What is the hitch rating of a Toyota Corolla?
The hitch rating is usually up to 1,500 pounds for a Toyota Corolla when the factory Tow Package is installed; without that package, the towing limit is typically around 1,000 pounds.
Towing capacity varies by model year, trim, and whether the vehicle is gasoline-powered or hybrid. The official numbers refer to gross trailer weight (GTW) and tongue weight (TW), and the Corolla’s hitch receiver is typically a 1-1/4 inch Class I setup. The following breakdown summarizes current, commonly available configurations in the U.S. market; always check your exact year’s owner’s manual for precise specs.
How hitch ratings are defined
Towing capacity, or hitch rating, is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely pull behind it. It includes GTW (the total weight of the trailer, its cargo, and any attached gear) and tongue weight (the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch). For most Toyota Corollas, a 1-1/4 inch receiver is standard, and the higher 1,500-pound rating applies when the Tow Package is installed and all other conditions are met. Always verify the rating for your exact year and equipment, as specs can change with redesigns and options.
Current figures by variant
Below is a concise breakdown of the typical towing figures for common Toyota Corolla configurations. These figures assume the vehicle is properly equipped and within published limits; do not exceed the stated weight ratings.
- Gasoline Corolla (sedan/hatch) with Tow Package: Up to 1,500 pounds GTW; up to 150 pounds tongue weight; 1-1/4 inch Class I hitch receiver.
- Gasoline Corolla (sedan/hatch) without Tow Package: Up to 1,000 pounds GTW; around 100 pounds tongue weight; 1-1/4 inch hitch receiver, but the higher 1,500-pound rating does not apply.
- Corolla Hybrid (any trim): Up to 1,000 pounds GTW; roughly 100 pounds tongue weight; typically does not include a Tow Package option in many markets; always confirm for your specific year.
In short, the majority of towing with a Corolla hinges on having the Tow Package for the 1,500-pound rating; without it, the safe limit is generally 1,000 pounds across gasoline and hybrid variants.
Important considerations for towing with a Corolla
Before towing, note that the ratings refer to total trailer weight and tongue weight. Use a properly installed hitch (usually 1-1/4 inch Class I), a compatible wiring harness, and ensure you meet all braking and safety requirements. Check the owner’s manual for year-specific details, including any engine cooling or transmission considerations included with the Tow Package, and observe legal requirements for trailer brakes and insurance in your area.
Summary
The Toyota Corolla’s hitch rating is most commonly 1,500 pounds GTW with the factory Tow Package, with a baseline 1,000 pounds GTW otherwise. The corresponding tongue weight is typically about 10% of the trailer’s weight (roughly 100–150 pounds). Always verify the exact figures for your model year and configuration in the owner's manual before towing.
