What is the tow mode on the Chevy Equinox?

The Chevy Equinox is a popular mid-size SUV known for its versatility and capability. One of the features that sets the Equinox apart is its tow mode, which allows the vehicle to safely and efficiently tow a trailer or other load. In this article, we'll explore what tow mode is, how it works, and how to use it on your Chevy Equinox.

What is Tow Mode?

Tow mode is a feature on the Chevy Equinox that optimizes the vehicle's performance and handling when towing a trailer or other load. When activated, tow mode adjusts the transmission, engine, and other systems to provide more power, better control, and improved stability when towing. This helps to ensure a safer and more comfortable towing experience, even in challenging conditions.

How Does Tow Mode Work?

The tow mode on the Chevy Equinox works by making several adjustments to the vehicle's systems. These include:

• Adjusting the transmission to hold gears longer and provide more torque for towing


• Increasing the engine's power output to handle the added weight and resistance of the trailer


• Modifying the steering and suspension settings to improve stability and control when towing


• Adjusting the braking system to provide more stopping power and better control when slowing down or descending hills

By making these adjustments, tow mode helps to ensure that the Equinox can safely and effectively tow a trailer or other load, even in challenging conditions.

How to Use Tow Mode

Using the tow mode on your Chevy Equinox is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps to activate it:

1. Make sure your trailer or load is properly connected and secured to the Equinox.


2. Locate the tow/haul mode button, usually located on the gear shift or center console.


3. Press the button to activate tow mode. You may see a light or indicator on the dashboard to confirm that tow mode is engaged.


4. Adjust your driving style and speed as needed to account for the added weight and length of the trailer or load.


5. When you're done towing, press the button again to deactivate tow mode and return to normal driving mode.

It's important to note that tow mode should only be used when actively towing a trailer or load. Using tow mode when not towing can actually reduce the Equinox's performance and fuel efficiency.

By understanding and properly using the tow mode feature on your Chevy Equinox, you can enjoy a safer and more comfortable towing experience, even in challenging conditions. Whether you're hauling a boat, a trailer, or any other load, tow mode can help you get the job done with confidence.

Can you drive in tow mode all the time?

You can drive in tow/haul mode all the time, but it's generally not necessary and will decrease fuel efficiency. It's most beneficial for heavy loads, hilly terrain, and when you want more engine braking, but leaving it on for daily, flat-road driving can lead to higher RPMs, more fuel consumption, and unnecessary shifting. 
Benefits of using tow/haul mode

• For heavy loads: It keeps the transmission in the correct gears to maintain torque and reduces excessive shifting, which can help prevent overheating. 
• For hilly or mountainous terrain: It holds gears longer and downshifts more aggressively to assist with engine braking, which can save your brakes on descents. 
• For improved responsiveness: It can provide more immediate throttle response and prevent the transmission from shifting unnecessarily when you lift your foot off the gas. 

Drawbacks of using tow/haul mode all the time

• Decreased fuel efficiency: The higher RPMs in tow/haul mode mean you'll use more fuel, so it's best to switch back to normal mode for better MPG when not towing.
• Unnecessary for light loads: If your load is light or you're on flat terrain, the transmission will likely shift normally and efficiently on its own without the added fuel consumption of tow/haul mode.
• Potential for a less comfortable ride: Some people find the more aggressive shifting in tow/haul mode less comfortable for daily driving. 

Conclusion

• For heavy loads and hilly driving: Use tow/haul mode for optimal performance and to protect your transmission. 
• For daily driving on flat roads: Use normal mode to maximize fuel efficiency. 
• No harm: Driving with tow/haul mode on when it's not needed won't damage your truck, it will just cost you more in fuel and isn't necessary for the vehicle's longevity. 

When should I use tow mode?

Use tow mode when towing a heavy load, hauling heavy cargo, or driving in hilly or mountainous terrain. This mode improves performance by holding gears longer for more torque, downshifting automatically on descents to use engine braking, and increasing throttle response. It's also recommended if you are pulling anything over a road that frequently goes up and down. 
This video explains what tow/haul mode does and when to use it: 58sRV MilesYouTube · Jul 28, 2024
When to use tow mode

• Towing or hauling heavy loads: Activate tow mode when you are pulling a large trailer, boat, or camper, or carrying a heavy load in the truck's bed. Some sources recommend using it for loads over 5,000 lbs, even if empty, or when the weight is over that of five adults. 
• Hilly and mountainous terrain: Use tow mode on roads that frequently go up and down to help manage shifting and engine braking. 
• Driving down steep hills: The engine braking function in tow mode helps slow the vehicle down, which reduces the wear on your service brakes and prevents them from overheating. 
• Better throttle response: Tow mode provides more immediate power and responsiveness, which is helpful when you need to accelerate quickly while towing. 

You can watch this video to learn how tow/haul mode affects your truck's performance: 1mAutoMotive InquiriesYouTube · Sep 8, 2025
What to avoid

• Icy or slippery conditions: Some manufacturers advise against using tow mode in icy or snowy conditions because the increased engine braking could cause a loss of traction and lead to a skid. 

Can you tow with a Chevy Equinox?

Yes, you can tow with a Chevy Equinox, but its towing capacity varies significantly by model year, engine, and available equipment, typically ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 pounds. For instance, many recent models with a 1.5L turbocharged engine have a 1,500-pound capacity, while some older models equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine and a towing package can tow up to 3,500 pounds. It is crucial to check your specific model's specifications to determine its maximum towing capacity.
 
What you can tow

• 1,500-pound capacity: A trailer with supplies, a pop-up or teardrop camper, a jet ski, or a motorcycle. 
• 3,500-pound capacity: Larger items like a bass boat, an ATV, or a small utility trailer. 

Important considerations for towing

• Towing package: For maximum towing capability, especially if your model has the 2.0L turbo engine, you will need the available towing package, which includes a hitch and wiring. 
• Safety first:
  • Brake gently, as towing adds weight and can cause your brakes to overheat. 
  • Always keep your speed under 55 mph to maintain control. 
  • Use safety chains in addition to the hitch. 
  • When backing up, do not let the trailer bend more than 90 degrees to avoid "jackknifing". 
• Flat towing: Some Equinox models can be "flat towed" (towed with all four wheels on the ground), but this is model-specific, so you should always consult the owner's manual or a dealership for proper preparation steps. 

What does Chevy tow mode do?

It is designed to make towing heavy loads safer and easier. When activated, the truck shifts less often, holds lower gears longer, and improves control on hills or when pulling trailers.