Maximum towing capacity is the hard limit. It is the heaviest load your vehicle can pull without risking catastrophic damage to the drivetrain. Manufacturers specify this number in the owner’s manual. While aftermarket hitches often advertise higher capacities, those figures are generic. They assume a capable tow vehicle. Your car or truck is the bottleneck, not the hitch. Always follow the auto manufacturer’s designated towing capacity.
This guide breaks down towing limits by make, model, and year for vehicles produced between 2006 and 2009. Before you plug numbers into a trailer, understand the math. Passenger weight over 150 lbs., optional equipment, and cargo all count. Add them to the equation. If you exceed the rated capacity, you risk compromising handling, braking distance, and mechanical integrity.
How Towing Capacity Works and Why It Matters
Why do manufacturers set these limits? It’s about physics and engineering. Exceeding the limit puts stress on the transmission, axles, and suspension components that weren’t designed for that load.
When consulting a towing capacity chart, remember that “empty car” weight is a myth. You are driving with people, gear, and fuel.
– Passengers: Calculate weight for anyone exceeding 150 lbs.
– Cargo: Count everything in the trunk and passenger cabin.
– Equipment: Winches, toolboxes, and specialized gear add up.
Never ignore this. A 1,000 lb. margin for error can mean the difference between a smooth trip and a blown transmission.
Acura Towing Capacity (2006-2009)
Acura models vary significantly. Sedans like the RL, TL, and TSX have low limits. The MDX is the outlier.
| Year | Model | Max Towing Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | MDX | 3,500 |
| 2006 | RL | 1,000 |
| 2006 | RSX | 1,500 |
| 2006 | TL | 1,000 |
| 2006 | TSX | – |
| 2007 | MDX | 5,000 |
| 2007 | RL | 1,000 |
| 2007 | RDX | 1,500 |
| 2007 | TL | 1,000 |
| 2007 | TSX | 1,000 |
| 2008 | MDX | 5,000 |
| 2008 | RL | 1,000 |
| 2008 | RSX | 1,500 |
| 2008 | TL | 1,000 |
| 2008 | TSX | 1,000 |
| 2009 | MDX | 5,000 |
| 2009 | RL | 1,000 |
| 2009 | RSX | 1,500 |
| 2009 | TSX | 1,000 |
Note the jump for the MDX. The 2006 model tows 3,500 lbs. The 2007 model jumped to 5,000 lbs. If you are buying a used Acura MDX, that one-year difference changes what you can haul.
Audi Towing Capacity (2006-2009)
Most Audi sedans and coupes do not tow. The Q7 is the exception.
| Year | Model | Max Towing Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | A3, A4, A6, A8, S4, TT | – |
| 2007 | Q7 | 5,500 |
| 2007 | A3, A4, A6, A8, RS4, S4, S6, S8 | – |
| 2008 | Q7 | 5,500 |
| 2008 | A3, A4, A5, A6, A8, R8, RS4, S4, S5, S6, S8, TT | – |
| 2009 | Q7 | 5,500 |
| 2009 | A3, A4, A5, A8, R8, S4, S5, S8, TT | – |
If you own an Audi A4 or A6, you are not a tow vehicle. The Q7 is the only model in this range with a meaningful rating, sitting steady at 5,500 lbs.
BMW Towing Capacity (2006-2009)
Similar to Audi, BMW focuses on performance sedans. The X-series SUVs handle the towing.
| Year | Model | Max Towing Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | X3 | 3,500 |
| 2006 | X5 | 6,000 |
| 2006 | 325, 330, 525, 530, 550, 650, 750, 760, M3, M5, M6, Z4, Z4M | – |
| 2007 | X3 | 3,500 |
| 2007 | X5 | 6,000 |
| 2007 | 328, 335, 525, 530, 550, 650, 750, 760, Alpina B7, M5, M6, Z4, Z4M | – |
| 2008 | X3 | 3,500 |
| 2008 | X5 | 6,000 |
| 2008 | X6 | 6,000 |
| 2008 | 128, 135, 328, 335, 528, 535, 550, 650, 750, 760, Alpina B7 |
How much can a 2006-2009 Chevy Silverado tow?
