You can’t choose your own boundaries. Not really.
Towing capacity isn’t a suggestion. It’s a hard ceiling set by the factory. Exceed it and you’re gambling on the powertrain, handling and brake performance. Manufacturers state the maximum permitted weights in their user manuals. Period.
Avoid damage to the vehicle by following the towing capacity stated by the vehicle manufacturer.
Some towbar manufacturers say their equipment will handle more than your car. That’s because hitches are universal. They aren’t. The vehicle’s frame, suspension, cooling system and transmission are weak points. If you overload the hitch, you aren’t stressing the hitch. You’re stressing the car. And the car loses.
Keep the math in mind when looking at the chart below. This number does not include you. Or a passenger. Or the gear in the back. If each crew member weighs more than 150 lbs, this weight will strain the payload. Carrying capacity outweighs traction. This is a zero sum game.
Never cross the line. You feel it before you break something. The car will wallow. The stopping distance increases. The engine screams. Eventually, something snaps.
Below is data from 2006 to 2009 for luxury and mainstream brands. Browse by brand. Check the year. Trust this number.
Acura towing capacity
Acura is not known for towing large trailers. Their sedans are tightrope walkers. The SUVs do the lifting.
2006
MDX *: 3,500 lbs
* RL: 1,000 lbs
* RSX: 1,500 lbs.
* TL: 1,000 lbs
* TSX**: Not rated
2007
* MDX : 5,000 lbs.
* RL : 1,000 lbs
* RDX : 1,500 lbs.
* TL : 1,000 lbs
* TSX : £1,000
2008
* MDX : 5,000 lbs.
* RL : 1,000 lbs
* RSX : 1,500 lbs.
* TL : 1,000 lbs
* TSX : £1,000
2009
* MDX : 5,000 lbs.
* RL : 1,000 lbs
* RSX : 1,500 lbs.
* TSX : £1,000
Want to know more about Acura specs? GVWR. GAWR. GCWR. Cargo carrying capacity. Curb weight. payload. They are all interconnected.
Audi’s towing capacity
Audi has maintained a conservative stance for many years. Most of their line-up carries no rating at all. This means zero. A towing attempt will void the warranty and put the transmission at risk.
2006
* A3, A4, A6, A8, S4, TT : Not rated
2007
* A3, A4, A6, A8, RS4, S4, S6, S8 : Not rated
* Q7 : 5,500 lbs
2008
* A3, A4, A5, A6, A8, R8, RS4, S4, S5, S6, S8, TT : Not rated
* Q7 : 5,500 lbs
2009
* A3, A4, A5, A8, R8, S4, S5, S8, TT : Not rated
* Q7 : 5,500 lbs
If you’ve driven anything other than a Q7 lately, you aren’t towing. It’s that simple. The dashboard is not connected. Radiators are not designed with heat load in mind.
Other Audi technical data also available: GVWR. GAWR. GCWR. Cargo carrying capacity. Curb weight. payload.
BMW towing capacity
BMW has quietly added the feature. Most of these sedans are still towable. SUVs fill this gap.
2006
* 325, 330, 525, 530, 550, 650, 750, 760, M3, M5, M6, Z4, Z4M : Not rated
* X3 : 3,500 lbs
* X5 : £6,000.
2007
* 328, 335, 525, 530, 550, 650, 750, 760, Alpina B7, M5, M6, Z4, Z4M : Not rated
* X3 : 3,500 lbs
* X5 : £6,000.
2008
* 128, 135, 328, 335, 528, 535, 550, 650, 750, 760, Alpina B7, M3, M5, Z4, Z4M : Not rated
* X3 : 3,500 lbs
* X5 : £6,000.
* X6 : £6,000.
2009
* 128, 135, 328, 335, 528, 535, 550, 750, M3, M5, M6 : not classified
* X3 : 3,500 lbs
* X5 : £6,000.
* X6 : £6,000.
The X5 and X6 are the flagships of this era. The weight limit is the same at 6,000 kilos. Since the X3 is lighter, the upper limit is 3500. M5? Don’t pull it. This is a train car with doors.
Detailed BMW specifications: GVWR. GAWR. GCWR.
The end of the 2000s was a strange time for towing. There are big trucks that can haul just about anything, small crossovers that are technically meant to haul “stuff,” and hybrids that compete despite their questionable strengths. If you want to tow a trailer with a vehicle of this era, you need to know the exact factory values. Don’t guess. Don’t eyeball it.
