Pickup trucks are some of the most versatile vehicles on the market. Not only are they known for their ability to carry payload and go off-road, but many of them are upscale and roomy enough to be terrific family vehicles. However, what they are most known for is towing. Sure, you can tow a trailer, a boat, or equipment behind an SUV, but trucks have the most towing capacity and, generally speaking, are best equipped for the job.
It’s easy enough to find the maximum towing capacity for any and every new truck on the market. The tricky part is determining which combination tows the most. A truck’s towing capacity depends on the engine, cab, axle ratio, drivetrain, and more. To help you decide what you want from the truck you’re shopping for, we’ve configured every truck for sale to determine how you actually get that maximum towing capacity. When there are multiple ways to do it, we show you the most affordable. This list focuses on 2024 model-year trucks, but we have included 2023 models when the 2024 versions aren’t on sale yet. If we couldn’t build and price a 2024 model on the consumer site, we built a 2023. We’ll update the story as soon as pricing is available.
It may turn out that what you want is the best combination of room for people, plus some creature comforts in the cabin. That can, and often does, mean that the truck that best suits you is not the one with the highest towing capacity. But this guide can give you a good starting point with your research.
Notes: Prices do not include destination charges. Pricing is based on the cab, bed, and engine configurations that were available as of this story’s publish date. Please confirm the right combination of equipment to safely suit your towing needs with your dealership.
Compact Trucks
2024 Ford Maverick Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 4,000 pounds
- Base price: $23,815
- Price as configured: $26,780 (XL)
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Base price: $26,650
- Price as configured: $38,660 (Night)
If you’re shopping for a 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz and go to Hyundai’s website, you’ll find this truck under the “SUVs” banner. That’s because this is a modern take on the truck concept. It’s based on the Tucson platform and is designed more for adventure than hard-core truck use. That said, the Santa Cruz is more capable than you may think. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Look for the Night, XRT, or Limited trim levels, which come with the upgrade 2.5-liter turbo engine and all-wheel drive. The tow hitch costs another $450. The Santa Cruz is pre-wired for trailer lights and comes with trailer sway control, a robust transmission oil cooler, and an auto-leveling rear suspension. See Hyundai Santa Cruz models for sale near you
Midsize Trucks
2023 Chevrolet Colorado Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 7,700 pounds
- Base price: $29,200
- Price as configured: $31,715 (WT)
You can start with the Work Truck, and upgrade to the Turbo Plus. Add the $945 Advanced Trailering Package, which also adds the $1,095 trailer brake controller. It includes the 3.42 rear axle and 6,049-pound GVWR, as well as a wide range of towing features. All trim levels are Crew Cabs, and you can get a 7,700-pound towing capacity with the LT, Trail Boss, and Z71, with or without 4WD. See Chevrolet Colorado models for sale near you
2024 Ford Ranger Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 7,500 pounds
- Base price: $32,670
- Price as configured: $33,165 (XL)
The Ford Ranger is all-new for 2024, with new styling, a choice of engines, and an impressive list of towing tech. For this all-new generation, the Ranger comes as a crew cab with a short bed. When it initially goes on sale, there will be two engines available: a 270-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder or a 315-horsepower 2.7-liter V6. A 3.0-liter V6 will go on sale in the upcoming Raptor at a later date, with a towing capacity of 5,510 pounds. Based on initial towing data from Ford, you can build a Ranger with the 2.3- or 2.7-liter engine to tow 7,500 pounds.