The numbers shift year to year, and the trim level matters more than most buyers realize. If you are hunting for 2006-2009 Chevrolet towing capacity, the Silverado 1500 starts at 4,600 lbs in 2007 and 2008, bumps to 4,700 lbs in 2009, and the 2006 model sits at 5,700 lbs. The 2500 HD consistently hovers around the 10,000-10,100 lb mark across these years. The 3500 HD is surprisingly close, landing between 9,500 and 9,700 lbs.
The Avalanche 1500 was a monster in 2006 and 2007, pulling 7,300 lbs and 7,200 lbs respectively. Then, in 2009, that figure dropped to 5,000 lbs. The Suburban 2500 followed a similar upward trend, starting at 7,900 lbs in 2006 and jumping to 9,600 lbs by 2008 and 2009. The Tahoe Hybrid held steady at 6,200 lbs when available in 2008 and 2009. Smaller trucks like the Colorado saw a steady climb from 1,600 lbs in 2006 to 3,000 lbs in 2008 and 2009.
Which Chrysler models offer the highest towing limits?
The Chrysler lineup was heavily skewed toward passenger cars during this period, which kept most towing capacities low. The 300 and 300C rarely exceeded 1,000 lbs and 2,000 lbs, respectively. The PT Cruiser and Sebring stayed in the 1,000-3,500 lb range.
The real workhorse was the Aspen. It consistently pulled 8,950 lbs from 2007 through 2009. The Aspen Hybrid, introduced in 2009, dropped that capacity to 6,000 lbs. The Town & Country minivan improved slightly over time, reaching 3,600 lbs in 2008 and 2009. The Pacifica and Crossfire offered negligible towing capability, with the Crossfire listed as having no rated capacity.
Dodge Ram vs. Chevy: Which towed more in 2009?
If you are comparing 2009 Dodge towing capacity against Chevrolet, the Ram 3500 took the crown with a massive 12,300 lbs. That is significantly higher than any Chevrolet from that year. The Ram 2500 came in at 9,300 lbs, slightly behind the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD at 10,000 lbs. The Ram 1500 jumped to 3,800 lbs in 2009, a notable increase from the 2,900-2,950 lb range seen in 2006-2008.
The Durango Hybrid emerged in 2009 with a 5,750 lb rating, outperforming the standard Durango at 3,850 lbs. The Grand Caravan and Nitro stayed consistent at 3,600 lbs and 3,500 lbs, respectively. The Challenger and Viper had negligible or no ratings, while the Journey was not listed for towing in that year.
Ford F-Series: Why did the F-450 capacity change in 2009?
Ford’s lineup saw some oddities. The F-150 held steady at 6,400-6,500 lbs from 2006 to 2008, then jumped to 8,700 lbs in 2009. The F-250 and F-350 fluctuated wildly. In 2007, both the F-250 and F-350 were rated at 10,600 lbs. In 2008, the F-250 dropped to 8,700 lbs while the F-350 stayed at 10,700 lbs. By 2009, the F-250 was not listed, but the F-450 appeared with a 10,700 lb rating, down from the 16,000 lbs listed for the 2008 model.
The Expedition held a stable 9,200 lbs from 2007 to 2009. The Explorer and Explorer Sport Trac remained at 3,500 lbs. The Ranger saw a significant drop from 6,000 lbs in 2006 to 2,460 lbs in 2007-2009. Smaller cars like the Focus, Fusion, and Mustang generally hovered around 1,000 lbs or had no rating.
Towing capacity is not static; it depends on engine, axle ratio, and hitch class. Always check the specific configuration of the vehicle you are buying.
These figures cover the maximum potential. Real-world towing depends on payload, tongue weight, and vehicle condition. The “More Specs” sections for each brand list GVWR, GAWR, GCWR, cargo capacity, curb weight, and payload, which are essential for calculating safe tow setups. Ignoring these numbers can lead to transmission damage or brake failure.
