1997 Mazda B Series towing capacity
The 1997 Mazda B Series is published in 11 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 1,300 to 5,600 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (5,600 lb) sits in mid-size SUV / pickup territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 1997 Mazda B Series with the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, horsepower, torque, GVWR, curb weight, and payload that go with that trim's headline tow rating. Manufacturers often publish more than one tow figure per truck — a conventional bumper-hitch rating, a weight-distributing rating, and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel rating — so the highest number here is the maximum across all hitch classes the source carries for the trim.
Per-trim breakdown
| Configuration | Engine | HP | Torque | Axle | Tow (lb) | GVWR | Curb | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B2300 Short Bed | 4-Cyl, 2.3 Liter | 112 | 135 | — | 2,300 | — | 2,989 | — |
| B2300 SE Short Bed | 4-Cyl, 2.3 Liter | 112 | 135 | — | 2,300 | — | 3,059 | — |
| B4000 4WD Short Bed | V6, 4.0 Liter | 160 | 220 | — | 2,000 | — | 3,242 | — |
| B4000 SE | V6, 4.0 Liter | 160 | 220 | — | 3,400 | — | 3,355 | — |
| B4000 4WD SE | V6, 4.0 Liter | 160 | 220 | — | 5,600 | — | 3,497 | — |
| B2300 SE | 4-Cyl, 2.3 Liter | 112 | 135 | — | 1,300 | — | 3,355 | — |
| B4000 4WD | V6, 4.0 Liter | 160 | 220 | — | 2,000 | — | 3,497 | — |
| B4000 SE | V6, 4.0 Liter | 160 | 220 | — | 3,400 | — | 3,355 | — |
| B4000 4WD SE | V6, 4.0 Liter | 160 | 220 | — | 5,600 | — | 3,497 | — |
| B2300 SE | 4-Cyl, 2.3 Liter | 112 | 135 | — | 1,300 | — | 3,355 | — |
| B4000 4WD | V6, 4.0 Liter | 160 | 220 | — | 2,000 | — | 3,497 | — |
How to interpret the headline tow figure
Tow ratings at this level are normally achievable with a conventional Class II or Class III receiver hitch. Always verify your vehicle has the manufacturer's tow package installed if you intend to tow at the upper end of the rating, and inspect the door-jamb sticker for the actual maximum permitted on your specific configuration.
How this year compares to 1996
The 1996 Mazda B Series carried a maximum tow rating of 2,400 lb. The 1997 model adds 3,200 lb on top of that — usually a sign the manufacturer added a tow package option, refreshed the powertrain, or revised hitch class certification. See the 1996 Mazda B Series page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 1997 Mazda models
The rest of Mazda's 1997 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 1997 Mazda B4000 Pickup 2WD | 6,000 |
| 1997 Mazda B4000 Pickup 4WD | 5,900 |
| 1997 Mazda B Series CAB Plus | 5,600 |
| 1997 Mazda MPV | 4,500 |
| 1997 Mazda MPV 2WD | 4,500 |
| 1997 Mazda MPV 4WD | 4,200 |
All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled. Always confirm against your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing.