How much can a Chevy Cruze tow?
A Chevy Cruze is not a towing-heavy vehicle, but it can handle light trailer loads in some markets. In most cases, the practical upper limit is around 1,000 pounds (approximately 450 kilograms) of trailer weight when the car is properly equipped. In the United States, Chevrolet did not typically offer a dedicated factory towing package for the Cruze, so towing capacity depends on the specific year and engine and should always be checked in the owner's manual for your exact vehicle.
As with any car, the ability to tow with a Cruze hinges on engine choice, transmission, hitch setup, and payload allowances. The Cruze lineup spanned several generations, and ratings can vary by market and configuration. This article explains the general towing guidance, factors that affect the limit, and how to determine the exact rating for your Cruze.
What you can tow with a Cruze
Here are the typical limits and conditions commonly cited for Cruze models when a trailer hitch is used and the trailer is properly braked. This gives you a baseline for planning small-tow tasks like a light utility trailer or a camper shell setup.
- Maximum trailer weight (braked) commonly around 1,000 pounds (450 kg) for many Cruze configurations
- Trailing a non-braked trailer is not generally recommended and may have a lower rating or be unsupported by the manual
- Requirement for a hitch and trailer brakes, with appropriate wiring and safety equipment
- Rating varies by year, engine, and transmission; the exact figure should be confirmed in the owner’s manual for your vehicle
At a glance, a Cruze can support light towing tasks if your specific model is rated for it, but it is not intended for frequent or heavy towing compared with dedicated tow vehicles.
Factors that affect towing capacity
Several variables determine the practical towing capacity of a Cruze. Understanding these factors helps ensure safe and compliant towing if you choose to undertake it.
- Engine and transmission type (e.g., different outputs in turbocharged vs naturally aspirated variants)
- Actual tow rating published for your vehicle year and market
- Braked versus unbraked trailer requirements and ratings
- Trailer hitch class, tongue weight, and braking system on the trailer
- Vehicle payload, including passengers and cargo, which affects available hitch weight
Because ratings can vary by market and model year, always rely on the specific rating listed in the owner's manual or on the door jamb placard for your Cruze.
How to determine your exact limit
If you are considering towing with a Cruze, follow these steps to identify the precise limit for your exact vehicle configuration.
- Identify your Cruze’s year, engine, and transmission.
- Find the official towing capacity information in the owner's manual or on the vehicle’s towing label.
- Determine whether the rating applies to braked trailers and confirm any additional restrictions (hitch class, tongue weight, etc.).
- Ensure you have a properly rated hitch, wiring, and braking system on the trailer if required.
- Do not exceed the published rating; if you need to tow heavier loads regularly, consider a vehicle engineered for towing.
Following these steps helps you avoid overloading the Cruze’s drivetrain, suspension, and braking systems, and promotes safer on-road performance.
Summary
The Chevy Cruze can handle light towing in some configurations, with a commonly cited ceiling of around 1,000 pounds (450 kg) of braked trailer weight. However, the Cruze was not designed as a primary tow vehicle, and ratings vary by year, engine, and market. Since towing capabilities hinge on exact specifications, always consult your owner's manual and rely on the vehicle’s published towing rating before hitching a trailer.
In the end, for regular or heavier towing tasks, owners are advised to use a vehicle that is purpose-built for towing, such as a compact SUV or a pickup truck, to ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with local regulations.
Can you tow a trailer with a Chevy Cruze?
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
What is the towing capacity of a 2012 Chevy Cruze?
A 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT has a towing capacity of 1000 lbs.
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. |
How much weight can a Chevy Cruze pull?
Curb Weight: 2930 lbs. Wheelbase: 106.30 in. Overall Length: 183.70 in. Tow Capacity: 5000 lbs.