Why GMC Sierras still outpull almost everything else in the 2006-2009 range
If you are hunting for a used truck that can actually haul a boat or a large utility trailer without breaking the bank, the 2006-2009 GMC Sierra 2500 is the undisputed king here. It sits comfortably in the 10,400 to 10,500 lbs max towing capacity bracket. That is a massive amount of weight. The Sierra 3500 follows closely behind, ranging from 10,000 to 10,100 lbs. These numbers are not close to the consumer SUVs. They are in a different league entirely.
The Sierra 1500 is the entry point. It tows between 4,000 and 4,800 lbs depending on the year. For light camping or small trailers, it works. But if you want to tow a fifth wheel, you need the heavy-duty half-ton or three-quarter-ton configurations. The Yukon XL, often overlooked, pushes 7,100 to 7,500 lbs in this era. It is a beast for an SUV. The Savana 2500 van tows 6,300 lbs, which is enough for most towed vehicles or large cargo setups.
How Hummer and Land Rover challenge the truck class
The Hummer H2 is surprising. In 2008 and 2009, it tows 8,200 lbs. That beats the GMC Yukon and rivals many half-ton trucks. The H1 Alpha, before it disappeared from the lineup, hit 7,887 lbs in 2006. If you find one, it is a serious tow rig. The H3 tows 3,000 lbs, and the H3T pickup adds 4,400 lbs in 2009.
Land Rover steps up in 2009 with the LR3, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport all hitting 7,716 lbs. The LR2 drops to 3,500 lbs. Earlier years (2006-2007) show the Range Rover Sport and LR3 at 7,700 lbs. This consistency means the LR3 and Range Rover are viable alternatives to a mid-size truck for moderate towing duties. They are not going to pull a 10,000 lb load, but they handle 7.7k without flinching.
Which Honda, Hyundai, and Kia models can actually tow?
Let us be honest. Most compact cars here are not towers. The Honda Civic tows 1,000 to 1,500 lbs. The Accord is capped at 1,000 lbs. The CR-V and Pilot hit 3,500 lbs, which is decent for a small bumper trailer. The Ridgeline is the outlier, towing 5,000 lbs in 2006 and 2008. That is a real number for a unibody pickup.
Hyundai is mixed. The Santa Fe drops from 2,700 lbs in 2006 to 1,650 lbs in 2007 and 2008. That is a weird drop. The Tucson stays flat at 1,000 lbs. The Elantra is a joke for towing at 750 lbs. The Sonata and Azera hover around 1,000 lbs. If you need to tow anything substantial, look at the Kia Sorento or Sedona. The Sorento hits 5,000 lbs in 2007 and 2008. The Sedona tows 3,500 lbs in 2007. The Borrego, a rebadged Sorento, maintains that 5,000 lb rating in 2009. These are the only Korean cars in this list with real utility.
Jeep, Infiniti, and Isuzu: The middle ground
Jeep sticks to the 3,500 lb mark for the Grand Cherokee, Commander, and Liberty (until the Liberty drops to 2,000 lbs in 2008). The Wrangler is 1,000 lbs. Do not try to tow a boat on a Wrangler. The Compass and Patriot are 1,000 lbs. It is consistent, but low.
Infiniti is interesting because the QX56 tows 9,000 lbs. That is a huge number for a luxury SUV. It beats the GMC Yukon and Hummer H2. The FX35 and FX45 (later FX50) to 3,500 lbs. The sedans, like the G35 and M35, are capped at 1,000 lbs. If you want luxury and towing power, the QX56 is the pick.
Isuzu is a niche player. The i-370 jumps to 5,500 lbs in 2008, up from 4,000 lbs in earlier years. The Ascender holds steady at 5,300 lbs. The i-290 is a light utility vehicle at 2,100-2,200 lbs. These are workhorses, not toys.
What about Jaguar and the zero-rating cars?
Jaguar is a complete no-go for towing. Every model from the S-Type to the XK and XJ8 has no listed towing capacity in this dataset. That is a red flag. Do not buy a Jaguar to tow anything. Not even a small U-Haul. It is not engineered for it.
Similarly, the Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Hybrid (in some years), CR-V, Insight, S2000, and Fit have no rated capacity. The Hyundai Genesis, Tiburon, and Veracruz are also blank. When a manufacturer leaves these fields blank, it usually means “do not tow.” Treat a dash as a hard stop.
