Can my Chevy Cruze tow a trailer?
Most Chevy Cruze models can tow light trailers, but the practical limit is typically around 1,000 pounds of gross trailer weight. The exact rating depends on your model year, engine, and transmission, so always consult the owner's manual and the door jamb placard for your car. If you anticipate regular or heavier towing, a more capable vehicle is usually a safer option since the Cruze was discontinued after the 2019 model year.
Understanding the Cruze’s towing capacity
The Cruze’s official towing guidance centers on light towing, with ratings varying by year, engine, and transmission. Because the model was phased out after 2019, it is especially important to verify the precise numbers for your specific vehicle. In general terms, most Cruze configurations allow light trailer towing, but the allowable weight can differ between versions and should never be assumed beyond what your documentation permits.
- Check the exact towing rating for your specific year and engine in the owner’s manual and on the door placard, since ratings are not identical across all trims.
- Ensure the trailer’s gross weight does not exceed the Cruze’s stated limit, and follow guidelines for tongue weight (the load carried at the hitch) as described in your manual.
- Be mindful of engine cooling, transmission stress, and overall drivetrain load when towing, especially in hot weather or on steep grades.
- Use a properly rated hitch and wiring harness, and consider any required weight distribution or sway control hardware if you are near the limit.
- Trailer brakes, lighting, and local towing laws vary; check applicable regulations and insurance requirements for your location and trailer size.
Bottom line: verify the exact rating for your year and engine, and stay within the documented limits. For frequent or heavier towing, a more capable vehicle is generally recommended.
Safety considerations and best practices
Towing with a Cruze demands careful preparation and cautious operation to protect the vehicle and occupants. The steps below outline best practices for light towing with this car.
- Consult the owner’s manual for the exact towing rating and any special cautions for your model year and engine.
- Weigh your trailer and ensure the gross trailer weight stays within the Cruze’s limit; account for tongue weight and how it loads the hitch and rear axle.
- Install a hitch and wiring setup that are rated for the towing capacity; ensure all electrical connections and lights function properly.
- Inspect critical systems before towing, including tires, brakes, cooling system, and fluid levels; carry a spare tire and essential tools.
- Drive conservatively: moderate speeds, longer stopping distances, gradual accelerations, and periodic cooling on long or steep trips.
If you anticipate towing beyond the Cruze’s light-duty range, or you frequently tow, consider a vehicle with higher towing capacity, such as a midsize SUV or pickup, to ensure safety and reliability.
When to consult a professional
If you’re unsure about your exact towing limits or how to set up your trailer safely, a Chevrolet dealer or qualified automotive technician can confirm ratings for your specific model year and advise on hitch, wiring, and braking requirements.
Summary
The Chevrolet Cruze is generally suited to light towing, typically around 1,000 pounds of gross trailer weight, but exact figures depend on the model year, engine, and transmission. Always verify your car’s specific rating in the owner’s manual and on the door placard, use appropriate towing equipment, and tow within the documented limits. For regular or heavier towing, or if you anticipate frequent trips with trailers, upgrading to a vehicle designed for higher tow loads is advisable.
Can I put a trailer hitch on a Chevy Cruze?
Class 1 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4 Inch Square Receiver, Black, Compatible with Chevrolet Cruze. DRAW-TITE® Class 1 trailer hitches are the perfect mix of style and stability for those times when you're working on a home project or heading out on an adventure.
How do I know if my car can tow a trailer?
Your vehicle's tow capacity can be found in your owner's manual. The manufacturer provides this information so that you can make sure not to exceed the safe limits of your car. If you do not have your owner's manual, you can look up your car's make, model, and year online to find the tow capacity.
How much can a 2014 Chevy Cruze tow?
Dimensions
| Wheelbase | 105.7 in. |
|---|---|
| Turning circle | 35.7 ft. |
| Curb weight | 3,118 lbs. |
| Maximum towing capacity | 1,000 lbs. |
| Gross weight | 4,321 lbs. |
Can a Chevy Cruze pull a trailer?
Yes, a Chevy Cruze can pull a trailer, but its towing capacity is limited and varies by model year and engine. Most Cruzes are rated for up to 1,000 pounds, which is suitable for very small trailers, while some diesel models may have a slightly higher capacity of around 2,000 pounds. It is crucial to check your owner's manual for the exact towing capacity and to ensure your trailer's weight, including its load, does not exceed this limit.
Key considerations
- Check your owner's manual: The definitive source for your specific car's towing capacity is its owner's manual, as it can differ between trims and engine types.
- Trailer weight: The weight of the trailer itself, plus any cargo inside it, must be less than your Cruze's maximum towing capacity.
- Model year and engine:
- Gas models: Often have a 1,000-pound towing capacity, but some trims (like the Eco) may have no towing capacity at all.
- Diesel models: Some diesel models can tow up to 2,000 pounds, but this is not universal across all years and should be confirmed with your owner's manual.
- Trailer size: A 5x8 teardrop trailer is often cited as manageable, but a larger or heavier trailer would be too much for the Cruze to handle safely.
- Chassis and suspension: Even if the engine can pull the weight, the Cruze's chassis, suspension, and tires will be the limiting factors, especially on uneven roads or at higher speeds.
- Towing accessories: You will need to install an appropriate trailer hitch and wiring harness specifically designed for your Cruze model.
This video shows how to install a trailer hitch on a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze: 35sU-Haul Trailer Hitches And TowingYouTube · Apr 3, 2019
Recommendation
- Towing is possible for light loads: If your trailer weighs less than your car's maximum towing capacity, it is possible to tow it. However, you should be prepared for sluggish performance, especially when accelerating or driving uphill.
- Consider the risks: Towing more than what the car is designed for can put a heavy strain on the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension, leading to premature wear and potential failure.
- Look for alternatives: For heavier loads, it is safer and more practical to use a vehicle with a higher towing capacity or to rent a different vehicle, like a U-Haul truck, if available.
You can watch this video to see the installation of a trailer hitch on a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze: 1mU-Haul Trailer Hitches And TowingYouTube · Jun 27, 2019
