if you started to tow a trailer over 1,000 lbs., you would run the risk of your trailer swinging uncontrollably, or causing your truck to lose control. The brakes will likewise also be compromised.

What Determines Towing Capacity?

Towing capacity is affected by a number of factors. For instance, the more horsepower and torque your engine has, the more you’ll be able to pull. This generally means that a truck with a bigger engine will be able to tow more than a truck with a smaller one.

Other factors that affect the towing capacity of a vehicle include the vehicle’s overall weight and braking power. Again, this makes a lot of sense- if your truck is extremely heavy, the engine will be preoccupied with pulling the truck itself, and won’t have much power left for anything else. And if your brakes are terrible, you won’t legally be able to tow very much, as your stopping distance will become extremely poor.

This truck comes with a standard six-speed automatic transmission but for those that want more control, especially while towing, there is a manual transmission option available. The transmission type does not affect the towing capacity but the difference between a truck with a four-wheel drive or not will. The 2 WD Tacomas will be able to tow more than the 4 WD models because these systems make the truck heavier taking away from the capacity.

The difference between Access Cab models and Double Cab models will affect the maximum trailer weight ratings. The same story goes for the longer truck bed, the longer the bed length, the more weight it adds to the truck and takes away from the tow capacity.

It’s important that you understand the factors that determine towing capacity, so you can ensure that you are always acting responsibly and safely. Your vehicle handbook might say that your towing capacity is 3,500 lbs., but if the brakes are worn or you already have 500 lbs. worth of gear in the bed, your towing capacity isn’t going to be as high.

2019 Toyota Tacoma Capacity by Trim Level

There are six different trim levels for the 2019 Toyota Tacoma models. The main factor affecting the Tacoma towing capacity is the engine. But, the trims sporting the V6 engine do have slightly different towing capacities due to different suspension and transmission configurations. Selecting a bigger cab or adding a 4WD system will take away from the tow ratings.

2019 Toyota Tacoma SR Towing Capacity

The base Tacoma trim is a comfortable truck that does the job even though it’s the basic version, and it comes with a 3,500 lbs. towing capacity. Perfect if you’re on a budget.

2019 Toyota Tacoma SR V6 Towing Capacity

If you need the extra towing capacity, but don’t want to splash too much cash, you can grab the SR V6 with a towing package for a couple extra thousand dollars. It has a 6,800 lbs. towing capacity.

2019 Toyota Tacoma SR5 Towing Capacity

The SR5 trim is the perfect mix of luxury and affordability. It is the ideal mid-size truck without all the fluff. The standard SR5 comes with a 4-cylinder engine and a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.

2019 Toyota Tacoma SR5 V6 Towing Capacity

If you want the quality of the SR5 and the power of a V6, you can upgrade for around $3,000, getting the more powerful of the engine choices, the V6. This trim level has the towing capacity of 6,800 lbs.

2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport Towing Capacity

If you want the kick of a sports car coupled with the practicality of a pickup, the TRD Sport is the trim for you. With this trim, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity is 6,800 lbs.

2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Towing Capacity

The TRD Off-Road is perfect for anyone who wants to take their pickup off the beaten path. With a V6 under the hood and various suspension upgrades, it can tow maximum trailer weights of 6,700 lbs.

2019 Toyota Tacoma Limited Towing Capacity

The Tacoma Limited trim comes with all the driver comforts you could ever want, from a plush hickory leather interior to dual-zone climate control. Under the hood you’ll find a 3.5L V6 engine, giving the rear-wheel drive 2019 Toyota Tacoma Limited a towing capacity of 6,600 lbs.

2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Towing Capacity

The most expensive of the bunch, the TRD Pro sports a V6 engine and a towing capacity of 6,400 lbs. The TRD is the most luxurious Tacoma out there, so if you want something extremely refined, this trim level is for you.

What the 2019 Toyota Tacoma with 3,500 lbs. of Towing Capacity Can Tow

If your 2019 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity is 3,500 lbs., you will be able to tow the following:

Two Motorcycles: Motorcycles are actually pretty light, and you should be able to tow at least two with ease. Perfect for a road trip.
A Utility Trailer: If you need to move a lot of cargo around, you’re in luck. Most utility trailers fall under the 3,500 lbs. weight limit.
ATVs: If you enjoy off-roading, the 4-cylinder engine will have enough towing capacity to pull one or two ATVs.
Aluminum Fishing Boat: Surprisingly, you can actually pull a fishing boat with this weight limit. Bear in mind that it will need to be under 20 feet, and made of aluminum to keep the weight down as much as possible.
Small Cars: Most hatchbacks weigh less than 3,500 pounds. Just make sure you double-check using the vehicle handbook.

