Which Mazda Has the Best Towing Capacity?

There are many advantages to driving a Mazda SUV. For one, you get a more spacious cabin compared to most sedans. Additionally, instead of a trunk, you have a cargo hold you can easily access through a rear liftgate, making it simple to load and unload items like gear and groceries.

And the Mazda lineup offers impressive capability with its standard all-wheel-drive system, allowing you to confidently leave the pavement behind. But another benefit of SUV driving is the ability to tow a trailer. You can take all your kit along on every excursion with a Mazda SUV. Here we spotlight the towing capacities of the Mazda SUV lineup and other features to enhance your weekend excursions.

2023 Mazda SUV Models and Pricing

Mazda offers four SUVs in the 2023 model year, and they’ve announced a fifth, the CX-90, which will arrive in 2024. Here’s a breakdown of the models and MSRPs.

As you can see, there’s one to fit every budget. And these capable SUVs offer 2,000 to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity, depending on the model.

What You Can Pull With 2,000-5,000 Pounds Towing Capacity

Depending on your model and powertrain, your Mazda SUV can tow 2,000 to 5,000 pounds. So what can you pull with that kind of capacity? Here’s a quick look.

Utility Trailers

You can find utility trailers in various sizes, such as 5 feet by 8 feet and 6 feet by 12 feet. Smaller trailers weigh around 600 pounds, and larger versions can weigh 800 pounds or more. Before deciding on the right Mazda SUV model for you, you’ll want to consider what you need to load in your trailer.

Jet Skis

On average, a jet ski weighs around 500 pounds, enabling you to tow two on a utility trailer and stay under 2,000 pounds. So any Mazda SUV rated for towing can handle a pair of jet skis without issues.

ATVs

The weight of an ATV varies depending on the size. However, a 500 cc ATV weighs around 600 pounds. So you can easily tow a pair of ATVs on a trailer with a Mazda SUV.

Dirt Bikes

A 500 cc dirt bike weighs 300 pounds. Smaller 50 cc to 100 cc dirt bikes weigh as little as 100 pounds. So if you want to load up four dirt bikes for the family to ride the trails around Orange, you’ll have no problems.

Motorcycles

Even large 1,000 cc and higher motorcycles weigh only around 500 pounds. So you can comfortably tow two motorcycles on a trailer with any Mazda SUV.

Fishing Boats

Fishing boats come in all shapes and sizes and can include various materials such as fiberglass and aluminum. As a result, boat weights vary widely. However, a 16-foot aluminum bass boat and motor typically weigh around 1,000 pounds. Add another 350 pounds for gear and fuel and another 725 pounds for the trailer, and you’re looking at just over 2,000 pounds of total weight. You might need the larger Mazda powertrain option, but a Mazda CX-50 can handle this.

Sailboats

Most sailboats weigh quite a bit before you load them up with gear. However, the smaller one- or two-person sailboats weigh under 1,000 pounds. So you can comfortably tow them with a Mazda CX-5.

Small Horse Trailer

You can tow a small one-horse trailer behind your Mazda CX-9, as they weigh around 2,500 pounds. Of course, your horse probably weighs another 1,000 pounds. But the upcoming Mazda CX-90 will be able to handle that load.

Tow-Behind Campers

Camper weights also vary widely due to size and construction materials. And you’ll want to factor in gear. Pop-up and teardrop campers are the lightest, ranging from 500-1,000 pounds. However, you can also find 16-foot campers that weigh between 2,000-3,500 pounds, which a Mazda CX-9 can tow.

Landscape Trailers

You’ll be the most stylish landscaper in the neighborhood when towing a landscape trailer with your Mazda CX-9. A 12-foot landscape trailer weighs 800-2,700 pounds before you load equipment.

Mazda SUV Engine Specifications

Towing capacity starts with the powertrain. Mazda has several engine options for its SUV lineup, which determine the final towing ability. For example, the CX-9 has Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter dynamic pressure turbocharged four-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams and 16 valves with variable valve timing. Mazda mates this engine with its six-speed automatic transmission. As a result, this powertrain produces 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque and tows up to 3,500 pounds.

The Mazda CX-50 has two engine options. First, you have the SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine with dual overhead cams and 16 valves with variable valve timing. This engine pairs with the same six-speed automatic transmission to put out 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 2,000-pound towing capacity.

The second option is Mazda’s SKYACTIV-G 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine with twin-scrolling turbos and a six-speed automatic. This configuration generates an impressive 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque and tows 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Moving to the Mazda CX-5 SUV, you get the same two options as the CX-50, so they have the same output numbers. The naturally aspirated engine provides 187 horsepower, 186 lb-ft of torque, with a 2,000-pound towing capacity. The turbo engine produces 256 horsepower, 320 lb-ft of torque, and tows up to 3,500 pounds.

The upcoming 2024 Mazda CX-90 will have two engine options. First is the e-SKYACTIV-G turbocharged 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams and 16 valves with sequential variable valve timing and advanced direct injection technology. In addition, this engine uses mild hybrid technology to boost power. As a result, it puts out 280 horsepower, 332 lb-ft of torque, and tows 5,000 pounds.

You can opt for the high-output e-SKYACTIV-G turbo 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine for more power. This powertrain has an impressive 319 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque, and a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

Explore the Mazda SUV Lineup in Orange Today

Mazda makes a stylish, capable lineup of SUVs to suit any budget or lifestyle. So, if you want to upgrade your Orange, California, adventures with a new SUV that can tow just about anything, we invite you to shop our virtual inventory. Or, if you prefer a personal demonstration and test drive, visit our West Katella Avenue showroom, and one of our SUV experts will assist you.

Image by Crosby Hinze Licensed by Unsplash