Can A Mazda 3 Tow? [ Find Out The Answer ]

Also known as Mazda Axela, Mazda 3 is a compact SUV with a five-door hatchback and cargo space. The Mazda 3 was introduced to the world at the 2003 North American International Auto Show.

The first-generation models were produced from 2003 to 2007, followed by a second-generation model in 2008. The third-generation model was introduced in 2013, and the fourth-generation model was introduced in 2015. 

The Mazda 3 is known for its sporty driving and handling and its attractive design. In this article, we are going to answer if a Mazda 3 can tow anything. Let’s find out.

Can a Mazda 3 Tow?

Yes, a Mazda 3 is designed to work with proper towing equipment and services. The Mazda 3 has little to be desired when it comes to towing capacity. Sure, it’s equipped with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower, but that’s only good for about 1,500 pounds of towing capacity. Mazda’s bigger sedans, however, can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

This is not to say that Mazda 3 is poorly equipped to tow. The Mazda 3can tow up to 2,000 pounds. That’s pretty impressive, considering the car weighs only 2,500 pounds itself.

It’s important to note that Mazda 3 is not rated as a towing vehicle in the US and Latin American countries. However, many other countries outside America rate Mazda 3 for towing regarding gradient and weight.

Another contradicting reason is that Mazda 3 uses diesel. In fact, Mazda is the only mainstream manufacturer to offer a diesel option for their cars, and on the Mazda 3, the diesel engine is a gem. It’s a gem; however, that is not easily found in North America.

In the US, Mazda 3s with diesel engines are only sold in California and are only sold in California ’emissions states’, AKA states that require special tailpipe treatment.

What’s the Towing Capacity of a Mazda 3?

The Mazda 3 is a popular car for a lot of people, and for good reason. It’s a great sedan, well designed, solid, and fun to drive, and its Mazda DNA means that it’s comfortable, reliable, and fun.

Ideally, the towing capacity for the Mazda 3 varies depending on where you are driving it. For example, Mazda 3 is not rated as a towing vehicle in the US. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it to tow heavy objects.

If you’re planning on driving outside the U.S some major factors will affect the towing capacity of your vehicle. In order to determine what your tow capacity will be you need to know if your vehicle has trailer brakes, the type of transmission, engine, etc.

If you are towing something behind your Mazda 3 and the combined weight of your car, the trailer, and the items inside the trailer surpass your towing capacity, it can be dangerous. If your Mazda 3 is towing a trailer and you have to make a sharp turn, you may lose control of your car.

It’s important to remember to consult your Mazda 3 manual. It will outline the limitations of towing as well as the specifications of your vehicle.

What Happens if You Tow More than Capacity?

Towing a vehicle that is not designed for it can be dangerous as it can affect your ability to accelerate, stop, and turn. This is especially true when you need to do so quickly.

Towing more than the required capacity is not only illegal but is also dangerous. The amount of weight a car can safely tow depends on its own weight, the weight of the load, and the driving conditions.  If your vehicle exceeds the recommended limit, it could lead to a blowout, loss of control, or a collision.

When towing using a Mazda 3, always ensure to Use the proper towing equipment, Have the proper towing equipment installed, make sure the brakes work, engage the car is in first gear, and have the hood closed.

Also, ensure that the Mazda 3 does not have a factory tow package. As it is not a heavy-duty tow truck, a Mazda 3 will not be able to tow a vehicle that is heavier than 3,500 pounds. The Mazda 3 will tow up to 2,000 pounds.

What Type of Trailer can a Mazda 3 Tow?

The Mazda 3’s towing capacity is 1500 pounds, so it’s capable of towing small trailers, such as jet skis. However, its towing capacity is 1,500 pounds, so it’s not powerful enough to tow large trailers, such as boats.

Let’s take a look at some of the trailers that a Mazda 3 can tow.

Jet Ski Trailer

All Mazda 3s produced after 2010 are certified to tow a jet ski trailer. As of 2014, Mazda 3s in the ‘S’ trim level and up are certified to tow up to 1,500 pounds. On average, a loaded jet ski trailer will weigh an average of 1,000 pounds, meaning that a Mazda 3 in the ‘S’ trim level and up can tow a loaded trailer.

However, there are many differences between the ‘S’ trim level and up and the Mazda 3 Sport, so the Mazda 3 Sport will not be able to tow a loaded trailer due to its lower towing capacity.

Motorcycle Trailer

All Mazda 3 2.2L trims have towing capacity of up to 1500 pounds. Regardless of your trim level, you will be able to tow a loaded trailer, which means you will be able to tow a motorcycle trailer without any trouble. The only thing you need to do is make sure that the hitch is properly installed and attached to your vehicle’s frame.

Small Open Utility Trailer

Mazda’s tow rating for the Mazda 3 is 1000 pounds, which can be used to tow a small utility trailer. A small utility trailer is an open trailer similar to a utility trailer but with a hitch that can accommodate a receiver hitch on an automobile.

When towing a small utility trailer, Mazda recommends the trailer tongue weight should not exceed 15% of the loaded trailer weight, and all other trailer couplers, brakes, lights, and tires are in good condition. The load on the trailer should never exceed the load-carrying capacity of the trailer hitch and the towing vehicle.

How Well Can It Tow Compared to its Competitors?

Mazda’s most popular car, the Mazda 3, has been winning over customers for decades, and it has never ceased to surprise us. From its stylish exterior to a cozy interior, the Mazda 3 has everything a car lover expects in a car. But how well does the Mazda 3 tow compare to its competitors?

Unlike most compact SUVs in the market, Mazda 3 offers the highest towing capacity of 1500 pounds. It offers great performance with a power train, which is a mix of a four-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. It also has an available automatic transmission which offers outstanding fuel efficiency.

Does the Mazda 3 Have a Tow Hitch?

Normally, the Mazda 3 does not come with a tow hitch. However, this does not mean that you cannot customize a tow hitch for your Mazda 3. Towing capacity is a product of both the towing hitch and the vehicle it is towing.

You can purchase a Mazda 3 hitch and have it installed or you can purchase a Mazda 3 that is already equipped with a towing device. If you do the latter, you will have the assurance of the safety of the car and a safer ride.

Final Thoughts

It’s clear that you can only tow very few things with the Mazda 3. In fact, the maximum towing capacity is only 1,500 kg. If you’re planning to tow a boat, caravan, or any other kind of trailer, you should probably look elsewhere, because you won’t be able to tow anything with the Mazda 3.

However, it’s important to note that only a very small number of cars have higher towing capacity. In fact, the towing capacity of most cars doesn’t exceed 2,000 kg. Therefore, you shouldn’t necessarily rule out the Mazda 3 or any other similar car.