Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity By Year [2000-2020]

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Are you thinking about towing with a Toyota Tacoma? You’re not alone. Many truck owners want to know just how much their Tacoma can pull.

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That’s why we’ve put together this guide on Toyota Tacoma towing capacity by year, covering models from 2000 to 2020.

The Toyota Tacoma has been a popular choice for both work and play for decades. It’s known for its reliability and toughness.

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But when it comes to towing, not all Tacomas are created equal.

The amount your truck can tow depends on several factors, including the year it was made, the engine size, and whether it has a special towing package.

Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity By Year

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In this guide, we’ll break down the towing capacity for each year, from 2000 to 2020. We’ll look at how things have changed over time and what features make the biggest difference in towing power.

Whether you’ve got an older Tacoma or a brand-new model, we’ve got you covered.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what your Tacoma can handle. This information is crucial for safe towing and getting the most out of your truck.

Let’s dive in and explore 20 years of Tacoma towing power!

Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity By Year [2000-2020]

2020-2018 Models: The Modern Powerhouses

The newest Tacomas are strong towers. They can pull a lot. Let’s break it down:

Towing Capacity Range:

Lowest: 1,000 pounds
Highest: 6,800 pounds

That’s a big range! Why so different? It’s all about how the truck is set up.

Engine Choices:

2TR-FE (smaller engine)
- Towing capacity: About 3,500 pounds
- Good for small trailers or light loads
2GR-FKS (bigger engine)
- Towing capacity: 6,000 to 6,800 pounds
- Great for bigger trailers or boats

Drive Type:

2WD (two-wheel drive): Can tow a bit more
4WD (four-wheel drive): Tows slightly less, but better off-road

The difference? About 200-300 pounds. Not much, but worth knowing.

Cab Styles:

Access Cab
- Smaller back doors
- Less room in the back seat
- Good balance of cargo space and seating
Double Cab
- Full-size back doors
- More room for passengers
- Still good for towing

Here’s a simple table to show the differences:

Feature	Access Cab	Double Cab
Back Doors	Small	Full-size
Back Seat	Less room	More room
Cargo Space	More	Less
Towing	Slightly better	Good

Tow Package:

Adds special parts to help tow
Increases towing capacity a lot
Worth getting if you tow often

Key Points for 2018-2020 Tacomas:

Bigger engine + tow package = most towing power
2WD can tow a little more than 4WD
Cab style affects comfort more than towing

2017 Models: Almost the Same, But Different

The 2017 Tacoma is very close to the 2018-2020 models. But there are small differences.

Towing Capacity:

Still 1,000 to 6,800 pounds
Depends on truck setup

Engines:

Same as 2018-2020: 2TR-FE and 2GR-FKS
Towing power about the same

What’s Different:

Some models had slightly different weight ratings
Check your specific model for exact numbers

Charts:

Split into Access Cab and Double Cab
Makes it easier to find your truck’s limits

Important to Know:

2017 was part of a new Tacoma generation
Many improvements over older models
Towing stayed strong

2016 Models: New Look, Similar Power

2016 was a big year for Tacoma. The truck got a makeover. But what about towing?

Towing Capacity:

Still 1,000 to 6,800 pounds
No big changes in towing power

What’s New:

Fresh design inside and out
More modern features
Same strong towing ability

Engine Options:

2.7L four-cylinder
- Less powerful
- Good for light towing
3.5L V6
- More powerful
- Best for heavy towing

Cab Styles:

Access Cab and Double Cab
Each had its own towing chart

Tow Package:

Still a big deal
Adds lots of towing capacity

Key Points for 2016:

New look, familiar towing power
V6 engine best for serious towing
Check your specific model for exact limits

2015 Models: Last of Its Kind

2015 was the last year before big changes. How did it tow?

Towing Range:

1,000 to 6,500 pounds
Slightly less than newer models

Engines:

2.7L engine
- Towing: About 3,500 pounds
- Good for small jobs
4.0L engine
- Towing: Up to 6,500 pounds with tow package
- Best choice for big loads

Tow Package Impact:

Huge difference for 4.0L engine
Could double towing capacity

Cab Options:

Regular Cab (not in newer models)
Access Cab
Double Cab

Things to Remember:

Last year of this Tacoma generation
Still very capable for towing
4.0L engine with tow package is the towing champ

2014 Models: More Choices

In 2014, Toyota gave buyers more options. Let’s see how it affected towing.

Towing Capacity:

Still 1,000 to 6,500 pounds
Consistent with recent years

Cab Styles:

Regular Cab
- Two doors only
- Smallest option
- Good for work trucks
Access Cab
- Small back doors
- More room than Regular Cab
Double Cab
- Full four-door truck
- Most passenger space

Engines:

2.7L: Lower towing capacity
4.0L: Higher capacity, especially with tow package

Towing by Engine:

Engine	Without Tow Package	With Tow Package
2.7L	About 3,500 lbs	N/A
4.0L	About 3,500 lbs	Up to 6,500 lbs

Important Notes:

Cab style didn’t affect towing much
Engine and tow package were key
More cab choices meant more versatility

2013-2011 Models: Steady and Strong

These years saw little change in Tacoma’s towing ability. Let’s review:

Towing Range:

1,000 to 6,500 pounds
Same as 2014 model

Engines:

2.7L and 4.0L options
No changes in engine lineup

Tow Package:

Big boost for 4.0L engine
Could tow up to 6,500 pounds

Cab Styles:

Regular Cab
Access Cab
Double Cab

Consistency is Key:

No major changes in these years
Reliable towing performance
Easy to know what to expect

Towing Tips for 2011-2013 Tacomas:

4.0L engine is best for heavy loads
Always check your specific model’s limits
Tow package is worth it for serious towing

2010-2005 Models: Simplified Strength

Toyota made things simpler in these years. How? Let’s see:

Two Main Specs:

With tow package: 6,500 pounds max
Without tow package: 3,500 pounds max

Engines:

2.7L four-cylinder
4.0L V6

Tow Package Notes:

Only available with 4.0L engine
Nearly doubles towing capacity

Why This Matters:

Easy to understand your truck’s limits
Clear choice between light and heavy towing

Towing Capacity Table:

Engine	No Tow Package	With Tow Package
2.7L	3,500 lbs	N/A
4.0L	3,500 lbs	6,500 lbs

Key Points:

Simpler doesn’t mean weaker
4.0L with tow package is the towing king
Great years for reliable towing

2004-2002 Models: The Earlier Years

These older Tacomas were a bit different. Here’s how:

Towing Range:

3,500 to 6,000 pounds
Slightly less than newer models

Engines:

2RZ-FE
3RZ-FE
5VZ-FE

These names are different, but sizes were similar to later years.

Tow Package Check:

Look at cooling fan color
Easy way to know if you have the package

Towing Capacity:

Without tow package: Up to 3,500 lbs
With tow package: Up to 6,000 lbs

Why It Matters:

Older, but still capable
Good used truck options for towing

Remember:

Check for rust and wear
Maintenance history is important
Older trucks need more care

2001 & 2000 Models: Where It All Began

The earliest Tacomas in our range. How did they tow?

Towing Range:

3,500 to 5,000 pounds
Lower than later models

Engines:

Same as 2002-2004 models
Proven reliability

Towing Capacity Factors:

Engine size
Cab style
Transmission type

Why Consider These Models:

Budget-friendly options
Still capable for many towing jobs
Start of Tacoma’s tough reputation

Towing Tips for 2000-2001 Tacomas:

Stay well under max capacity
Regular maintenance is crucial
Great for light to medium towing tasks

Do I Have A Towing Package Installed?

Knowing if your Tacoma has a tow package is important. Here’s how to tell:

Best Way to Check:

Ask a Toyota dealer
They can look up your truck’s exact specs

Visual Checks (based on 2020 model): Look for these parts:

Engine oil cooler
Transmission fluid cooler
Receiver hitch
Trailer wiring
Bigger alternator (130 amp)

Older Models:

Might have different tow package parts
Check your owner’s manual

Why It Matters:

Tow package greatly increases capacity
Helps keep your truck safe while towing

If You’re Not Sure:

Assume you don’t have it
Stick to lower towing limits
Better safe than sorry

Towing Safety Tips

Knowing your Tacoma’s limits is just the start. Here’s how to tow safely:

Stay Under Limit:
- Don’t tow at max capacity
- Leave room for safety
Check Trailer Brakes:
- Make sure they work
- Required for heavier loads
Distribute Weight:
- 60% in front half of trailer
- 40% in back half
Use Right Hitch:
- Match to your Tacoma’s class
- Don’t use one too small
Check Tires:
- Proper inflation is key
- Include spare tire
Practice Driving:
- Empty parking lots are great
- Learn to back up
Slow Down:
- Towing needs lower speeds
- Take it easy on turns
Regular Breaks:
- Stop every 100 miles
- Check truck and trailer
Watch Weather:
- Wind affects towing a lot
- Rain needs extra care
Know Your Height:
- Measure with trailer
- Watch for low bridges

FAQs

Q: Can all Tacomas tow 6,500 pounds?

A: No. Only some can. It depends on the engine, year, and tow package.

Q: Does 4WD affect towing capacity?

A: A little. 2WD models usually tow about 200-300 pounds more.

Q: What’s the lowest towing capacity for a Tacoma?

A: 1,000 pounds. This is for trailers without brakes.

Q: Do I need a special license to tow with a Tacoma?

A: Usually not. But check your local laws, especially for heavy loads.

Q: Can I install a tow package myself?

A: It’s best to have a pro do it. This ensures safety and proper setup.

Q: How often should I service my Tacoma if I tow a lot?

A: More often than normal. Follow the “severe duty” schedule in your manual.

Q: Can I tow with a 4-cylinder Tacoma?

A: Yes, but less than V6 models. Good for small trailers.

Q: Does towing affect fuel economy?

A: Yes, it lowers MPG. How much depends on what you’re towing.

Q: Are older Tacomas (2000-2005) good for towing?

A: They can be. They tow less than newer models but are still capable.

Q: Should I get a weight distribution hitch?

A: For heavy loads, yes. It helps balance the weight and improves control.

Conclusion

The Toyota Tacoma has proven itself as a capable towing vehicle. From 2000 to 2020, we’ve seen its towing capacity grow. Early models could tow up to 5,000 pounds. The newest can handle up to 6,800 pounds.

Key things to remember:

Newer models (2018-2020) offer the highest towing capacity
Engine size matters a lot for towing
Tow package can double your towing power
4WD vs 2WD doesn’t affect towing as much as you might think
Always check your specific model’s limits

Whether you’re hauling a small trailer or a larger boat, there’s likely a Tacoma that can handle the job. Just remember:

Stay within your truck’s limits
Safety comes first when towing
Regular maintenance keeps your Tacoma towing strong

Knowing your Tacoma’s abilities helps you use it best. It keeps you safe on the road. And it makes sure your truck lasts a long time.

Tacomas are tough trucks. They can tow a lot. But they need your help to do it right. Use this guide to understand your truck better. Happy and safe towing with your Toyota Tacoma!