What Is The Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity?

Whether you're hauling a small camper for a weekend getaway or transporting outdoor gear, the Jeep Wrangler towing capacity ensures you're well-equipped for the journey. This Trail Rated SUV is renowned for legendary off-road capability and rugged design, including a 2026 Jeep Wrangler towing capacity that hits an impressive 5,000 pounds.¹ This best-in-class towing capacity² gives you the ability to haul several small boats, trailers, campers, and recreational equipment in Columbia, IL.

If you're curious how you can tap into the enhanced towing power of this SUV or wonder which trim can tow the most, we can help you discover the full potential of your Jeep Wrangler with our comprehensive guide and towing capacity chart below. We'll dive into the maximum towing limits for each trim and explain how different configurations can impact those values.

Are you shopping for specific towing parts, accessories, or packages? Our team at Clement CDJR Columbia can provide more insight and place an order for you. We are also happy to help you explore our inventory and set up a test drive.

2026 Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity: How Does It Vary?

The Jeep Wrangler towing capacity is affected by three main factors:

• Engine and Transmission: Different engines (V-6 or turbocharged) and transmissions (manual or automatic) directly impact the Wrangler SUV's towing power.
• Configuration: Configurations (two- or four-door) also play a crucial role in how much weight the Wrangler can safely tow. Where two-door Wrangler SUVs are built for the trails, four-door models provide a wider wheelbase for towing.
• Trim Levels and Equipment: Specific trims and towing packages come equipped with enhanced features like upgraded hitch systems and wiring pins, boosting towing abilities.

Depending on which configuration you decide on for your next Wrangler, you can find a maximum tow rating of either 2,000,¹ 3,500,¹ or 5,000 pounds.¹

Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity by Engine & Transmission

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler towing capacity will be backed by one of three engines:

• 3.6-Liter Pentastar V-6: This V-6 produces 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It is standard in the Sport, Sport S, Willys, Rubicon, and Rubicon X trim levels and available on the Sahara.
• 2.0-Liter Turbo Four-Cylinder: The turbocharged engine delivers 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque and is standard in the Sahara trim. It's also available in the Sport, Sport S, Willys, Rubicon, and Rubicon X trim levels.
• 6.4-Liter V-8:Exclusively on the high-performance variant, the Moab 392, this rugged powertrain generates a hearty 470 horsepower and pound-feet of torque.

The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and 2.0-liter turbo engines allow the Wrangler to hit its max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds,¹ but this tow rating is only possible with the right configuration. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, and the 2.0-liter turbo engine is accompanied by an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the eight-speed automatic transmission is optional on the V-6 powertrain.

The manual transmission is limited to a max capacity of 3,500 pounds,¹ while the automatic is the one to achieve the 5,000-pound¹ maximum tow capacity.

For example, the four-door Rubicon fitted with either the 2.0-liter turbo or V-6 engine paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission can tow up to 5,000 pounds.¹ While on pause for 2026, previous Wrangler 4xe models utilized a PHEV powertrain based on the 2.0-liter turbo engine and could tow 3,500 pounds.¹ We'll keep you updated if the Wrangler 4xe returns and can tow a different amount.

Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity: Two-Door Configurations

While two-door models are the most agile on the trails, they have the lowest Jeep Wrangler towing capacity: a maximum of 2,000 pounds,¹ regardless of the engine and transmission. This has been the case for almost two decades of the Wrangler SUV's history, as a two-door vehicle with a short wheelbase is not ideal for towing heavy loads.

A two-door Wrangler will give you the strength you need to pull an ATV or dirt bike in tow for your next outdoor excursion; however, if you're planning to bring along a teardrop camper or fishing boat on your trips, you'll want to add a set of rear doors so you can get the best-in-class towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.^1,2

Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity: Four-Door Configurations

Once known as the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, four-door versions of this SUV can tow much more than their two-door siblings, even if the engine and transmission are the same. For example, a two-door Sport S has a max towing of 2,000 pounds¹ but increases to 3,500 pounds¹ when configured as a four-door iteration.

Why is this the case? A two-door Wrangler is an excellent choice for taking on trails because its nimble wheelbase reduces the chance of high-centering (getting stuck because of an insufficient breakover angle) on off-road obstacles. A two-door configuration also makes tight paths and city streets easier to travel through because it has a far more maneuverable body and build. However, this agility does not equate to a high towing capacity.

The four-door Jeep Wrangler towing capacity is stronger because of the longer wheelbase, which provides more stability for hauling. A vehicle with a shorter wheelbase will be more affected and unsettled by the weight of a trailer being pulled behind it.