Here’s a breakdown of Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge and Ford from 2006 to 2009.
2006 Chevrolet Towing Specs
Chevrolet made a big push into heavy iron in 2006. While the Silverado line dominates a large segment, passenger cars are still light.
| Model | Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Avalanche 1500 | 7300 |
| Avalanche 2500 | 10200 |
| Aveo | No tow rating |
| Cobalt | 1000 |
| Colorado | 1600 |
| Corvette | No tow rating |
| Equinox | 3500 |
| Express | 4300 |
| HHR | 1000 |
| Impala | 1000 |
| Malibu | No tow ratings |
| Malibu MAXX | 1000 |
| Monte Carlo | 1000 |
| SSR | 2500 |
| Thorold 1500 | 5700 |
| Silverado 1500 Hybrid | 6700 |
| Silverado 1500 SS | 7500 |
| Silverado 1500 HD | 8300 |
| Silverado 2500 HD | 10100 |
| Silverado 3500 HD | 9500 |
| Suburban 1500 | 7500 |
| Suburb 2500 | 7900 |
| Tahoe | 5700 |
| TrailBlazer | 5400 |
| Trail Blazer EXT | 5000 |
| Uplander | 3500 |
When it comes to 2006 Chevrolet towing capacity, the Silverado 2500 HD is king. Can tow 10,100 lbs. If you need more, consider the Avalanche 2500. Most vehicles (Cobalt, Impala, Monte Carlo) have a towing capacity of only 1,000 pounds. This is hardly enough for a small utility trailer with a lawnmower.
2007 Chevrolet Towing Specifications
Several changes were made for the 2007 model year. The Silverado 1500 loses some power in standard trim, but the HD model is still powerful. Tahoe’s ratings also dropped significantly.
| Model | Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Avalanche 1500 | 7200 |
| Aveo | No tow rating |
| Aveo5 | No tow rating |
| Cobalt | 1000 |
| Colorado | 1900 |
| Corvette | No tow rating |
| Equinox | 3500 |
| Express | 4300 |
| HHR | 1000 |
| HHR Team | 1000 |
| Impala | 1000 |
| Malibu | No tow ratings |
| Monte Carlo | 1000 |
| Silverado 1500 | 4600 |
| Silverado 1500 Classic | 5700 |
| Silverado 1500 Hybrid Classic | 6700 |
| Silverado 1500 SS Classic | 7500 |
| Silverado 1500 HD Classic Edition | 8300 |
| Silverado 2500 HD | 10,000 |
| Silverado 2500 HD Classic | 10100 |
| Silverado 3500 | 9600 |
| Silverado 3500 Classic | 9500 |
| Suburban 1500 | 7100 |
| Suburb 2500 | 7700 |
| Tahoe | 4500 |
| TrailBlazer | 5400 |
| Uplander | 3500 |
Can you spot Tahoe? That’s to 4,500 lbs. This is a significant drop from the 2006 model. If you plan to tow an camper with a 2007 Tahoe, you’ll want to check the load limits carefully. The Colorado went ahead and hitting 1,900 lbs.
2008 Chevrolet Towing Specifications
By 2008, Chevrolet renewed its collection. The Malibu Classic and Malibu Hybrid were introduced, but neither was designed for serious towing. The Tahoe Hybrid also joins the conversation, offering a respectable 6,200 lbs.
| Model | Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Avalanche 1500 | 7200 |
| Aveo | No tow rating |
| Aveo5 | No tow rating |
| Cobalt | 1000 |
| Colorado | 3000 |
| Corvette | No tow rating |
| Equinox | 3500 |
| Express | 4300 |
| HHR | 1000 |
| HHR Team | 1000 |
| Impala | 1000 |
| Malibu | No tow ratings |
| Malibu Classic | 1000 |
| Malibu Hybrid | No tow rating |
| Silverado 1500 | 4600 |
| Silverado 2500 HD | 10,000 |
| Silverado 3500 HD | 9600 |
| Suburban 1500 | 7100 |
| Suburb 2500 | 9600 |
| Tahoe | 4500 |
| Tahoe Hybrid | 6200 |
| TrailBlazer | 5400 |
| Uplander | 3500 |
In 2008, the jumped to 3,000 lbs. This makes it a viable option for small boat owners who don’t want to buy a full-size truck. The Suburban 2500’s climbed back up to 9,600 pounds, showing that a sturdy frame is still a priority for large family haulers.