For the most affordable model, start with the 2WD XL. Add the $495 Trailer Tow Package to get wiring harnesses and a Class IV hitch receiver. For the 2.7-liter, you’ll need 4-wheel drive. As of the publish date of this story, the 2024 is on Ford’s consumer site, but is just starting to get to dealerships. For the 2023 model, it’s a similar story — add the $495 Trailer Tow Package, and you’re good to go. See Ford Ranger models for sale near you
2023 GMC Canyon Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 7,700 pounds
- Base price: $36,900
- Price as configured: $37,140 (Elevation)
As is the case with its sibling, the Colorado, the 2023 GMC Canyon is all-new. The Canyon is an upscale midsize truck with excellent off-road capability. It’s powered by a 2.7-liter turbo 4-cylinder with 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The Denali returns, and a new trim level, the AT4X, is the Canyon’s most capable off-roader to date. The least expensive Canyon that you can currently configure to tow 7,700 pounds is the Elevation with the ProGrade Trailering System ($990). When you check this box, it automatically adds a trailer brake controller. You can also build the AT4 and Denali for 7,700 pounds of towing capacity. See GMC Canyon models for sale near you
2024 Honda Ridgeline Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Base price: $39,750
- Price as configured: $39,985 (Sport)
Unique, functional, and capable, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline has the interior space and amenities of an SUV, plus an innovative pickup bed with an underfloor storage area you can drain. Every trim level of the Ridgeline is ready to tow the maximum 5,000-pound capacity; all you need is the $235 trailer hitch towing kit. See Honda Ridgeline models for sale near you
2023 Jeep Gladiator Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 7,700 pounds
- Base price: $39,620
- Price as configured: $42,885 (Sport)
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator is somewhere between a pure pickup and a Wrangler. It’s highly capable off-road, but with more capacity for work thanks to the pickup form factor. To get the maximum towing capacity in the Gladiator at the lowest price, choose the Gladiator Sport trim, the 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine, the 8-speed automatic transmission, and the $1,895 Max Tow Package, which includes the 4.10 rear axle, a 240-amp alternator, 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, a Class IV hitch, upgraded engine cooling, Dana 44 front and rear axles, and much more. See Jeep Gladiator models for sale near you
2024 Nissan Frontier Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 6,640 pounds
- Base price: $29,930
- Price as configured: $30,435
Just two years ago, the 2024 Nissan Frontier made a giant leap forward, with brawny new looks, more power, and a more comfortable, refined cabin. The current truck is modern and rugged, and has a towing capacity of 6,640 pounds. If you want a Frontier with the maximum towing capacity and want to save money, you’re in luck: the most affordable trim level and body style are what you want. Get the 2-wheel-drive King (extended) Cab S. Add the $505 Tow Package, which includes a Class IV hitch receiver, 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness, and connections for trailer lights and trailer brakes. If you need a hitch, that’s also available from Nissan, as is a “Tow Mode” switch for your truck’s dash. You can also get this towing capacity in a 2-wheel-drive short-wheelbase SV Crew Cab for $34,535. See Nissan Frontier models for sale near you
2023 Rivian R1T Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 11,000 pounds
- Base price: $73,000
- Price as configured: $73,000
The fully electric Rivian R1T is a midsize truck that’s built for the outdoors and hard work. It can carry up to 1,764 pounds of payload and can tow 11,000 pounds. And with up to 352 miles of range and nearly 15 inches of ground clearance, you won’t have to worry about going deep into the backcountry on an off-road adventure. (Towing will affect the range, however.)
When it comes to towing, the R1T already has some helpful features, and it’s rumored more will come soon in over-the-air (OTA) software updates. One example: when you connect a trailer, a Towing mode appears on the screen. That lets you adjust the trailer brake controller through the main screen and shows you the estimated range in the driver’s screen while towing. The R1T has a fully independent suspension that levels the ride height when you’re towing a heavy trailer. You can also lower the suspension when you want to disconnect the trailer from the truck. Every R1T comes standard with a 2-inch Class V receiver and has a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds.
2024 Toyota Tacoma Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 6,500 pounds
- Base price: $31,500
- Price as configured: $36,200 (SR5)
The Tacoma name has been around since 1995, but Toyota trucks have been known for reliability, capability, and quality in America since the 1960s. It’s no wonder the Tacoma has been the best-selling truck in its segment for so long. The Toyota Tacoma is all-new for 2024 and continues that tradition, even without V6 power. The new truck is capable, refined, roomy, comfortable, and quick.
