Toyota Corolla Towing Capacity (2020-2023): A Comprehensive Guide

The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling cars globally, known for its reliability, affordability, and practicality.

It’s a compact sedan that competes with other compacts like the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra. The Corolla has been around since 1966 and is currently in its 12th generation, which debuted in 2019.

For many owners, the Toyota Corolla’s modest towing capacity is sufficient for lightweight towing needs(but not designed for it).

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a look at the 2020-2023 Toyota Corolla towing capacities, towing features, factors affecting towing, and towing tips.

Toyota Corolla Towing Capacity by Year

2020 Toyota Corolla Towing Capacity

• 1,500 lbs towing capacity (with tow package).
• Applies to all trims and engine options.
• Tow package includes engine oil cooler, upgraded radiator, and trailer wiring harness.

2021 Toyota Corolla Towing Capacity

• 1,500 lbs towing capacity (with tow package).
• Applies to all trims and engine options.
• Tow package includes engine oil cooler, upgraded radiator, and trailer wiring harness.

2022 Toyota Corolla Towing Capacity

• 1,500 lbs towing capacity (with tow package).
• Applies to all trims and engine options.
• Tow package includes engine oil cooler, upgraded radiator, and trailer wiring harness.

2023 Toyota Corolla Towing Capacity

 

• Expected to remain 1,500 lbs (with tow package).

So in summary, the 2020-2023 Toyota Corolla has a max towing capacity of 1,500 lbs when properly equipped with the towing package. This allows you to tow small trailers, boats, jet skis, and other lightweight items. Always verify your specific Corolla’s tow rating capacity before towing.

Toyota Corolla Towing Features

To achieve the max towing capacity, the Toyota Corolla needs to be equipped with the proper towing equipment:

Tow Package

This factory tow package is required to reach the 1,500 lb tow rating. It includes:

• Engine oil cooler – helps prevent overheating when towing.
• Upgraded radiator – improves cooling capacity.
• Trailer wiring harness – provides the correct electrical connection.

Trailer Brakes

Trailer brakes are needed if towing over 1,000 lbs. The Corolla can tap into electric or hydraulic trailer brakes using the 7-pin connector.

Hitch

A sturdy hitch receiver rated for the vehicle’s max towing capacity must be equipped. Customers can install Toyota’s tow hitch or an aftermarket hitch.

Tow Mode

Tow mode adjusts transmission shifting to better handle the extra weight while towing. Engaging tow mode also allows the transmission to cool by opening a small radiator in the automatic models.

So in summary, be sure to equip your Toyota Corolla properly with towing features like the tow package, trailer brakes, hitch, and tow mode when hauling heavy loads.

Toyota Corolla Towing Tips and Precautions

Follow these important tips and precautions when towing with your Toyota Corolla:

• Verify your specific Corolla’s tow rating capacity before towing. Stick within the recommended max tow weight.
• Equip your Corolla with the required tow package and trailer brakes to reach max towing capacity.
• Use a high quality hitch and make sure it’s installed properly.
• Load the trailer correctly by placing 60% of the cargo weight in the front and 40% in the back.
• Engage tow mode for optimized transmission shifting.
• Take turns and brake early when towing. Allow extra distance for stopping.
• Avoid towing in high temperatures or up steep grades which can overtax the engine.
• Regularly check tire pressures, fluid levels, and connections when towing.
• Verify trailer and lighting are connected and working properly.
• Consult your owner’s manual for additional towing tips.

Toyota Corolla Towing Capacity by Trim

While all properly equipped 2020-2023 Toyota Corolla trims have the same 1,500 lb tow rating, it’s still helpful to look at the key specs for each trim.

