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How much trucks can tow matters. That’s why beefier options brag about having the best-in-class towing. The Toyota Tacoma was pretty average for a while, but rivals are getting stronger and the 2024 Toyota Tacoma might need to catch up. 

How much can the 2024 Toyota Tacoma tow? 

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 lbs, which isn’t bad. It has a payload capacity of 1,700 lbs, which is also respectable. But it’s second to last in its segment. 

Only the 2024 Honda Ridgeline falls behind it. The Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,599 lbs. 

Meanwhile, the 2024 Chevy Colorado can tow up to 7,700 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,610 lbs. The Jeep Gladiator is in a similar position with the ability to tow up to 7,700 lbs and a payload capacity of 1,725 lbs. 

The 2024 Ford Ranger soldiers on with a towing capacity of 7,500 lbs and a payload capacity of 1,805 lbs. It has the best-in-class payload capacity. 

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma towing a boat
2024 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

The Nissan Frontier used to be back in the 6,000 lb zone with the Toyota Tacoma. But it recently got stronger. The 2025 Nissan Frontier can tow up to 7,150 lbs and it can carry a payload of up to 1,610 lbs. 

Some would argue that because the Ridgeline isn’t a real truck because of its unibody build. This would put the 2024 Toyota Tacoma in last place. 

However, the Ridgeline deserves a little more respect for its spacious interior, smooth ride, modern tech, and large, functional truck bed. 

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is technically a compact truck, but it can tow up to 5,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,701 lbs. The ridgeline could be embarrassed by almost being outmuscled by a smaller truck. 

Also, the Tacoma isn’t known for towing. It gets its reputation from its off-roading capability, durability, high resale value, and reliability. Plus, it’s a beloved fleet option. Do you think it needs to get stronger?

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.