For your safety, the Jeep Wrangler towing capacity is limited to a maximum of 2,000 pounds¹ with a two-door iteration and expands to a maximum of either 3,500 pounds¹ or 5,000 pounds¹ on a four-door option with a longer wheelbase.

Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity by Trim

Wrangler Sport / Sport SWrangler Willys / Willys '41Wrangler SaharaWrangler RubiconWrangler Rubicon XWrangler Rubicon Moab 392

Wrangler Sport & Sport S Tow Capacity

The value-packed Wrangler Sport and Sport S trims both have a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds¹ with a two-door configuration and a 3,500-pound¹ maximum tow rating as the four-door Wrangler, regardless of engine and transmission.

Wrangler Willys and Willys '41 Tow Capacity

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler Willys and Willys '41 trims share the same maximum towing capacities as the Sport and Sport S models: 2,000 pounds¹ with two doors and 3,500 pounds¹ with four doors.

Wrangler Sahara Tow Capacity

Available only as a Wrangler four-door model, the maximum Jeep Wrangler Sahara towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.¹

Wrangler Rubicon Tow Capacity

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon can achieve the maximum 5,000-pound¹ towing capacity when equipped with the following:

• Four-door configuration
• 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 or 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• 4.10 rear axle ratio
• 33-inch tires

This high-performance edition is also fitted with an exclusive heavy-duty full-float rear axle, which was introduced during the 2024 model-year refresh to improve the Wrangler SUV's ability to distribute heavy loads as you drive. It also boosts the off-road agility of the Wrangler Rubicon.

Wrangler Rubicon X Tow Capacity

The Rubicon X follows suit and offers equal towing specs to the Rubicon, with a max towing capacity of 2,000 pounds¹ with two doors and either 3,500 pounds¹ with a four-door configuration and a manual transmission, or 5,000 pounds¹ when fitted with four doors and an automatic gearbox.

Wrangler Rubicon Moab 392 Tow Capacity

Although considered the highest tier of the lineup, the Moab 392 carries a similar standard towing capacity as the rest of the four-door models when properly equipped: 3,500 pounds.

Jeep Wrangler Towing Features & Accessories

When you dive into our selection of new Jeep vehicles for sale and look into specific Wrangler trims for towing, you will need to make you get the appropriate Jeep Wrangler tow hitch. Certain options require adding the Trailer Tow and Auxiliary Switch Group, which includes the following components:

• 7-pin and 4-pin wiring harness
• Auxiliary switches
• Receiver hitch

No matter which variant you choose, you will get standard Trailer Sway Damping and a ParkView Rear Backup Camera to assist you. Some other available features and accessories you'll want to consider adding to your model to lend a hand as you put the Jeep Wrangler towing capacity to use include the following:

• ParkSense Rear Park Assist System
• Blind-Spot Monitoring and Cross-Path Detection
• TrailCam Integrated Off-Road Camera
• Adaptive Cruise Control

Red tow hooks can be built on your Rubicon or Rubicon X, signifying enhanced off-road capability and increasing visibility when needed for recovering vehicles. Finally, a tow bar for Jeep Wrangler SUVs will be necessary if you want to tow the automobile behind a large camper, ensuring safe, controlled movement.

Jeep Wrangler Towing Capacity Chart: How Much Can Each Model Year Tow?

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler towing capability continues to impress, building on the remarkable achievements of the 2024 model year, which marked the highest towing capacity ever for this iconic SUV. As you may have noticed, the 2026 lineup does not offer the Rubicon 392 trim level, which was equipped with the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine.

Not to worry, though. If you've got your heart set on the Rubicon 392, consider taking a look at the Moab 392 with the same powertrain or our selection of pre-owned Jeep vehicles to see what we have available. Even if you're not after the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8, you'll find that past models are still capable of towing a substantial amount of weight – see how much by exploring this chart:

2026 Jeep Wrangler Payload Capacity

To ensure safe towing, it's essential to take into account the payload capacity of your vehicle as well. The 2026 Jeep Wrangler does have a maximum payload capacity for its four-door models, which vary by trim. They are as follows:

• The 2026 Jeep Wrangler Sport, Sport S, Willys, and Willys '41 trims have a payload capacity of 1,249 pounds.³
• Opting for the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Sahara will get you a payload capacity of 1,119 pounds.³
• Finally, the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Rubicon X models have the maximum payload capacity of 1,381 pounds.³

Get Your New Jeep Wrangler or Towing Equipment Today

Are you ready to upgrade your road trips and vacations with the 2026 Jeep Wrangler towing capacity on your side? We're here to help make that happen! While this SUV can deliver an immense amount of pulling power for an off-road machine, we can also introduce you to the latest Jeep Gladiator. This model is essentially the Wrangler outfitted as a pickup truck that can tow up to 7,700 pounds.¹

Do you have any questions regarding the 2026 Jeep Wrangler payload capacity, or would you like to order the Jeep Wrangler tow package and tow mirrors? Don't hesitate to contact the Clement CDJR Columbia team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight can a Jeep Wrangler tow?

