2016 Chevrolet Traverse Towing Capacity: A Complete Guide

Overview

The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse is a midsize, three-row SUV that blends family-friendly features with practical towing capabilities, making it an excellent choice for those who need a versatile vehicle for both daily driving and occasional towing. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,200 pounds when properly equipped, it competes effectively in the midsize SUV segment against rivals like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer. Its unibody construction offers a smoother ride compared to truck-based SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe, while its spacious interior can seat up to eight passengers, providing ample room for families and cargo. This guide explores the Traverse’s towing capacities, factors affecting performance, payload considerations, real-world insights, and recommendations for optimal towing configurations.

Towing Capacity by Configuration

The towing capacity of the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse varies based on the trim, drivetrain (front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive), and whether it is equipped with the factory-installed towing package (RPO code V92). The Traverse is available in LS, LT (with 1LT and 2LT sub-trims), and LTZ trims, all powered by a 3.6L V6 engine. Below is a detailed breakdown of the towing capacities:

Trim	Drivetrain	Towing Capacity Without Tow Package (lbs)	Towing Capacity With Tow Package (lbs)
LS	FWD	2,000	5,200
LS	AWD	2,000	5,200
LT (1LT, 2LT)	FWD	2,000	5,200
LT (1LT, 2LT)	AWD	2,000	5,200
LTZ	FWD	2,000	5,200
LTZ	AWD	2,000	5,200

Key Notes:

Maximum Towing Capacity: The highest towing capacity of 5,200 pounds is achieved with the towing package (V92), which includes a Class III hitch receiver, heavy-duty cooling system, and trailer wiring harness. This applies to both FWD and AWD models across all trims.
Without Towing Package: Without the V92 package, the towing capacity is limited to 2,000 pounds, suitable for small utility trailers or lightweight loads.
Verification: Check the vehicle’s RPO codes in the glovebox for the V92 code to confirm the presence of the towing package.

Sources: Towing Capacity for 2016 Chevrolet Traverse without Factory Tow Package | etrailer.com, Trailer Towing Weight Capacity of a 2016 Chevy Traverse AWD with Tow Package | etrailer.com

What Affects Towing Capacity?

Several factors determine the towing capacity of the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, ensuring it can handle a range of towing tasks safely and efficiently:

Engine Specifications: All trims are equipped with a 3.6L V6 engine producing 281 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque (288 hp and 270 lb-ft with dual exhaust on LTZ models). This engine provides sufficient power for towing up to 5,200 pounds when properly equipped.
Transmission: A 6-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth power transfer, with a tow/haul mode that adjusts shift points to optimize performance under load.
Axle Ratio: The standard axle ratio is 3.16, which balances towing capability and fuel efficiency, suitable for light to moderate towing tasks.
Towing Package (V92): The factory-installed towing package is critical for achieving the maximum 5,200-pound capacity. It includes:
- Class III hitch receiver
- Heavy-duty cooling system (engine and transmission coolers)
- Trailer wiring harness
- Trailer sway control
Suspension and Chassis: The Traverse’s unibody construction, with independent front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, provides a stable platform for towing, though it’s less robust than body-on-frame SUVs for heavy-duty tasks.
Braking System: Four-wheel disc brakes with antilock braking system (ABS) ensure reliable stopping power. An optional integrated trailer brake controller enhances control for trailers with electric brakes.
Smart Towing Technology:
- Trailer Sway Control: Detects and mitigates trailer sway caused by crosswinds or uneven roads, improving safety.
- Tow/Haul Mode: Adjusts transmission shift points to deliver more torque during acceleration and reduce gear hunting.
- Rear Vision Camera: Standard on higher trims, this aids in aligning the vehicle with the trailer and navigating tight spaces.
- Hitch Guidance (Optional): Available on select trims, providing guidance lines on the rearview camera for easier trailer hookup.

Sources: 2016 Chevrolet Traverse Review & Ratings | Edmunds, 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LS FWD 4dr Features and Specs | Car and Driver

Payload Capacity and Its Impact

The payload capacity of the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse is approximately 1,500–1,600 pounds, depending on the trim and configuration. Payload capacity includes the weight of passengers, cargo, and the trailer’s tongue weight (typically 10–15% of the trailer’s weight). For example:

A 5,000-pound trailer with a 10% tongue weight (500 pounds) leaves 1,000–1,100 pounds for passengers and cargo if the payload capacity is 1,500–1,600 pounds.
Exceeding the payload capacity can reduce towing capacity, compromise vehicle stability, and affect braking performance.

Balancing payload and towing capacity is critical for safe operation. Always consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or door jamb sticker for specific payload ratings, as these may vary slightly by trim and options.

