The Chevy Volt was introduced in Chevy’s lineup as a plug-in hybrid car in 2011 and remained available through 2019. Chevy vehicles are known for their affordability and the Volt also has the features consumers expect from today’s cars, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Chevy Volt?
The Chevy Volt has a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs for all model years.
There’s a bit more to know about Chevy Volt towing which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2019 Chevy Volt Towing Capacity
As we covered earlier, the Chevy Volt can tow a maximum of 2,000 lbs.
| Volt Trim Level | Engine | Axle Ratio | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| LT | 1.4L Ecotec V4 | 2.64 | 149 hp | 294 lb.-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| Premier | 1.4L Ecotec V4 | 2.64 | 149 hp | 294 lb.-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Chevy Volt 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 Volt Braked Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs.
Chevy Volt Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Chevy Volt Towing Capacity Factors
As we covered earlier, the fact of whether your Volt is LT or Premier will not affect the max towing capability.
Chevy Volt Engine Specs
All trim levels of the gas Chevy Volt have a 1.4L Ecotec 4 cylinder gas engine that’s paired with an automatic transmission.
The gas engine kicks in after the electric engine has been sufficiently run down.
This engine offers a max 149 horsepower and 294 lb.-ft of torque.
Chevy Volt Tow Packages
Does The Chevy Volt Have A Tow Package?
Chevy did not offer a towing package or factory-installed tow hitch for the Volt, so you’ll need to install one yourself.
In fact, it’s important to note that Chevy itself actually states in the vehicle’s owner’s manual for most years of the Volt that this vehicle is not designed to tow anything!
However, most Chevy dealers and towing experts will tell you that you can tow up to 2,000 lbs when it’s properly equipped with a tow hitch.
You’ll also need to install a wiring harness that allows the trailer’s brake lights and turning signals to light up in sync with your vehicle.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Chevy Volt?
If you plan on towing anything with your Volt, 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 Volt Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Chevy Volt fits a Class 1 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Chevy Volt trailer hitch:
- 1-1⁄4 in. Square Receiver Tube Opening
- Rated Up To 2,000 lbs. Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) And Up To 200 lbs. Tongue Weight (TW)
- All Hitches Are Designed For Customers With Passenger Cars And Sport Utility Vehicles
- Removable Drawbar, Pin, And Clip Sold Separately
- Clean Appearance That Attaches To The Vehicle's Frame And/Or Bumper
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Volt:
- 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 Volt Tow Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Volt, 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 Volt 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 Chevy Volt?
The Chevy Volt does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame-mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My Chevy Volt Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Volt 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 Volt.
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.
2018 Chevy Volt Towing Capacity
The 2018 Chevy Volt had the same 2,000 pound towing capacity across all trim levels, same as the 2019.
| Volt Trim Level | Engine | Axle Ratio | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| LT | 1.4L Ecotec V4 | 2.64 | 149 hp | 294 lb.-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| Premier | 1.4L Ecotec V4 | 2.64 | 149 hp | 294 lb.-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
2017 Chevy Volt Towing Capacity
The 2017 Chevy Volt had the same trim levels as the 2018-2019, all with a 2,000 pound towing capacity.
The 2017 Volt offered a Voltec 1.5 Liter gas engine.
| Volt Trim Level | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| LT | Voltec 1.5L | 149 hp | 294 lb.-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| Premier | Voltec 1.5L | 149 hp | 294 lb.-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
2016 Chevy Volt Towing Capacity
The 2016 Chevy Volt offered an LTZ trim instead of the Premier, all with a 2,000 pound towing capacity.
The 2016 Volt offered a Voltec 1.5 Liter gas engine.
| Volt Trim Level | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| LT | Voltec 1.5L | 149 hp | 294 lb.-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| LTZ | Voltec 1.5L | 149 hp | 294 lb.-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
2015 Chevy Volt Towing Capacity
The 2015 Chevy Volt can tow 2,000 pounds no matter what engine or trim level.
The 2015 Volt offered a 1.4L DOHC I-4 gas engine in only one trim level.
| Volt Trim Level | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| Base | 1.4L DOHC I-4 | 149 hp | 294 lb.-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
2014 Chevy Volt Towing Capacity
The 2014 Chevy Volt can tow 2,000 pounds no matter what engine or trim level.
The 2014 Volt offered a 1.4L DOHC I-4 gas engine in only one trim level, same as the 2015.
| Volt Trim Level | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| Base | 1.4L DOHC I-4 | 149 hp | 294 lb.-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
2013 Chevy Volt Towing Capacity
The 2013 Chevy Volt can tow 2,000 pounds no matter what engine or trim level.
The 2013 Volt offered a 1.4L DOHC I-4 gas engine in only one trim level, same as the 2015.
| Volt Trim Level | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| Base | 1.4L DOHC I-4 | 149 hp | 294 lb.-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
2012 Chevy Volt Towing Capacity
The 2012 Chevy Volt can tow up to 2,000 lbs, regardless of engine or trim level.
| Volt Trim Level | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| Base | 1.4L DOHC I-4 | 149 hp | 294 lb.-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
2011 Chevy Volt Towing Capacity
The 2011 Chevy Volt can pull up to 2,000 pounds for towing across all trim levels and engine sizes.
| Volt Trim Level | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Capacity |
| Base | 1.4L DOHC I-4 | 149 hp | 294 lb.-ft | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
