The Tacoma is the market-leading mid-size truck in the United States. Indeed, it is one of the most popular mid-size pickup trucks on the market, and its off-roading capabilities, together with its long-term dependability, contribute to its popularity.
The towing capacity of tacoma goes of up to 6,800 lbs, which is an extremely high towing capacity. It has towing capacities ranging from 3,500 lbs and 6,800 lbs, which is sufficient for towing a mid-size boat or recreational vehicle that makes it a very capable truck.
If you want to make the Tacoma a dependable truck, you need to understand exactly what Toyota accomplishes with it. With Tacoma, Toyota offers two different transmission options. The first option is a 6-speed automatic transmission, and the other is a 6-speed manual transmission.
Aside from that, you can pick between two engine configurations: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, depending on your preference.
In addition, there are two different cabin arrangements. The double cab and the Access cab are the two options. Optional 5-foot beds are available as an alternative to the longer 6-foot beds available in the cab layout. Typically, the 6-foot bed is included in the configurations for the All Access cab model. The double cab version can be configured with either a short or long bed, depending on the vehicle’s trim level.
The Toyota Tacoma towing capacity of 3,500 pounds is known to be its lowest setting. There are approximately three different setups available in the SR5 and SR trim levels that result in a lower towing capacity possible. The following are the possible configurations:
- The two-wheel-drive vehicle with a four-cylinder automatic powertrain.
- The four-wheel-drive Access Cab with a four-cylinder automatic transmission is a great combination.
- Double cab with two-wheel drive, automatic gearbox, and 5-foot-short bed, with a 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission
The Tacoma, on the other hand, has a maximum towing capability of 6,800 lbs, which is more than enough for most people. The maximum towing capacity of the Tacoma is the second-lowest in its class, which should be considered while deciding between it and another mid-size truck in the same class.
It is only slightly better than the Nissan Frontier. There is just one configuration that will allow you to attain this maximum towing capacity, and therefore that configuration is the two-wheel-drive Access cab with the said V-6 engine and automatic transmission (see illustration). There are three different trim levels that provide this configuration: SR5, TRD Sport, and SR5.
In addition, it is crucial to know that the towing capability of the Tacoma is controlled by the engine size of the vehicle. There are two major engine versions available in this game.
The 4-cylinder 2.7-liter Engine
There are 159 horsepower plus 180 lb-ft of torque available from this engine. This engine version is only available with a 6-speed automatic transmission as a transmission option. When it comes to towing capacity, this model is limited only by the minimum towing capacity of the Tacoma, which is 3,500 pounds.
The 3.5-Liter V-6
This engine configuration nearly doubles the maximum towing capability of the four-cylinder engine, which can haul a total of 6,800 pounds with this configuration. The two-wheel-drive access cab with automatic transmission, which has the highest rating for this engine variant, has the highest rating.
Additionally, this variation is available in the SR5, TRD Sport, and Tacoma SR models. There is a towing capability of 6,700 pounds available for the V-6 engine’s second-highest towing rating, which is available within the two-wheel-drive double cab automatic transmission with a 5-foot bed lengths for the SR5, the TRD Sport and off-road, and the Tacoma SR.
The double cabin arrangement provides the third-highest weight rating of 6,600 pounds, which is the third-highest rating in this category.
Towing Capacity Based on Cab Model
In addition to the element of the Toyota Tacoma towing capacity determined by the engine, the towing capacity of it can also be determined by the model of the cab used.
Access Cab
The Tacoma Access cab has three maximum towing capacities, which are 6,800 pounds, 6,500 pounds, and 3,500 pounds, respectively. All Access cabs have a 6-foot bed layout as standard equipment. The two-wheel-drive V-6 automatic gearbox model with a 6,800-pound towing capacity is available in the SR5, TRD Sport, and SR trim levels and has a towing capacity of 6,800 pounds.
This vehicle’s second greatest towing capacity is 6,500 pounds, and it can be found in four-wheel-drive V-6 vehicles with automatic transmissions, such as the SR5 and TRD Sport, TRD off-road, and SR models. The TRD Sport is the only variant available for Tacomas with manual transmissions, and it is the only one with a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.