2009 Chevrolet Towing Specs
Some reductions occurred in the last year of the series. Avalanche’s ratings dropped. Traverse appeared on the scene, but in limited numbers.
| Model | Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Avalanche 1500 | 5000 |
| Aveo | No tow rating |
| Cobalt | 1000 |
| Colorado | 3000 |
| Corvette | No tow rating |
| Equinox | 3500 |
| Express 1500 | 4300 |
| Express 2500 | 6300 |
| Express 3500 | 6200 |
| HHR | 1000 |
| HHR Team | 1000 |
| Impala | 1000 |
| Malibu | No tow ratings |
| Malibu Hybrid | No tow rating |
| Thorold 1500 | 4700 |
| Silverado 2500 HD | 10,000 |
| Silverado 3500 HD | 9 |
The mid to late 2000s was a strange time for towing. There are big trucks that tow light loads and luxury SUVs that pretend to tow just about anything. If you are considering a used model from this era, it is important to know the exact 2006-2009 towing capacity. One wrong guess and you could burn clutches or blow a gasket.
Let’s cut through the noise. Here’s what these brands actually pulled:
GMC: The Heavy Lifters
GMC didn’t mess around. If you want to tow a trailer, you can buy a Sierra or a Yukon.
The Sierra 2500 is king here. It started at 10,500 lbs in 2006, dropped slightly to 10,400 lbs in 2007 and 2008, but went back up to 10,500 lbs in 2009. Sierra 3500 is around 10,000 to 10,100 lbs.
The half-ton Sierra 1500 2006 was weak at 4,000 lbs. But by 2007, brought a bump to 4,800 pounds. This number remained until 2009.
Yukons were serious too. The Yukon maxed out at 5,700 lbs in 2006, dropped to 4,500 lbs in 2007/2008, then recovered slightly in 2009 to 4,800 lbs. The Yukon XL fared better, hitting 7,500 pounds in 2006 and then leveling off at 7,100 pounds over the next three years. The 2008 Yukon Hybrid can tow 6,200 lbs.
Smaller trucks? The Canyon grew from 1,800 lbs in 2006 to 2,400 lbs in 2008. The Envoy remains at 5,300 lbs.
Savanas were workhorses. The 1500 model did 4,300 lbs. 2500 did 6,300 lbs. The 3500 did 6,200 lbs.
Honda: Keep it light
Honda’s approach is… conservative. Most of their lineup couldn’t tow much.
Pilot and Odyssey are outliers. From 2006 to 2009, both sat at 3,500 pounds. The 2006 and 2008 Ridgeline did 5,000 lbs. Information is missing or non-existent for some trim years, 2007 and 2009, but overall it’s a 5,000-pound truck.
Sedans and compacts? Barely. The Accord did 1,000 lbs in 2006 and 2007, but nothing listed in 2008/2009. The Civic hovered between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds. had no towing capacity listed for CR-V and Fit models.
Element did 1,500 lbs. Insight and S2000 couldn’t tow.
Hummer: Big, Bulky, Able
Hummer doesn’t make hybrids. They made monsters.
The H2 started at 6,500 pounds in 2006, went to 6,600 in 2007, and jumped to 8,200 lbs in 2008 and 2009. That’s serious weight for an SUV this size.
H3 was limited to 3,000 lbs. The 2009 H3T (pickup version) can tow 4,400 lbs. The 2006 H1 Alpha can tow 7,887 lbs. Don’t ask why it’s so specific. that’s it.
Modern: Loser
Hyundai is trying to prove itself. The Santa Fe was the top pick, towing 2,700 pounds in 2006, dropping to 1,650 pounds in 2007 and 2008.
The Elantra started at £1,500 in 2006 but later dropped by £750. Most other sedans, such as the Sonata and Azera, have a curb weight limit of 1,000 pounds. Tucson and Accent couldn’t tow.
INFINITI: Ultimate luxury
Infinity did their best. The QX56 is an outlier, reaching £9,000 in 2006 and 2007. It then dropped from the line-up in 2008, but returned in 2009 at £9,000.
