Chevrolet Equinox Towing Capacity (by Engine & Year)
TL;DR
Peak towing on the Equinox is 3,500 lb and belongs to older V6 and 2018-2020 2.0L turbo models with a tow package; current 1.5L four-cylinder Equinox models are rated at only 1,500 lb (800 lb for 2025-2026 FWD).
How much can a Chevrolet Equinox tow?
The Equinox is a compact crossover, not a truck, so its towing numbers are modest and vary a lot by generation and engine. The highest rating Chevrolet has ever published for this model is 3,500 lb (1,588 kg), and that figure only applies to specific configurations - the V6 engines offered from 2005 through 2017, and the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder offered from 2018 through 2020 when equipped with the optional trailering package. Every four-cylinder Equinox without that package, and every Equinox built from the 2021 model year onward, is limited to 1,500 lb (680 kg) or less.
Towing capacity by generation and engine
| Generation / years | Engine and configuration | Max towing (lb / kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st gen, 2005-2009 | 3.4L V6, tow package | 3,500 lb / 1,588 kg |
| 2nd gen, 2010-2012 | 3.0L V6 | 3,500 lb / 1,588 kg |
| 2nd gen, 2010-2017 | 2.4L I4 (all years) | 1,500 lb / 680 kg |
| 2nd gen, 2013-2017 | 3.6L V6 | 3,500 lb / 1,588 kg |
| 3rd gen, 2018-2020 | 2.0L turbo I4, with trailering package | 3,500 lb / 1,588 kg |
| 3rd gen, 2018-2020 | 1.5L turbo I4 or 1.6L diesel | 1,500 lb / 680 kg |
| 3rd gen, 2021-2024 | 1.5L turbo I4 (only engine offered) | 1,500 lb / 680 kg |
| 3rd gen refresh, 2025-2026 | 1.5L turbo I4, AWD | 1,500 lb / 680 kg |
| 3rd gen refresh, 2025-2026 | 1.5L turbo I4, FWD | 800 lb / 363 kg |
Tongue weight
Chevrolet applies the standard industry convention of roughly 10 percent of trailer weight as maximum tongue weight on the Equinox, so a 3,500 lb-rated V6 or turbo model tops out near 350 lb (159 kg) of tongue weight, and a 1,500 lb-rated four-cylinder model tops out near 150 lb (68 kg). Treat this as a general guideline rather than an exact figure until you confirm it against your own owner's manual.
Where to find the exact number for your Equinox
Because the same model year can carry different engines, drivetrains and options, the only fully reliable source for your specific vehicle is your own truck, not a general chart. Check these in order:
- The driver's door placard (open the door and look at the sticker on the pillar), which lists GVWR and often the trailering limit for your exact build.
- Your owner's manual, in the towing or trailering section, which explains any conditions (tow package, passenger count, cargo load) tied to the rating.
- The manufacturer's trailering guide for your model year, cross-referenced with your VIN or build sheet at a Chevrolet dealer.
What affects your real towing number
Even within one engine and trim, the rating can shrink once you add passengers, cargo and factory options, since all of that weight counts against the same gross combined weight rating. If you plan to tow near the maximum figure for your configuration, have a dealer verify the build sheet rather than relying on an engine-only estimate.
Summary
| Absolute maximum (best configuration) | 3,500 lb / 1,588 kg (V6 2005-2017, or 2018-2020 2.0L turbo with tow package) |
|---|---|
| Typical current model (2021-2024, 1.5L turbo) | 1,500 lb / 680 kg |
| 2025-2026 AWD | 1,500 lb / 680 kg |
| 2025-2026 FWD | 800 lb / 363 kg |
| Base 2.4L I4 (2010-2017) | 1,500 lb / 680 kg |
| Typical tongue weight (V6 / turbo models) | approx. 350 lb / 159 kg (general 10% guideline) |
| Verify for your VIN | Driver's door placard and owner's manual |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Chevrolet Equinox: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Chevrolet Equinox?
The highest rating Chevrolet has published for the Equinox is 3,500 lb (1,588 kg), and it only applies to V6-powered models from 2005-2017 and to the 2018-2020 2.0L turbo when fitted with the optional trailering package. Four-cylinder Equinox models without that package, and all 2021-and-newer Equinox models, are rated at 1,500 lb or less.
Can a 2021-2024 Chevrolet Equinox tow 3,500 lb?
No. Chevrolet dropped the 2.0L turbo option after 2020, so every 2021-2024 Equinox comes only with the 1.5L turbo four-cylinder, which is rated at 1,500 lb (680 kg) maximum, well below the older V6 figure.
What is the tongue weight limit on an Equinox?
Chevrolet generally targets about 10 percent of the trailer's weight as maximum tongue weight, which works out to roughly 350 lb on 3,500 lb-rated V6 or turbo models and roughly 150 lb on 1,500 lb-rated four-cylinder models. Confirm the exact figure for your vehicle in the owner's manual, since this is a general guideline, not a source-verified number for every build.
Where do I find the exact towing capacity for my own Equinox?
Check the driver's door placard for your vehicle's GVWR and trailering limit, read the towing section of your owner's manual for any conditions attached to that rating, and if you still need certainty, ask a Chevrolet dealer to pull the trailering figure tied to your specific VIN and build.