The Chevrolet Trax is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand.
It has been in production since the 2013 model year, with North American sales beginning in 2015 for the first generation and continuing through the second generation from the 2024 model year onward.
This guide covers towing specifications by model year, including maximum trailer weight, payload limits, tongue weight, and hitch class for each configuration.
Towing limits apply based on engine type, drivetrain, and whether optional towing equipment is installed.
Following manufacturer-rated towing limits helps protect the engine, transmission, cooling system, and braking hardware from premature wear and failure.
Quick Navigation
2026 Chevrolet Trax Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.2L turbocharged 3-cylinder |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 1,263 lbs (573 kg) |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 1,263 lbs (573 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Not officially published |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 126 lbs (57 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class I / Class III (aftermarket) |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional |
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax carries forward the second-generation platform with a maximum towing capacity of 1,263 lbs (573 kg) when properly equipped with a factory or aftermarket hitch.
The standard drivetrain is front-wheel drive, and no all-wheel drive option is available for this generation.
Staying within tongue weight limits is critical for maintaining steering control and suspension integrity on this platform.
2025 Chevrolet Trax Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.2L turbocharged 3-cylinder (137 hp, 162 lb-ft torque) |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 1,263 lbs (573 kg) |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 1,263 lbs (573 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Not officially published |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 126 lbs (57 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class I / Class III (aftermarket) |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional |
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax delivers a maximum towing capacity of 1,263 lbs (573 kg) when paired with the available trailer hitch and appropriate equipment.
The 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, transmitted through a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Rear vision camera and electronic stability control are standard features that support light towing tasks.
2024 Chevrolet Trax Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.2L turbocharged 3-cylinder (137 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 1,000 lbs (453 kg) estimated |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 1,000 lbs (453 kg) estimated |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Approx. 1,200 lbs (544 kg) |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Not officially published |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 100 lbs (45 kg) estimated |
| Hitch Class | Class I |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional |
The 2024 Chevrolet Trax received a complete redesign from the ground up and was the launch year for the second generation sold in North America. Towing capacity is rated at approximately 1,000 lbs (453 kg) depending on configuration and equipment installed. The 2024 model year introduced an entirely new 1.2L turbocharged three-cylinder engine paired with a front-wheel-drive layout across all trims.
2022 Chevrolet Trax Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder (138 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | Not rated for towing (0 lbs) |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | Not rated |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Varies by trim |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Not applicable |
| Tongue Weight Limit | Not rated |
| Hitch Class | Aftermarket Class I available |
| Factory Tow Package | No |
The 2022 Chevrolet Trax was the final model year of the first generation sold in North America, and GM’s owner’s manual explicitly stated that the vehicle was not designed or intended for towing. Third-party aftermarket hitches rated up to 2,000 lbs GTW were available for sale, but use of these products does not constitute an OEM-approved towing rating. Operating the vehicle beyond its manufacturer-stated limits voids warranty coverage on drivetrain components.
2021 Chevrolet Trax Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder (138 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | Not rated for towing (0 lbs) |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | Not rated |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Varies by trim |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Not applicable |
| Tongue Weight Limit | Not rated |
| Hitch Class | Aftermarket Class I available |
| Factory Tow Package | No |
The 2021 Chevrolet Trax returned with no major mechanical changes and retained the same no-tow designation from GM in the owner’s manual. The Premier trim was retired for this model year, leaving LS, LT, and RS variants. Despite the absence of a factory tow rating, Class I aftermarket hitches were catalogued by third-party suppliers for accessory use such as bike racks.
2020 Chevrolet Trax Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder (138 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | Not rated for towing (0 lbs) |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | Not rated |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Varies by trim |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Not applicable |
| Tongue Weight Limit | Not rated |
| Hitch Class | Aftermarket Class I available |
| Factory Tow Package | No |
The 2020 Chevrolet Trax was carried over from 2019 with minor changes, including the removal of several exterior color options. The manufacturer’s owner’s manual for this model year states the vehicle is not designed for towing trailer loads. Any aftermarket hitch installed on a 2020 Trax is used at the owner’s risk and does not carry GM’s approval for trailer towing.
