Mazda 3 Towing Capacity by Year (2004 – 2023)

The Mazda 3 was introduced into Mazda’s lineup as a compact car in 2004 and remains available through today. The 3 is known for its unique styling and for having the features consumers expect from today’s vehicles. But what is the towing capacity of a Mazda 3?

The Mazda 3 is not recommended for towing in the United States. However, in other markets the Mazda 3 has a braked towing capacity of up to 3,086 pounds and an unbraked towing capacity of 1,653 pounds.

There’s a bit more to know about Mazda 3 towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.

2023 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity

mazda3 blue
How much weight can a Mazda 3 tow is up to 3,086 lbs.

The 2023 Mazda 3 can tow 2,645 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2023 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
Mazda3 S2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg
Mazda3 Select2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg
Mazda3 Preferred2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg
Mazda3 Carbon Edition2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg
Mazda3 Premium2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg
Mazda3 Turbo2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg
Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg
2023 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

Mazda 3 Hatchback Towing Capacity

The Mazda 3 Hatchback can tow 2,645 lbs, which is the same as the 4-door Mazda3 model.

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 Mazda 3 being put to a real-world towing test:

Mazda 3 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.

Mazda 3 Braked Tow Capacity: 2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg

Mazda 3 Unbraked Tow Capacity: 1,653 lbs / 750 kg

Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Factors

There are a few factors that affect the Mazda 3 tow capacity.

Model Year

The 3’s tow capability varied a bit by year and generation.

The early model years (2004 to 2012) had a max towing capability of 1,984 lbs, while 2014-2016 models could tow up to 3,086 lbs. Models from 2017-2023 can tow 2,645 lbs.

Number of Passengers

A big factor in calculating your vehicle’s towing capacity is how many passengers you’re carrying, which directly calculates into the vehicle’s GCWR.

This is true of all vehicles, not just the Mazda 3, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.

Mazda 3 Tow Package Info

what is the towing capacity of a mazda 3
How much can a Mazda 3 tow is up to 3,086 pounds.

Does The Mazda 3 Have A Tow Package?

Mazda does not offer a towing package for the Mazda 3, so you’ll need to install one.

Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Mazda 3?

rear view of mazda 3
How much weight can a Mazda 3 pull is 3,086 pounds.

If you plan on towing anything with your Mazda 3, 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.

Mazda 3 Tow Hitch

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

The Mazda 3 uses a Class 1 or Class 2 hitch.

Here’s a great option for a Class I Mazda 3 trailer hitch:

CURT 11383 Class 1 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4-Inch Receiver, Fits Select Mazda 3, GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
  • DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 1 hitch is rated for 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 200 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
  • HIGHLY VERSATILE. Add useful, versatile towing options to your vehicle with this class 1 trailer hitch. It provides a standard 1-1/4-inch x 1-1/4-inch receiver hitch, allowing you to tow a small trailer or mount a cargo carrier or bike rack
  • DUAL-COAT FINISH. For industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance inside and out, this aftermarket tow hitch kit is submersed in a liquid A-coat and co-cured with a durable black powder coat finish
  • EASY INSTALLATION. This class 1 hitch is designed to factory fit select model years of the Mazda 3
  • TESTED FOR SAFETY. Each CURT class 1 trailer hitch design is thoroughly tested, using real vehicles in real-world conditions. Our hitches are tested to SAE J684 specifications for safety on the road ahead

Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your 3:

Sale
CURT 45148 Trailer Hitch Mount, 2-Inch Ball, Pin, Fits 1-1/4-In Receiver, 3,500 lbs, 3-1/4" Drop, GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
  • 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

Mazda 3 Trailer Hitch Installation

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.

Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Mazda 3 trailer hitch installation:

Mazda 3 Trailer Hitch Installation Cost

If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your 3, 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.

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 Mazda 3?

The Mazda 3 stock bumper is not rated for bumper towing, so you’ll need to install a frame-mounted hitch like the one we listed earlier in this guide or an aftermarket bumper with a hitch ball on it.

Does My Mazda 3 Have A Tow Package?

mazda 3 towing a teardrop trailer
The Mazda 3 can tow up to 3,086 pounds.

You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your 3 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 3.

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.

2022 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity

The 2022 Mazda 3 can tow 2,645 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2022 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg
2022 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

2021 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity

The 2021 Mazda 3 can tow 2,645 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2021 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg
2021 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

2020 Mazda 3 Tow Capacity

The 2020 Mazda 3 can tow 2,645 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2020 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg
2020 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

2019 Mazda 3 Tow Capacity

The 2019 Mazda 3 can tow 2,645 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2019 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg
2019 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

2018 Mazda 3 Tow Capacity

The 2018 Mazda 3 can tow 2,645 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2018 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg
2018 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

2017 Mazda 3 Tow Capacity

The 2017 Mazda 3 can tow 2,645 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2017 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg
2017 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

2016 Mazda 3 Tow Capacity

The 2016 Mazda 3 can tow 3,086 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2016 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All3,086 lbs / 1,400 kg
2016 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

2015 Mazda 3 Tow Capacity

The 2015 Mazda 3 can tow 3,086 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2015 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All3,086 lbs / 1,400 kg
2015 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

2014 Mazda 3 Tow Capacity

The 2014 Mazda 3 can tow 3,086 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2014 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All3,086 lbs / 1,400 kg
2014 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

2013 Mazda 3 Tow Capacity

The 2013 Mazda 3 can tow 2,645 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2013 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All2,645 lbs / 1,200 kg
2013 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

2012 Mazda 3 Tow Capacity

The 2012 Mazda 3 can tow 1,984 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2012 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All1,984 lbs / 900 kg
2012 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

2011 Mazda 3 Tow Capacity

The 2011 Mazda 3 can tow 1,984 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2011 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All1,984 lbs / 900 kg
2011 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

2010 Mazda 3 Tow Capacity

The 2010 Mazda 3 can tow 1,984 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2010 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All1,984 lbs / 900 kg
2010 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

2009 Mazda 3 Tow Capacity

The 2009 Mazda 3 can tow 1,984 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2009 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All1,984 lbs / 900 kg
2009 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

2008 Mazda 3 Tow Capacity

The 2008 Mazda 3 can tow 1,984 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2008 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All1,984 lbs / 900 kg
2008 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

2007 Mazda 3 Tow Capacity

The 2007 Mazda 3 can tow 1,984 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2007 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All1,984 lbs / 900 kg
2007 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

2006 Mazda 3 Tow Capacity

The 2006 Mazda 3 can tow 1,984 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2006 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All1,984 lbs / 900 kg
2006 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

2005 Mazda 3 Tow Capacity

The 2005 Mazda 3 can tow 1,984 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2005 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All1,984 lbs / 900 kg
2005 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

2004 Mazda 3 Tow Capacity

The 2004 Mazda 3 can tow 1,984 lbs across all trim levels and configurations.

Refer to the chart below to find how much your 2004 Mazda 3 can tow.

Mazda 3 Trim LevelTowing Capacity
All1,984 lbs / 900 kg
2004 Mazda 3 Towing Capacity Chart

Data Accuracy

We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official Mazda 3 Owner’s Manuals on Mazda’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 Mazda 3.

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