Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen SUVs, and their towing capacities
November 13 2023,
Firstly, the elements that have the greatest impact on a vehicle’s towing capacity are the engine’s displacement, power and configuration.
Let’s take a closer look at what type of towing capacities Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen SUVs have to offer, to see if there are important differences between the models or if –on the contrary- they share similarities. This will also help you choose the perfect SUV for your needs.
Porsche SUVs and their towing capacities
The manufacturer from Stuttgart, Germany, offers two SUVs: the Porsche Cayenne and the Porsche Macan. While the first is a luxury midsize SUV, the second is a luxury compact SUV.
The Porsche Cayenne offers the choice between four different powertrains:
- A 3.0 L turbo V6 engine with 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. maximum torque
- A hybrid powertrain that combines a 3.0 L turbo V6 + an electric motor, for a total of 464 horsepower and 479 lb-ft. maximum torque
- A 4.0 L turbo V8 engine with 468 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. maximum torque
- A 4.0 L V8 engine with 650 horsepower and 626 lb-ft. maximum torque (Turbo GT trim)
Although there are four different powertrains, you should know that with the towing system with trailer brakes, the Porsche Cayenne can tow up to 7,700 pounds (3,493 kg).
| Porsche Cayenne – Towing Capacity | 7,700 lbs |
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Despite the power and performance offered by the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, towing is not recommended with this trim of the luxury midsize SUV.
The Porsche Macan, a luxury compact SUV, is available with three powertrains:
- A 2.0 L four-cylinder turbo with 261 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. maximum torque (Macan T trim)
- A 2.9 L turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft. maximum torque (S trim)
- A 2.9 L turbo V6 with 434 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. maximum torque (GTS trim)
The T trim, equipped with the four-cylinder engine, can tow up to 4,000 pounds (1,996 kg). The S and GTS trims equipped with the V6 engine, can tow up to 5,300 pounds (2,404 kg).
| Porsche Macan – Towing Cpacity | Four-cylinder: 4,000 lbs V6: 5,300 lbs |
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In short, the Porsche Cayenne can tow heavier loads than the 2024 Porsche Macan can.
Audi SUVs and their Towing Capacities
There are numerous Audi SUVs and they are part of different categories:
- Audi Q3 luxury subcompact SUV
- Audi Q5 luxury compact SUV
- Audi SQ5 luxury compact SUV
- Audi Q7 luxury midsize SUV
- Audi SQ7 luxury midsize SUV
- Audi Q8 luxury midsize SUV
- Audi SQ8 luxury midsize SUV
The Audi Q3 is available with a 2.0 L four-cylinder turbo with 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft. maximum torque (40 TFSI) or a 2.0 L four-cylinder turbo with 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. maximum torque (45 TFSI).
The 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI versions do not affect the towing capacity, which can reach up to 1,500 pounds (680 kg) in both cases.
| Audi Q3 – Towing Capacity | 1,500 lb |
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Audi Q5 and SQ5 luxury midsize SUVs come with several powertrains:
- A 2.0 L four-cylinder turbo engine + mild hybrid system with 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. maximum torque (40 TFSI)
- A 2.0 L four-cylinder turbo engine + mild hybrid system with 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. maximum torque (45 TFSI)
- A 3.0 L turbo V6 engine with 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. maximum torque (SQ5)
- A 2.0 L four-cylinder turbo engine + electric motor with 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. maximum torque (55 TFSI e)
The towing capacity can vary depending on these configurations. The Audi Q5 (40 TSFI) can tow up to 2,740 pounds. For the 45 TFSI and Audi SQ5 versions, towing capacity can reach up to 4,400 pounds. Finally, the Audi hybrid TFSI e can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
| Audi Q5, Audi SQ5 and Audi hybrid – Towing Capacities | 40 TFSI: 2,740 lbs 45 TFSI and SQ5: 4,400 lbs Audi Q5 hybrid: 2,000 lbs |
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Although the Audi Q7 and SQ7 are luxury midsize SUVs like the Audi Q5, they are more imposing when it comes to size.
The Q7 and SQ7 models are available with the following powertrains:
- Moteur 4 cylindres de 2,0 L + hybridation légère bon pour 261 chevaux et un couple de 273 lb-pi (45 TFSI)
- Moteur V6 de 3,0 L turbo + hybridation légère qui transmet 335 chevaux et un couple de 369 lb-pi (55 TFSI)
- Moteur V8 de 4,0 L turbo + hybridation légère qui crache 500 chevaux et un couple endiablé de 568 lb-pi
The 45 TFSI version can tow up to 4,400 pounds (2,000 kg), while the 55 TFSI and Audi SQ7 versions can tow up to 7,700 pounds (3,493 kg).
| Audi Q7 and Audi SQ7 – Towing Capacity | 45 TFSI: 4,400 lbs 55 TFSI and SQ7: 7,700 lbs |
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Finally, the Audi Q8, RS Q8 and SQ8 (sports trim) can rely on an extremely powerful 4.0 L V8 engine with mild hybrid system, for 591 horsepower and a very generous 590 lb-ft. maximum torque.
