2026 Mazda Towing Capacity Ranked: Which SUV Tows 5,000 lbs and Which Stops at 1,500 lbs?

Not every SUV is built with towing in mind, and within any lineup, towing capacity can vary significantly depending on the powertrain and trim level. For buyers who regularly pull a trailer, a boat, or a camper — or who expect to do so in the next few years — understanding which 2026 Mazda models can handle that load, and exactly how much each is rated for, removes a lot of guesswork from the purchase process.

Here's the complete towing picture for the 2026 Mazda SUV lineup, ranked from highest to lowest capacity, with the trim-level details that determine where each number applies.

The Complete 2026 Mazda Towing Ranking

The 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) Tier: CX-70 MHEV and CX-90 MHEV

The highest towing capacity in the 2026 Mazda lineup belongs to two large-platform, inline-six SUVs: the CX-70 MHEV and the CX-90 MHEV. Both reach 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) when properly equipped with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories and when Towing Mode is active in the Mi-Drive system.

A few things are worth understanding about this number:

Towing Mode is required. It activates on the CX-90 MHEV from the GS-L trim and above, and on the CX-70 MHEV from the GS-L trim and above. The base CX-90 MHEV GS does not include Towing Mode, which means its maximum rated capacity stops at 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg). Buyers who need the full 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) capacity need to start at the GS-L.

Both use the same engine family. The CX-70 and CX-90 MHEV both use the e-Skyactiv G 3.3 L inline-six turbo with M-Hybrid Boost. In standard output trim (GS-L and GT trims), the engine produces 280 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. In high-output trim (GT-P and Signature), it delivers 340 hp and 369 lb-ft. The towing capacity figure is the same at both output levels — 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) — because the rating accounts for the full platform capability.

What 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) covers: A mid-size travel trailer typically weighs 3,500–5,500 lbs loaded, so buyers at the high end of the tow rating should factor in trailer tongue weight and verify their specific load. A mid-size pontoon or fishing boat with trailer typically ranges from 2,000 to 3,500 lbs — well within this capacity. A small pop-up or teardrop camper sits comfortably below 3,000 lbs. For buyers towing recreational trailers or light boats, either inline-six Mazda SUV handles the job with margin to spare.

The 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) Tier: PHEVs and the CX-90 MHEV GS

Three configurations land at 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg): all CX-90 PHEV trims, all CX-70 PHEV trims, and the CX-90 MHEV GS base trim.

For the PHEV models, this reflects the platform design of the e-Skyactiv PHEV powertrain — a 2.5 L four-cylinder with an electric motor and 17.8 kWh battery producing 323 hp and 369 lb-ft of system torque. The towing capacity is still meaningful: 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg) handles a small trailer, a personal watercraft on a single-axle trailer, or a lightweight camping setup without difficulty.

For the CX-90 MHEV GS specifically, the limitation is the absence of Towing Mode — not the engine. The inline-six hardware is the same; the GS trim simply doesn't include the Mi-Drive towing configuration or the hands-free power liftgate and other equipment associated with the GS-L and above.

The 1,500 lbs (680 kg) Tier: CX-5

The 2026 CX-5 is rated for 1,500 lbs (680 kg) of towing capacity across all trims with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories. This is a light-duty figure: it accommodates a small single-axle utility trailer, a folding cargo carrier, a kayak trailer, or similarly modest loads. It is not rated for boat trailers, travel trailers, or campers in most configurations.

The CX-5 is built as a passenger-focused compact SUV, and its towing rating reflects that. For buyers who need even occasional heavy towing as part of their usage, the CX-70 or CX-90 MHEV is the clear direction.

Models Not Rated for Towing

The Mazda3 sedan and Mazda3 Sport hatchback are not rated for towing. The MX-5 roadster is not rated for towing. These vehicles are designed for passenger and driver use only.

Choosing the Right Towing Configuration

• Need 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg): CX-70 MHEV or CX-90 MHEV, GS-L trim or above, with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories
• Two-row SUV with max towing: CX-70 MHEV — same 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) capacity, no third row to manage
• PHEV and still need towing: CX-90 PHEV or CX-70 PHEV, both rated to 3,500 lbs (1,588 kg)
• Light occasional towing only: CX-5 handles up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg) with Mazda Genuine Towing Accessories
• No towing needed: Any Mazda model suits, focus on other priorities

Talk Towing at Woodstock Mazda

The 2026 Mazda lineup covers the range from light-duty to full 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) towing — but the specific trim and powertrain choice determines exactly where you land. For buyers who tow regularly, the team at Woodstock Mazda in Woodstock can help you match the right model and trim to your actual towing requirements.