Quick comparison for specific towing needs
- Need 10,000+ lbs: GMC Sierra 2500/3500. No one else comes close.
- Need 7,000-9,000 lbs: GMC Yukon XL, Hummer H2 (2008+), Land Rover LR3/Range Rover (2009), Infiniti QX56.
- Need 4,000-5,500 lbs: GMC Sierra 1500, Honda Ridgeline, Isuzu i-370, Kia Sorento/Borrego, Hummer H3T.
- Need 3,000-3,500 lbs: Most Jeeps, Honda Pilot/CR-V, Hyundai Sedona, Infiniti FX series, Hummer H3.
- Need 1,000-2,000 lbs: Compacts like the Civic, Elantra, Sonata, and Wrangler.
The data is clear. If you need serious towing power in this price range, the GMC Sierra 2500 is the benchmark. The Infiniti QX56 is the luxury alternative. Everything else is for light duty. Check your specific year and trim before you buy, because the Sierra 1500 and 2500 share a nameplate but perform very differently.
Lexus and Lincoln Towing Limits for 2006-2009
You might think the luxury badge buys you heavy lifting capability. It does, but only if you pick the right chassis. The sedans are mostly useless for anything beyond a small kayak carrier. The trucks and large SUVs, however, handle serious loads.
For Lexus, the GX 470 is the workhorse of the mid-2000s lineup. It tows 6,500 lbs consistently from 2006 through 2009. The LX 470 matches that figure in 2006 and 2007. Then, the LX 570 arrived in 2008 and pushed the ceiling to 8,500 lbs, a significant jump for a passenger vehicle.
The RX line is trickier. The RX 330 and RX 400h managed 3,500 lbs in 2006 and 2007. But when the RX 350 debuted in 2008, its capacity dropped to 2,000 lbs. The hybrid variant followed suit. If you bought an RX 350 thinking it could pull a medium trailer, you missed the mark. The LS 430 is strictly a 2,000 lb tow car, suitable only for light loads.
The LX 570’s 8,500 lb rating puts it in a different class than the rest of the Lexus sedan and crossover lineup.
Lincoln tells a similar story. The Mark LT is the standout here, holding steady at 8,900 lbs for every year from 2006 to 2008. It’s one of the highest numbers in this entire dataset. The Navigator is reliable, offering 6,000 lbs across all four years.
The smaller Lincolns don’t do much. The Town Car manages 2,000 lbs. The MKX is capped at 2,000 lbs for 2007-2009. The MKS is the weak link, rated for only 1,000 lbs in 2009. The MKZ and Zephyr offer no towing capacity at all.
Mazda and Mercedes-Benz: The Utility Divide
Mazda’s lineup splits sharply between its truck line and its passenger cars. The B4000 pickup is the strongest, toying 3,140 lbs in 2006 and 2008, and 3,100 lbs in 2007. The B3000 hovers around 2,500 lbs. The B2300 is lower, at 1,600 lbs.
The Tribute is modest at 1,500 lbs, though the hybrid version in 2008 bumped that to 2,000 lbs. The new crossovers, the CX-7 and CX-9, both rate at 2,000 lbs starting in 2007. The MPV minivan in 2006 also pulls 2,000 lbs. Everything else, from the Mazda3 to the RX-8, is zero. No towing. Not worth asking.
Mercedes-Benz saw a major shift in 2007. In 2006, the ML350 and ML500 were limited to 2,000 lbs. That changed in 2007. The GL320 came in at 7,500 lbs. The GL450 and GL550 followed suit in 2008 at 7,500 lbs. The ML series jumped to 7,200 lbs for the 320, 350, 500, 550, and 63 AMG variants. The rugged G500 and later G55 hold at 7,000 lbs.
The sedans, including the C, E, S, CL, CLK, and CLS, offer zero towing capacity. The only exception is the R-Class in 2009, which is rated for 3,500 lbs. That’s a niche number, likely due to specific hitch configurations or model year updates.
