Toyota Tundra Towing Capacity Guide

Explore the Toyota Tundra Towing Capacity

The Toyota Tundra towing capacity showcases the potency and reliability that make this full-size truck a top pick for drivers. With up to 12,000 pounds of towing strength and a maximum 1,850-pound payload capacity, the 2026 Tundra is built to handle tough jobs, heavy cargo, and weekend adventures alike. Plus, it's available with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, which yields impressive MPG for a full-size pickup.

Discover how the 2026 Tundra continues its legacy of strength below, then visit DARCARS Toyota of Frederick for a test drive around north-central Maryland.

2026 Tundra Capability: Towing & Payload by Trim

The 2026 Toyota Tundra lineup launches with five traditional gas models and five electrified variants, presenting drivers with a perfect mix of strength and innovation. Beneath the hood of these 10 trims, you'll find either the i-FORCE 3.4-liter Twin-Turbo V-6 or the i-FORCE MAX 3.4-liter Twin-Turbo V-6 Hybrid – each engineered for formidable performance.

The standard i-FORCE engine in the Tundra SR generates 358 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, attaining a maximum towing capacity of 8,300 pounds. Step up to the enhanced i-FORCE powertrain – available starting on the SR5 trim – and you'll command 389 horsepower, 479 pound-feet of torque, and access to the peak Toyota Tundra towing capacity of 12,000 pounds.

For those who want muscle with efficiency, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid system produces a jaw-dropping 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, supporting a max tow rating of 11,450 pounds. While slightly below the leading figure, this arrangement rewards you with remarkable gas mileage – up to an EPA-estimated 20/24/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) – making it an innovative blend of competence and fuel-consciousness.

As you shop Tundra trucks online, you're likely asking yourself which engine and trim deliver the towing might you require. Check out the chart below to see how each setup measures up!

	Engine	Horsepower	Torque	Towing Capacity	Payload Capacity
SR	i-FORCE 3.4L Twin-Turbo V-6	358	406 lb-ft	8,300 lbs	1,710 - 1,850 lbs
SR5	i-FORCE 3.4L Twin-Turbo V-6	389	479 lb-ft	11,010 - 12,000 lbs	1,695 - 1,830 lbs
Limited	i-FORCE 3.4L Twin-Turbo V-6	389	479 lb-ft	10,970 - 11,350 lbs	1,635 - 1,685 lbs
Platinum	i-FORCE 3.4L Twin-Turbo V-6	389	479 lb-ft	10,870 - 11,310 lbs	1,545 - 1,575 lbs
1794 Edition	i-FORCE 3.4L Twin-Turbo V-6	389	479 lb-ft	11,050 - 11,310 lbs	1,545 - 1,575 lbs
Limited i-FORCE MAX	i-FORCE MAX 3.4L Twin-Turbo V-6 Hybrid	437	583 lb-ft	11,060 - 11,450 lbs	1,575 - 1,655 lbs
Platinum i-FORCE MAX	i-FORCE MAX 3.4L Twin-Turbo V-6 Hybrid	437	583 lb-ft	10,960 - 10,990 lbs	1,510 - 1,575 lbs
1794 Edition i-FORCE MAX	i-FORCE MAX 3.4L Twin-Turbo V-6 Hybrid	437	583 lb-ft	10,960 - 10,990 lbs	1,510 - 1,575 lbs
TRD Pro	i-FORCE MAX 3.4L Twin-Turbo V-6 Hybrid	437	583 lb-ft	11,130 lbs	1,580 lbs
Capstone	i-FORCE MAX 3.4L Twin-Turbo V-6 Hybrid	437	583 lb-ft	10,290 lbs	1,420 lbs

2026 Tundra Capability: Towing & Payload by Configuration

Looking at the chart above, you now have a solid understanding of what each 2026 Toyota Tundra variant can tow and haul. However, as any truck owner knows, towing and payload capacity depend on more than just the engine and trim level – the bed length, cab style, and drivetrain you choose also play a key role. These configurations determine not only how much you can carry or tow, but also your overall seating capacity and versatility.

Here are your 2026 Toyota Tundra configuration layouts:

5.5-ft Short Bed CrewMax RWD

• Available on: SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, Limited i-FORCE MAX
• Max Tow Rating: 11,450 pounds (Limited i-FORCE MAX)
• Max Payload Rating: 1,720 pounds (SR, SR5)

5.5-ft Short Bed CrewMax 4WD

• Available on: SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, Limited i-FORCE MAX, Platinum i-FORCE MAX, 1794 Edition i-FORCE MAX, TRD Pro, Capstone
• Max Tow Rating: 11,160 pounds (SR5)
• Max Payload Rating: 1,710 pounds (SR, SR5)

6.5-ft Standard Bed Double Cab RWD

• Available on: SR, SR5
• Max Tow Rating: 12,000 pounds (SR5)
• Max Payload Rating: 1,830 pounds (SR, SR5)

6.5-ft Standard Bed Double Cab 4WD

• Available on: SR, SR5
• Max Tow Rating: 11,200 pounds (SR5)
• Max Payload Rating: 1,775 pounds (SR, SR5)

6.5-ft Standard Bed CrewMax RWD

• Available on: SR5, Limited, Limited i-FORCE MAX
• Max Tow Rating: 11,350 pounds (Limited i-FORCE MAX)
• Max Payload Rating: 1,775 pounds (SR5)

