Overview
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is a versatile mid-size SUV designed for families who need a blend of spacious comfort, advanced technology, and capable towing performance. As a three-row crossover in the mid-size SUV segment, the Traverse offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it a strong contender for towing small campers, boats, or trailers. It competes with vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee (up to 6,200 pounds), Honda Pilot (up to 5,000 pounds), and Toyota Highlander (up to 5,000 pounds), offering a balance of towing capability, fuel efficiency, and family-friendly features. With its updated design, powerful engine, and standard Trailering Package across all trims, the 2025 Traverse is an excellent choice for recreational towing and light-duty hauling. This blog post explores the Traverse’s towing capacities, features, and real-world insights to help you decide if it’s the right SUV for your needs.
Towing Capacity by Configuration
The 2025 Chevy Traverse delivers a consistent towing capacity across its four trim levels—LT, Z71, RS, and High Country—thanks to a standard Trailering Package on all models. Powered by a single engine option and available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the Traverse achieves a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when equipped with trailer brakes and a tow hitch. Without the Trailering Package or proper equipment, towing capacity drops to 1,500 pounds. Below is a breakdown of towing capacities by configuration:
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Max Towing Capacity (lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT | 2.5L Turbo I4 (328 hp) | FWD/AWD | 5,000 | Requires trailer brakes and tow hitch; standard Trailering Package |
| Z71 | 2.5L Turbo I4 (328 hp) | AWD (Twin-Clutch) | 5,000 | Standard Trailering Package; optimized for off-road towing |
| RS | 2.5L Turbo I4 (328 hp) | FWD/AWD | 5,000 | Standard Trailering Package; includes advanced towing tech |
| High Country | 2.5L Turbo I4 (328 hp) | FWD/AWD | 5,000 | Standard Trailering Package; premium trim with Super Cruise |
The Traverse’s 5,000-pound towing capacity is suitable for small to mid-size trailers, such as A-frame campers, small boats, or utility trailers. The Z71 trim’s twin-clutch AWD system enhances traction for off-road towing scenarios. Always consult Chevrolet’s official towing guide for precise capacities based on your configuration.
What Affects Towing Capacity?
Several factors contribute to the 2025 Chevy Traverse’s towing performance, ensuring it handles loads with confidence while maintaining family-friendly comfort.
- Engine Specs: The Traverse is powered by a turbocharged 2.5L inline-4 engine (LK0), producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. This engine, a step up from the previous 3.6L V6’s 310 hp and 266 lb-ft, offers a 19% increase in torque, enhancing towing capability. The robust torque output ensures strong low-end pull for towing small campers or boats.
- Transmission and Axle Ratio: The Traverse pairs its engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth shifts and efficient power transfer. The axle ratio (typically 3.49:1) is optimized for a balance of towing power and fuel efficiency (up to 26 MPG highway). The transmission’s Tow/Haul mode adjusts shift points to accommodate extra weight, reducing gear hunting and improving control on inclines or descents.
- Trailering Package and Tow/Haul Mode: The Trailering Package, standard on all 2025 Traverse trims, includes a heavy-duty cooling system, a 220-amp alternator, a Class III tow hitch, and Hitch Guidance with Hitch View. This package is essential for achieving the 5,000-pound towing capacity. Tow/Haul mode, accessible via the Driver Mode Selector, optimizes performance by holding lower gears longer for better torque delivery and downshifting on descents to reduce brake wear.
- Suspension, Chassis, and Braking System: The Traverse rides on the GM C1 unibody platform, providing a car-like ride but limiting towing capacity compared to body-on-frame SUVs. Its independent suspension (MacPherson front, multi-link rear) ensures comfort but may sag under heavy loads without proper weight distribution. The braking system, with four-wheel discs, supports safe stopping, though trailer brakes are required for loads over 1,500 pounds. The Z71’s firmer suspension and all-terrain tires enhance stability for off-road towing.