FX35/45 and FX50 weigh 3500 lbs. Most sedans (G35, M35, M45) can only tow 1,000 pounds. G37 and EX35 have no towing capacity listed.
Isuzu: Light trucks, many trucks
Although Isuzu was small at this stage, the numbers were surprisingly good.
The i-370 hit 4,000 pounds in 2007 and jumped to 5,500 pounds in 2008. The Ascender stabilized at 5,300 pounds. The i-290 starts at £2,100 and rises to £2,200.
Jaguar: Don’t think about it.
Jaguar doesn’t have much towing capacity.
S Type, X Type, XJ8, XJR, XK8, XKR, XF, XK Coupe all have a dash. zero. there is nothing. If you tow your Jaguar, you do so at your own risk.
Jeep: Wrangler problems
The jeep got stuck. The Grand Cherokee and Commander can tow 3,500 pounds. Liberty started at £3,500 in 2006/07 and dropped to £2,000 in 2008 and 2009.
Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited have a weight limit of 1,000 lbs. Compass and Patriot are also £1,000.
Kia: Growth
Kia has gems. Sedona The minivan weighed 3500 lbs. The Sorento reached 5,000 pounds in 2007 and 2008. The Borrego reached 5,000 pounds in 2009. The Optima weighed in at 2,000 pounds. Sporty did 1,500 lbs. Most others cannot be towed.
Land Rover: 7,700 Club
Land Rovers are always the same. The LR3, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport all tow 7,700 pounds in 2006. Towing capacity for 2007 Sport models increases to 7,716 pounds. This figure remained unchanged in 2008 and 2009. The LR2 was introduced in 2009 and weighs 3,500 lbs.
In addition to the numbers, we also recommend looking at GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating). Traction is only part of the equation. Payload is important. The weight of the vehicle is important.
If you’re buying a used truck from this era, check the door frame sticker. The factory values mentioned in the manual are theoretical values. The sticker on your truck is genuine.
Lexus exudes luxury, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s practical. If you are transporting something heavier than a small trailer, you will need a larger iron. Lexus Towing Capacity data from the mid-2000s shows a clear difference. Sedan models such as the ES 330, GS 300 and IS series are not evaluated. zero. Don’t try. The LS 430 weighs only 2000 lbs. The RX 330 and RX 400h can handle up to 3,500 pounds. It was the crossover segment’s sweet spot at the time. Heavyweight? GX 470 and LX 470. Both are rated at 6500 lbs.
In 2008, things changed a bit. The weight of the RX 350 is down to 2,000 lbs. Why? Maybe it’s the suspension geometry. Maybe it’s the weight distribution. The LX 570 weighs 8,500 lbs. A miracle jump. It’s a full-size Land Cruiser that looks like a Lexus.
Lincoln is all about size. From 2006 to 2009, the Navigator’s weight remained stable at 6000 lbs. It’s a tank. Mark LT? 8900 lbs. It’s a pickup area. The city car is stuck at 2000 lbs. Old chassis. The new-for-2009 MKS sedan weighs 1,000 pounds more. Almost nothing. The MKX is still a 2000. Lincoln didn’t play with the numbers much. They only made big cars.
Mazda is fun. B series trucks. As of 2006, the B4000 weighed 3,140 pounds. This level remained in 2008 and 2009. B2300 is weakening. 1500 lbs The 1,500-pound CX-7 and CX-9 have a maximum curb weight of 2,000 pounds. There aren’t many types. MPV minivan? 2000 lbs Mazda never asked for a heavy towing rating. They keep it light.
Mercedes-Benz started working on it in earnest in 2007, but what was it like before that? Most sedans and coupes are not classified. Then the G Wagon crashed. The G500 can handle up to 7,000 pounds. The GL320 SUV can weigh up to 7,500 pounds. The ML350 weighs 7,200 lbs. AMG model? 7200 pounds. Here, the performance does not reduce the carrying capacity of the trailer. For 2009, the R Series adds 3,500 pounds. It’s a luxury car. This is a niche but special use case.
