When considering using your truck for some heavy lifting, you need to know if it’s the right tool for the job. Understanding your Toyota Tacoma’s towing capacity before hauling heavy loads is crucial.
The maximum towing capacity for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is 6,800 lbs, typically achievable with SR, SR5, and TRD models equipped with a V6 engine.
Given the various configurations available, accurately identifying your setup is essential for determining your maximum towing capacity. Additionally, consider factors like payload capacity and road conditions for safe towing practices. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and seek expert advice if needed to ensure optimal performance while towing.
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:
- 2016 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity
- 2017 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity
- 2018 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity
- 2019 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity
- 2020 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity
- 2021 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity
- 2022 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity
Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity By Engine and Cab Type
It’s not just one truck. There are 5 different trims and 2 to 8 different configurations available of each. Each of those configurations will end up with a different towing capacity. So let’s dive in deep and see how much each one can tow.
Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity Chart
| Trim | Engine | Wheel Drive | Cab | Bed | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR | 2.7L 4-cylinder | 2WD | Access or Double Cab | 5-Foot Bed | 3,500 lbs. |
| SR | 3.5L V6 | 2WD | Access Cab | 5-Foot Bed | 6,800 lbs. |
| SR | 3.5L V6 | 4WD | Access Cab | 5-Foot Bed | 6,500 lbs. |
| SR5 | 2.7L 4-cylinder | 2WD & 4WD | Access Cab | 5-Foot Bed | 3,500 lbs. |
| SR5 | 3.5L V6 | 4WD | Double Cab | 5-Foot Bed | 6,500 lbs. |
| SR5 | 3.5L V6 | 4WD | Access Cab | 5-Foot Bed | 6,500 lbs. |
| SR5 | 3.5L V6 | 2WD | Double Cab | 6-Foot Bed | 6,600 lbs. |
| SR5 | 3.5L V6 | 2WD | Double Cab | 5-Foot Bed | 6,700 lbs. |
| SR5 | 3.5L V6 | 2WD | Access Cab | 5-Foot Bed | 6,800 lbs. |
| TRD Sport | 3.5L V6 | 4WD | Double Cab | 5-Foot & 6-Foot Bed | 6,400 lbs |
| TRD Sport | 3.5L V6 | 4WD | Access Cab | 5-Foot Bed | 6,500 lbs. |
| TRD Sport | 3.5L V6 | 2WD | Double Cab | 6-Foot Bed | 6,600 lbs. |
| TRD Sport | 3.5L V6 | 2WD | Access Cab | 5-Foot Bed | 6,700 lbs. |
| TRD Sport | 3.5L V6 | 2WD | Access Cab | 6-Foot Bed | 6,800 lbs. |
| TRD Off-Road | 3.5L V6 | 4WD | Double Cab | 5-Foot & 6-Foot Bed | 6,400 lbs. |
| TRD Off-Road | 3.5L V6 | 4WD | Access Cab | 5-Foot Bed | 6,500 lbs. |
| TRD Off-Road | 3.5L V6 | 2WD | Access Cab | 5-Foot Bed | 6,700 lbs. |
| Limited | 3.5L V6 | 4WD | Double Cab | 5-Foot Bed | 6,400 lbs |
| Limited | 3.5L V6 | 2WD | Double Cab | 5-Foot Bed | 6,600 lbs. |
2023 Toyota Tacoma SR Towing Capacity
The SR model of the Toyota Tacoma pickup truck is the base model you can say. It comes in the 2.7L 4-cylinder engine and a 3.5L V6 engine. It also offers a choice of a Access Cab or a Double Cab, as well as a 2WD and a 4WD choice.
The towing capacity of this truck is between 3,500 lbs. and 6,800 lbs depending on the configuration you select. See below for the different configurations and their respective towing capacities.
