2012 Toyota Tacoma towing capacity
The 2012 Toyota Tacoma is published in 14 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 3,300 to 3,500 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (3,500 lb) sits in compact SUV / minivan territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 2012 Toyota Tacoma 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base 4x2 Regular Cab 109.6 in. WB | — | 159 | 180 | 3.31 | 3,500 | 4,650 | 3,315 | 1,335 |
| Base 4x4 Regular Cab 109.6 in. WB | — | 159 | 180 | 4.1 | 3,500 | 5,100 | 3,700 | 1,400 |
| Base 4x2 Access Cab 127.4 in. WB | — | 159 | 180 | 3.31 | 3,500 | 4,900 | 3,605 | 1,295 |
| X-Runner V6 4x2 Access Cab 127.4 in. WB | — | 236 | 266 | 3.15 | 3,500 | 4,700 | 3,835 | 865 |
| PreRunner 4x2 Access Cab 127.4 in. WB | — | 159 | 180 | 4.1 | 3,300 | 5,250 | 3,785 | 1,465 |
| PreRunner V6 4x2 Access Cab 127.4 in. WB | — | 236 | 266 | 3.73 | 3,500 | 5,250 | 3,865 | 1,385 |
| Base 4x4 Access Cab 127.4 in. WB | — | 159 | 180 | 4.1 | 3,500 | 5,350 | 4,000 | 1,350 |
| Base V6 4x4 Access Cab 127.4 in. WB | — | 236 | 266 | 3.73 | 3,500 | 5,350 | 4,075 | 1,275 |
| Base 4x2 Double Cab 127.4 in. WB | — | 159 | 180 | 3.58 | 3,400 | 4,900 | 3,705 | 1,195 |
| PreRunner 4x2 Double Cab 127.4 in. WB | — | 159 | 180 | 4.1 | 3,500 | 5,250 | 3,865 | 1,385 |
| PreRunner V6 4x2 Double Cab 127.4 in. WB | — | 236 | 266 | 3.73 | 3,500 | 5,400 | 3,950 | 1,450 |
| Base V6 4x4 Double Cab 127.4 in. WB | — | 236 | 266 | 3.73 | 3,500 | 5,500 | 4,160 | 1,340 |
| PreRunner V6 4x2 Double Cab 140.6 in. WB | — | 236 | 266 | 3.73 | 3,500 | 5,350 | 3,975 | 1,375 |
| Base V6 4x4 Double Cab 140.6 in. WB | — | 236 | 266 | 3.73 | 3,500 | 5,500 | 4,220 | 1,280 |
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 2011
The 2011 Toyota Tacoma carried a maximum tow rating of 3,500 lb. The 2012 model carries the same headline figure — manufacturers usually leave the rating alone year-over-year unless there's a powertrain or hitch change. See the 2011 Toyota Tacoma page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2012 Toyota models
The rest of Toyota's 2012 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 2012 Toyota Tundra | 10,400 |
| 2012 Toyota Tundra Reg. Cab LB 2WD | 10,400 |
| 2012 Toyota Tundra Reg. Cab LB 4WD | 10,100 |
| 2012 Toyota Tundra Double Cab SB 2WD | 10,100 |
| 2012 Toyota Tundra Double CAB | 10,000 |
| 2012 Toyota Tundra Double Cab LB 2WD | 10,000 |
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.