Mercury is basically Ford with a different badge. The Mountaineer and Monterey both weighed 3,500 pounds. Grand Marquis? £1500 old chassis. The weight of the Mariner Hybrid is down to 1000 lbs. The weight of the battery affects the value. The weight of Montego and Sable has been confirmed at 1000 lbs. Mercury was dying for many years. Technical data indicates that the company is running out of business.
small? Forget it. Cooper Hardtop, Cabriolet, Clubman, John Cooper Works. zero. Neither has been rated for traction. It is a small and light hot hatch. You may see people attaching bike racks to the back, but what about actual trailers? No, the suspension and chassis are not designed for this purpose.
Mitsubishi has some strange options. Raider pickup truck? In 2006 it was 4050 lbs. It has since fallen by 4000 lbs. Montero? 5000 lbs strong. Aim for crossover volatility. In 2006 it was 3500 lbs. In 2007 it had dropped to 2000 lbs. In 2008 it was back to 3500 lbs. The Outlander weighs only 1500 lbs. The Lancer gained the 1000 lbs rating in 2006 but disappeared over the next few years. Mitsubishi Motors ratings are inconsistent. You should check the year.
Nissan has achieved average numbers. The Pathfinder can handle up to 6,000 pounds. Pick up at the border? 6300lb Armada and Titan? Both are 6500 lbs. Heavy duty. The intersection of Murano and Quest? 3500lb Xterra SUV? Is it a small car like the 5,000-pound Altima or Sentra? 1000 lbs The 2008 Rogue weighs 1000 lbs more. Will the GT-R appear in 2009? zero. This is a supercar. It doesn’t tow a supercar.
“Tow value is a static number. Payload and GCWR must be checked for actual tow.”
The table above only shows the highest possibilities. They do not take into account the luggage inside the car. Don’t miss Lexus GVWR or Nissan GCWR. If your truck is close to its curb weight limit when loaded with passengers, it will not be able to tow at its maximum power. There are limits to how much suspension can carry.
Check Mercury Payload. The position of the Grand Marquis was very low. The 1,500 pound towing capacity is theoretical unless empty. Mazda Vehicle Weight is also important for B-series trucks. It is very light. A light truck can tow more for its size, but the absolute amount is limited by the strength of the frame.
Equivalent to the Lexus Specs of Lincoln – wait, that’s a different brand. Lincoln has a higher GVWR. That’s why the Navigator can tow 6,000 pounds. Made heavier. The MINI payload is small. No wonder the trailer has no rating.
Mitsubishi’s Mitsubishi towing capacity varies by equipment. Some Endeavors have better brakes. This affects the rating. Be sure to pay attention to specific trim.
Nissan Titan’s Nissan Curb Weight is higher. But the frame is strong enough to make up for it. Nissan GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) is the bottleneck. If the front axle cannot support the weight of the tongue, the rear tire is useless.
Don’t just focus on the maximum. See the combination. A 6,500 pound tow rating means nothing if your vehicle already has a 4000 lbs of gear. Check the Lexus Cargo Carrying Capacity. or Mazda GCWR.
The RX 350 dropped from 3,500 pounds to 2,000 pounds from 2007 to 2008, which is a strange departure. Have you changed the cooling system? Connect the receiver? The data says nothing. But this is a significant reduction. If you buy a used 2008 RX, don’t expect the same performance as the 2007 model.
The GX 470 and LX 470 demonstrated technical stability by staying at 6500 pounds over the years. These are safe bets. The LX 570’s curb weight jumps to 8,500 pounds, a significant upgrade. If you need to reload, go there.
The Mercedes GL320 and GL450 weigh 7,500 lbs. Amazing for a luxury SUV. It uses the same platform as ML. ML is £7,200. GL is more expensive. Is it heavier? But the rating is higher. Aerodynamics? No, it’s a chassis and cooling problem.
Don’t tow your 350Z. Do not tow your Altima. They are not evaluated. The warranty will be voided. There is a risk of damage to the subframe. The Altima’s 1,000 pounds is the absolute limit for a small utility trailer. That’s it.
Mitsubishi’s Raider pickup is no more. But between 2006 and 2008, it was a viable mode of transportation. Better than the 4000 lbs Outlander. Once you’ve found a Raider, check its draw ratings. It stabilized at 4000 lbs over the next few years.
The Nissan Frontier weighs 6300 lbs. The Titan weighs 6500 lbs. Titan is bigger. Shouldn’t it be more expensive? Maybe platform optimization is different. Or maybe the Frontier frame is more durable for its size. It’s very close. Both are serious trucks.
