Chevy SUV Towing Capacity Chart

April 20th, 2022 by

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:

SUV Model Engine Horsepower Torque Towing
Trailblazer 1.3L Turbo 155 hp @ 5600 rpm 174 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm <1,000 lbs
Trax 1.4L Turbo 155 hp @ 5600 rpm 177 lb-ft @ 2000 – 4000 rpm <1,000 lbs
Equinox 1.5L Turbo 170 hp @ 5600 rpm 203 lb-ft @ 2000-4000 rpm <1,500 lbs
Blazer 3.6L V-6 308 hp @ 6700 rpm 270 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm <1,500 lbs
Traverse 3.6L V-6 310 hp @ 6800 rpm 266 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm <5,000 lbs
Suburban 5.3L V-8 355 hp @ 5600 rpm 383 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm <7,900 lbs
Tahoe 6.2L V-8 420 hp @ 5600 rpm 460 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm <8,100 lbs

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 and Trax Towing Capacity

2022 chevy trailblazer SUV on city road

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 Equinox with the standard 1.5-liter turbo engine has 1,500 pounds of towing power. Choosing the 2-liter engine equipped with a towing (trailering) package provides a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Fitted with StabiliTrak, this feature automatically enhances control by adjusting the brakes and engine torque to help you stay on your intended path. It activates when vehicle sensors detect a difference between the driver’s intended path and the direction the vehicle is actually traveling.

Chevy Blazer Towing Capacity

2021 chevy blazer city

You’ll find the powerful 2-liter Turbo engine with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options to choose from. Combine that with excellent styling, and it’s easy to see how the Chevy Blazer is perfect for any occasion.

Engine  Max Towing Capacity Max Payload
2.0L Turbo I4 FWD 3,500 lbs* 2,094 lbs
2.0L Turbo I4 AWD 4,500 lbs* 1,870 lbs

* With Trailering Package

Chevy Traverse Towing Capacity

Chevrolet-Traverse-High-Country-2LZ-in-Iridescent-Pearl-Tricoat.

The Traverse has a great towing capacity maximum of 5,000 pounds, with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options to choose from, so you will be well-prepared for any towing challenge.

Engine Max Towing Capacity Max Payload
3.6L V6 engine FWD 5,000 lbs* 1,764 lbs
3.6L V6 engine AWD 5,000 lbs 1,618 lbs

* With Trailering Package

Chevy Tahoe Towing Capacity

chevy tahoe towing trailer on highway

The Tahoe has some of the best towing and hauling abilities of any SUV in the Chevy lineup, so you can expect a high-powered ride in this workhorse.

Engine Max Towing Capacity Max Payload Max GVWR
5.3L V8 2WD 7,900 lbs 1,834 lbs 7,400 lbs
5.3L V8 4WD 8,200 lbs 1,746 lbs 7,500 lbs
6.2L V8 2WD 8,300 lbs 1,671 lbs 7,400 lbs
6.2L V8 4WD 8,100 lbs 1,616 lbs 7,500 lbs
3.0L Turbo Diesel I6 2WD 8,200 lbs 1,717 lbs 7,600 lbs
3.0L Turbo Diesel I6 4WD 8,000 lbs 1,625 lbs 7,600 lbs

Chevy Suburban Towing Capacity

chevy suburban silver field towing

The Suburban’s large size leads to outstanding towing and hauling abilities, so you can tow or carry big hauls with ease.

Engine Max Towing Capacity Max Payload Max GVWR
5.3L V8 2WD 8,300 lbs 1,750 lbs 7,500 lbs
5.3L V8 4WD 8,100 lbs 1,759 lbs 7,700 lbs
6.2L V8 2WD 8,200 lbs 1,612 lbs 7,500 lbs
6.2L V8 4WD 7,900 lbs 1,612 lbs 7,700 lbs
3.0L Turbo Diesel I6 2WD 8,100 lbs 1,625 lbs 7,600 lbs
3.0L Turbo Diesel I6 4WD 7,800 lbs 1,539 lbs 7,700 lbs

Is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Important for Towing?

The gross vehicle weight rating is very important when calculating the absolute maximum amount of weight that the vehicle and trailer can bear when it is fully loaded. This includes all cargo, fuel, and passengers, plus the original weight of the trailer.

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 #1 Cochran Chevrolet Youngstown dealer showroom in Youngstown, OH, and test-drive a new or pre-owned Chevy SUV.