2019 Chevrolet Trax Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder (138 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | Not rated for towing (0 lbs) |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | Not rated |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Varies by trim |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Not applicable |
| Tongue Weight Limit | Not rated |
| Hitch Class | Aftermarket Class I available |
| Factory Tow Package | No |
The 2019 Chevrolet Trax maintained the same 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain and FWD or AWD configurations carried over from prior years. GM did not rate the first-generation Trax for any trailer towing in the North American market for this model year. The Holden-market version of the platform carried a rated braked towing capacity of up to 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs), but this specification did not apply to U.S.-market models.
2018 Chevrolet Trax Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder (138 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | Not rated for towing (0 lbs) |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | Not rated |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Varies by trim |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Not applicable |
| Tongue Weight Limit | Not rated |
| Hitch Class | Aftermarket Class I available |
| Factory Tow Package | No |
The 2018 Chevrolet Trax continued without a manufacturer towing rating for the North American market. Car and Driver confirmed that the 2018 Trax lists N/A for all towing fields including maximum towing capacity, trailer weight, and tongue weight. Third-party aftermarket hitches listed for the 2018 Trax, such as the CURT Class 1 receiver, are intended for cargo carrier and bike rack applications rather than trailer towing.
2017 Chevrolet Trax Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder (138 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | Not rated for towing (0 lbs) |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | Not rated |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Varies by trim |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Not applicable |
| Tongue Weight Limit | Not rated |
| Hitch Class | Aftermarket Class I available |
| Factory Tow Package | No |
The 2017 Chevrolet Trax carried no official towing rating from General Motors for the North American market. It shares the same platform and powertrain as the Buick Encore of the same era, which was also not rated for trailer towing in the U.S. market. The absence of a factory tow package and no GCWR designation confirm the manufacturer’s position that this vehicle is not intended for trailer use.
2016 Chevrolet Trax Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder (138 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | Not rated for towing (0 lbs) |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | Not rated |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Varies by trim |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Not applicable |
| Tongue Weight Limit | Not rated |
| Hitch Class | Aftermarket Class I available |
| Factory Tow Package | No |
The 2016 Chevrolet Trax was the second model year of U.S. sales and continued with an identical no-tow designation. The 1.4L turbocharged engine was the sole powertrain option, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. No factory tow package or trailer preparation wiring harness was offered by GM for this model year.
2015 Chevrolet Trax Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder (138 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | Not rated for towing (0 lbs) |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | Not rated |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Varies by trim |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Not applicable |
| Tongue Weight Limit | Not rated |
| Hitch Class | Aftermarket Class I available |
| Factory Tow Package | No |
The 2015 Chevrolet Trax was the first model year sold in the United States, featuring a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower in both FWD and AWD configurations. GM’s owner’s manual for the 2015 model year stated that the vehicle was not designed for towing, and no trailer weight limit was published. The Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system was introduced as a technology feature for this inaugural U.S. model year.
Towing Equipment and Setup
Importance of a Factory Tow Package
A factory tow package typically includes a transmission oil cooler, trailer wiring harness, upgraded suspension tuning, and a receiver hitch mount. For the second-generation Trax (2024-2026), the available tow package brings the trailer weight rating up to its maximum rated limit. Installing only an aftermarket hitch without the full tow package leaves the transmission, cooling system, and electrical system without the reinforcements needed for sustained trailer loads.
Trailer Brake Controller
For trailers above 1,000 lbs gross trailer weight, a proportional trailer brake controller is recommended. The Trax does not include a factory-installed brake controller, and the towing capacity of the second-generation model (1,263 lbs) is low enough that most states do not legally require trailer brakes at this weight threshold. Owners planning to tow at or near the maximum limit should verify local trailer brake regulations before departure.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch is not applicable for the Chevrolet Trax given its maximum towing capacity of 1,263 lbs. Weight-distribution systems are designed for trailer loads typically exceeding 5,000 lbs and are unnecessary at light-duty towing levels. Standard Class I or Class III receiver hitches are the appropriate equipment for Trax towing applications.
Transmission Cooler
The standard 1.2L turbocharged engine in the second-generation Trax uses a 6-speed automatic transmission. Sustained towing without an auxiliary transmission cooler can elevate fluid temperatures, particularly in stop-and-go traffic or uphill grades. Vehicles configured with the factory tow package include factory-fitted cooler provisions appropriate for the rated towing limit.