To get the maximum 6,500-pound towing capacity, choose a 2- or 4-wheel-drive XtraCab with the 278-horsepower turbocharged i-Force engine. (Opting for the i-Force Max hybrid lowers max towing capacity to 6,400 pounds.) You have to move up one trim level to the SR5 to get the i-Force engine. The good news is this trim level comes standard with a Class IV hitch receiver and other towing aids. We recommend adding the $1,930 SR5 Upgrade Package, which includes a trailer brake controller, but we did not include it in the $36,200 price. See Toyota Tacoma models for sale near you
Full-Size Trucks
2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 13,300 pounds
- Base price: $36,800
- Price as configured: $52,465 (LT)
2023 Ford F-150 Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 14,000 pounds
- Base price: $33,835
- Price as configured: $53,025 (XLT)
With hybrid and electric variants also available, the 2023 Ford F-150 offers a pickup to suit a wide range of buyers. (The 2024 F-150 has been delayed, but we will update this story when it goes on sale.) Those looking for max towing for the lowest price will want to stick to the F-150 XLT outfitted with the SuperCab, an 8-foot bed, 2WD, and the EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6. You’ll also need the $2,215 Max Trailer Tow Package, which includes a 3.55 electric locking rear axle. See Ford F-150 models for sale near you
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 10,000 pounds
- Base price: $49,995
- Price as configured: $74,595 (XLT)
The Ford F-150 Lightning has created a lot of excitement. With up to 320 miles of range, combined fuel economy of up to 78 MPGe, and a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, the Lightning could be the ideal half-ton truck for a lot of buyers. The least expensive way to get the maximum towing capacity is with the XLT model with the extended range battery, plus the $1,100 Max Trailer Tow Package. When we priced it, the total came to $74,595 before factoring in any federal or state incentives. While the 2024 model has been delayed, we expect the starting price and capability to remain the same as it was for 2023. See Ford F-150 Lightning models for sale near you
2024 GMC Hummer EV Pickup Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 8,500 pounds
- Base price: $96,550
- Price as configured: $104,650 (3X)
Hummer, one of the most famous names in off-road brawn, was revived in 2021 for the 2022 model year. Now a model under the GMC umbrella, the GMC Hummer EV Pickup is an all-electric full-size truck that’s brimming with capability. An estimated 1,000 horsepower, 4-wheel steering (Crab Walk), and Super Cruise hands-free driving are only some of this truck’s impressive features. For maximum towing capacity, look for the 3X trim level, which comes out of the box ready to tow 8,500 pounds.
2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 13,200 pounds
- Base price: $37,700
- Price as configured: $52,915 (SLE)
The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 is work-ready but also upscale, especially in Denali form, with top-line features like an available carbon fiber bed, lots of engine choices, and the latest tech. For maximum towing capacity, you’ll want to equip the Sierra 1500 with a Double Cab and short bed, 2WD, the 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline 6-cylinder — which means the SLE or Elevation — and the $1,125 Max Trailering Package, which includes an integrated trailer brake controller, locking rear differential with 3.73 axle ratio, upgraded suspension and rear axle, enhanced cooling, and more. You’ll also have to select a wheel upgrade. If you prefer a crew cab, maximum towing capacity is 13,100 pounds. See GMC Sierra 1500 models for sale near you
2024 Nissan Titan Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 9,290 pounds (Titan) | 10,900-11,050 (Titan XD)
- Base price: $45,940
- Price as configured: $45,940 (Titan SV) | $52,100 (Titan XD SV)
For the last year of production, the Nissan Titan has a streamlined range of trim levels. What that does is make the Crew Cab SV the most affordable Titan, starting at $45,940. It’s also the most capable for towing, with a 9,290-pound towing capacity in 2-wheel-drive form. The Titan comes standard with a stout 400-horsepower V8, whether you choose the King (extended) or Crew Cab body style.
