Chevy Traverse Towing Capacity (2009 – 2023)

The Chevy Traverse 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 Traverse?

The Chevy Traverse has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds to 5,200 pounds depending on the model year and if it has Chevy’s V92 trailering package installed.

The Chevy Traverse with 2WD without the trailering package can tow 1,500 lbs.

The Chevy Traverse with 2WD with the trailering package can tow 5,000 lbs.

The Chevy Traverse with AWD without the trailering package can tow 1,500 lbs.

The Chevy Traverse with AWD with the trailering package can tow 5,000 lbs.

There’s a bit more to know about Chevy Traverse towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.

2023 Chevy Traverse Towing Capacity

The Highlander has been in production from 2001, and 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 Highlander model year below for an in-depth guide and to get the most accurate information.

Here’s the maximum Toyota Highlander towing capacity by year:

2023 Chevy Traverse Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2022 Chevy Traverse Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2021 Chevy Traverse Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2020 Chevy Traverse Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2019 Chevy Traverse Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2018 Chevy Traverse Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2017 Chevy Traverse Tow Capacity: 5,200 pounds

2016 Chevy Traverse Tow Capacity: 5,200 pounds

2015 Chevy Traverse Tow Capacity: 5,200 pounds

2014 Chevy Traverse Tow Capacity: 5,200 pounds

2013 Chevy Traverse Tow Capacity: 5,200 pounds

2012 Chevy Traverse Tow Capacity: 5,200 pounds

2011 Chevy Traverse Tow Capacity: 5,200 pounds

2010 Chevy Traverse Tow Capacity: 5,200 pounds

2009 Chevy Traverse Tow Capacity: 5,200 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 Traverse in a towing test:

Chevy Traverse 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 Traverse Braked Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs – 5,200 lbs.

Chevy Traverse Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,000 lbs.

Chevy Traverse Towing Capacity Factors

There are a few factors that affect the Chevy Traverse tow capacity.

Towing Package

The main factor that determines how much weight a Chevy Traverse can tow is whether or not you’ve got Chevy’s factory-installed trailering package on it or not.

We’ll cover the specifics of the V92 package later in this guide.

Model Year

The Traverse’s tow capability varied a bit by year and generation.

For example, the tow range for 2018-2023 models was 1,500 to 5,000 pounds, while the range for 2009 – 2017 models was 2,000 to 5,000 pounds.

Trim Level

While most Chevy Traverse trim levels offer the same engine and transmission specs, there are certain trim levels that cannot have the trailering package installed on them.

For example, in the most recent model years, you cannot have the trailering package installed on the Chevy Traverse LS, which limits how much it can tow.

Chevy Traverse Engine Specs

All model years and trims of the Chevy Traverse have the same engine.

3.6 Liter V6 Engine

The Chevy Traverse gas engine is a 3.6 Liter V6 Direct Injection engine.

This engine produces 310 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft of torque.

Chevy Traverse Tow Package Info

Does The Chevy Traverse Have A Tow Package?

Chevy offers a factory-installed Traverse tow package option called the V92 Trailering Package.

It is available on all trim levels besides the LS and includes the following enhancements (each sold separately):

• Chevy Traverse factory Class III trailer hitch
• Heavy-Duty Cooling System
• Hitch Guidance
• Hitch Guidance with Hitch View (with Convenience and Driver Confidence Package)

Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Chevy Traverse?

If you plan on towing anything with your Chevy Traverse, 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 Traverse Tow Hitch

Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.

The Chevy Traverse uses a Class 3 hitch.

Here’s a great option for a Class II Chevy Traverse trailer hitch:

Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Traverse:

Chevy Traverse Trailer Hitch Installation

If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Traverse, 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 Traverse 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 Traverse?

The Chevy Traverse does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame mounted hitch.

How Do I Know If My Chevy Traverse Has A Tow Package?

You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Traverse 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 Traverse.

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 Traverse Owner’s Manuals on Chevy’s site 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 Traverse.