Chevy SUV Towing Capacity Chart

The towing capacity of Chevy SUV models varies depending on engine torque and horsepower capacity, among other mechanical factors. For non-petrol-heads, torque is the ability of a vehicle to perform work, specifically towing or hauling heavy loads, while horsepower determines how rapidly the vehicle can perform that work.

Horsepower is a function of torque and engine speed (rpm) and indicates how much sustained work the car can do. Generally, bigger-displacement engines develop more torque, but small engines can spin faster, which increases their horsepower output.

In essence, an engine with strong mid-range torque (peaking between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm) will have good passing acceleration, while a lot of low-end torque (below 1,500 rpm) is useful for towing trailers or driving off-road.

Here’s a list of Chevy SUV general towing capacities:

Note: Tow ratings are intended for comparison purposes only. The weight of passengers, cargo, and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow. Consult your Chevrolet dealer in Youngstown, Ohio, for more information.

For towing, Chevrolet recommends an automatic transmission for optimum performance. Equipped with the six-speed and nine-speed automatic in Tow/Haul mode, the transmission raises up-shift points for stronger acceleration and raises downshift points to help slow the SUV using engine braking. It includes a passive shift stabilization and shift scheduling feature that contributes to improved transmission life and overall towing capability.

Besides the Chevy SUV general towing capacity chart, the lineup boasts some impressive towing and payload capacities that vary by engine specification. The following lists feature the individual model characteristics that make them a popular choice for many Youngstown and Boardman, Ohio, drivers.  

Chevy Trailblazer Towing Capacity

This subcompact SUV has a 1,000-pound maximum towing capacity available on ACTIV and RS trims with a trailer hitch. These trim levels feature an Ecotec 1.3-liter turbo engine that produces 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. The ACTIV and RS Trailblazer trims offer a GVWR of 4,255 pounds. Despite its small size, the Chevrolet Trailblazer offers an accommodating interior with a five-person seating capacity and a maximum cargo volume of 54.4 cubic feet.

Chevy Trax Towing Capacity

The Chevy Trax has a curb weight of 3,124 pounds, while the Trailblazer has a gross vehicle weight rating of 4409 pounds. Although both the Trailblazer and Trax are not specifically rated for towing, their 1.3-liter and 1.4-liter engines delivering 155 horsepower with 177 pound-feet and 174 pound-feet of torque respectively are certainly sufficient for towing a small trailer at under 1,000 pounds max load capacity.

Chevy Equinox Towing Capacity

The two-wheel drive (2WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) Equinox can tow up to 1,500 pounds. This compact Chevrolet SUV has a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The maximum GVWR on all Equinox trims is 4,630 pounds. The Equinox offers seating for five passengers and ample cargo space, with 29.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 63.9 cubic feet behind the first.

Chevy Blazer Towing Capacity

The maximum towing capacity on this midsize sporty SUV is 4,500 pounds when equipped with proper trailer equipment and the 3.6-liter V-6 engine. The V6 engine produces 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The five-passenger Chevy Blazer has a maximum GVWR of 6,001 pounds and a cargo capacity of 64.20 cubic feet behind the first row.

* With Trailering Package

Chevy Traverse Towing Capacity

Select the Trailering Package, available on the LT and standard on the RS and Z71 trims, for a factory-installed hitch rated at towing up to 5,000 pounds. All Chevrolet Traverse trims feature a 2.5-liter turbo engine that delivers 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This midsize three-row Chevy SUV presents varying cargo volumes of 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.6 cubic feet behind the second, and 97.6 behind the third. Depending on the trim, the Traverse can comfortably seat seven or eight passengers. The GVWR is not yet rated.

* With Trailering Package

Chevy Tahoe Towing Capacity

Customize this full-size three-row Chevy SUV with the Max Trailering Package and 5.3-liter V-8 engine paired with 2WD for a maximum towing capacity of 8,400 pounds. This engine option generates 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Seat up to eight passengers on the Chevy Tahoe and enjoy a maximum cargo capacity of 122.9 cubic feet behind the first row. A 7,500-pound GVWR is standard across all Tahoe trims with an optional 7,600-pound rating with the purchase of available equipment. .

Chevy Suburban Towing Capacity

This large three-row Chevy SUV can tow up to 8,300 pounds when equipped with the 5.3-liter V-8 engine, 2WD, and the Max Trailering Package. The Chevy Suburban offers a GVWR of 7,700 pounds and a class-leading maximum cargo volume of 144.7 cubic feet. Depending on the Suburban trim, you can seat seven or eight passengers. Choose the LS trim and the optional front bench seat for an impressive nine-passenger seating capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious to learn more about Chevy SUVs and their towing capacities? Check out the following frequently asked questions and their responses.

Is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Important for Towing?

Essentially, the GVWR indicates the maximum weight a vehicle can safely carry. This rating is important to understand how much weight your new Chevy SUV and trailer can bear when fully loaded. The GVWR includes cargo, fuel, passengers, and the original weight of the trailer.

Is There a Small SUV Towing Capacity Chart for Chevrolet?

Out of Chevy’s smaller SUVs, only one is not rated for towing, the five-passenger Trax. However, it has a great GVWR of up to 4,145 pounds. This subcompact Chevrolet SUV also offers 25.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row and a maximum of 54.1 cubic feet behind the first. Opt for the roof rack cross rails, available on select trims, to maximize the Trax’s potential cargo-carrying capacity.

Do Chevy SUVs offer special technology for towing assistance?

Yes. Chevrolet knows trailering can be challenging when trying to line up the hitch or reverse with a trailer attached. That is why select Chevy SUVs have features like the Advanced Trailering System which provides an In-Vehicle App and four innovative camera views for optimal towing assistance. The manufacturer includes add-on conveniences like a pre-departure checklist and monitors the trailer tires’ air pressure and temperature to ensure your towing safety.

Which Chevy EV SUV Has the Best Towing Capacity?

Want an environmentally friendly electric vehicle with a great driving range and towing capacity? Consider a Chevy EV SUV. The first-ever all-electric Equinox EV offers an EPA-estimated 319-mile electric driving range and a 1,500-pound maximum towing capacity when properly equipped. The brand-new Blazer EV has an available trailer hitch and trailering assistance features but the towing capacity is not yet rated. Still, this Chevy EV offers an impressive EPA-estimated 324-mile electric driving range.

Discover More Chevy SUVs in Youngstown, Ohio

Now that you know the Chevy SUV towing capacities, visit the online Chevy store and browse dozens of new vehicles from the comfort of your home or your phone while talking to a #1 Cochran team member. Start shopping online, and you can see everything from the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and current savings to fuel efficiency specs and other key vehicle features. 

You can also apply for financing, calculate your payments, or value your trade by using an interactive trade tool to calculate your Chevy trade-in value online. Alternately, visit the Cochran Chevrolet showroom in Youngstown, OH, and test-drive a new or pre-owned Chevy SUV.