2023 Toyota Tacoma SR
Access & Double Cab – 2.7L 4-Cylinder 2WD
This is the lightest version of the truck available which comes in an “Access” or a Double Cab. They both have a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. Even being the lightest it can still tow some stuff.
2023 Toyota Tacoma SR
Access Cab – 3.5L V6 2WD
The V6 version of the SR only comes in an Access Cab. This 2WD truck has a towing capacity of 6,800 lbs. The 2WD version of this truck can haul more than the 4WD, simply because 4WD has more parts on the truck which take away from the towing capacity.
2023 Toyota Tacoma SR
Access Cab – 3.5L V6 4WD
This is the 4WD version of the Tacoma SR truck, which is a little heavier than the 2WD truck and because of that it has a lower towing capacity of 6,500 lbs. It lost 300 lbs. of towing capacity to the 4WD system.
2023 Toyota Tacoma SR5 Towing Capacity
The SR5 model of the Toyota Tacoma truck has a little more options than the SR model, that have nothing to do with towing aside from gaining a limited slip differential. This will help when towing through slippery terrain.
The towing capacity of the SR5 varies from 3,500 lbs on the 4-cylinder engine models up to 6,800 lbs on the V6 engine models. The small variations in the V6 engine trucks depends on the cab size, bed size and if it has a 4WD or a 2WD.
2023 Toyota Tacoma SR5
Access Cab – 2.7L 4-cylinder 2WD & 4WD
This one includes the Access Cab truck with a 4-cylinder engine and both 2WD and 4WD configuration. Both these trucks have a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.
2023 Toyota Tacoma SR5
Double Cab – 3.5L V6 4WD
Now that we are sporting the V6 engine the towing capacity almost doubled from 3,500 to towing capacity of 6,400 lbs.
2023 Toyota Tacoma SR5
Access Cab – 3.5L V6 4WD
The Access Cab model of the 4WD Tacoma SR5 with a V6 engine gained 100 lbs of towing capacity from the Double Cab truck by having a smaller cab that weighs less, giving this truck a towing capacity of 6,500 lbs. It can still tow pretty much the same stuff as the Double Cab with maybe an additional bike or a kayak.
2023 Toyota Tacoma SR5
Double Cab – 3.5L V6 2WD – 6-Foot Bed
A long bed on this one, a 6-footer instead of 5-feet. They took away the 4WD and replaced it with a 2WD to gain 100 lbs. to add to the towing capacity. Man, a Double cab AND a 6-foot bed. That’s luxury right there. If you live in the south and don’t plan to do any off-roading, you wont miss the 4WD. This configuration gives you a towing capacity of 6,600 lbs.
2023 Toyota Tacoma SR5
Double Cab – 3.5L V6 2WD
Back to 5-foot short bed we go. This gains us another 100 lbs in towing capacity. So, so far we lost the 4WD and a foot off the bed. I wonder what’s next? So this configuration has a towing capacity of 6,700 lbs.
2023 Toyota Tacoma SR5
Access Cab – 3.5L V6 2WD
Ok this is the last one, the lightest version of the V6 Tacoma SR5. This truck has an Access cab, a 5-foot bed and a 2WD, which gives it a towing capacity of 6,800 lbs.
2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport Towing Capacity
The TRD Sport “flavor” of Toyota Tacoma has some more options inside the cab for the drivers’ convenience and comfort. Nothing is gained that helps in the towing department. So far we only gained the limited slip differential when upgraded from SR to SR5, and it has stayed in the TRD Sport truck so that is good.
With the 5 different configurations the towing capacity varies from 6,400 lbs to 6,800 lbs. The main factors that affect the towing capacity are the transmission type, size of the cab, size of the bed and if it has a 4WD.
2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport
Double Cab – 3.5L V6 4WD – 6-Foot Bed and 5-Foot Bed
The heaviest configuration of the Tacoma TRD Sport truck is the v6, Double Cab, 4WD truck with a 6-foot bed. It has the towing capacity of 6,400 lbs.
