Mazda Towing Capacity by Model

On this page you can browse the 694 Mazda cars, trucks, and SUVs across 11 unique Mazda models that we have towing capacity and payload information for.

Use the links below to see more details in the Mazda model you're interested in - sorted by year of production and then by trim.

How Good are Mazda Vehicles for Towing?

The unusual beginnings of Mazda do little to describe the motor corporation that it is today. This Japanese based company has developed a reputation for well made, often sporty automobiles.

On the 30th of January 1920 the foundations of Mazda were laid with the creation of Toyo Cork Kogyo in Hiroshima, Japan. As the name suggests it was a cork-making factory so a far cry from being involved in the automotive industry.

In 1927 the company was renamed Toyo Kogyo Co., Ltd. and would face bankruptcy. It would be saved from this fate by local businessmen and the Hiroshima Saving Bank. At this time it was making machine tools and by 1931 they had switched from this model to actually making vehicles.

The first vehicle that Toyo Kogyo produced was a three wheel taxi known as the Mazda-Go auto rickshaw. Mazda comes from the Japanese god of harmony, intelligence and wisdom Ahura Mazda.

During the war the company switched to munitions production to support Japan’s war effort but once the war ended new Mazda branded models were produced including the R360 and the Mazda Carol. Interestingly the company did not start calling themselves Mazda until 1984 despite the fact that all of their vehicles bore that name.

Starting in the mid 1970s the company began working with Ford on a number of joint projects which helped to elevate the global appeal of the brand. The cooperation allowed both to create new models using elements from their partner's established vehicles.

Today the United States is Mazda’s biggest market followed by China and then their home nation of Japan. Their current projects include research into creating hydrogen powered vehicles and creating more environmentally friendly cars.

The big question is can this one time cork making automotive manufacturer create cars that can tow? As mentioned the first Mazda was a three-wheel rickshaw truck and that is essentially all about towing. If we go back to the early '90s we find Mazda models such as the Pickup and Navajo. The Pickup was capable of towing up to 2,000 lbs. while the Navajo could manage 5,000 lbs.

In more recent years the towing capacity has been more on the conservative side with the CX9 being the strongest of the range at 3,500 lbs. of maximum towing. The minimum available from any current Mazda model is around 2,000 lbs. so that is really not too bad.

Always check with your dealer to determine your model's towing capacity and to find out whether you need a towing package fitted to your vehicle. Mazda may not be known for towing capabilities but this does not mean they can’t offer something when needed.