6.5-ft Standard Bed CrewMax 4WD

• Available on: SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, Limited i-FORCE MAX, Platinum i-FORCE MAX, 1794 Edition i-FORCE MAX
• Max Tow Rating: 11,010 pounds (SR5)
• Max Payload Rating: 1,695 pounds (SR5)

8.1-ft Long Bed Double Cab RWD

• Available on: SR
• Max Tow Rating: 8,300 pounds (SR)
• Max Payload Rating: 1,850 pounds (SR)

8.1-ft Long Bed Double Cab 4WD

• Available on: SR5
• Max Tow Rating: 11,090 pounds (SR5)
• Max Payload Rating: 1,775 pounds (SR5)

The 2026 Toyota Tundra SR5 Double Cab with RWD and a 6.5-foot bed tops the charts with the maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds. The highest payload is achieved by the SR Double Cab with RWD and an 8.1-foot bed, rated at 1,850 pounds. Across multiple configurations, the Tundra SR5 trim consistently provides greater towing ratings, while both the SR and SR5 variants maintain strong payload performance, especially in RWD setups.

For drivers focused on the Tundra hybrid models, the 2026 Limited i-FORCE MAX CrewMax with a 5.5-foot bed and RWD reaches the ultimate hybrid towing capacity of 11,450 pounds, while the max hybrid payload rating of 1,655 pounds comes on the same trim when you swap out the 5.5-foot bed for a 6.5-foot box on the CrewMax with RWD.

In short, if your priority is peak towing, go for the SR5 Double Cab with RWD and a 6.5-foot bed. For heavier payloads, the SR Double Cab with RWD and an 8.1-foot bed is the most capable. For these champion trims and configurations, be sure to explore Toyota Tundra leases and finance options to find the build that fits your needs.

Toyota Tundra Towing & Payload Capacity by Year

The chart below traces Toyota Tundra towing capacity over the past decade, showcasing how this rugged full-size truck has consistently combined muscle, precision engineering, and dependable power throughout the years.

Model Year	Max. Towing	Max. Payload
2026	12,000 lbs	1,850 lbs
2025	12,000 lbs	1,940 lbs
2024	12,000 lbs	1,940 lbs
2023	12,000 lbs	1,940 lbs
2022	12,000 lbs	1,940 lbs
2021	10,200 lbs	1,730 lbs
2020	10,200 lbs	1,730 lbs
2019	10,200 lbs	1,730 lbs
2018	10,200 lbs	1,730 lbs
2017	10,500 lbs	2,080 lbs
2016	10,500 lbs	2,060 lbs

Tow Confidently With Toyota Tundra Towing Features

Every Tundra comes standard with a Class-IV towing hitch receiver, wiring harness with seven-pin/four-pin connector, and Trailer-Sway Control, with most trims offering the Integrated Trailer Brake Controller for precise trailer braking. The Toyota also includes work-ready equipment such as a 120-volt 400-watt bed-mounted energy outlet and bed lighting, ensuring your gear and workspace are always ready.

When you put the 2026 Toyota Tundra towing capacity to work, these tools are designed to make every towing task easier:

• Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist: Simplifies reversing with a trailer.
• Blind Spot Monitor with Trailer Merge Warning: Keeps you aware of surrounding traffic.
• Trailer-Sway Control: Maintains stability while towing.
• Panoramic View Monitor & Multi-Information Display: Provides a full view and real-time trailer data.

Buy a New Toyota Tundra at DARCARS Toyota of Frederick

Are you ready to hitch your trailer and start towing in your new Toyota Tundra in Frederick, MD? You can learn more about Toyota Tundra towing capacities and payload at our car dealership, as well as get the keys for a test drive today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Toyota Tundra trucks good for towing?

Yes, Toyota Tundra trucks, new or used, are exceptional towing machines. Since 2022, they've provided a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds when properly equipped, along with a top payload capacity ranging from 1,850 to 1,940 pounds. On newer models, you find a standard Class-IV towing hitch receiver and wiring harness with a seven-pin/four-pin connector.

How much can a Toyota Tundra pull?

The 2026 Toyota Tundra can pull between 8,300 and 12,000 pounds, depending on the trim, engine, and configuration. At the high end, the SR5 Double Cab with RWD and a 6.5-foot bed reaches the max tow rating of 12,000 pounds, while the entry-level SR hits the minimum rating of 8,300 pounds, regardless of configuration.

How much can a Tundra SR5 pull?

The 2026 Toyota Tundra SR5 is a top performer when it comes to towing, capable of pulling between 11,010 and 12,000 pounds depending on the engine, bed length, and drivetrain configuration. The Tundra SR5 is the trim that can reach the truck's optimal towing potential of 12,000 pounds, whether you're hauling a boat, trailer, or heavy work equipment.

What are the drive modes for the 2026 Toyota Tundra?

The 2026 Toyota Tundra comes equipped with a range of standard and available drive modes to match your driving style and road conditions. These mode selections include Eco, Normal, Sport, Comfort, Sport S, Sport S+, Custom, and TOW/HAUL modes, giving you the flexibility to optimize fuel economy, performance, ride comfort, or towing capability depending on the task at hand.