2020 Toyota Corolla Trim Towing Capacities

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Towing Capacity
L	1.8L 4-Cyl	6-Spd Manual	1,500 lbs
LE	1.8L 4-Cyl	CVT	1,500 lbs
XLE	1.8L 4-Cyl	CVT	1,500 lbs
SE	2.0L 4-Cyl	CVT	1,500 lbs

2021 Toyota Corolla Trim Towing Capacities

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Towing Capacity
L	1.8L 4-Cyl	6-Spd Manual	1,500 lbs
LE	1.8L 4-Cyl	CVT	1,500 lbs
SE	2.0L 4-Cyl	CVT	1,500 lbs
XLE	1.8L 4-Cyl	CVT	1,500 lbs

2022 Toyota Corolla Trim Towing Capacities

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Towing Capacity
L	1.8L 4-Cyl	6-Spd Manual	1,500 lbs
LE	1.8L 4-Cyl	CVT	1,500 lbs
SE	2.0L 4-Cyl	CVT	1,500 lbs
XLE	1.8L 4-Cyl	CVT	1,500 lbs

So in summary, all properly equipped trims of the 2020-2022 Toyota Corolla have a 1,500 lb tow rating capacity. The 2023 tow ratings are not yet available but expected to remain 1,500 lbs.

Toyota Corolla Engine Options for Towing

The Toyota Corolla is available with two different gas engine options. Let’s look at how these engines perform for towing:

1.8L 4-Cylinder

• Standard on L, LE, XLE trims
• 139 horsepower, 126 lb-ft torque
• Decent low-end torque
• Tow package improves cooling when towing

2.0L 4-Cylinder

• Standard on SE and XSE trims
• 169 horsepower, 151 lb-ft torque
• More power and torque than 1.8L engine
• Provides confident acceleration when towing

Both engines allow the Corolla to tow up to 1,500 lbs when properly equipped. The 2.0L engine offers more muscular torque and acceleration for towing, while the 1.8L has sufficient low-end power. Make sure proper cooling upgrades are added.

Toyota Corolla Transmissions for Towing

The 2020-2023 Toyota Corolla offers two different transmission options:

6-Speed Manual

• Standard on base L trim
• Gives more driver control over gearing
• Clutch may wear faster when towing
• Not optimal for frequent or heavy towing

CVT Automatic

• Standard on most Corolla trim levels
• Maximizes fuel efficiency
• Tow/haul mode optimizes gearing for towing
• Allows engine rpm to remain in power band
• Best transmission option for towing

The CVT automatic is the ideal transmission if you plan to do any significant towing with your Toyota Corolla. It allows the engine to stay in its optimal rpm range under load. Just be sure to use the tow/haul mode.

Toyota Corolla Towing Packages and Accessories

To maximize your Toyota Corolla’s towing abilities, there are some key towing packages and accessories available:

Factory Tow Package

• Required to reach 1,500 lb tow rating
• Includes engine oil cooler, transmission fluid cooler, upgraded radiator and fan, and trailer wiring harness.
• Improves cooling system performance when towing.

Trailer Brakes

• Use electric or hydraulic trailer brakes if towing over 1,000 lbs.
• Corolla has 7-pin connector to tap into trailer brakes

Tow Hitch

• Equip a Class I hitch for max 1,500 lb capacity
• Toyota custom hitches available
• Ensure professional installation

Hitch Ball

• Use a quality hitch ball matched to trailer coupler size
• Check ball size/weight ratings to match max tow capacity

Wiring Harness

• 4-pin or 7-pin adapters available from Toyota
• Provides power to trailer lighting
• Required to activate trailer brake controls

Equipping your Corolla properly with Toyota’s towing accessories will give you the safe and optimal setup for towing small trailers and loads.

Conclusion

The Toyota Corolla may not be a pickup truck, but its 1,500 lb tow rating gives you some decent lightweight towing abilities. By properly equipping your Corolla with the tow package, trailer brakes, hitch, and accessories you can safely tow small trailers, boats, ATVs, and more. Carefully follow Toyota’s towing guidance to get the most out of your Corolla’s towing capacity.