The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle produced by General Motors in two generations: the first generation spanning model years 2011 through 2015, and the second generation covering 2016 through 2019.
The Volt uses a front-wheel-drive layout with a Voltec electric drivetrain supplemented by a gasoline range-extender engine.
This guide covers towing specifications, aftermarket hitch ratings, payload limits, and drivetrain details for every model year.
General Motors did not publish an official towing capacity for the Chevrolet Volt in any model year.
All manufacturer spec sheets list maximum trailer weight as “NA.” Aftermarket hitch options exist from suppliers such as Draw-Tite, Curt, and EcoHitch, but their weight ratings do not constitute GM-endorsed towing limits.
Following manufacturer-rated limits protects the engine, transmission, suspension, and braking systems.
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2019 Chevrolet Volt Towing Capacity
The 2019 model year was the final year of Volt production. It carried over the second-generation Voltec powertrain without significant mechanical changes.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.5L inline-4 range extender (101 hp) + dual electric motors (combined 149 hp) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Manufacturer Official) | Not Rated (NA) |
| Aftermarket Hitch Towing Limit (EcoHitch, Class II) | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
| Aftermarket Class I Hitch Towing Limit | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Approx. 1,094 lbs (496 kg) (GVWR minus curb weight) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 4,613 lbs (2,092 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit (Aftermarket Class II) | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit (Aftermarket Class I) | 100 lbs (45 kg) |
| Hitch Class (Aftermarket) | Class I (1-1/4 in.) or Class II (2 in.) |
| Factory Tow Package | No |
The 2019 Chevrolet Volt carries a GVWR of 4,613 lbs and a curb weight of approximately 3,519 lbs (LT trim), leaving a payload margin of roughly 1,094 lbs. GM does not assign an official towing rating for this vehicle; aftermarket Class II hitch installations such as the EcoHitch carry a manufacturer-stated limit of 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with a 300 lb (136 kg) tongue weight.
Exceeding these aftermarket limits risks exceeding structural and braking thresholds for this platform.
2018 Chevrolet Volt Towing Capacity
The 2018 Volt is mechanically identical to the 2019 model, sharing the same second-generation Voltec drivetrain and body structure.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.5L inline-4 range extender (101 hp) + dual electric motors (combined 149 hp) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Manufacturer Official) | Not Rated (NA) |
| Aftermarket Hitch Towing Limit (EcoHitch, Class II) | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
| Aftermarket Class I Hitch Towing Limit | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Approx. 1,070 lbs (485 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 4,613 lbs (2,092 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit (Aftermarket Class II) | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit (Aftermarket Class I) | 100 lbs (45 kg) |
| Hitch Class (Aftermarket) | Class I (1-1/4 in.) or Class II (2 in.) |
| Factory Tow Package | No |
The 2018 Chevrolet Volt shares its platform with the 2019 model and carries the same GVWR of 4,613 lbs. Chevrolet lists no official trailer weight rating for this year. The EcoHitch Class II application covers 2016 through 2019 model years with a consistent aftermarket rating of 2,000 lbs towing and 300 lbs tongue weight.
2017 Chevrolet Volt Towing Capacity
The 2017 Volt remains part of the second generation, with no powertrain changes from 2016. The EcoHitch 2-inch receiver hitch is the only confirmed 2-inch hitch fitment for this year.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.5L inline-4 range extender (101 hp) + dual electric motors (combined 149 hp) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Manufacturer Official) | Not Rated (NA) |
| Aftermarket Hitch Towing Limit (EcoHitch, Class II) | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
| Aftermarket Class I Hitch Towing Limit | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Approx. 1,070 lbs (485 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 4,613 lbs (2,092 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit (Aftermarket Class II) | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit (Aftermarket Class I) | 100 lbs (45 kg) |
| Hitch Class (Aftermarket) | Class I (1-1/4 in.) or Class II (2 in.) |
| Factory Tow Package | No |
The 2017 Chevrolet Volt has no factory tow package and carries no manufacturer towing rating. Aftermarket towing at loads below 1,000 lbs has been documented by owners without reported drivetrain issues, though GM explicitly does not endorse towing for this platform. Maintaining loads well within the aftermarket hitch rating is critical for braking performance and structural safety.