Mercury, MINI, and Mitsubishi: Niche and Limited
Mercury is a fading brand in this period, and its towing specs reflect that. The Mountaineer is the leader at 3,500 lbs, matching the Monterey in 2006 and 2007. The Mariner is low at 1,500 lbs, while the Mariner Hybrid drops to 1,000 lbs. The Montego and Sable are also 1,000 lb tows. The Grand Marquis holds steady at 1,500 lbs. The Milan offers none.
MINI is not a towing vehicle. Period. The Cooper, Clubman, Convertible, and John Cooper Works models from 2006 to 2009 all have no rated towing capacity. Don’t put a hitch on one.
Mitsubishi’s Montero is the heavy hitter, rated at 5,000 lbs in 2006. The Endeavor is inconsistent. It’s 3,500 lbs in 2006 and 2008, but drops to 2,000 lbs in 2007. The Raider pickup is solid, toying 4,050 lbs in 2006 and 4,000 lbs in 2007 and 2008. The Outlander ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 lbs depending on the year. The Lancer is 1,000 lbs in 2006. The Eclipse and Galant have zero.
Nissan: The Volume Leader
Nissan has the most models with actual towing numbers. The Titan is the clear winner, rated at 6,500 lbs every single year from 2006 to 2009. The Armada matches that 6,500 lb rating. The Frontier pickup is close behind at 6,300 lbs.
The Pathfinder tows 6,000 lbs. The Xterra manages 5,000 lbs. The mid-size options, Murano and Quest, sit at 3,500 lbs. The sedans, Altima, Maxima, and Sentra, are all rated at 1,000 lbs. The Rogue in 2008 and 2009 is also 1,000 lbs.
The 350Z and GT-R have no towing capacity. The Versa is also zero. If you need to tow a boat or a small utility trailer and you’re shopping in this bracket, the Titan, Armada, and Frontier are the only ones that make sense. Anything under 3,000 lbs is limited to very light loads, like a bike rack or a small camper.
These numbers are maximums. Real-world towing depends on your trailer weight, cargo, and how you configure the vehicle. Check the specific model year and trim before you buy.
Why the Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg share a 7,716 lb towing limit
You don’t buy a Porsche Cayenne to haul a boat, but the 2006, 2008, and 209 models all max out at 7,716 lbs with a proper hitch. The Volkswagen Touareg, built on the same platform, mirrors that number exactly for those years. It’s not a coincidence; it’s shared engineering. If you’re looking at used examples from this era, that specific figure is the hard ceiling. No more, no less.
Where the Saab 9-7X outpulls the Subaru Tribeca
The Saab 9-7X is the heavy hitter in this mid-2000s lineup. From 2006 through 2009, it consistently rated 5,500 lbs. Compare that to the Subaru B9 Tribeca (2006-2007) and later Tribeca, which dropped to 2,700 lbs by 2008. The 9-7X’s V8 gives it a distinct advantage over the Subaru’s standard engine, making it the go-to choice if you needed serious towing power from a European brand that no longer exists.
How the Toyota Land Cruiser towing capacity changed between 2006 and 2009
Toyota’s Land Cruiser saw a significant jump in capability over this short period. In 2006 and 2007, the max was 6,500 lbs. By 2008, it jumped to 8,500 lbs, and in 2009, it hit 9,935 lbs. If you’re hunting for a used Land Cruiser specifically for heavy-duty towing, the 2008 and 2009 models are in a different league than the earlier years. The Tundra, by contrast, stayed steady at 6,800 lbs in 2006 but dropped to 4,800 lbs for 2007, 2008, and 2009.
Which Saturn and Pontiac models can tow 3,500 lbs?
Most compacts in this era are capped at 1,000 to 1,500 lbs. The Pontiac G6, G5, Grand Prix, and Vibe all hover around that low end. The exception is the Pontiac Torrent, which rated 3,500 lbs from 2006 to 2009. The Saturn Relay matched that at 3,500 lbs in 2006 and 2007. The Saturn Outlook and VUE stayed lower, at 2,000 and 1,500 lbs respectively. If you need that mid-range capacity from a GM brand, the Torrent and Relay are your only options here.