Source: 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LS FWD 4dr Features and Specs | Car and Driver

Insights From the Web and Social Media

Real-world feedback from owners and automotive forums provides valuable insights into the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse’s towing performance:

Moderate Towing Success: Owners on forums like Traverse Forum report successfully towing trailers weighing 3,500–4,000 pounds, such as small campers, with the V92 towing package. One owner noted that their 2009 Traverse (similar to the 2016 model) towed a 3,500-pound camper “just fine” with proper setup, suggesting the 2016 model performs similarly (Source: Traverse Towing | Traverse Forum).
Towing Package Importance: A common theme on forums is the necessity of the V92 towing package. Owners without it report limitations, with one user stating that their 2016 Traverse LT without the package was restricted to 2,000 pounds, significantly reducing its utility for towing (Source: Towing Capacity for 2016 Chevrolet Traverse without Factory Tow Package | etrailer.com).
Challenges Near Maximum Capacity: Some owners on Reddit’s r/GoRVing noted that towing near the 5,200-pound limit, especially on hilly terrain, can make the Traverse feel underpowered. They recommend staying below 4,000 pounds for a more comfortable experience (Source: r/GoRVing – Question about trailer weight-towing with a Chevrolet Traverse).
Expert Opinions: Automotive reviews from Edmunds and Car and Driver praise the Traverse’s spacious interior and comfortable ride but note that its towing capacity, while respectable, is not class-leading. The Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer offer slightly higher towing capacities in some configurations (Source: 2016 Chevrolet Traverse Review & Ratings | Edmunds).
Praises and Criticisms: Owners appreciate the Traverse’s ability to handle light to moderate loads, with AWD models providing better traction in adverse conditions. However, some criticize the lack of advanced towing features compared to newer competitors and the need for aftermarket upgrades (e.g., trailer brake controllers) for heavier loads.

Best Configurations for Towing

For Light-Duty Towing (Up to 2,000 Pounds)

For towing smaller loads, such as utility trailers or jet skis, the LS trim with FWD or AWD without the towing package is sufficient. This configuration can tow up to 2,000 pounds and is more budget-friendly, with an EPA-estimated 15/22 mpg city/highway, making it ideal for occasional towing.

For Moderate Towing (Up to 5,200 Pounds)

For larger trailers, such as small campers or boats, opt for the LT or LTZ trims with the V92 towing package and AWD for enhanced traction, especially in wet or snowy conditions. The towing package is essential to achieve the maximum 5,200-pound capacity.

Essential Towing Package Options

V92 Towing Package: Includes a Class III hitch receiver, heavy-duty cooling system, trailer wiring harness, and trailer sway control, critical for safe towing of heavier loads.
Trailer Brake Controller: Recommended for trailers with electric brakes, typically those over 3,500 pounds, to improve stopping control.
Weight Distribution Hitch: Essential for trailers over 3,500 pounds to balance weight and reduce sway.
Hitch Guidance (Optional): Available on higher trims, this feature simplifies trailer hookup with rearview camera guidance lines.

Safety Tips

Verify Capacities: Always consult the owner’s manual or vehicle placard for specific towing and payload limits to avoid overloading.
Use Proper Equipment: Employ a weight distribution hitch and sway control devices for trailers over 3,500 pounds to enhance stability.
Install a Brake Controller: Required for trailers with electric brakes to ensure safe stopping.
Balance Loads: Distribute trailer weight evenly to prevent swaying and maintain handling.
Perform Maintenance: Regularly inspect the cooling system, brakes, and tires, as towing increases wear on these components.
Stay Within Limits: Never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of approximately 6,411 pounds (FWD) or 6,459 pounds (AWD) or the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) to ensure safe operation.

Conclusion

The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse is a versatile midsize SUV that offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,200 pounds when equipped with the V92 towing package, making it a solid choice for families needing to tow small to medium-sized trailers, campers, or boats. Its 3.6L V6 engine, unibody construction, and towing features like trailer sway control and tow/haul mode provide reliable performance for light to moderate towing tasks. However, without the towing package, its capacity is limited to 2,000 pounds, and it may feel underpowered when towing near its maximum limit, particularly on steep inclines.

Real-world feedback highlights the importance of the towing package and proper setup, such as weight distribution hitches, for safe and effective towing. Compared to competitors like the Honda Pilot or Ford Explorer, the Traverse’s towing capacity is respectable but not class-leading, making it best suited for occasional towing rather than heavy-duty tasks. For families seeking a spacious, comfortable SUV with the ability to tow when needed, the 2016 Traverse is a practical and reliable option, provided owners adhere to safety guidelines and maintain the vehicle properly.

Citations:

etrailer | Best 2016 Chevrolet Traverse Trailer Hitch Options

FAQ

How much can a 2016 Chevy Traverse pull?

Towing & Hauling

Max Towing Capacity	5,200 lbs.
Max Payload Capacity	1,764 lbs.

How much can a Traverse 3.6 V6 tow?Across the board, a 3.6L V6 engine is standard. Front-wheel drive is the standard drivetrain, while all-wheel drive is available. While the maximum Chevrolet Traverse towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, some trim levels offer a lower 1,500-pound capacity.

Which Chevy Traverse can tow 5000 lbs?As we mentioned, the 2024 Chevy Traverse towing capacity reaches up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.Feb 27, 2024

Can a 2016 Traverse pull a camper?The maximum Chevy Traverse towing capacity is a massive 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Reference
https://www.traverseforum.com/threads/traverse-towing.6114/
https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/traverse/2016/st-200738921/features-specs/