Without the shadow of a doubt, the SQ8 will initiate you to a sporty drive aboard a high-performance SUV.
When it comes to the towing capacity, the Q8 version can tow up to 7,700 pounds (3,493 kg).
| Audi Q8, SQ8, Audi RS Q8 – Towing Capacity | 7,700 lbs |
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Finally, no matter your final selection, you should know that all Audi SUV models are powerful and offer high levels of performance. Each one does offer a towing capacity, whether higher or lower. Your choice will probably also take into account the towing capacity for each, along with the other differences you might have noticed.
Volkswagen SUVs and their towing capacities
In the Volkswagen vehicle family, there are four SUV models:
- Volkswagen Atlas and Cross Sport midsize SUV
- Volkswagen ID.4 compact SUV
- Volkswagen Taos subcompact SUV
- Volkswagen Tiguan compact SUV
Volkswagen vehicles offer excellent sports utility options.
The VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are midsize SUVs with an elongated silhouette (5,097 mm in length for the Atlas and 4,966 mm for the Cross Sport). Under the hood, both vehicles hide a 2.0 L four-cylinder engine with 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. maximum torque.
With this powertrain, the Volkswagen Atlas and the Atlas Cross Sport can tow up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg).
| Volkswagen Atlas and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport – Towing Capacities | 5 000 lbs |
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As for the Volkswagen ID.4, it is a 100 % electric compact SUV. In its base trim, you will have access to a rear-wheel drive drivetrain and a 62.0 kWh lithium-ion battery. This powertrain offers 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft. maximum torque. You will also have access to an electric range of 336 km, without having to stop at a quick charging station.
The Pro PR and Pro TI trims can be equipped with an 82.0 kWh battery, for 443 km and 410 km in electric range, respectively. You will also have access to 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft. maximum torque with the Pro TI trim and 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft. maximum torque for the Pro PR trim.
With the PR trim, you will be able to tow up to 2,200 pounds (998 kg), while the TI trim will allow you to tow 2,700 pounds (1,225 kg).
| Volkswagen ID.4 – Towing Capacity | PR: 2,200 lbs TI: 2,700 lbs |
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The VW Taos is a subcompact SUV that can be equipped with a 1.5 L four-cylinder turbo with 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. maximum torque. In the 4-wheel drive version, this engine is coupled with a seven speed DSG transmission.
Taking into consideration its size, towing is not recommended on this vehicle.
| Volkswagen Taos – Towing Capacity | Not Recommended |
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The last but not least of the Vokswagen SUV family, is the VW Tiguan. Cruising our streets since 2009, the Tiguan can be equipped with a 2.0 L four-cylinder turbo with 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft. maximum torque. This powertrain is coupled with an eight speed automatic transmission.
Thanks to its efficient powertrain, the Volkswagen Tiguan can tow up to 1,500 pounds (680 kg).
| Volkswagen Tiguan – Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs |
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As you have seen after looking into the towing capacities offered by Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen SUVs in greater detail, it is clear to see that there is something for everyone. Not only is it easy to see that these are efficient and high-performance vehicles, they can also tow heavy equipment.
Here is a summary table for the German SUVs and their towing capacities:
| Vehicles | Towing Capacities |
|---|---|
| Porsche Cayenne | 7,700 lbs |
| Porsche Macan | 4 L: 4,000 lbs V6: 5,300 lbs |
| Audi Q3 | 1,500 lbs |
| Audi Q5, SQ5 and hybrid | 40 TFSI: 2,740 lbs 45 TFSI and SQ5: 4,400 lbs Q5 hybrid: 2,000 lbs |
| Audi Q7 and SQ7 | 45 TFSI: 4,400 lbs 55 TFSI and SQ7: 7,700 lbs |
| Audi Q8, SQ8 and RS Q8 | 7,700 lbs |
| VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport | 5,000 lbs |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | PR: 2,200 lbs TI: 2,700 lbs |
| Volkswagen Taos | Not Recommended |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | 1,500 lbs |
You should come and shop for the 2024 or 2023 best luxury SUVs with Groupe Lauzon. A passionate team of seasoned experts is here to answer all of your questions. You can also take advantage of our current special offers and promotions.