The Mercury Mountaineer weighs 3,500 pounds. Below is a Ford Explorer. Same grade. Between 3,500 and 5,000 Ford Explorers were produced during this period, depending on the year. Mercury just keeps the numbers down. Probably to avoid responsibility.
MINI John Cooper Works. Quickly. light. Zero towing capacity. This is a statement. Towing the JCW will not destroy it. you just don’t.
Pontiac Towing Specs: The Late Years
Pontiac did not die quietly. The brand’s later years were a flurry of rebadged GM platforms and desperate attempts to find an identity. If you are considering a used 2006-2009 Pontiac, the towing capacity tells you exactly what the vehicle will be used for.
Most of them are made for bike racks and small jet skis.
The Pontiac G6, GTO, and Grand Prix are all limited to a modest 1000lbs. that’s it. I don’t tow a trailer with my GTO. You’re just proving your point. The G5 carried the same torch in 2007 and 2008.
But if you want real muscle, check out Torrent. For both the 2006 and 2009 models, the Torrent holds firm at 3500 lbs. It’s basically a Chevrolet Equinox with a different grille. A 2006 Montana SV6 also cost £3500 but disappeared after that year.
Atmosphere is an outlier. 2006 and 2007 models hold up to 1500 lbs. By 2009, Toyota quietly lowered the split chassis rating to 1000lbs. G8? It was released in 2008 and 2009 and was capped at £2000. It’s a BMW 3 Series Chaser, but you can also tow a small boat if you don’t mind the fuel costs.
Solstice and G6 sports cars? Zero towing capacity. They are for wind and speed. Nothing else.
Porsche Cayenne and the 7716 Limit
Porsche is not really in the towing business. They achieved efficiency and control. But the arrival of the Cayenne changed that narrative and with brute force.
From 2006 to 2009, the Porsche Cayenne had an impressive 7716 lbs towing capacity. It is about 4 tons. That’s ridiculous for a luxury SUV brand that has refused to build trucks for decades. The 911, Boxster and Cayman are still technically non-towing vehicles. People trying to tow a Boxster are not car enthusiasts. you are just confused.
This number is consistent across all Cayenne model years listed. It doesn’t matter if it’s a basic model or a turbo. The grade is there. This is the real number. It’s high. Use it wisely.
Saab: The Swedish Heavy Lifters
Saab has always focused on safety and design, even though their models are very different. The towing numbers reflect a conservative, safety-first way of thinking.
Saab 9-3 is a light sedan. From 2006 to 2009 the weight limit was 2000 lbs. It was a small car. Can tow a small trailer. That’s the limit.
9-5 Large. Heavier. You can weigh 3500lbs for 4 consecutive years. If you have a mid-sized boat, this is a solid mid-sized option.
Next came 9-7X. This is a GMC Envoy with Saab badges and fancy switches. It’s a body-on-frame truck in all but name. From 2006 to 2009, the towing capacity was 5500 lbs. That’s a lot of capacity for a European art film vehicle.
Practical limitations of Saturn
Saturn is trying to be friendly. They make cars for people who don’t want to think too much about mechanics. The towing data is just as practical.
Ion and Aura are small cars. They weighed 1000 pounds. That’s a kayak. Maybe.
VUE and VUE Hybrid weigh 1500 lbs. Sky Sports car? Nothing. It cannot be towed. Astra No ratings.
But the Relay minivan and Outlook crossover have teeth. The Relay can pull 3500 lbs. The Outlook (Buick Envision’s sibling) can handle 2000 lbs. If you need transportation and don’t care about brand loyalty, Saturn has you covered.
Scion: The Non-Towing Fleet
Scion’s theme is youth and customization. Towing was not part of the ethos.
Check out the list.
2006 tC, xA, xB : No towing.
2007 tC : No towing.
2008 tC, xB, xD : No towing.
2009 tC, xB, xD : No towing.
Zero. Nil. Nada. If you need to tow, don’t buy a Scion. It’s that simple. These are made for city roads, not boat ramps.
Smart Fortwo: A Joke?
The 2008 smart fortwo has no towing capability. It has almost all the features except towing. This is a city car. It’s small. This is very clever. It’s not a tow vehicle. Don’t try.
Subaru: The All-Weather Tow Masters
Subaru makes cars that can withstand rain and snow. This means they built them to be useful. The tow numbers are solid and surprisingly strong for their size.