What the 2019 Toyota Tacoma with 6,400 lbs. of Towing Capacity Can Tow

If your 2019 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity is 6,400 lbs., you can pull the following:

Boats: Depending on the size and type, many boats including small yachts, motorboats, jet skis, or fishing boats can be towed. For example, a typical 21-foot powerboat can weigh around 3500 lbs., which would be well within the towing capacity.
Campers or RVs: A lightweight travel trailer, popup camper, teardrop camper, or small Airstream could also be towed. Always consider the weight of the loaded camper, not just its dry weight.
Horse Trailers: A small horse trailer with one or two horses (depending on their size) can usually be towed, as well as any necessary tack and equipment.
Utility Trailers: These can be loaded with a wide range of goods or equipment, such as construction equipment, ATVs, motorcycles, building supplies, landscaping equipment, etc.
Car Trailers: Some smaller or lighter cars, like a compact car or a small sports car, could be towed on a trailer.
Other Recreational Equipment: Snowmobiles, personal watercraft, or other recreational vehicles.

What the 2019 Toyota Tacoma with 6,600 lbs. of Towing Capacity Can Tow

With 6,600 lbs. of towing capacity, you can pull the following:

Boats: Medium-sized boats such as pontoon boats, small yachts, powerboats, or sailboats can usually be towed. A typical 24-foot pontoon boat, for example, can weigh around 2000-2500 lbs. without the motor, allowing for plenty of weight for a trailer and motor.
Travel Trailers/RVs: Certain pop-up campers, teardrop trailers, and several smaller to mid-size travel trailers would fall within the towing capacity.
Horse Trailers: A small horse trailer with two or three horses (depending on their size and breed) can usually be towed, along with necessary equipment.
Utility Trailers: Utility trailers loaded with a variety of goods or equipment like ATVs, motorbikes, construction equipment, furniture, landscaping equipment, etc.
Car Trailers: Small to medium-sized cars, such as a compact SUV or mid-size sedan, could potentially be towed using a car trailer.
Recreational Equipment: Items such as snowmobiles, multiple jet skis, small off-road vehicles or ATVs could be towed.
Light Commercial Equipment: Some light commercial equipment such as small tractors, mini-excavators, or other similar utility machines can be towed.

What the 2019 Toyota Tacoma with 6,700 lbs. of Towing Capacity Can Tow

If your 2019 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity is 6,700 to 6,800 lbs., you can pull the following:

Boats: A mid-size powerboat, ski boat, or small sailboat would be within the towing capacity. A typical 25-foot sailboat can weigh around 5000 lbs., which the Tacoma could tow.
Caravans and RVs: Most pop-up campers, teardrop trailers, and several smaller travel trailers would be within the towing capacity. Some lightweight fifth-wheel trailers might also be towable, but you’d need to pay careful attention to the weight, especially once they’re fully loaded.
Horse Trailers: A trailer with two horses, or perhaps three smaller ones, might be towable, as well as the necessary tack and equipment.
Utility Trailers: These could be used to transport a variety of goods, such as building materials, garden waste, furniture, etc., or for heavier workloads such as landscaping or construction equipment.
Car Trailers: Light to medium-sized cars, like a compact SUV or a family sedan, could be towed on a trailer.
Recreational Equipment: Things like snowmobiles, ATVs, or multiple jet skis could be towed.
Light Commercial Equipment: Some light commercial equipment such as small tractors, mowers, or utility loaders.

What the 2019 Toyota Tacoma with 6,800 lbs. of Towing Capacity Can Tow

If your 2019 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity is 6,700 to 6,800 lbs. you can pull the following:

Boats: Mid to large-size boats, such as powerboats, small yachts, or larger sailboats, can usually be towed. For instance, a typical 26-foot sailboat can weigh around 5200 lbs., which would be within the towing capacity.
Caravans and RVs: Most pop-up campers, teardrop trailers, and many smaller to mid-size travel trailers would fall within the towing capacity. Some lightweight fifth-wheel trailers might also be feasible, but you’d need to be careful about the weight, especially once they’re fully loaded.
Horse Trailers: A trailer carrying two horses, or possibly three smaller ones, could be towable, along with necessary tack and equipment.
Utility Trailers: These could be used for transporting a variety of goods, such as building materials, garden waste, furniture, and more. For heavier workloads like landscaping or construction equipment, this towing capacity could also be sufficient.
Car Trailers: Medium-sized cars, like a family sedan or a compact SUV, could be towed on a trailer.
Recreational Vehicles: Things like ATVs, multiple jet skis, or snowmobiles could be towed.
Light Commercial Equipment: Some light commercial equipment such as small tractors, mowers, or utility loaders can be towed.

The Takeaway

So, for most people, the 4-cylinder trim options are going to be more than enough, and you can tow most things without having to worry. But, if you want a bit more power and practicality, there are plenty of trim levels sporting the V6 to choose from that won’t break the bank.

Valik Rudd

Valik loves tinkering in the garage and is currently restoring a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 truck. He also writes about the progress on this blog. When not in the garage, Valik is also a web developer and a blogger. I know, strange, a hand in two completely different worlds. And that is the way he likes to keep it.