How much weight can a Chevy Volt pull?
The Chevrolet Volt is not designed to tow trailers and does not have an official towing capacity published by GM. In practice, towing with a Volt is not supported by the manufacturer.
The Volt, produced from 2010 to 2019 as a plug-in hybrid, was engineered for efficient urban and suburban driving, not for hauling trailers. Towing adds load to the drivetrain, cooling system, and braking, which the Volt’s design does not accommodate. Consumers should not attempt to tow with a Volt, and doing so could raise safety risks and potentially affect warranty coverage.
Official guidance on towing
GM’s Volt owner manuals do not provide a towing rating and explicitly discourage trailer towing. There is no published trailer weight specification (GTW or tongue weight) for the Volt, reflecting its position as a non-towing vehicle in GM’s guidance.
- The Volt has no approved trailer towing capacity published by GM.
- The owner’s manual warns against towing a trailer with the Volt.
- Engaging in towing could risk safety and may have warranty implications.
Bottom line: If you need to move a trailer or heavy cargo, use a vehicle that is specifically rated for towing rather than a Volt.
Practical alternatives and considerations
For scenarios that require moving trailers or heavy loads, consider these options to stay safe and within guidelines:
- Use a vehicle that is officially rated for towing (such as a truck or SUV with a defined tow rating).
- Rent or borrow a tow-capable vehicle when you need to haul a trailer.
- If you only need to transport small items, explore non-towing transport options (cargo carriers, movers, or delivery services) rather than towing with the Volt.
If your needs are ambiguous, consult the official Volt owner manual or contact a Chevrolet dealership for the most current guidance. The general consensus remains that towing with a Volt is not supported by GM.
Summary
The Chevy Volt should not be used for trailer towing. There is no published towing capacity, and GM’s guidance discourages towing with this model. For anyone needing to haul a trailer, a vehicle built for towing is the appropriate choice.