2016 Chevrolet Volt Towing Capacity
The 2016 model year introduced the second generation Volt, featuring a revised 1.5L range extender replacing the first-generation 1.4L unit. The EcoHitch Class II application begins with this model year.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.5L inline-4 range extender (101 hp) + dual electric motors (combined 149 hp) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Manufacturer Official) | Not Rated (NA) |
| Aftermarket Hitch Towing Limit (EcoHitch, Class II) | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
| Aftermarket Class I Hitch Towing Limit | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Approx. 1,070 lbs (485 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 4,613 lbs (2,092 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit (Aftermarket Class II) | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit (Aftermarket Class I) | 100 lbs (45 kg) |
| Hitch Class (Aftermarket) | Class I (1-1/4 in.) or Class II (2 in.) |
| Factory Tow Package | No |
The 2016 Chevrolet Volt’s base curb weight is 3,543 lbs for the LT trim, producing a payload window of approximately 1,070 lbs within its 4,613 lb GVWR. Car and Driver’s official spec listing shows “NA” for all trailer weight and tongue weight fields. The EcoHitch Invisi 2-inch receiver is the primary aftermarket hitch option for this generation, rated at 2,000 lbs GTW and 300 lbs tongue weight.
2015 Chevrolet Volt Towing Capacity
The 2015 model year was the final year of the first-generation Volt platform, which used the original 1.4L range-extender engine.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.4L inline-4 range extender (84 hp) + electric drive motor (combined 149 hp) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Manufacturer Official) | Not Rated (NA) |
| Aftermarket Hitch Towing Limit (EcoHitch Stealth, Class II) | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
| Aftermarket Class I Hitch Towing Limit | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Approx. 802 lbs (364 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 4,583 lbs (2,079 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit (Aftermarket Class II) | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit (Aftermarket Class I) | 100 lbs (45 kg) |
| Hitch Class (Aftermarket) | Class I (1-1/4 in.) or Class II (2 in.) |
| Factory Tow Package | No |
The 2015 first-generation Volt shares its GVWR and payload characteristics with the 2011 through 2014 models. The EcoHitch Stealth covers the 2011 through 2015 model year range with a 2,000 lb towing rating and 300 lb tongue weight rating. No factory tow option was offered at any point in the first-generation production run.
2014 Chevrolet Volt Towing Capacity
The 2014 Volt carried forward the original first-generation powertrain. No towing-related equipment changes were introduced for this model year.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.4L inline-4 range extender (84 hp) + electric drive motor (combined 149 hp) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Manufacturer Official) | Not Rated (NA) |
| Aftermarket Hitch Towing Limit (EcoHitch Stealth, Class II) | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
| Aftermarket Class I Hitch Towing Limit | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Approx. 802 lbs (364 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 4,583 lbs (2,079 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit (Aftermarket Class II) | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit (Aftermarket Class I) | 100 lbs (45 kg) |
| Hitch Class (Aftermarket) | Class I (1-1/4 in.) or Class II (2 in.) |
| Factory Tow Package | No |
The 2014 Chevrolet Volt uses the same 1.4L range extender and Voltec drive system as the 2011 through 2013 models, with a GVWR of 4,583 lbs and a payload capacity near 802 lbs. GM assigned no towing capacity rating to this model year, and all published spec databases reflect “NA” for trailer weight limits. Aftermarket Class I hitches rated at 1,000 lbs and Class II hitches rated at 2,000 lbs are available for this platform.