Tire Load Ratings
Tires on the Chevrolet Trax must be checked for load index ratings before towing. Trailer loads transfer a portion of tongue weight to the tow vehicle’s rear axle, increasing the effective load on rear tires. Using tires at or above the recommended load rating for the vehicle’s GVWR is required to maintain braking performance and handling stability.
Trailer Sway Control
The second-generation Trax includes electronic stability control as a standard feature. This system provides limited trailer sway mitigation by monitoring lateral acceleration and applying selective braking. Dedicated trailer sway control systems are not factory-available but can be integrated through compatible brake controllers on trailers equipped with electric brakes.
Normal Towing vs. Heavy Towing Setup
| Feature | Light Towing (Under 1,000 lbs) | At Maximum Rating (1,263 lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Hitch Class | Class I | Class I / Class III aftermarket |
| Trailer Brakes Required | Generally not required | Verify by state law |
| Weight-Distributing Hitch | Not needed | Not needed |
| Transmission Cooler | Standard cooling sufficient | Factory tow package recommended |
| Tire Check | Routine inspection | Load index verification required |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Chevrolet Trax?
The maximum towing capacity of the Chevrolet Trax is 1,263 lbs (573 kg) for properly equipped second-generation models from the 2024 model year onward. First-generation Trax models sold in the United States from 2015 through 2022 carried no official towing rating from GM. Always confirm the specific model year and equipment level using the owner’s manual before selecting a trailer.
How much can a Chevrolet Trax tow with a tow package?
With the optional factory tow package installed, the second-generation Chevrolet Trax is rated to tow up to 1,263 lbs (573 kg). Without the tow package, the published capacity for the 2024 model year drops to approximately 1,000 lbs (453 kg) depending on configuration. The tow package adds the hitch receiver and wiring provisions required to reach the vehicle’s rated maximum trailer weight.
Does AWD affect Chevrolet Trax towing capacity?
The second-generation Chevrolet Trax (2024 and newer) is only available in front-wheel drive, so an AWD comparison is not applicable to current production. The first-generation Trax was available with AWD, but neither the AWD nor the FWD configuration received an official towing rating from GM for U.S.-market models. Drivetrain choice does not alter towing limits when no rating is published.
What trailer weight is safe for a Chevrolet Trax?
For 2024 and newer Trax models, trailer gross weight should not exceed 1,263 lbs (573 kg) under any circumstances. A safety margin of 10 to 15 percent below the rated maximum is advisable to account for dynamic loads, road gradient, and wind resistance. For 2015-2022 models, GM explicitly stated no trailer weight is safe for towing on these vehicles.
Do I need a weight-distributing hitch for a Chevrolet Trax?
No, a weight-distributing hitch is not required or recommended for the Chevrolet Trax. The maximum towing capacity of 1,263 lbs is far below the 5,000 lb threshold where weight-distribution systems become applicable. A standard Class I or Class III receiver hitch with a ball mount is sufficient for all towing applications within the Trax’s rated towing specifications.
Can I flat tow a Chevrolet Trax behind a motorhome?
The Chevrolet Trax is not approved for four-down (flat) towing by General Motors. Flat towing an unapproved vehicle can cause irreversible transmission and drivetrain damage due to the absence of lubrication when the engine is off. Consult a licensed RV technician and the owner’s manual before any flat towing attempt.
Conclusion
The Chevrolet Trax has been in production since 2013, with U.S. sales beginning in 2015. First-generation models from 2015 through 2022 carried no manufacturer-issued towing rating, meaning these vehicles were not approved for trailer towing in the North American market. The second-generation Trax, introduced for the 2024 model year, established an official maximum towing capacity of 1,263 lbs (573 kg) when equipped with the optional tow package and a properly rated hitch.
Engine configuration and factory-installed towing equipment are the primary factors that determine whether a given Trax model can legally and safely tow a trailer. Operating either generation beyond its manufacturer-stated limits risks damage to the transmission, cooling system, and structural components. Always verify specifications using the owner’s manual or GM’s official towing guide before towing any load.
