The Chevy Tahoe was introduced into Chevy’s lineup as a crossover SUV in 2009 and remains popular today. Chevy vehicles are known for their reliability and for having the features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Chevy Tahoe?
The Chevy Tahoe has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds to 8,800 pounds depending on the year, engine, drivetrain, and whether it had a max trailering package installed. Most recent years of the Tahoe can tow between 7,600 lbs and 8,400 lbs.
There’s a bit more to know about Chevy Tahoe towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
Chevy Tahoe Towing Capacity By Year
As we covered earlier, the current Chevy Tahoe can tow a maximum of 8,400 lbs when properly equipped.
The Tahoe has been in production from 1995 through the present, and the tow capacity changed a bit throughout those years. We’ve listed out the maximum tow capacity by year below for reference.
Note that for each model year, there are many variables that affect the total towing capability of each vehicle year, so we recommend checking your specific Tahoe year and trim level in the links below for an in-depth guide and to get the most accurate information for that year.
Here’s the maximum Chevrolet Tahoe towing capacity by year:
2023 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,400 pounds
2022 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,400 pounds
2021 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,400 pounds
2020 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,600 pounds
2019 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,600 pounds
2018 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,600 pounds
2017 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,600 pounds
2016 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,600 pounds
2015 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,500 pounds
2014 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,500 pounds
2013 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,500 pounds
2012 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,500 pounds
2011 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,500 pounds
2010 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,400 pounds
2009 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,500 pounds
2008 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,100 pounds
2007 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,100 pounds
2006 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,200 pounds
2005 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,200 pounds
2004 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 7,700 pounds
2003 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 7,700 pounds
2002 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,100 pounds
2001 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,700 pounds
2000 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 8,800 pounds
1999 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 7,000 pounds
1998 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 7,000 pounds
1997 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 7,000 pounds
1996 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 7,000 pounds
1995 Chevy Tahoe Tow Capacity: 7,000 pounds
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Here’s a video showing the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid in a towing test against the GMC Yukon:
Chevy Tahoe Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Chevy Tahoe Braked Towing Capacity: 7,600 lbs to 8,400 lbs.
Chevy Tahoe Unbraked Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs.
Chevy Tahoe Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Chevy Tahoe tow capacity.
Towing Package
The main factor that determines how much weight a Chevy Tahoe can tow is whether or not you’ve got Chevy’s factory-installed trailer towing package on it or not.
In later model years, having the tow package installed can add an extra 500 pounds of towing capability.
Engine
Which engine you have in your Tahoe will certainly affect how much the Tahoe can pull.
For example, in the 2023 Tahoe, the towing capacity can change by up to 400 pounds depending on which engine you’ve got!
2WD vs 4WD
The drivetrain in your Tahoe also affects it’s tow capacity.
Generally, 2WD models can pull around 200 pounds more than 4WD models.
Model Year
The Tahoe’s tow capability varied a bit by year and generation.
For example, the tow range for later models was 7,600 to 8,400 pounds, while the bottom range for earlier models started around 5,600 pounds.
Chevy Tahoe Engine Specs
The current generation of the Chevy Tahoe has three engine options, and all of them are paired with a Hydra-Matic 10L80 10-speed automatic transmission.
5.3 Liter V8 Engine
The base Chevy Tahoe engine is a 5.3 Liter V8 VVT Direct Injection engine.
This engine produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft of torque.
The 5.3L V8 engine is available on all trims except the High Country.
6.2 Liter V8 Engine
The base Chevy Tahoe engine is a 6.2 Liter V8 VVT Direct Injection engine.
This engine produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft of torque.
The 6.2L V8 engine is available on all trims except the LS and LT.
3.0 Liter Turbo Diesel Duramax Engine
The base Chevy Tahoe engine is a 3.0 Liter I-6 DOHC Turbo-Diesel Duramax engine.
This engine produces 277 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft of torque.
The Duramax engine is available on all trims except the High Country and Z71 trims.
Chevy Tahoe Trailering Package Info
Does The Chevy Tahoe Have A Tow Package?
Every Tahoe model comes with a Class IV tow hitch automatically installed from the factory.
Chevy offers two factory-installed Tahoe tow package options: the Advanced Trailering Package and the Max Trailering Package.
Chevy Tahoe Advanced Trailering Package
The Chevy Tahoe Advanced Trailering Package includes the following enhancements:
- Trailer brake controller
- Smart Trailer integration indicator
- Hitch Guidance with Hitch View
- Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert (on Premier and High Country trims only)
Chevy Tahoe Max Trailering Package
The Chevy Tahoe Max Trailering Package is what you’ll need to get the highest tow rating on your Tahoe.
It includes everything in the Advanced Trailering Package, plus the following enhancements:
- Enhanced cooling radiator
- 2-Speed active transfer case (Available on LS, LT, and RST 4WD models only)
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Chevy Tahoe?
If you plan on towing anything with your Chevy Tahoe, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Chevy Tahoe Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Chevy Tahoe uses a Class 3 or Class 4 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III Chevy Tahoe trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 6,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 600 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Chevy Tahoe
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Tahoe:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Chevy Tahoe Trailer Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Tahoe, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Chevy Tahoe trailer hitch installation:
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With A Chevy Tahoe?
Yes, you can bumper tow up to 2,000 pounds with a Chevy Tahoe.
But in most cases, it’s just as economical and better worth it in the long run to install a frame-mounted trailer hitch on your Tahoe.
How Do I Know If My Chevy Tahoe Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Tahoe to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Tahoe.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official Chevy Tahoe Owner’s Manuals on Chevy’s website and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.
Having said that, we still recommend you refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual yourself before towing with your Chevy Tahoe.