- Smart Towing Technologies: The Traverse offers advanced towing aids to enhance safety and ease:
- Hitch Guidance with Hitch View: Displays a guiding centerline on the HD Rear Vision Camera for precise trailer hitching.
- Trailer Sway Control: Automatically applies brakes to stabilize trailers in windy conditions or during sudden maneuvers.
- Hill Start Assist: Prevents rollback on inclines when towing.
- In-Vehicle Trailering App: Provides trailer profiles, light tests, and maintenance reminders.
- Super Cruise: Available on RS and High Country, this hands-free driving system supports trailering with automatic lane changes, adjusting for trailer weight.
These features make the Traverse user-friendly for both novice and experienced towers.
Payload Capacity and Its Impact
Payload capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, and the trailer’s tongue weight (typically 10-15% of the trailer’s weight). The 2025 Chevy Traverse has a payload capacity ranging from approximately 1,500 to 1,850 pounds, depending on the trim and drivetrain:
- LT (FWD/AWD): Up to 1,850 pounds / 1,700 pounds.
- Z71 (AWD): Up to 1,700 pounds.
- RS (FWD/AWD): Up to 1,700 pounds.
- High Country (FWD/AWD): Up to 1,650 pounds.
Payload affects towing because the tongue weight reduces available payload for other cargo. For example, towing a 5,000-pound trailer with a 15% tongue weight (750 pounds) leaves 750–1,100 pounds for passengers and gear, depending on the trim. Exceeding payload limits can cause suspension sag, reduced handling, and safety risks. The Traverse’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of approximately 6,160 pounds and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of up to 10,250 pounds must be considered to avoid overloading. Proper weight distribution and trailer brakes are critical for safe towing.
Insights From the Web and Social Media
Real-world feedback from owners and experts highlights the Traverse’s towing strengths and limitations:
- Real-World Towing: Owners on forums like ChevyTraverseForum.com report towing 3,000–4,000-pound trailers, such as small campers or boats, with ease using the turbocharged engine. One user noted, “My 2024 Traverse LT AWD tows a 3,500-pound camper comfortably on flat roads, but I added a weight-distributing hitch to reduce sag.” Some caution that towing near 5,000 pounds in hilly terrain can strain the engine, with fuel economy dropping to 10–12 MPG.
- Expert Commentary: Car and Driver notes the Traverse’s 5,000-pound towing capacity is competitive, but its unibody construction and soft suspension make it less robust than body-on-frame SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe for heavy towing. They praise the Hitch Guidance system, stating, “It’s a lifesaver for aligning the hitch, especially for new towers.” Edmunds highlights the Z71’s twin-clutch AWD for off-road towing but warns that brakes may feel undersized for frequent heavy loads.
- X Insights: Posts on X praise the Traverse’s towing tech, with one user stating, “Super Cruise with trailering is unreal—hands-free towing on the highway is a game-changer.” Another user noted, “Towing 4,500 pounds with my 2024 Traverse Z71 feels stable, but you need trailer brakes and a good hitch.” Critics mention the lack of a factory-installed trailer brake controller, requiring aftermarket solutions, and some report a “floaty” feel when towing near capacity due to the soft suspension.
- Criticisms: Owners frequently cite rear suspension sag when towing heavy loads, recommending weight-distributing hitches or aftermarket airbags. Some note the 2.5L turbo engine, while powerful, lacks the low-end grunt of a V6 for towing in mountainous areas, making the Tow/Haul mode essential.
These insights suggest the Traverse is well-suited for occasional towing but requires careful setup for maximum loads or challenging terrains.
Best Configurations for Towing
Choosing the right Traverse configuration depends on your towing needs:
- Light-Duty Towing (Under 3,500 lbs): The LT trim with FWD and the standard Trailering Package is ideal for towing lightweight trailers, such as jet skis, small utility trailers, or pop-up campers. It offers up to 5,000 pounds of capacity with trailer brakes and better fuel efficiency (up to 26 MPG highway) than AWD models. The standard HD Rear Vision Camera and Trailer Sway Control ensure safe towing.
