Chevrolet SUV Models Towing Capacity Rankings: From Trax to Suburban Maximum Capabilities
Chevrolet’s SUV towing range spans from a 1,500-pound Equinox to the mighty Suburban that can pull nearly 8,300 pounds—but the Trax doesn’t tow at all, and here’s why that matters.
There’s a specific kind of confidence that comes from hitching up a trailer and knowing your vehicle is up to the task. Chevy’s SUV lineup offers a wide range of towing capabilities, but not every model is built for the job. Let’s break down exactly what each one can pull—and which ones you should never hitch up to.
TL;DR
Chevy’s SUV lineup towing capacities range dramatically: the Trax isn’t rated to tow at all , the Equinox handles 1,500 pounds , the Blazer pulls up to 4,500 pounds , the Traverse manages 5,000 pounds , the Tahoe maxes out between 8,100 and 8,400 pounds depending on engine and drivetrain , and the Suburban tops the range at 8,300 pounds . The key takeaway: if you need serious towing, you want a full-size Tahoe or Suburban with the right engine and the trailering package.
Quick Towing Capacity Comparison Chart
| Model | Max Towing Capacity | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Trax | Not rated / 0 lbs | Front-wheel drive only; no factory tow rating |
| Equinox | 1,500 lbs | Properly equipped |
| Blazer | 4,500 lbs | 3.6L V6 with Trailering Package |
| Traverse | 5,000 lbs | Trailering Package |
| Tahoe (5.3L V8) | 7,700–8,400 lbs | Varies by drivetrain and config |
| Tahoe (6.2L V8) | 8,100–8,200 lbs | Varies by drivetrain |
| Tahoe (Duramax Diesel) | 8,000–8,200 lbs | Max torque of 495 lb-ft |
| Suburban | ~8,300 lbs | Properly equipped |
Chart: Towing Capacity by Model
Note: Trax has no factory tow rating. Tahoe capacities shown represent maximum achievable with optimal configuration.
The Chevy SUV Towing Lineup: Model by Model
Chevrolet Trax: 0 lbs (Do Not Tow)
Here’s the thing about the Trax—it is the only Chevrolet SUV that cannot tow anything . Despite its SUV styling, the Trax is front-wheel-drive only and has no factory tow rating from General Motors. Hooking up a trailer isn’t just ill-advised; it can void your warranty and potentially damage the vehicle .
If you need to tow with a small SUV, competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Corolla Cross offer 1,500-pound capacities, but the Trax simply isn’t built for it .
Chevrolet Equinox: 1,500 lbs
The compact Equinox is a capable daily driver but only a light-duty tower. With its 1.5L turbo four-cylinder producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, the Equinox can handle small boats, jet skis, or a lightweight utility trailer when properly equipped .
Chevrolet Blazer: 4,500 lbs
The midsize Blazer steps up the towing game significantly. To achieve the 4,500-pound maximum, you need the available 3.6-liter V6 engine with 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, along with the Trailering Equipment Package . This is enough for a decent-sized camper, a pair of jet skis, or a small boat.
Chevrolet Traverse: 5,000 lbs
The three-row Traverse is Chevy’s midsize towing champion. All 2024-2026 Traverse models come with a 2.5L turbo four-cylinder producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, and when equipped with the Trailering Package, both FWD and AWD models can pull up to 5,000 pounds . This is ideal for families who need to tow a medium-sized travel trailer or a small boat while carrying a full car of passengers.
Chevrolet Tahoe: 7,700–8,400 lbs
The full-size Tahoe offers three engine options with varying towing capacities :
- 5.3L V8: 355 horsepower, 383 lb-ft of torque. Standard towing: 7,900 lbs (2WD) / 7,700 lbs (4WD). Maximum: 8,400 lbs (2WD) / 8,200 lbs (4WD).
- 6.2L V8: 420 horsepower, 460 lb-ft of torque. Standard towing: 7,700 lbs (2WD) / 7,600 lbs (4WD). Maximum: 8,200 lbs (2WD) / 8,100 lbs (4WD).
- Duramax 3.0L Diesel: 305 horsepower, 495 lb-ft of torque. Standard and maximum towing: 8,200 lbs (2WD) / 8,000 lbs (4WD).
The diesel option delivers the highest torque of the three, making it excellent for hauling heavy loads, while the 5.3L V8 offers the highest maximum capacity in 2WD configuration .
Chevrolet Suburban: ~8,300 lbs
The extended Suburban is the towing king of Chevy’s SUV lineup. With a maximum rating of approximately 8,300 pounds when properly equipped, it offers the most capability for those who need maximum passenger space and serious towing muscle .
What You Need to Achieve Max Capacity
Reaching these maximum towing numbers isn’t automatic. Here’s what you typically need:
- Trailering Package: Required for Traverse (5,000 lbs) and Blazer (4,500 lbs) to achieve max capacity
- Proper Engine Choice: For Tahoe, choosing the right engine matters—the 5.3L V8 offers the highest max capacity in 2WD, while the diesel delivers the most torque
- Drivetrain Considerations: 2WD models typically tow slightly more than 4WD counterparts due to reduced weight
- Correct Equipment: Proper hitch, wiring harness, and trailer brake controller are essential for safe towing
Always check your specific vehicle’s payload and towing capacity on the sticker inside the driver’s door jamb, as these figures can vary with options and accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Chevy SUV has the highest towing capacity?
The Chevrolet Suburban tops the lineup with a maximum towing capacity of approximately 8,300 pounds when properly equipped . The Tahoe follows closely at up to 8,400 pounds .
Can a Chevrolet Trax tow a trailer?
No. GM does not rate the Trax for towing at all. It is front-wheel-drive only and lacks the necessary cooling and transmission components for safe towing .
How much can a Chevy Equinox tow?
The Equinox can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped . This is suitable for small boats, jet skis, or lightweight utility trailers.
What does the Traverse need to tow 5,000 pounds?
To achieve its maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity, the Traverse requires the Trailering Package. Both FWD and AWD models can reach this figure when properly equipped .
What is the best Chevy SUV for towing a camper?
For a medium-sized camper (up to 5,000 lbs), the Traverse is an excellent choice. For larger campers (over 7,000 lbs), you’ll want a Tahoe or Suburban with the proper engine and equipment.
Does the Tahoe diesel tow more than the gas V8?
The Duramax diesel doesn’t have the highest maximum capacity, but it offers the most torque (495 lb-ft), making it ideal for towing heavy loads with excellent pulling power .
References
Verified Sources for Chevrolet SUV Towing Capacities:
- CarBuzz – Midsize American SUV Towing Capacity Chart
- Hendrick Chevrolet – 2025 Tahoe Specs and Towing Capacity
- Penske Chevrolet – 2025 Equinox Towing Capacity
- Cars.com – Traverse Towing Specifications
- J.D. Power – 2026 Traverse Specifications
- Kelley Blue Book – 2024 Suburban Towing Capacity
- Jalopnik – Why You Shouldn’t Tow With a Chevy Trax
- Chevrolet Official – Tahoe Standard Towing Capacity
What do you tow with your Chevy SUV? Drop your setup in the comments below.
