Although many full-size trucks have undergone a luxurious makeover, customers still want a rig that can tow. When adequately equipped, light-duty trucks from any American brand have a maximum towing capacity of over 10,000 pounds. Even the Toyota Tundra’s all-new turbo-six meets that mark. But the other full-size truck from Japan doesn’t cross the threshold with the 2023 Nissan Titan. Its 9,320-pound capacity is trounced by the five following pickup trucks.

1. 2023 Ford F-150

Ford’s all-new electric F-150 Lightning has a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, but internal combustion does it better. The 2023 F-150, in its most mighty configuration, can pull 14,000 pounds. Furthermore, the company offers over 130 combinations of drivetrains, including a series of different axle ratios to enhance towing. Yet, to get the max, potential buyers must select the Super Cab with the 8-foot bed or the Super Crew with the 5.5 or 6.5-foot bed. Also, the 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6.

2. 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Although the Silverado couldn’t beat Ford, it still offers a 13,300-pound maximum towing capacity. The configuration for the highest tow rating goes to the Max Trailering package-equipped Double Cab models. The torque-heavy 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six or the throaty 6.2-liter V8 will provide equal tow rating power. But Chevrolet bests Ford in the average max rating across the range, the bowtie’s 10,300-pound rating to the blue oval’s 9,860, U.S. News says.

3. 2023 GMC Sierra 1500

Despite being a mechanically-identical upmarket Silverado, the Sierra has a smaller maximum towing capacity. But it’s only a 100-pound difference. If selected in the same configuration as the properly-equipped Silverado, the Sierra can manage 13,200 pounds. Moreover, the Max Trailering package comes with a state-of-the-art viewing system with up to 15 exterior camera angles.  

4. 2023 Ram 1500

The 2023 Ram 1500 is tough to beat in luxury, balanced handling, and tech features. However, the full-size Mopar can’t tow as much as its American competitors. Range-wide, the Ram has a 9,080-pound average. But in Quad Cab form and a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, the light-duty Ram has a maximum towing capacity of 12,560. Selecting the fuel-sipping 3.0-liter turbodiesel will net a 12,750-pound max capacity.

5. 2023 Toyota Tundra

Fifth place may not sound good, but the Tundra’s 12,000-pound maximum towing capacity is still near heavy-duty levels. The Crew Cab can haul those numbers only with the 3.4-liter V6, boasting 489 horsepower and 90 more in torque. While the hybrid version features a neck-snapping 583 pounds-feet of torque, max towing drops to 11,330 pounds. It’s due to the inability to configure the hybrid engine with the Crew Cab Tundra.

2023 Nissan Titan maximum towing capacity

The 2023 Nissan Titan’s 9,320-pound limit will likely be enough for daily towing requirements. Unfortunately, Nissan doesn’t offer the Titan in various axle ratios to assist in different driving dynamics. Also, Titans feature a lone 5.6-liter V8 mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. While its 400 horsepower and 413 pounds-feet of torque won’t make most feel wanting, the American manufacturers offer at least two other engines in their full-size offerings.

If Titan-faithful wants to pack a bit more towing punch, the 2023 Nissan Titan XD has a heavier frame but the same powertrain. However, its maximum towing capacity of 11,033 pounds still falls short of the least capable Toyota Tundra.