The Tesla Model 3 was introduced into Tesla’s lineup as a compact sedan in 2018 and is currently the best-selling electric car in history. Teslas are known for their distinct styling and for having the features consumers expect from today’s vehicles, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 has a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds. It’s important to note that this tow rating is from Europe, as the Model 3 is not officially rated for towing in the US.
There’s a bit more to know about Tesla Model 3 towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2023 Tesla Model 3 Towing Capacity
As we covered earlier, the 2023 Tesla Model 3 can tow 2,000 pounds when it has a tow hitch installed.
A 2023 Tesla Model 3 Standard can tow 2,000 pounds.
A 2023 Tesla Model 3 Long Range can tow 2,000 pounds.
A 2023 Tesla Model 3 Performance can tow 2,000 pounds.
| Tesla Model 3Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Standard (base) | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| Long Range | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| Performance | 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.
Here’s a video showing the Tesla Model 3 put to a real-world towing test:
Tesla Model 3 Braked Vs. Unbraked Tow 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.
Tesla Model 3 Braked Tow Capacity: 2,000 lbs.
Tesla Model 3 Unbraked Tow Capacity: 2,000 lbs.
Tesla Model 3 Towing Capacity Factors
There aren’t really any factors that impact the Tesla Model 3’s towing capabilities, as the model is only five years old.
While some longer-running vehicles’ tow ratings may vary by engine differences or other options over the years, the Model 3 hasn’t had any major changes yet, so all Tesla Model 3 year models and trim levels can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
Tesla Model 3 Tow Package Info
Does The Tesla Model 3 Have A Tow Package?
Tesla doesn’t offer a tow hitch for the Model 3 in the U.S., so you’ll need to get an aftermarket hitch.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Tesla Model 3?
If you plan on towing anything with your Tesla Model 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.
Tesla Model 3 Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Tesla Model 3 uses a Class 2 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III Tesla Model 3 trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 2,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 300 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 Tesla Model 3
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Model 3:
- 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
Tesla Model 3 Trailer Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Model 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.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Tesla Model 3 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 Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My Tesla Model 3 Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Model 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 Model 3.
2022 Tesla Model 3 Towing Capacity
A 2022 Tesla Model 3 Standard can tow 2,000 pounds.
A 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range can tow 2,000 pounds.
A 2022 Tesla Model 3 Performance can tow 2,000 pounds.
| Tesla Model 3Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Standard (base) | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| Long Range | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| Performance | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
2021 Tesla Model 3 Towing Capacity
A 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard can tow 2,000 pounds.
A 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range can tow 2,000 pounds.
A 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance can tow 2,000 pounds.
| Tesla Model 3Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Standard (base) | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| Long Range | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| Performance | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
2020 Tesla Model 3 Towing Capacity
A 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard can tow 2,000 pounds.
A 2020 Tesla Model 3 Long Range can tow 2,000 pounds.
A 2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance can tow 2,000 pounds.
| Tesla Model 3Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Standard (base) | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| Long Range | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| Performance | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
2019 Tesla Model 3 Towing Capacity
A 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard can tow 2,000 pounds.
A 2019 Tesla Model 3 Long Range can tow 2,000 pounds.
A 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance can tow 2,000 pounds.
| Tesla Model 3Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Standard (base) | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| Long Range | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| Performance | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
2018 Tesla Model 3 Tow Capacity
A 2018 Tesla Model 3 Standard can tow 2,000 pounds.
A 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range can tow 2,000 pounds.
A 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance can tow 2,000 pounds.
| Tesla Model 3Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| Standard (base) | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| Long Range | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
| Performance | 2,000 lbs / 907 kg |