The lowest towing capacity is 3,500 pounds for the Access Cabs that come with two-wheel drive and the four-wheel-drive 4-cylinder engines featured in the SR5 and SR grades, which is the lowest rating available.
Double Cab
The Access cab is capable of towing a maximum of 6,700 pounds, 6,600 pounds, and 6,400 pounds, depending on the model. The TRD off-road, SR5 Sport and SR5 have a maximum towing capability of 6,700 pounds thanks to the two-wheel-drive V-6 engine, automatic transmission, and 5-foot bed.
The other rating is the towing capability of 6,600 pounds, which is obtained by the two-wheel-drive V-6 engine with an automatic gearbox in the 5-foot bed and the two-wheel-drive V-6 engine with an automatic transmission in the 6-foot bed in the SR5 or TRD Sport models.
A total of 6,400 pounds can be towed by all four-wheel-drive versions, including those with manual and automatic transmissions, as well as those with 5-foot and 6-foot beds. This is the third greatest towing capacity.
All Tacoma model levels are equipped with a V-6 engine with a 6,400-pound towing capacity in a four-wheel-drive double-cab configuration with an automatic gearbox and a 5-foot bed, which is standard across the board.
Transmission options for this arrangement are available in the TRD Pro, off-road-oriented TRD Pro, and sport-oriented TRD Sport trim levels. TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and SR5 models with automatic transmissions are the only ones that come with a long bed configuration.
TRD Pro
The TRD Pro is only available in one configuration, the four-wheel-drive double cabin along with the V-6 engine and a 5-foot bed, which is also available in a single color. It is available with either an automatic or manual transmission. With both manual & automatic gears, this particular model does have a maximum towing capacity of 6,400 pounds.
This Toyota Tacoma towing capacity sure is impressive. When it comes to the Tacoma, it has given the image of being a truck that can practically endure forever, which is not entirely correct. In the auto industry, there is a running joke that it is difficult to wreck a Tacoma because of its design.
It is true that the Tacoma offers an impressive amount of towing capability, to answer your query. The Tacoma has a towing capacity of up to 6,800 lbs, which is an extremely high rating. When determining the towing capacity, it is also vital to take the tongue weight into consideration.
Generally speaking, tongue load is described as the static force exerted by a truck tongue on a hitch ball. The recommended tongue weight for a loaded trailer is around 10 to 15 percent of the total weight of a trailer. The Tacoma has a tongue weight rating of approximately 350 pounds on 4-cylinder models and 640 pounds on V-6 versions, depending on the type.
Tacoma’s minimum and maximum towing capacities are around 10 percent and 20 percent of their respective minimum and maximum tongue weights, respectively. The Tacoma is the best truck for towing because it is capable of towing the majority of the weight you can throw at it. If you require a truck that has a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds, the full-size Toyota Tundra is an excellent choice.
While Tacoma continues on its own path, the Tundra continues with a broad variety of towing capabilities. Nonetheless, for a mid-size vehicle, the Tacoma is capable of towing up to 6,800 pounds when properly equipped with relative ease.
2022 Toyota Tacoma
Even while the 2022 Tacoma is excellent for work and off-roading, its small interior and unrefined driving dynamics make it less sophisticated than most other mid-size pickups. While it is the only vehicle still available with a manual transmission, its underpowered four-cylinder and 270-hp V-6 engines provide unimpressive performance; a six-speed automatic transmission is available but is not very tuned. Fortunately, Toyota’s legendary reliability backs up the Tacoma, and its off-road-optimized variants are particularly capable.
The price of lifted Tacoma models is set to rise even further for the 2022 model year. Compared to the previous generation, the Trail Edition and TRD Pro are now half an inch taller in the back and 1.1 and 1.5 inches taller in the front. The advantage in height allows each truck to have a superior approach, break-over, and departure angles, which makes crawling over uneven terrain much easier than it was previously.
The TRD Pro now comes in a wild-looking and special Electric Lime paint color, while the Trail Edition may now be painted in Lunar Rock paint to match its exterior (previously limited to TRD Pro models). The Trail Edition’s cosmetic upgrades are highlighted by bronze 16-inch rims and bronze lettering on the grille, which is exclusive to this model. In addition to the debossed “TRD Pro” emblem on the rear bedsides, the TRD Pro now has unique hood graphics to separate it from the rest of the lineup.