The Nissan Titan XD is also departing after the 2024 model year. As the heavier-duty sibling of the Titan, the XD is built to tow up to 10,900 pounds with a conventional hitch and 11,050 with a gooseneck. With the XD, 4-wheel drive comes standard, so look for a Crew Cab SV for your tow vehicle. See Nissan Titan models for sale near you
2024 Ram 1500 Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 12,750 pounds
- Base price: $39,420
- Price as configured: $43,760 (Tradesman)
From a basic work truck to the monster 702-horsepower Ram TRX, the 2024 Ram 1500 spans a wide of drivers’ needs. For maximum trailering capability, the Ram 1500 needs to be a rear-wheel-drive Quad Cab Tradesman with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine. Then add the $1,295 Hemi Max Tow Package, which includes a 3.92 rear axle, 18-inch wheels, power trailer mirrors, a full-size spare, a trailer brake controller, and more. Max towing capacity in the popular crew cab configuration is 11,540 pounds. See Ram 1500 models for sale near you
2024 Toyota Tundra Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 12,000 pounds
- Base price: $39,965
- Price as configured: $45,500 (SR5)
Angular, tough looks, a choice of twin-turbo engines including a hybrid, and Toyota reliability separate the 2024 Toyota Tundra from its competitors. It has a coil spring rear suspension and lots of safety and convenience tech. To get the highest tow rating from the 2024 Tundra, look for a 2WD Double Cab SR5 with the 6.5-foot bed and the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine — not the hybrid iFORCE-MAX version. With all those boxes ticked, you’ll top out at 12,000 pounds of towing capacity.
With the SR5, you’ll have the option of adding premium tow mirrors, load-leveling air suspension, and a trailer backup guide system. You can get all of these features in the $7,875 Advanced Technology Package with options. A trailer brake controller is standard with the SR5. The closest to max towing capacity you’ll find with the crew cab Tundra (the CrewMax) is 11,350 pounds in the Limited trim. See Toyota Tundra models for sale near you
3/4-ton Heavy-Duty Trucks
2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 20,000 pounds (conventional) | 22,430 pounds (gooseneck)
- Base price: $44,400
- Price as configured: $57,600 (WT)
The configuration with the maximum tow rating for the Silverado 2500HD requires the 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 powertrain, crew cab, and long bed, plus the $995 Max Trailering Package. The truck can be 2- or 4-wheel drive. You can get that combination in the WT trim level for $61,460 with 2WD, $64,260 with 4WD.
Getting the 22,430-pound towing capacity with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck trailer is actually less expensive. It requires 2-wheel drive, the 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 powertrain, regular cab, and long bed, plus the $995 Max Trailering Package. That brings the total to $57,600 in WT trim. See Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD models for sale near you
2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 22,000 pounds (conventional) | 23,000 pounds (gooseneck)
- Base price: $44,970
- Price as configured: $60,300 (XL)
In the F-Series lineup, there is the F-150 and the Super Duty. The Super Duty trucks are everything from the 3/4-ton F-250 and up. The Super Duty lineup was all new for 2023. As the entry point to the Super Duty lineup, the 2024 Ford F-250 is a powerful, capable truck that is only eclipsed by its 1-ton-and-larger Super Duty siblings. The F-250 is massively capable, towing up to 22,000 pounds with a conventional hitch when properly configured.
That proper configuration includes the SuperCab, 8-foot bed, and 4WD, as well as the 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 and 3.31 rear axle ratio. You’ll also need to add 18-inch all-season tires and the high-capacity trailer tow package. For maximum gooseneck towing, the least expensive combination is the 2-wheel-drive XL regular cab with the 8-foot bed and 142-inch wheelbase and the high-output Power Stroke turbodiesel. It includes the high-capacity axle upgrade package, and you can add the $550 fifth-wheel/gooseneck prep package, for a total of $58,015. Note: Maximum fifth-wheel towing is limited to 22,300 pounds. See Ford F-250 models for sale near you
2024 GMC Sierra 2500 Heavy Duty Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 20,000 pounds (conventional) | 22,430 pounds (gooseneck)
- Base price: $45,400
- Price as configured: $58,075 (Pro)
As is the case with its sibling Silverado HD, the Sierra 2500 also benefits from key updates for 2024. The diesel engine is more powerful, there is new towing-specific tech, and there are new interior options, including a huge tablet-style touchscreen. Serving as the entry to GMC’s heavy-duty trucks, the 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD looks every bit as capable as it is, and it’s capable even in base Pro trim.
