Towing Power Measured
Trucks are supposed to be built for tough tasks, right? But when it comes to towing, not every truck can live up to the hype. Some models may look promising but fall short in towing, while others excel at hauling heavy loads with ease, even on rough terrain. If you're after a truck that gets the job done well, this list is for you. Let’s start with the 10 models with the lowest towing capacity and see why specs matter more than style.
1. 2024 Ford Maverick Hybrid
It’s an excellent city truck with an emphasis on mileage, however, its poor towing limit of 2,000 lbs leaves much to be desired. Front-wheel drive and an optional hitch receiver make it suitable only for small tasks, such as moving bikes or garden equipment.
2. 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Base
The Chevrolet Colorado Base looks quite rugged, but its 3,500-lb towing capacity is underwhelming. Moreover, its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine lacks punch, and the base trim doesn't even include a trailer hitch. This truck prioritizes fuel economy, not muscle.
2023 Chevy Colorado WT | THIS is a BASE Truck?! by ACCELER8
3. 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz looks the part but scuffles with towing, maxing out at just 3,500 lbs. Its 2.5L inline-4 engine feels strained uphill, especially when the truck is loaded, which makes it better suited for basic lifestyle tasks than serious work.
Charles from Port Chester, New York on Wikimedia
4. 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR
Struggling under heavier loads, the truck's 4-cylinder base engine has a max towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. Since it excels off-road, people mostly use it for weekend adventures. Expect the Tacoma SR to only tow loads like a dirt bike or lightweight gear to the trailhead.
2023 Toyota Tacoma SR Tour by Sherwood Park Toyota
5. 2024 Honda Ridgeline
Praised for its smooth ride and comfort, this truck provides a modest max towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. The unibody construction and lack of low-range gearing limit its hauling potential, so it's best for pulling light trailers.
6. 2023 Ford Ranger XL
With a 3,500 lbs towing capacity in the base trim, the Ford Ranger XL is strictly light-duty. No factory towing package comes standard, and the base 2.3L EcoBoost engine lacks the torque needed for frequent or heavy hauling.
7. 2024 Jeep Gladiator Sport
As an off-road machine, the 2024 Jeep Gladiator Sport shines. However, with a 4,000 lbs max capacity, its soft suspension prioritizes articulation over load-bearing. This ultimately makes it unsuitable for towing heavy RVs or large loads. The Gladiator Sport is ideal only for tasks like hauling camping gear.
2024 Jeep Gladiator Sport S: The Fancy Base Model! by Ben Hardy
8. 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation
This truck impresses through its tech, like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but falls short on towing strength. Featuring a max towing limit of 3,500 lbs, its 2.7L Turbo engine in the base trim lacks the torque needed for heavier jobs.
9. 2023 Nissan Frontier S
The 2023 Nissan Frontier S continues its classic appeal, but its towing ability of 6,260 lbs might not be enough for serious towing work. The absence of advanced towing features and diesel or hybrid options makes it better for simple use.
2023 Nissan Frontier S Walk-Around Video! by AutoFair Nissan
10. 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV WT
Sure, the Silverado EV WT can tow up to 8,000 lbs, but it is weighed down by its heavy battery. While offering high EV torque, its range drops with the load and limited charging infrastructure makes it ideal only for payload, not long-haul towing.
Is the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV WT an all new truck WORTH the PRICE? by Raiti's Rides
Now, coming up are 10 trucks that are actually built to haul massive loads, having high towing capacity.
1. 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD
With a 36,000-lb towing limit and a 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8, this truck combines strength with serenity. Its quiet cabin, digital trailer brake controller, and transparent trailer view system make towing safer and more comfortable under heavy loads.
2. 2024 Ram 3500 HD
This truck offers a towing capacity of 37,090 lbs and is designed specifically to haul heavy loads. Its 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel produces 1,075 lb-ft of torque, with features like power-folding mirrors and optional auto-leveling air suspension for stability.
Is the 2024 Ram 3500 Limited the KING of Heavy Duty trucks? by Raiti's Rides
3. 2024 Ford F-450 Super Duty
The Ford F-450 Super Duty comes with 40,000 lbs of gooseneck towing power, thanks to its 6.7L High Output Power Stroke V8 diesel and 10-speed TorqShift transmission. Additionally, trailer sway control and adaptive steering ensure heavy loads stay stable and under control.
4. 2023 GMC Sierra 3500 HD
Equipped with a 36,000-lb towing capacity, the GMC Sierra 3500 HD is a professional-level hauler. The ProGrade Trailering system, rear camera mirror, and diesel engine block heater come standard. Plus, it has integrated bed steps for easy trailer access.
2023 GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali Review | Wolfe GMC Buick Edmonton by Wolfe GMC Buick Edmonton
5. 2023 Ford F-350 Super Duty
The F-350 Super Duty is engineered to pull loads up to 35,750 lbs, which is excellent for big hauling work. You get to choose between a 430 hp 7.3L V8 or a 6.7L diesel, with five drive modes and a dual-rear-wheel setup.
6. 2024 Nissan Titan XD
As a niche choice, the Nissan Titan XD impresses with a max towing of 11,050 lbs, courtesy of its 5.6L Endurance V8. The integrated gooseneck hitch and Utili-track cargo system add versatility, which ultimately makes it a solid heavy-duty option.
2024 Nissan Titan XD PRO-4X: The Last Heavy Half Ton! by Ben Hardy
7. 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 AT4X
With a max towing capacity of 18,500 lbs, this truck features a 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel engine and 35" Goodyear Wrangler tires. Additionally, a factory lift provides better clearance, while the underbody camera helps traverse rocky trails with ease.
2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD AT4X Walkaround, Review, And Features! by Joshua McDonald
8. 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD
Equipped with an Allison 10-speed transmission and a diesel exhaust brake for enhanced handling, the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD offers smooth towing. Front and rear park assist simplify hitching, and wireless phone projection adds convenience for a seamless driving experience.
🚨REVIEW🚨 2023 Chevy SIlverado 2500HD LT by Country Chevrolet
9. 2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty Tremor
This truck is as smart as it is strong, towing up to 23,000 lbs. Here’s what you get: Trail Control and Rock Crawl modes, a 33-inch water fording depth, and off-road-tuned suspension with a stabilizer bar. It’s a versatile choice for both towing and off-roading.
The 2023-2024 F-250 XLT Tremor is UNDER RATED by Hunt Ford Chrysler
10. 2024 Ram 2500 Limited Longhorn
Blending luxury and capability, the 2024 Ram 2500 Limited Longhorn comes with a max towing capacity of 19,990 lbs. Its 6.7L Cummins diesel, high-end leather interior, and adaptive cruise with trailer detection ensure a comfortable, high-tech ride, even when hauling big loads.
2024 RAM 2500 Limited Longhorn Walkaround, Review, And Features! by Joshua McDonald