Why the Subaru Forester and Outback differ in towing ratings
The 2006 and 2007 Subaru Forester rated 2,400 lbs. The Outback, meanwhile, was higher at 2,700 lbs for those same years. By 2008, the Outback held steady at 2,700 lbs, while the Forester remained at 2,400 lbs. In 2009, the data cuts off for the Forester, but the Outback and Tribeca stayed at 2,700 lbs. The difference is modest, but if you’re hauling a small utility trailer, that extra 300 lbs matters.
What the Suzuki XL7 and Grand Vitara could actually pull
The Suzuki Grand Vitara was rated at 3,000 lbs for 2006 through 2008. The Suzuki XL7 started at 3,000 lbs in 2006 but jumped to 3,500 lbs for 2007 and 2008. By 2009, Suzuki stopped listing towing data for the XL7, Grand Vitara, and SX4 entirely. The smaller models like the Forenza, Reno, and Verona were capped at 1,000 lbs. Don’t expect the compact SX4 to tow anything; it was never rated for it.
Why the Scion tC and smart fortwo aren’t towing vehicles
There’s no towing capacity listed for the Scion tC, xB, xA, or xD from 2006 to 2009. Same for the smart fortwo in 2008. These cars were designed for city maneuvering, not trailer duty. If you’re looking at these models for a camper or boat, you’re in the wrong category. Stick to the SUVs and trucks if towing is a requirement.
Where the Volkswagen Tiguan fits in the 2009 lineup
The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan rated 2,200 lbs. The Routan was lower at 2,000 lbs. The Touareg 2 continued the 7,716 lbs trend. Every other VW model in the list, including the Golf, GTI, Jetta, Beetle, Passat, Eos, GLI, and R32, had no towing rating listed. The Tiguan was the entry point for VW towing in this segment, while the Touareg remained the flagship for heavy loads.
Why most Volvos in this era can’t tow (and the one exception)
You dug through the specs. You saw the dashboards. The 2006 S60 stands alone at 3,300 lbs. Every other model from 2006 to 2009? Zero. Or rather, unlisted, which usually means “don’t try it” or “requires a specific package that wasn’t standard.”
If you’re looking to drag a boat behind a Volvo S80 from 2009, stop. The data is clear. Only the 2006 S60 carries a rated capacity in this dataset.
The 2006 S60 is the only Volvo model in the 2006-2009 range with a defined max towing capacity of 3,300 lbs.
Which Volvo models had towing ratings in 2006-2009?
Let’s break it down by year. This isn’t a “maybe” situation.
- 2006 : S60 only. 3,300 lbs.
- 2007 : No models listed.
- 2008 : No models listed.
- 2009 : No models listed.
Models like the XC90, V70, and S40 appear in every year’s list, but they carry dashes. That means no official towing capacity data is recorded here. If you’re hauling anything heavier than a small bike rack, you’re outside the recommended limits for these specific trims and model years.
How does the 2006 S60 compare to other mid-size sedans?
3,300 lbs is a modest number. For context, many mid-size competitors in that era pushed 4,000 to 5,000 lbs. The S60’s rating puts it in the “light utility” category. It can handle a small camper, a kayak on a trailer, or a modest boat. It’s not built for heavy horse trailers or large cargo vans.
If you’re considering an S60 for towing, check the owner’s manual for your specific trim. The 3,300 lb figure likely applies to a specific engine and transmission combo. The T5 or T6 variants might have different limitations, but this dataset doesn’t split them out. Stick to the general rule: if it’s not listed, it’s not safe to assume.
What about the XC90 or V70?
You’d think the SUVs would tow better. They have more ground clearance, bigger frames. But the data says no. No towing capacity is recorded for the XC90, V70, or any other Volvo from 2007 to 2009.
Why? Possibly because Volvo didn’t market these models as towers. Or the ratings varied by market. Either way, for your purpose, treat them as non-towing vehicles. If you need to move a boat, look at a dedicated tow vehicle. A Subaru Outback or a Toyota Highlander might be safer bets, though their own ratings need checking.
Where to find more Volvo specs
If you’re deep into the numbers, you might also want:
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