2013 Chevrolet Volt Towing Capacity
The 2013 Volt continued the first-generation design and powertrain without structural modifications affecting towing capability.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.4L inline-4 range extender (84 hp) + electric drive motor (combined 149 hp) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Manufacturer Official) | Not Rated (NA) |
| Aftermarket Hitch Towing Limit (EcoHitch Stealth, Class II) | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
| Aftermarket Class I Hitch Towing Limit | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Approx. 802 lbs (364 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 4,583 lbs (2,079 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit (Aftermarket Class II) | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit (Aftermarket Class I) | 100 lbs (45 kg) |
| Hitch Class (Aftermarket) | Class I (1-1/4 in.) or Class II (2 in.) |
| Factory Tow Package | No |
The 2013 Chevrolet Volt is mechanically unchanged from adjacent first-generation years in terms of structural towing capacity. The GVWR stands at 4,583 lbs, and payload is constrained to approximately 802 lbs due to the vehicle’s 3,781 lb curb weight. Aftermarket hitch installations from Draw-Tite and EcoHitch are the only available towing solutions for this model year.
2012 Chevrolet Volt Towing Capacity
The 2012 Volt is the second model year of the first generation, with no changes affecting towing-related structure or GVWR from 2011.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.4L inline-4 range extender (84 hp) + electric drive motor (combined 149 hp) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Manufacturer Official) | Not Rated (NA) |
| Aftermarket Hitch Towing Limit (EcoHitch Stealth, Class II) | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
| Aftermarket Class I Hitch Towing Limit | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Approx. 802 lbs (364 kg) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 4,583 lbs (2,079 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit (Aftermarket Class II) | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit (Aftermarket Class I) | 100 lbs (45 kg) |
| Hitch Class (Aftermarket) | Class I (1-1/4 in.) or Class II (2 in.) |
| Factory Tow Package | No |
Car and Driver’s specifications for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt list maximum trailer weight at “NA” for both dead-weight and weight-distributing hitch configurations. The first-generation GVWR of 4,583 lbs applies consistently across the 2011 through 2015 model year range. Aftermarket hitch ratings should not be treated as equivalent to manufacturer towing certifications.
2011 Chevrolet Volt Towing Capacity
The 2011 Chevrolet Volt was the first model year of production, launching in late 2010. It introduced the Voltec drivetrain with a 1.4L range-extender engine.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.4L inline-4 range extender (84 hp) + electric drive motor (combined 149 hp) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity (Manufacturer Official) | Not Rated (NA) |
| Aftermarket Hitch Towing Limit (EcoHitch Stealth, Class II) | 2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
| Aftermarket Class I Hitch Towing Limit | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 750 lbs (340 kg) per DOE test documentation |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 4,548-4,583 lbs (2,063-2,079 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit (Aftermarket Class II) | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
| Tongue Weight Limit (Aftermarket Class I) | 100 lbs (45 kg) |
| Hitch Class (Aftermarket) | Class I (1-1/4 in.) or Class II (2 in.) |
| Factory Tow Package | No |
The 2011 Chevrolet Volt was tested by the U.S. Department of Energy with a design curb weight of 3,781 lbs and a maximum payload of 750 lbs. The GVWR recorded in DOE baseline testing is 4,548 lbs, consistent with the 4,583 lbs figure for this generation. GM published no towing capacity rating for this model year, and the platform was not engineered with towing in mind.
Towing Equipment and Setup Considerations
Because GM issued no official towing rating for any Chevrolet Volt model year, standard towing equipment hierarchies apply only partially. The information below applies when using a properly rated aftermarket hitch within its stated limits.
Hitch Class Selection
The Volt platform supports Class I hitches with a 1-1/4 inch receiver, rated at 1,000 lbs GTW and 100 lbs tongue weight. For loads approaching 2,000 lbs, Class II-rated aftermarket hitches such as the EcoHitch with a 2-inch receiver are the appropriate fitment, carrying a rating of 2,000 lbs GTW and 300 lbs tongue weight. No Class III, IV, or V hitches are applicable to this vehicle.
Trailer Brake Controller
Federal regulations require trailer brakes on trailers exceeding 3,000 lbs gross trailer weight in most U.S. states. Because the Volt’s aftermarket limit of 2,000 lbs falls below most brake controller thresholds, trailer brake controllers are not typically relevant for this platform. However, even light trailers increase stopping distances significantly in a vehicle not designed for towing.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
Weight-distributing hitches are applicable to vehicles with conventional towing capacities above approximately 3,500 lbs. The Chevrolet Volt’s aftermarket limits do not warrant a weight-distributing setup. A standard ball mount within the rated tongue weight limit is the appropriate configuration.
