Mazda 3 Towing Capacity: Can It Tow a Camper Trailer, Boat, or Jet Ski?

Mazda 3, also known as Mazda Axela, is a compact SUV known for its decent acceleration and excellent performance. But what about its towing capacity? How much is it, and what type of trailers can it tow? How does it perform as compared to its counterparts in the market? In this article, we’ll answer all of these questions, so let’s get started.

Among all Mazda 3 model years, the 2.2L manual variant provides a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,306, and an unbraked towing capacity of 1,432 pounds. All new and old generations of this car have provided a similar towing service over the years. Mazda provides official towing stats for all Mazda 3 but does not recommend this car for towing purposes.

However, that doesn’t tell the full story. Below we’ll also dive into whether or not the Mazda 3 can two certain trailers and what trailers exactly. We’ll also compare the Mazda 3 to its competitors. Read on!

Also read: How Many Miles Can A Mazda 3 Last?

Maximum Towing Capacity By Year

 The following table mentions the towing capacities of several engine configurations the Mazda 3 spread over several generations. These are authentic numbers obtained from official sources. Also, note that Mazda mentions different tow ratings for the Mazda 3 offered in different geographical regions. These particular numbers apply to North American models.

Also read: Types Of Gas A Mazda 3 Takes (Explained)

Can It Tow a Trailer, Boat, or Jet Ski?

There are lots of trailers with unique weights and sizes. Therefore, we have done extensive research to identify the weighing limits of different types of trailers. We have then matched these weight limits against the towing capacity of the Mazda 3.

The 1.5L variants of the latest Mazda 3 can tow small and medium-sized trailers with a maximum weight limit of 2,645 pounds. These include Canoe/Kayak, Jet Ski, Teardrop, and Small Open Utility Trailers. The  2.2L manual engine configurations can tow as many as 3,300 pounds trailers.

Also read: The Absolute Best Year Of The Mazda 3

• Kayak: All 2.2L Mazda 3 models will be able to tow a kayak trailer. On average, an empty kayak trailer will weigh 200 pounds. A loaded kayak trailer will weigh an average of 400 pounds with a maximum of 800 pounds which is well within the range of the Mazda 3.

• Jet Ski Trailer: All 2.2L Mazda 3 models will be able to tow a jet ski trailer. On average, an empty jet ski trailer will weigh 300 pounds. A loaded jet ski trailer will weigh an average of 1,800 pounds with a maximum of 3,000 pounds which is within the range of the Mazda 3.

• Motorcycle Trailer: All 2.2L Mazda 3 models will be able to tow a motorcycle trailer. On average, an empty motorcycle trailer will weigh 500 pounds. A loaded motorcycle trailer will weigh an average of 2,400 pounds with a maximum of 3,500 which is within the range of the Mazda 3.

• Teardrop Trailer: All 2.2L Mazda 3 models will be able to tow a teardrop trailer. On average, an empty teardrop trailer will weigh 1,700 pounds. A loaded teardrop trailer will weigh an average of 2,400 pounds which is within the range of the  Mazda 3. Some teardrop trailers will weigh a maximum of 6,000 pounds, outside of the limits of the  Mazda 3.

• Small Open Utility Trailer: All 2.2L Mazda 3 models will be able to tow a small open utility trailer. On average, an empty small open utility trailer will weigh 700 pounds. A loaded small open utility trailer will weigh an average of 2,500 pounds with a maximum of 3,000 pounds which is within the range of the Mazda 3.

• A-Frame Camper: All 2.2L Mazda 3 models will be able to tow an A-frame camper. On average, an empty a-frame camper weighs 1,700 pounds. A loaded a-frame camper will weigh an average of 2,900 pounds with a maximum of 3,600 pounds which is within the range of the Mazda 3.

• Small Enclosed Utility Trailer: All 2.2L Mazda 3 models will be able to tow an empty small enclosed utility trailer. On average, an empty small enclosed utility trailer weighs 1,000 pounds. A loaded small enclosed utility trailer will weigh an average of 3,200 pounds with a maximum of 7,000 pounds, outside of the range of the Mazda 3.

• Fishing Boat Trailer: All 2.2L Mazda 3 models will be able to tow a fishing boat trailer. On average, an empty fishing boat trailer weighs 600 pounds. A loaded fishing boat trailer will weigh an average of 3,300 pounds with a maximum of 6,000 pounds which is within the range of the Mazda 3.

• Pop-Up Camper: All 2.2L Mazda 3 models will be able to tow an empty pop-up camper. On average, an empty pop-up camper weighs 2,300 pounds. A loaded pop-up camper will weigh an average of 3,400 pounds with a maximum of 4,000 pounds, outside of the range of the Mazda 3.

• Small Travel Trailer: Al 2.2L Mazda 3 models will be able to tow an empty small travel trailer. On average, an empty small travel trailer weighs 2,800 pounds. A loaded small travel trailer will weigh an average of 3,600 pounds with a maximum of 4,500 pounds, outside of the range of the  Mazda 3.

• Tow Dolly: All 2.2L Mazda 3 models will be able to tow an empty tow dolly. On average, an empty tow dolly weighs 600 pounds. A loaded tow dolly will weigh an average of 4,000 pounds with a maximum of 5,000 pounds, outside of the range of the Mazda 3.

• Large Enclosed Utility Trailer: All 2.2L Mazda 3 models will be able to tow an empty large enclosed utility trailer. On average, an empty large enclosed utility trailer weighs 2,700 pounds. A loaded large enclosed utility trailer weighs an average of 7,100 pounds with a maximum of 10,000 pounds, outside of the range of the  Mazda 3.

• Small Horse Trailer: All 2.2L Mazda 3 models will be able to tow an empty small horse trailer. On average, an empty small horse trailer weighs 2,900 pounds. A loaded small horse trailer weighs an average of 7,200 pounds with a maximum of 8,000 pounds, outside of the range of the  Mazda 3.

• Car Trailer: All 2.2L Mazda 3 models will be able to tow an empty car trailer. On average, an empty car trailer weighs 1,900 pounds. A loaded car trailer weighs an average of 9,000 pounds with a maximum of 15,000 pounds, outside of the range of the Mazda 3.

• Large Flatbed Trailer: All 2.2L Mazda 3 models will be able to tow an empty large flatbed trailer. On average, an empty  large flatbed trailer weighs 3,000 pounds. A loaded large flatbed trailer weighs an average of 10,400 pounds with a maximum of 26,000 pounds, outside of the range of the Mazda 3.

• Large Boat Trailer: All 2.2L Mazda 3 models will be able to tow an empty large boat trailer. On average, an empty large boat trailer weighs 2,200 pounds. A loaded large boat trailer weighs an average of 13,600 pounds with a maximum of 34,000 pounds, outside of the range of the Mazda 3.

• Car Trailer: All 2.2L Mazda 3 models will be able to tow an empty car trailer. On average, an empty car trailer weighs 1,900 pounds. A loaded car trailer weighs an average of 9,000 pounds with a maximum of 15,000 pounds, outside of the range of the Mazda 3.

Also read: Overview Of Transmissions And Their Problems Of Mazda 3

How Well Can It Tow Compared to its Competitors?

The following table mentions the towing capacities of several cars in the same category as the Mazda 3. We can note that the Mazda 3 provides the highest towing capacity of 3,306 pounds compared to its compact SUV counterparts. When we look at other cars in this category, we find that the tow ratings are widely spread between 1,500-2,866 pounds, each one of which is lower than the Mazda 3.

Also read: 8 Common Problems Of A Mazda 3

Stefan K.

Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.

I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.

Read more about our fantastic team on our about page!