The available V-6 engine in Tacoma delivers respectable performance and hauling capability, but the four-cylinder engine in the standard model is underpowered and should be avoided. We also recommend that you avoid the finicky six-speed automatic transmission with either engine; instead, opt for the six-speed manual transmission with the V-6 instead.
The larger engine, which is supported by the automatic, struggles at times. The TRD Sport and Limited variants are designed for city driving, whereas the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models are designed for off-roading and rugged terrain. Nonetheless, none of these alternatives is very speedy. Although Tacoma is not the first pick for ride quality and handling, it is capable of tackling trails and rugged back roads with ease.
It may be customized to take advantage of dirt-treading options as well as pavement cruising opportunities. Compared to the off-road models, the Limited provides a more comfortable and quieter ride overall. In our testing out west, we discovered that the Tacoma TRD Pro’s raised suspension, powerful shock absorbers, and nasty tires made it one of the greatest trucks for off-roading, but that it was less pleasurable to drive in ordinary traffic.
The Tacoma is capable of towing up to 6800 pounds when equipped with rear-wheel drive, and 6500 pounds when equipped with four-wheel drive. With the exception of two-wheel-drive models equipped with the four-cylinder engine, Tacoma’s maximum payload capacity is limited to 1685 pounds. Choosing a four-wheel drive with V-6 engine results in significantly reduced capabilities.
Even while it’s admirable to be true to your heritage, the Tacoma’s cabin does not benefit from this approach. The utilitarian design and materials used in this building are from a bygone age. The higher trim levels rely primarily on hard plastics and minimalistic materials, whereas the lower trim levels do not. The Tacoma, on the other hand, is the first vehicle to offer a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Despite this, Tacoma is known for its cramped quarters.
Legroom is extremely limited in the Tacoma crew cab’s rear seat, which means passengers will have to cram themselves in. In its five- or six-foot bed, the Tacoma offers more than ample space, but it falls short on the inside with few storage cubbies and limited carry-on space for the driver and passengers. Interior storage space is limited, with the crew cab we tested being able to fit only nine carry-on bags in the back seat of the vehicle. Aside from the bin in the center of the console, there aren’t many other storage bins or nooks to make use of.
2021 Toyota Tacoma
Whatever gorgeous excursion you choose, you’ll definitely need a muscular pickup truck to tow your camper trailer, even a boat, or a ski-doo around the countryside. There’s nothing soft about this sturdy medium-sized truck, which has excellent off-roading capabilities as well as a powerful engine. Despite having the 2021 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity of 6,400 lbs as its maximum, it is capable of pulling large loads without breaking a sweat, which sounds like a tacoma towing a trailer.
There are certain people who don’t require the size and capability of a full-size pickup truck. In this category, the midsize truck comes in, and the Toyota Tacoma for 2021 is one of the best options available in the segment. In our ranks, the Tacoma falls behind the more downtown-friendly Honda Ridgeline and the all-terrain Jeep Gladiator, but we believe it is a reasonable middle ground between both the two. Additionally, it appears to be a little more polished than competitors from Chevrolet, Ford, and GMC.
There are no modifications to the core, 2021 Toyota Tacoma offers following the substantial revamp that occurred last year. There are, however, two new limited-edition trims available for those searching for something a little different. The Trail Special Edition is built on the near-entry-level SR5 trim with the double-cab body design, and it is available only in limited quantities.
It is only available in 7,000 units and is equipped with all-terrain tires as well as lockable bed storage containers. The driver’s side bin is even insulated, allowing it to double as a built-in cooler when necessary. Another option is the Nightshade Special Edition, which is based on the more expensive Limited trim, but the differences are purely cosmetic, with blacked-out badging and trim everywhere. Only 5,000 units are expected to be produced.
For the Toyota Tacoma’s highest trim levels, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity is advertised as 6,400 pounds per axle. The real trailering capacity, on the other hand, will be 4,500 pounds. Does this sound perplexing? Here’s how you go about figuring it out.
Consider the SR trim level, which includes a 4×4 double cab, a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, as well as a five-foot bed, among other features. The curb weight of a vehicle is the first thing to consider. The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size truck with a curb weight of 4,445 pounds that will be introduced in 2021. This weight comprises the chassis, body, engine, suspension, wheels, batteries, seats, exhaust, tailpipes, a fully-filled fuel tank, and more, but does not include any passengers or other cargo in the vehicle.