- Moderate Towing (3,500–5,000 lbs): Opt for the Z71 or RS with AWD and the standard Trailering Package for towing mid-size campers, small boats, or ATVs. The Z71’s twin-clutch AWD system enhances traction for off-road or slippery conditions, while the RS includes premium towing tech like Super Cruise. Both trims handle 5,000 pounds with proper equipment, including trailer brakes and a Class III hitch.
- Essential Towing Packages: The Trailering Package, standard across all trims, is critical for achieving the 5,000-pound capacity. It includes a heavy-duty cooling system, 220-amp alternator, and Hitch Guidance with Hitch View. An aftermarket trailer brake controller is recommended for loads over 1,500 pounds, as it’s not factory-installed. Super Cruise (RS and High Country) enhances long-distance towing comfort.
- Safety Tips:
- Avoid towing during the first 500 miles and keep speeds below 50 mph for the first 800 miles of towing to allow engine break-in, as recommended by Chevrolet.
- Use a weight-distributing hitch and anti-sway bars for loads over 3,500 pounds to prevent sag and improve stability.
- Deactivate driver assistance features like Park Assist or Adaptive Cruise Control when towing to avoid interference.
- Regularly inspect hitch components, safety chains, and trailer brakes before trips.
- Maintain extra following distance, avoid sudden maneuvers, and use lower gears on steep descents.
- Check the owner’s manual and Chevrolet’s towing guide for specific load limits and setup requirements.
Conclusion
The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse is a compelling mid-size SUV that combines family-friendly comfort with a robust 5,000-pound towing capacity, making it ideal for recreational towing and light-duty hauling. Its turbocharged 2.5L engine, standard Trailering Package, and advanced towing technologies like Hitch Guidance, Trailer Sway Control, and optional Super Cruise ensure a safe and user-friendly towing experience. While it may not match the heavy-duty capabilities of body-on-frame SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe, the Traverse excels for families towing small campers, boats, or trailers for weekend adventures. Its spacious interior, up to 98 cubic feet of cargo space, and competitive fuel efficiency make it a versatile choice for both towing and daily driving. For occasional towing or family road trips with a trailer, the Traverse is a fantastic fit. Visit Antich Auto Eureka to test drive the 2025 Chevy Traverse and discover its towing prowess for your next journey.
Is the 2019 Chevy Traverse a Good Tow Vehicle?
FAQ
Which Traverse can tow 5000 lbs?
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YouTube · Out Motorsportshttps://www.youtube.comTowing With the 2025 Chevy Traverse! High Ratings – Any Good?Feb 11, 2025 — this is the 2025 Chevy Traverse and it is rated to tow 5,000 pounds welcome to Out Motorsports the channel for cars as you are my name is Jake. and …
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winnerchev.comhttps://www.winnerchev.comChevy Traverse Towing Capacity, Winner Chevrolet | Wilmington, DETraverse Towing Capacity Variations Even if you don’t opt for a model that’s equipped for trailering, the Traverse can still tow 1,500 pounds. That gives you ex…
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.
Can a Chevy Traverse pull a small camper?The 2021 Chevy Traverse is capable in more ways than one. Not only does it offer spacious eight-person seating across three rows, but when properly equipped, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds. That’s enough muscle to haul a small camper or boat for a weekend getaway.
Can a Chevy Traverse tow a boat?Trailering Accessories for the Chevy Traverse
Fortunately, Chevy has made the following accessories available for the Traverse: Trailer hitch lets you tow a boat or trailer up to 5,000 pounds.
Reference
https://www.reddit.com/r/GoRVing/comments/fc1ff3/question_about_trailer_weighttowing_with_a/
https://www.chevroletofturnersville.com/what-is-the-chevy-traverse-towing-capacity/