2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport
Access Cab – 3.5L V6 4WD – Auto & Manual Transmission
This is the Access Cab truck with the same configuration as the one above. The smaller cab gives us an extra 100 lbs. for a towing capacity of 6,500 lbs.
2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport
Double Cab – 3.5L V6 2WD – 6-Foot Bed
Here we are shaving off another 100 lbs. by lowing the 4WD, but gaining a Double Cab and a 6-foot bed for a towing capacity of 6,600 lbs.
2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport
Double Cab – 3.5L V6 2WD
And there goes the 6-foot bed for another 100 lbs. gained to towing, for a towing capacity of 6,700 lbs.
2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport
Access Cab – 3.5L V6 2WD – 6-Foot Bed
And the lightest of the bunch with the highest towing capacity. This tacoma TRD Sport has an Access Cab and a 2WD but has a towing capacity of 6,800 lbs.
2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road Towing Capacity
The TRD Off-Road stands out from the rest because it is more designed for off-roading, which means it got some upgrades to the drive train. But unfortunately none of it helps with towing. It is mostly focused on crawling controls, locking read differential. The locking differential may be a benefit if you get stuck I suppose but other than that, don’t expect much towing difference from the base SR V6 truck.
This one comes in 3 different flavors and the towing capacity varies slightly from 6,400 lbs. to 6,700 lbs. Its variations depend on what side cab you have and if you have a 4WD.
2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
Double Cab – 3.5L V6 4WD – 6-Foot Bed and 5-Foot Bed
This is the heaviest Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport and it has the lowest towing ability of the Tacoma Trucks with a V6 engine, which has a towing capacity of 6,400 lbs.
2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
Access Cab – 3.5L V6 4WD
This is the Access cab version of the Tacoma TRD Off-Road which makes it lighter than the Double cab and gives it an extra 100 lbs. for a towing capacity of 6,500 lbs.
2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
Access Cab – 3.5L V6 2WD
And for the lightest of the TRD Off-Road type of Tacoma, shedding the 4WD adds more towing capability, for a towing capacity of 6,700 lbs.
2023 Toyota Tacoma Limited Towing Capacity
The Limited trim of the Toyota Tacoma is a pricey upgrade from your SR but unfortunately there is not much benefits for towing aside from the limited slip differential which you can get on the SR5. But if you’re looking for luxury, Limited will check all the checkboxes in that department.
This trim of the truck has 2 different configurations that affect the towing capacity and comes in 6,400 lbs. and 6,600 lbs capacity.
2023 Toyota Tacoma Limited
Double Cab – 3.5L V6 4WD
This is the Double Cab, 4WD version of the Tacoma Limited trim which has the towing capacity of 6,400 lbs.
2023 Toyota Tacoma Limited
Double Cab – 3.5L V6 2WD
The 2WD truck is lighter and that is why it can tow a little bit heavier loads with a towing capacity of 6,600 lbs.
What The Tacoma With A 3,500 lbs. Towing Capacity Can Tow
- Small to Medium Sized Utility Trailers: Perfect for hauling items like landscaping equipment, ATVs, or moving boxes.
- Jet Skis or Small Personal Watercraft: Most weigh between 600-1000 lbs, making it easy to tow a couple on a double trailer.
- Small Fishing Boats: These typically weigh less than 1500 lbs, even with a trailer and equipment.
- Pop-up Tent Trailers or Teardrop Travel Trailers: Ideal for a weekend camping trip.
- Small Motorcycles or Dirt Bikes: You could easily tow several on a multi-bike trailer.
- Small Horse Trailers: Some smaller, single-horse trailers could fall within this weight range.
- Snowmobiles: A snowmobile and trailer typically weigh around 1000 lbs, so you could even tow multiple.
What The Tacoma With A 6,400 lbs. to 6,500 lbs. Towing Capacity Can Tow
- Medium to Large Utility Trailers: Great for moving heavier items or equipment.
