Can I pull a trailer with a Toyota Corolla?

A Toyota Corolla can tow a small trailer, but only within the car’s official towing limits, which generally fall around 1,000 to 1,500 pounds depending on year, trim, and whether a towing package is installed. A hitch, wiring, and other equipment may be required, and you should always confirm the exact rating in your owner's manual or with a dealer before towing.

To understand when and how you can tow with a Corolla, you need to consider model year, engine, transmission, and whether a towing package is present; these factors determine the maximum trailer weight and tongue weight you can safely pull. This article outlines current guidance and practical tips for safe towing with a Corolla as of 2024–2025.

What affects whether you can tow and how much

Before you consider towing with a Corolla, there are several key factors to understand and confirm for your exact vehicle:

• Engine and drivetrain configuration (gasoline vs hybrid) can change the official tow rating.


• Whether the car has an OEM towing package or aftermarket hitch and wiring installed.


• The vehicle’s payload capacity, GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), and GCWR (gross combined weight rating).


• Tongue weight versus total trailer weight, typically around 10–15% of the trailer’s gross weight.


• Local towing regulations and trailer braking requirements based on weight.

Knowing these factors helps you avoid overloading the vehicle or compromising handling and braking.

Practical guidelines for towing with a Corolla

To tow safely with a Corolla, follow these considerations and steps:

• Verify the exact towing capacity for your year, trim, and drivetrain with Toyota or your owner's manual.


• Install and use a hitch rated for the trailer’s weight, along with the appropriate wiring harness for trailer lights.


• Use the correct ball size and ensure the trailer is properly attached and level.


• Be mindful of tongue weight and distribute cargo to keep within payload limits.


• Check that brakes, if required by the trailer’s weight, are functioning and that legal lighting is working.

Following these steps reduces the risk of overheating the engine or transmission and helps maintain safe braking and steering while towing.

Is a Corolla the right tool for heavier towing?

If you anticipate regularly towing near or above 1,000–1,500 pounds, a Corolla may not be the best choice. Heavier towing typically benefits from a vehicle with greater torque, a higher GCWR, and built-in trailer braking support. In such cases, consider a midsize sedan, SUV, or a dedicated tow vehicle with a higher official rating. Always compare real-world needs with the official specifications for your exact model year.

Summary

In short, a Toyota Corolla can pull a small trailer within its official tow rating, commonly around 1,000 to 1,500 pounds depending on the model and equipment. The key is to know your exact vehicle’s rating, equip the car properly (hitch, wiring, and any required braking), and ensure the trailer weight and tongue weight stay within limits. For frequent or heavier towing, evaluate a vehicle with a higher towing capacity to ensure safety and reliability.

Can I put a trailer hitch on a Toyota Corolla?

Yes, you can put a hitch on a Toyota Corolla for light-duty towing or to carry accessories like bike racks and cargo carriers. Most aftermarket hitches for a Corolla are Class 1, which have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and are compatible with many models, but you should always confirm fitment for your specific year and model.
 
This video shows the process of installing a hitch on a Toyota Corolla: 50setrailerYouTube · May 7, 2020
Types of hitches and their uses

• Class 1 hitches: These are the most common type for a Corolla and are designed for very light loads. 
• Purpose: They are ideal for carrying accessories like bike racks and cargo carriers, freeing up space in the car's interior. 
• Towing: Some light-duty towing (like a small utility trailer or kayak) may be possible, but it's crucial to check your vehicle's specific owner's manual for its towing capacity. 

Installation

• DIY: The installation can be done at home with the right tools and a step-by-step guide. You'll need to secure the hitch to the vehicle's frame and torque the hardware to the manufacturer's specifications.
• Professional installation: If you're not comfortable with a DIY installation, you can have a professional install the hitch for you. 

Important considerations

• Ground clearance: Because Corollas are low-riding, make sure the hitch has enough ground clearance to avoid scraping, especially when loaded. 
• Accessory size: Since most Corolla hitches are 1-1/4 inch Class 1 hitches, you'll need to make sure any accessories you purchase, like a bike rack, are compatible with that receiver size. 

Can a Toyota Corolla pull a trailer?

Yes, a Toyota Corolla can pull a trailer, but its towing capacity is limited to lightweight loads, typically up to 1,500 pounds for models with brakes, or a lower weight for unbraked trailers. It is crucial to check the specific towing capacity listed in your vehicle's owner's manual and ensure all towing equipment, including the hitch, is properly rated for the load. 
Important factors to consider 
This video demonstrates how to install a trailer hitch on a Toyota Corolla Cross: 1mU-Haul Trailer Hitches And TowingYouTube · Dec 19, 2024

• Weight limits: The Corolla is not designed for heavy-duty towing. Focus on small trailers, such as utility trailers for light loads, small boats, or pop-up campers. 
• Braked vs. unbraked trailers: The towing capacity is significantly lower if the trailer does not have its own braking system. 
  • Braked trailer: Up to 1,500 pounds is a common maximum, but check your owner's manual for the exact figure. 
  • Unbraked trailer: The maximum capacity is often around 750 pounds or less. 
• Vehicle and equipment limitations: You are limited by the lowest-rated component in your towing setup. This means even if the Corolla's manufacturer rating is higher, your towing capacity can be reduced by a lower-rated aftermarket hitch or other equipment. 
• Towing package: Some Corollas, particularly the Corolla Cross, come with a towing package that includes a hitch and wiring harness rated for specific weights. 
• Hybrid models: Some hybrid models, like the 2021 Corolla Hybrid, may have different towing capacities due to their powertrain. For example, the 2021 model has a towing capacity of 1,300 pounds. 

How much weight can a Toyota Corolla tow?

The Toyota Corolla's towing capacity varies by model year and trim, but generally supports up to 1,500 pounds for most models with a braked trailer. For trailers without brakes, the capacity is lower, often around 750 pounds. It's crucial to consult your owner's manual for your specific vehicle's capacity before towing anything and ensure you have the correct equipment, such as a Class I hitch and wiring harness. 
Towing capacity

• Most models: Around 1,500 pounds for braked trailers. 
• Unbraked trailers: The capacity is reduced, often to about 750 pounds. 
• Corolla Hybrid: Specific models, like the 2021 model, have a towing capacity of 1,300 pounds. 
• Corolla Cross: The 2025 model year has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds across its trim levels. 

Important considerations before towing

• Check your owner's manual: Always verify your specific vehicle's maximum towing capacity in the owner's manual. 
• Use the correct equipment: You will need a properly rated hitch (such as a Class I for the Corolla) and a wiring harness for your trailer lights. 
• Know your payload: Be aware of your vehicle's payload limit, which is the total weight of passengers and cargo. 
• Adjust your driving: Allow for extra braking space and give yourself more time to stop, as towing can significantly increase your stopping distance. 

What Toyotas can pull a trailer?

Adventure-Ready Haulers

• Toyota Tacoma: The redesigned midsize pickup offers a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 lbs.
• Toyota Land Cruiser: This off-road-focused SUV has the capability to tow up to 6,000 lbs.
• Toyota 4Runner: The 2025 Toyota 4Runner can also tow up to 6,000 lbs.