2006-2008 Baja and Forester carry 2400 lbs. The 2006 and 2007 B9 Tribeca was a heavier truck at 3,500 lbs, dropping to 2,700 lbs in 2008 and 2009.
The composition of Impreza is complicated. The Wagon and Outback Sport can initially tow 2000 lbs. By 2008, the Impreza model lost their towing rating entirely. WRX STI?Never rated for towing. This is for turning, not cargo.
Legacy and Outback are mainstays. From 2006 to 2009 it remained stable at £2700. That’s a very solid figure for a midsize sedan/wagon platform.
Suzuki: The XL7 Standout
Suzuki has declined rapidly in recent years, but the XL7 is still going strong.
2006 and 2008 Grand Vitara and XL7 Towing capacity 3000 lbs. In 2007 and 2008, the XL7 went up to 3500 lbs. It has enough capacity for a small SUV.
The Forenza and Reno are small sedans weighing in at 1000lbs. SX4 and Aerio are not rated. By 2009, the Grand Vitara, SX4 and XL7 all dropped off the towing chart entirely. Brands collapse. With engineering support, the evaluation is no longer available.
Toyota: The Heavyweights
Toyota is high on this list because it makes trucks and large SUVs. The numbers are high. Reliability is proven.
Tundra is king. 2006: 6800 lbs. 2007 and 2008: 4800 lbs (may be due to trim/axle ratio differences and certification changes). It is, after all, a full-size truck.
Land Cruiser is a luxury tank. It grew from 6,500 lbs in 2006 to 8,500 lbs in 2008 and reached a whopping 9,935 lbs in 2009. This equates to nearly 5 tons. This is a serious tool for serious work.
The 4Runner and FJ Cruiser are locked at 5000 lbs. The Sequoia starts at 6,500 pounds and jumps to 7,800 pounds in 2008.
The selection of medium-sized products is modest. Most Camry, Avalon, Corolla are 1000-1500 lbs. The Highlander weighs in at 1500 lbs and jumped to 2000 lbs in 2008. The Highlander Hybrid was even better at 3500 lbs in 2007 and 2008.
Tacoma and **Si
Block the noise. If you’re considering an older Volvo and intend to tow a boat, trailer or fully loaded van, you need some hard data. It’s not a guess.
Information from the mid-2000s is scarce. Very few. Most of the models in this window do not have the maximum towing capacity listed in the available records. However, there is one notable exception. This is a 2006 S60. There is also a asterisk here.
2006 S60 exception
Out of the entire 2006-2009 list, only one car has a clearly published maximum towing capacity. 2006 Volvo S60.
It sits at 3,300 lbs.
that’s it. It’s a number. Everything else in this dataset is empty. A dash. A void.
Why is this important? Because if you own a 2006 S60, you have the baseline. It can tow small jet skis, light utility trailers and weekenders as long as they weigh less than 3,300 pounds. What if I have a 2007 S60? I don’t see anything in the logs. Capacity is not listed. Does this mean zero? Or does this mean data loss? In the world of vintage Volvo specs, silence usually means “check the manual or assume it’s not rated.”
The rest of the line-up: Sea of Dash
Check out our other models as well. S80. V70. XC90. C70. All the years from 2006 to 2009. All dashes.
This was not a technical fault. This is an error in the documentation for this dataset. But this is reality. Volvo didn’t build these cars to tow nothing. That’s what makes them so strong. The S80 and V70 share a platform. The XC90 is a durable SUV. However, the current technical data shows that there is no towing capacity for any of these four years.
This creates problems for owners. You can’t just guess. If your spreadsheet doesn’t have an actual number, you need to know how to find it.
Why information gaps exist
Volvo’s approach to towing specifications during this period was conservative and model specific. Unlike American trucks, where towing capacity is a major selling point, European sedans and crossovers often consider towing capacity a secondary feature.
For the 2006-2009 Volvo XC90, you might think it can tow over 3,300 pounds. It is a mid-size luxury SUV. It has the potential to hold 5,000 lbs. But if you don’t have confirmed numbers in this data set, you’re flying blind. The same applies to the V70 wagon model. It’s made to carry cargo. Made with practicality in mind. But then again, dash.
C30 and C70 coupe/hatchback Also dashes. These are small and sporty