Check the gross vehicle weight of the vehicle next, which covers the maximum weight of freight and people carried in your vehicle. Ideally, you should avoid carrying the vehicle beyond its maximum allowable weight rating, which is 5,600 pounds for Toyota Tacoma in 2021. This additional weight is referred to as the payload, and it is computed by subtracting the GVWR from the curb weight. As a result, the average payload for Tacoma in 2021 is 1,155 pounds.
You must also check the gross combined vehicle weight, which is the final item to check. In this case, it is the highest combined weight of the truck, completely loaded with five passengers, as well as the weight of your trailer when fully loaded. As a result, to determine Toyota Tacoma towing capacity, deduct the curb weight first from the gross vehicle weight rating. Because the GCVWR of the Tacoma is 11,360 pounds for all trims, removing the curb load of 4,445 pounds results in a maximum weight of 6,915 pounds. Toyota, on the other hand, has defined a limit of 6,400 pounds, which takes into account the truck’s safety margins.
In addition, car manufacturers supply an additional rating known as tongue weight. 640 pounds for Toyota Tacoma when attached to a hitch ball, which is the weight of the trailer at the point of connection on a hitch ball.
Whilst 2021 Toyota Tacoma is capable of towing up to 6,400 lbs, which configurations give you with the greatest versatility and performance? You’d have to look for Access Cab versions with a six-foot bed on some trim levels if you wanted to acquire the most towing capacity. Maximum towing capacity are also achieved with the 3.5-liter V6 Direct Injection Atkinson Cycle engine option, that produces up to 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque when properly equipped and maintained.
The TRD Sport and Off-Road is the most highly recommended model since it is both functional and visually beautiful. And both have a plethora of features as well as a varied range of customization choices. The TRD Off-Road is our preferred model out of the two.
It improves the off-road capability of the truck while keeping the cost down. While the removal of the air dam results in a modest reduction in fuel economy, this is more than compensated for by the more comfortable ride given by the smaller wheels & Bilstein shocks.
Toyota Tacoma Performance Features
Aside from the engine options, there are indeed features that support just how much Toyota Tacoma can pull, allowing you to tow with confidence and simplicity.
- Toyota Standard Safety Sense
- The 6-Speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with Intelligence or the ECT-i
- Hill-Start Assist Control that helps detect the incline
- Electronically Controlled Locking Rear Differential (available only on TRD Off-Road)
- Tuned Suspension with Bilstein shocks (available only on TRD Off-Road)
- Coil-spring Double-wishbone rear Suspension
The Toyota Tacoma Tow Package
The available tow package for the Toyota Tacoma has been created to assist you in towing your belongings in a safe and secure manner.
- A class IV receiver hitch along with a trailing wiring
- A 4/7-pin connector that fits neatly in the three-piece bumper
- Engine oil and transmission cooler
- 130-amp alternator
- Long-lasting battery
- Sway Control for Trailers
FAQs
Q. Which Toyota Tacoma has the highest towing capacity?
A. Toyota Tacoma 2022 : 6,800-pound Towing Capacity. In the mid-sized truck category the pickups have many common choices and the Toyota Tacoma 2022 ranks amongst the best of the bunch.
Q. Are Toyota Tacommas good for towing?
A. Depending on models, the Tacoa can pull 6800 pounds – an excellent rating tow. The vehicle possesses tow capacity between 3,800 and 6000 pounds which is sufficient for a small motor yacht or RV.
Q. How much weight can I pull with my Toyota Tacoma?
A. The Tacoma can haul up to 6400 pounds. The maximum weight limit is 3500 lb for a 4 or 6 cylinder Tacoma. In addition to V6 engines, the towing capacity will expand to 600 pounds.
Q. Can Tacoma really tow 6,500 lbs?
A. Tacoma’s Access Cab is equipped with three maximum towing capacities: 6800, 6000 and 3500 pounds. In the manual transmission on the Tacoma the only 6500-pound variant is the TRS Sport. Its tow capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds and is available in two 4-cylinder 2WD and four-cylinder trim levels.