In fact, the least expensive maximum bumper towing capacity version of the 2024 Sierra 2500 HD is the 2WD crew cab Pro equipped with the 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8, plus the new-for-2024 Max Trailering Package. If you want to use a gooseneck towing setup, it’s less expensive, as you can start with a regular-cab truck. In this case, it’s a 2WD regular cab Pro with the turbodiesel, Max Trailering Package, and the $325 gooseneck hitch package, totaling $58,075 without destination charges. See GMC Sierra 2500HD models for sale near you
2024 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 20,000 pounds
- Base price: $47,740
- Price as configured: $61,550 (Tradesman)
Like the Chevy Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD, and Ford Super Duty trucks, the 2024 Ram 2500 takes towing to the next level, with up to 20,000 pounds of capacity available. To get there for the lowest price, you’ll need the RWD Ram 2500 Tradesman with a crew cab, 8-foot bed, 6.7-liter turbodiesel inline-6 engine, 3.73 rear axle ratio, and 6-speed automatic transmission. (If you want to save even more money on your rig, look for a regular cab with the same equipment. You’ll lose 10 pounds of towing capacity, but you’ll save a few thousand dollars.) See Ram 2500 models for sale near you
1-ton Heavy-Duty Trucks
2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 20,000 pounds (conventional) | 36,000 pounds (gooseneck)
- Base price: $45,600
- Price as configured: $60,135 (WT)
Achieving the maximum conventional tow rating is easier, with a range of cab, bed, and single/dual rear wheel configurations hitting the 20,000-pound mark. The most affordable version we found was the same setup for maximum towing with a gooseneck: 2-wheel-drive DRW regular cab with the diesel. See Silverado 3500HD models for sale near you
2024 Ford F-350 Super Duty Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 28,000 pounds (conventional) | 38,000 pounds (gooseneck)
- Base price: $46,015
- Price as configured: $60,945 (XL)
Significant updates have made the Ford Super Duty the most capable heavy-duty truck you can buy. Comparing apples to apples, the 2024 Ford F-350 has the best towing capacity on this list. Amazingly, it isn’t the biggest, baddest pickup in Ford’s Super Duty lineup. It’s close, but falls 2,000 pounds short of the F-450’s headline rating of 40,000 pounds. (The F-450 has heavier-duty springs and a firmer ride than the F-350 and is nearly a commercial truck.)
To equip an F-350 for maximum conventional towing, you’ll need a 2WD crew cab model with the High Output Power Stroke diesel on dual rear wheels and the 4.10 rear axle, for a total capacity of 28,000 pounds and a price of $64,540. The F-350’s true 38,000-pound maximum towing capacity using a gooseneck is achieved with the same equipment on a regular-cab truck with a gooseneck/fifth-wheel kit ($550). The price as of this story’s publish date is $60,945. Note: Maximum fifth-wheel towing is limited to 35,000 pounds. See Ford F-350 models for sale near you
2024 GMC Sierra 3500 Heavy Duty Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 20,000 pounds (conventional) | 36,000 pounds (gooseneck)
- Base price: $46,200
- Price as configured: $61,940 (Pro)
GMC’s 2024 Sierra 3500 Heavy Duty can tow up to 20,000 pounds in conventional bumper-pull towing, or up to 36,000 pounds with a gooseneck hitch. To get the max conventional towing capacity, there are several options that use the Duramax diesel. The most affordable we found was the regular cab 2WD DRW Pro with the $2,715 Max Trailering Package, totaling $61,940. Scoring a 36,000-pound gooseneck rating requires the same combination of cab, engine, and packages. Maximum fifth-wheel towing capacity is 32,000 pounds. See GMC Sierra 3500 models for sale near you
2024 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty Towing Capacity
- Maximum towing capacity: 37,090 pounds (gooseneck)
- Base price: $49,980
- Price as configured: $64,610 (Tradesman)
The 2024 Ram 3500 levels up the towing game yet again, this time to more than 35,000 pounds. To get to that maximum towing configuration, buyers will need to choose a dual-rear-wheel Tradesman with a regular cab and 8-foot bed, the High Output 6.7-liter turbo diesel inline-6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, and the 14,000-pound GVW rating. Also, add the 4.10 axle — plus, we strongly suggest adding the $395 trailer brake controller. (Which we added to the price.) You can choose Trailer Tech packages that make towing easier. We recommend the $2,395 Towing Technology Package, which includes power-folding and telescoping heated mirrors, blind-spot monitoring with trailer and cross-path detection, and a surround-view camera system. However, we didn’t include it in the price. You can also add a 30K Direct Mount fifth-wheel hitch for $1,495. See Ram 3500 models for sale near you