- Mid-Size Boats: Like pontoon boats or small sailboats, which are perfect for family outings on the water.
- Medium Travel Trailers: Many travel trailers designed for a family can be towed with this capacity.
- Horse Trailers: A trailer with a couple of horses, including gear and tack, should be manageable.
- Car Trailers: You could tow a small to medium-sized car on a car trailer.
- Larger Pop-Up Campers: Heavier pop-up campers and some light hard-sided campers fall into this range.
- Toy Haulers: You could tow a small toy hauler with ATVs or motorcycles for a weekend adventure.
What The Tacoma With A 6,600 lbs. to 6,800 lbs. Towing Capacity Can Tow
- Large Utility Trailers: Ideal for moving substantial amounts of cargo or professional equipment.
- Midsize Boats: Many cabin cruisers, pontoon boats, and even some sailboats fall under this weight category.
- Travel Trailers: Many mid-size travel trailers designed for family vacations will be within this weight limit.
- Horse Trailers: You could tow a two-horse trailer with tack and gear.
- Car Trailers: Small to medium-sized cars can be towed using a car trailer.
- Large Campers: A variety of larger pop-up and some hard-sided campers could fall in this range.
- Fifth-Wheel Trailers: Some lightweight fifth-wheel trailers could potentially be towed within this capacity.
What does towing capacity mean?
Towing capacity is, in essence, the maximum weight your vehicle can haul. This number determines what kind of jobs you can undertake. When you need to tow a boat for a weekend getaway or haul heavy construction material for a project. Knowing the towing capacity of your Tacoma is the number you need to keep in mind and refer to, to prevent disasters.
The Toyota Tacoma, depending on the configuration you choose, can do many types of jobs. This truck’s towing capacity ranges from 3,500 lb. in the 4-cylinder engine models to a hefty 6,800 lb. for the V6 engine models when the configuration is properly set up. These figures aren’t just numbers. They translate into practical capabilities, into the range of tasks this versatile truck can handle with grace and ease.
This high towing capacity gives the Tacoma an edge in the world of serious trucks. It places this truck squarely as a competitive choice for those who need a mid-size truck that can handle some serious weight. Whether it’s for work, play, or a mix of both, the Tacoma’s great towing capacity ensures it can meet a diverse array of needs. It’s this capacity, this blend of power and utility, that makes the it a standout in its class.
What determines towing capacity
Different configurations of the Toyota Tacoma models determine if you can only tow a JetSki or a decent size travel trailer. And it’s not just the engine as some may assume. There are other factors that come into play that we will discuss, right now.
- The Engine – With a choice of 4-cylinder or a V6 engine, this will determine if the truck has the power to continually pull whatever you need to tow. But this is not the only thing you need.
- The Transmission – The truck comes with a choice of a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. With the manual transmission you have more control while towing.
- Torque and Horse Power – Having the torque or force to get the load going and the horsepower to keep it moving at a preferred speed up the hills and down the road.
- The Frame and Chassis – To make sure your truck doesn’t get destroyed by the stresses created when towing, the chassis needs to be up to the job and not get all bent up.
- The Suspension – You don’t want to drag the back of your truck down the road when towing, so you suspension needs to be able to handle the extra weight.
- The Brakes – Stopping is kinda important so the brakes need to be able to slow down and stop the extra weight that is added when towing.
So selecting the right towing equipment or package not only increases the Tacoma’s towing capacity but also ensures a safer and smoother towing experience.
The Takeaway
The fact is that the Toyota Tacoma has a solution for almost every need. If you need a truck to run around town and save on gas while you do it, the 4-cylinder SR or SR5 version will do the trick. If you need to tow your boat to go fishing on the weekend then they have a V6 version that will do that for you. And if you are more serious about towing, there are configurations that will get you there too.
With the maximum towing capacity of 6,800 lbs. This little truck is one strong truck. It can tow some heavy things, like large utility trailers and large campers.
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.
