Mazda CX-5 Towing Capacity (by Engine & Year)
TL;DR
Most CX-5 model years, turbo or not, top out at 2,000 lb towing (about 200 lb tongue weight); the new 2026 generation is rated lower at 1,500 lb.
How much can a Mazda CX-5 tow
The Mazda CX-5 has never been marketed as a heavy-duty tow vehicle, and its rating has stayed close to 2,000 lb (907 kg) for most of its production run, regardless of whether the naturally aspirated 2.5L or the 2.5L Turbo engine is fitted. Several dealer-published spec sheets for 2019 through 2025 models list the same 2,000 lb figure for both engines and all trims, including the Turbo Premium and Turbo Signature. Some third-party listings mention a higher 3,500 lb figure for turbo trims, but this could not be corroborated against Mazda-sourced specification documents, so treat that number with caution and confirm it against your own vehicle's paperwork rather than relying on it here.
First and second generation (2013-2021)
The first-generation CX-5 (2013-2016) and second-generation CX-5 (2017-2021) are both consistently documented at a 2,000 lb (907 kg) maximum towing capacity across all trims and engine choices available in those years.
2026 redesign
The redesigned 2026 CX-5 lineup (2.5 S and 2.5 S Premium Plus trims) is rated lower, at 1,500 lb (680 kg), according to dealer specification pages, consistent across engine and drivetrain configuration.
Tongue weight
Tongue weight (the downward force the trailer places on the hitch) is generally listed at about 10% of the trailer's weight - around 200 lb (91 kg) for 2020-2025 models rated at 2,000 lb, and roughly 150 lb (68 kg) for the 2026 model rated at 1,500 lb. Mazda does not always publish this figure separately, so it should be treated as an estimate unless your owner's manual states otherwise.
| Generation / years | Engine & configuration | Max towing (lb / kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st gen, 2013-2016 | 2.5L naturally aspirated, all trims | 2,000 lb / 907 kg |
| 2nd gen, 2017-2021 | 2.5L naturally aspirated and 2.5L Turbo, all trims | 2,000 lb / 907 kg |
| 3rd gen, 2022-2025 | 2.5L naturally aspirated, all trims | 2,000 lb / 907 kg |
| 3rd gen, 2022-2025 | 2.5L Turbo (Turbo Premium / Turbo Signature) | 2,000 lb / 907 kg (some listings cite up to 3,500 lb, unverified - confirm on your own vehicle) |
| 4th gen (redesign), 2026 | 2.5S / 2.5S Premium Plus, all configurations | 1,500 lb / 680 kg |
Where to confirm your exact vehicle's rating
Because towing figures can vary by trim, options, and model-year running changes, always verify the exact rating for your specific vehicle using these authoritative sources:
- The driver's door jamb placard (tire and loading information label)
- Your owner's manual towing section
- The manufacturer's official towing guide for your model year
- Your dealer's build sheet or window sticker
Summary
| Typical max towing (2013-2025) | 2,000 lb (907 kg) |
|---|---|
| 2026 redesign max towing | 1,500 lb (680 kg) |
| Typical tongue weight (2020-2025) | ~200 lb (91 kg) |
| 2026 tongue weight (est.) | ~150 lb (68 kg) |
| Turbo engine benefit to towing | None documented - same 2,000 lb rating as non-turbo |
| Confirm your exact rating | Door placard, owner's manual, or manufacturer towing guide |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Mazda CX-5: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Does the turbo engine give the CX-5 a higher tow rating?
In the documentation we could verify (dealer spec sheets for 2019-2025 model years), no - both the naturally aspirated 2.5L and the 2.5L Turbo are listed at the same 2,000 lb (907 kg) maximum. A few secondary sources claim the turbo reaches 3,500 lb, but we could not confirm this against a manufacturer source, so check your own owner's manual or door placard before assuming a higher number.
What is the tongue weight limit for a Mazda CX-5?
Tongue weight is generally about 10% of the trailer's total weight, which works out to roughly 200 lb (91 kg) for CX-5 models rated at 2,000 lb towing capacity (most 2020-2025 model years), and about 150 lb (68 kg) for the 2026 model rated at 1,500 lb. Mazda does not always list this figure separately from the overall trailer rating, so confirm the exact number in your owner's manual.
Why did the 2026 Mazda CX-5 towing capacity go down?
According to current dealer specification pages, the redesigned 2026 CX-5 (2.5 S and 2.5 S Premium Plus trims) is rated at 1,500 lb (680 kg), lower than the 2,000 lb rating that applied to most prior model years. This appears to be a change tied to the redesign rather than a data error, but you should confirm it against Mazda's official 2026 towing guide since a full generation change can affect chassis, cooling, and brake specifications relevant to towing.
Do I need a tow package to tow with a CX-5?
Available documentation for recent model years does not list a mandatory factory tow package as a precondition for the published 2,000 lb (or 1,500 lb for 2026) rating, though a factory or dealer-installed towing package (with the correct wiring harness and hitch receiver) is still recommended for safe towing. Confirm your specific vehicle's requirements and included equipment with your dealer or in your owner's manual.