Transmission Cooler and Drivetrain Protection
The Volt’s electric motor and power electronics generate heat under sustained load. No factory transmission cooler for towing duty exists. Towing at elevated ambient temperatures, on grades, or for long distances increases thermal stress on the power inverter and electric motors.
Tire Load Ratings
Confirm that installed tires have a combined load rating that exceeds the GVWR of 4,583-4,613 lbs plus any tongue weight placed on the hitch. Adding trailer tongue weight to the vehicle reduces available dynamic load capacity for occupants and cargo.
Normal Towing vs. Light Utility Towing Setup
| Factor | Light Utility Towing (under 500 lbs) | Near-Limit Towing (1,500-2,000 lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Hitch Class | Class I (1-1/4 in.) | Class II (2 in.) |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 100 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Trailer Brakes | Not required | Strongly recommended |
| Speed Limit Recommendation | Posted limit | Reduced (45-55 mph) |
| Trailer Sway Control | Not applicable | Use weight-equalizing load distribution |
| Range Impact | Moderate reduction | Significant reduction in EV range |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Chevrolet Volt?
General Motors has never published an official towing capacity for any Chevrolet Volt model year. Aftermarket hitch suppliers such as EcoHitch rate their Class II hitch installations at 2,000 lbs (907 kg) with a 300 lb tongue weight for the 2011 through 2019 Volt. This aftermarket rating is not a manufacturer-endorsed towing limit.
How much can a Chevrolet Volt tow with a tow package?
Chevrolet did not offer a factory tow package for any Volt model year. The vehicle has no factory towing provision; any towing must be done using an aftermarket hitch installation. The highest aftermarket-rated configuration is a Class II 2-inch receiver hitch with a 2,000 lb gross trailer weight limit.
Does the Volt’s front-wheel drive layout affect towing capacity?
Front-wheel drive vehicles transfer trailer tongue weight to the rear axle, which can reduce front-axle traction and steering response. The Volt’s FWD layout across all model years means trailer loads accelerate this effect. Keeping tongue weight within the 100 lb (Class I) or 300 lb (Class II) aftermarket limits is critical for steering control.
What trailer weight is safe for a Chevrolet Volt?
No manufacturer safety certification exists for any trailer weight behind a Chevrolet Volt. Owners who choose to tow using aftermarket hitches should remain well within the aftermarket rating, use small utility trailers with loads under 1,000 lbs, limit distance and speed, and avoid grades where possible.
Do I need a weight-distributing hitch for a Chevrolet Volt?
A weight-distributing hitch is not applicable to the Chevrolet Volt due to the low aftermarket towing limits and the absence of an official towing rating. Standard ball mounts within the aftermarket hitch’s tongue weight rating are the appropriate equipment for light-duty trailer use.
Can towing void the Chevrolet Volt warranty?
GM dealers have indicated that towing with the Volt may affect warranty coverage, particularly for drivetrain and structural components. Since the vehicle carries no factory tow rating, any damage resulting from towing may not be covered under the standard powertrain warranty. Consulting the owner’s manual and a GM dealer before towing is advisable.
Conclusion
The Chevrolet Volt, across all model years from 2011 through 2019, carries no official manufacturer towing capacity rating. General Motors did not engineer the Volt for towing and did not offer a factory tow package for either the first generation (2011-2015) or the second generation (2016-2019). Aftermarket hitch options provide Class I ratings of 1,000 lbs and Class II ratings of 2,000 lbs, but these figures represent hitch component ratings rather than vehicle manufacturer towing certification.
Engine configuration, from the 1.4L first-generation range extender to the 1.5L second-generation unit, does not change this status. The platform’s payload capacity ranges from approximately 750-802 lbs for Gen 1 models to approximately 1,070-1,094 lbs for Gen 2 models, leaving limited margin for combined occupant, cargo, and trailer tongue weight loads. Always verify specifications using the owner’s manual and consult a certified dealer before towing any load with a Chevrolet Volt.