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler can tow up to 5,000 pounds¹ of weight, which was increased from the previous 3,500-pound¹ maximum tow capacity of prior years. This capability lets you plan bigger adventures with more stuff in tow. Access this 5,000-pound¹ maximum towing capacity today on four-door Rubicon models with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

How do you increase the towing capacity on a Jeep Wrangler?

The best way to increase the Jeep Wrangler towing capacity is to choose a Rubicon trim built with four doors, the 3.6-liter V-6 or 2.0-liter turbo engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, 33-inch tires, and a 4.10 rear axle ratio. This configuration will unlock the all-time highest Jeep Wrangler towing capacity, which is a maximum of 5,000 pounds.¹

How do you set up a Jeep Wrangler for towing?

Set up your Jeep Wrangler for towing by getting the tow/receiver hitch professionally installed (if it didn't come equipped as standard) and the wiring harness attached. Check to see that your Wrangler has a trailer brake controller, then familiarize yourself with the towing instructions found in your owner's manual. Contact our towing experts for help with trailer difficulties or more information on best practices.

What's the payload capacity on the 2026 Jeep Wrangler?

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler payload capacity reaches 1,381 pounds on Rubicon four-door models,³ while other configurations have lower values. Please consult your owner's manual to find detailed information on how much payload your Wrangler can carry, as this value can vary significantly. It is usually determined by factors like the trim level, number of doors, engine, and optional features.

How do you wire a Jeep Wrangler for towing?

The Trailer Tow and Auxiliary Switch Group (also known as the Jeep Wrangler towing package) will include a seven-pin and four-pin trailer wiring harness to make wiring your Wrangler for towing an easy task. The harness can be installed by the factory or by our expert Jeep technicians. You can plug your trailer in with ease once the harness is installed.

Which Jeep Wrangler has the highest towing capacity?

The four-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon trims with a 3.6-liter V-6 or 2.0-liter turbo engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, 33-inch tires, and a 4.10 rear axle have the highest towing capacity of the lineup. This setup allows you to haul up to 5,000 pounds.¹ Other Wrangler trims have a maximum towing capacity of 2,000¹ or 3,500 pounds.¹

What axle ratio is best for towing with a Jeep Wrangler?

The 4.10 rear axle ratio is the best choice for towing with a 2026 Jeep Wrangler because it helps unlock the model's 5,000-pound¹ maximum towing capacity. This well-optimized gear ratio must be added to a Rubicon variant with four doors and a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission to achieve the best-in-class 5,000-pound^1,2 tow capacity.

How does the Jeep Wrangler gear ratio affect towing?

The gear ratio of a Jeep Wrangler will affect towing by making it easier or harder to get the low-end torque that is needed for pulling heavy trailers. The 4.10 gear ratio is the ideal choice for your Wrangler SUV because it allows for smoother starts and less strain on the engine and transmission. It also helps your model tow up to 5,000 pounds.¹

What is the Jeep Wrangler tow package?

The Jeep Wrangler tow package is officially called the Trailer Tow and Auxiliary Switch Group. It includes the following features:

• 7-pin and 4-pin wiring harness
• Auxiliary switches
• Receiver hitch

The availability of this package varies by trim. We recommend choosing it on a four-door Wrangler model because it can inherently tow more than its two-door counterparts.

Can the Jeep Wrangler tow a small camper?

Yes, the Jeep Wrangler tow capacity is usually enough for a small camper. The least-tow-capable Wrangler models can tow up to 2,000 pounds,¹ which can often include small pop-up or teardrop campers. The most-capable Wrangler has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds,¹ a value that is definitely enough to tow compact travel trailers.

Can the Jeep Wrangler tow a boat?

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon can tow up to 5,000 pounds,¹ which is often enough for fiberglass-hulled fishing boats or other leisure craft. Four-door Wrangler models in other trims can tow up to 3,500 pounds,¹ which should be enough for a Jet Ski or two. Two-door versions are limited to a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.¹

Find More Jeep Vehicles For Sale In Columbia, IL:

¹When properly equipped. See dealer for details.

²Class based on Ward’s Small Sport/Utility vehicle segmentation. Based on the latest available current competitive information. When properly equipped. Max towing ratings shown for base configuration. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload/towing weights. Contact dealer for details.

³When properly equipped. Max payload ratings shown for base configuration. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload weights. Contact dealer for details.