2023 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity: Complete Chart & Guide

While you own a Toyota Tacoma for its off-road and overlanding capabilities, there are times when you want to tow something like your boat, trailer, or even your friend’s truck. The good news is the mid-size Tacoma truck is built to tow.

For 2023, the Toyota Tacoma offers a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds when properly equipped. However, this number varies significantly depending on your trim level, engine choice, and cab configuration.

This guide breaks down the exact towing specs for every 2023 Tacoma trim, explains the critical V6 Tow Package, and covers the payload limits you need to know.

What is the 2023 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity?

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma has a towing range between 3,500 lbs and 6,800 lbs.

• Minimum Towing Capacity (3,500 lbs): This applies to 4-cylinder models and V6 models without the Tow Package.
• Maximum Towing Capacity (6,800 lbs): This is achieved by the Rear-Wheel Drive (2WD) Access Cab V6 model with the Tow Package.

Most 4WD V6 Crew Cab models (the most popular configuration) fall somewhere in the middle, typically around 6,400 lbs.

2023 Tacoma Towing Capacity Chart by Trim & Configuration

Below is the breakdown of towing capabilities for the 2023 model year across all major trims. Note that to achieve any number above 3,500 lbs, the V6 Tow Package is required.

Engine Options: 2.7L 4-Cylinder vs. 3.5L V6

Your towing capacity is directly dictated by the engine under the hood.

2.7L 4-Cylinder Engine

Standard on the SR and SR5, this engine produces 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. It is designed for light utility and daily driving. Regardless of the trim, the 4-cylinder Tacoma is capped at 3,500 lbs of towing capacity.

3.5L V6 Engine

Available on SR/SR5 and standard on TRD trims, the V6 produces 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. This is the engine you need for serious hauling. However, simply having the V6 isn’t enough—you must also have the factory Tow Package to unlock the full potential.

The Importance of the V6 Tow Package

This is the most critical factor for 2023 Tacoma buyers. Without the V6 Tow Package, even a V6 Tacoma is limited to towing just 3,500 lbs.

The Tow Package adds heavy-duty equipment that allows the truck to handle the heat and stress of heavy loads safely:

• Class IV Receiver Hitch: The physical connection point for your trailer.
• Engine Oil Cooler: Keeps the engine temp down during steep climbs.
• Transmission Fluid Cooler: Essential for automatic transmissions to prevent overheating.
• Power Steering Cooler: Protects the steering system.
• 130-Amp Alternator: Provides extra electrical power for trailer lights and brakes.
• 4- and 7-Pin Connector: For trailer wiring.
• Trailer-Sway Control (TSC): An electronic system that applies brake pressure to individual wheels if the trailer starts to sway.

2023 Toyota Tacoma Payload Capacity

Towing isn’t just about what you pull; it’s about what you carry. Payload capacity refers to the weight of passengers, cargo in the bed, and tongue weight of the trailer.

For 2023, the Tacoma payload ranges from approximately 1,135 lbs to 1,685 lbs.

• Highest Payload: SR Access Cab 4-cyl 2WD (approx. 1,685 lbs)
• Lowest Payload: TRD Pro / Limited trims (often around 1,135 – 1,155 lbs due to heavier off-road equipment and luxury features).

What Can a 2023 Toyota Tacoma Tow? (Real-World Examples)

With a maximum rating of 6,800 lbs (or ~6,400 lbs for most 4WD models), the Tacoma is very capable. Here is what that looks like in the real world:

• Travel Trailers: Small to medium campers like Airstream Basecamp, r-pod, or teardrop trailers are easily towed.
• Boats: Bass boats, aluminum fishing boats, and small ski boats are well within range.
• Utility Trailers: Landscaping trailers, ATV trailers, or a flatbed with a side-by-side.

However, large toy haulers or heavy 30-foot travel trailers are generally typically too heavy for a mid-size truck and are better suited for a Tundra.

Tips for Safe Towing and Trailering on Your Toyota Tacoma

#1 Stay within the Limits

Before you consider towing with your Toyota Tacoma, know the towing limits for your model. If you do not stay within the recommended limits, you risk doing damage to your truck. Check the owner’s manual to read Toyota’s weight distribution and hitch suggestions.

Also, always account for the weight of your passengers and cargo inside the truck to ensure you don’t exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

#2 Pack Practically

Towing is safer when you pack your trailer correctly. Never exceed the trailer’s weight capacity.

Weight Distribution is Key: Keep the bulk of your weight towards the front of the trailer (roughly 60% of the weight should be in front of the axle). This prevents dangerous trailer sway.

Also, distribute weight evenly from side to side so your cargo doesn’t shift, and always secure the load firmly to keep it steady.

#3 Check the Tires Regularly

Never tow with worn or damaged tires on your trailer or your Tacoma. Both truck and trailer tires must be at the correct pressure; under or over-inflated tires can cause handling issues, excessive “tire roll,” and poor fuel economy.

Pro Tip: Your Tacoma’s recommended tire pressure is located on the tire information sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb. Also, always check the speed ratings on your trailer tires—many are not designed for high-speed highway driving.

#4 Inspect Your Lights

Before you tow anything, ensure your brake lights, turn signals, and running lights work on both your Tacoma and the trailer.

Pre-Trip Check: If you don’t have a spotter to stand behind the trailer, use your hazard lights to check the blinkers, and look for the reflection of your brake lights against a wall or garage door to ensure everything is connected properly.

#5 Check Your Brakes

Braking takes much longer when towing. Before you head out, inspect the brakes on your Tacoma and the trailer. Note: Smaller trailers don’t always have their own braking system, meaning your Tacoma’s brakes must do all the work—budget extra stopping distance accordingly.

For trailers equipped with brakes, always ensure the emergency breakaway cable is securely attached to your truck. This safety feature will automatically apply the trailer’s brakes if it ever becomes disconnected while driving.

Previous Model Years Towing History (1995-2020)

Buying a used Tacoma? Here is a quick reference for the towing capabilities of previous generations. Note that older trucks lose capacity over time due to wear on suspension and braking components.

3rd Gen (2016–2020)

Similar to the 2023 model, the earlier 3rd Gen Tacomas featured the 3.5L V6.

• Max Towing: 6,800 lbs (V6 w/ Tow Package)
• Standard: 3,500 lbs

2nd Gen (2005–2015)

This generation offered a 4.0L V6 engine known for its torque.

• 4.0L V6 Towing: Up to 6,500 lbs (w/ Tow Package)
• 2.7L 4-Cyl Towing: 3,500 lbs

1st Gen (1995–2004)

Compact trucks focused on agility rather than heavy towing.

• 3.4L V6 Towing: Up to 6,000 lbs (w/ Tow Package in later years) / 5,000 lbs (early years)
• 2.4L / 2.7L 4-Cyl Towing: 3,500 lbs

Can you flat tow a Toyota Tacoma?

No. You cannot flat tow a Toyota Tacoma regardless of the transmission or year and model, and it is against Toyota’s recommendations. You could seriously damage your truck’s transmission because no transmission fluid is pumped if the truck is towed.

Other reasons include the following:

• The driveshaft would need to be disconnected, and the Tacoma isn’t designed to have the driveshaft freely spinning;
• The center differential and the transaxle are also not made to spin freely;
• No manufacturer support should something go wrong.

The Toyota Tacoma was always made to tow. Still, the weights and engine specs have changed from generation to generation, so know your model’s limits before considering towing.

If you are looking for a capable used Tacoma, check out our inventory at FLEX.