If you’re eyeing a Cadillac Lyriq and wondering whether it can tow your small camper or utility trailer *and* still deliver usable range, you’re not alone. The phrase “Cadillac Lyriq towing capacity and range” pops up in just about every serious shopping conversation, especially for road‑trip dreamers and weekend warriors. Let’s unpack what the Lyriq is officially rated to tow, how far it can really go, and what happens when you ask this luxury EV to do double duty as a tow vehicle.
Quick takeaway
Cadillac Lyriq towing and range at a glance
Cadillac Lyriq towing & range snapshot (2025 models)
Those headline numbers are the starting point. The Lyriq is a luxury EV first and a light‑duty tow vehicle second, so you’ll want to think carefully about what you tow, where you drive, and how often you’re relying on it as a mini‑tow rig. Let’s get specific about which Lyriq can tow what, and how far you can expect to go between charges.
Official Cadillac Lyriq towing capacity by configuration
Cadillac doesn’t shout about towing the way truck makers do, but if you hunt through the spec sheets, you’ll find the key number: 3,500 pounds of maximum towing capacity when the Lyriq is properly equipped with the right powertrain and hardware.
Cadillac Lyriq towing capacity by powertrain (2024–2025)
Approximate tow ratings for current Cadillac Lyriq configurations. Always confirm with the owner’s manual for your exact model year and options.
| Model year & powertrain | Drive type | Official tow rating | Best for towing? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–2025 Lyriq RWD single motor | Rear‑wheel drive | Not recommended / effectively 0–1,500 lbs light utility only | No – focus on efficiency, not towing |
| 2024–2025 Lyriq AWD dual motor | All‑wheel drive | Up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped | Yes – primary choice for towing |
| 2026 Lyriq‑V (performance AWD) | All‑wheel drive | Up to 3,500 lbs (expected, verify per VIN) | Yes – but performance‑oriented, towing still light duty |
Towing is best suited to dual‑motor AWD Lyriq models with the factory tow rating.
Double‑check your specific Lyriq
If you’re shopping, assume that only the dual‑motor AWD Lyriq with a proper tow package is truly ready for 3,500‑pound duty. The rear‑wheel‑drive version is better considered a light cargo hauler, think small utility trailer or a pair of e‑bikes, not the family camper.
- 3,500 lbs puts the Lyriq in the same towing ballpark as many compact crossovers and other EV SUVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Tesla Model Y.
- You’re looking at small travel trailers (usually 17–20 feet), pop‑up campers, single‑axle utility trailers, or a pair of jet skis, not a 26‑foot Airstream.
- Tongue weight matters, too. For a 3,500‑lb trailer, keep tongue weight in the ~10% range (350 lbs) and confirm limits in the manual.
Cadillac Lyriq range ratings and real-world efficiency
On paper, the Lyriq is one of the more efficient luxury EV SUVs. Every version uses a 102‑kWh Ultium battery, and Cadillac publishes clear EPA range figures for the 2025 model year.
Cadillac Lyriq range and efficiency (no trailer attached)
EPA‑estimated range ratings for recent Lyriq models, plus typical efficiency in kWh/100 miles.
| Model & drivetrain | Battery | EPA range (mi) | Typical efficiency | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lyriq RWD single motor | 102 kWh | 326 | ~38 kWh/100 mi (~89 MPGe) | Best range; ideal for long highway stints without towing. |
| 2025 Lyriq AWD dual motor (11.5‑kW charger) | 102 kWh | 319 | ~38 kWh/100 mi | More traction and power, slightly less range. |
| 2025 Lyriq AWD dual motor (19.2‑kW onboard charger) | 102 kWh | 303 | Similar energy use; more charging flexibility | Higher‑power onboard charger reduces EPA range rating a bit. |
| 2026 Lyriq‑V AWD (performance) | 102 kWh | ~285 (Cadillac estimate) | Less efficient under hard driving | More power, firmer suspension; range takes a sporty hit. |
Your real‑world range will vary with speed, temperature, wheels, and driving style.
Real‑world vs EPA range
In normal daily use, commuting, errands, weekend drives, many Lyriq drivers will see something in the 2.6–3.0 mi/kWh window, depending on climate and how gently they drive. That translates to roughly 260–300 real‑world miles from a full charge if you’re not towing and you’re willing to run the battery fairly low before stopping.
How towing affects Cadillac Lyriq range
Now for the part many owners don’t find out until they’re already on the interstate: towing has a big impact on EV range, and the Lyriq is no exception. Aerodynamics and weight are the two culprits, and a tall, boxy trailer is the worst‑case scenario.
What typically happens when you tow
- Expect 30–50% range loss with a small camper or boxy trailer.
- A light, low utility trailer might cost you 20–30% instead.
- Headwinds, hills, and cold weather can push losses higher.
- Staying under 65 mph helps more than almost anything else.
Rough Lyriq range estimates while towing
- RWD (326‑mi EPA) + small camper: plan around 160–200 miles per charge.
- AWD (319‑mi EPA) + small camper: plan around 150–190 miles.
- Light utility trailer or bikes: 200–230 miles, sometimes more in ideal conditions.
These are planning estimates, not promises, always build in a safety buffer.
Don’t chase the last 5% of the battery
One of the Lyriq’s advantages is decent DC fast‑charging speed: peak power around 190 kW under ideal conditions. Independent tests have seen roughly 100 miles of range gained in the first 15 minutes from a low state of charge. When you’re towing and using energy faster, those frequent, short top‑ups become the key to keeping your day moving.
Planning road trips with a towing Lyriq
If you treat the Cadillac Lyriq like a half‑ton pickup, you’ll be frustrated. If you treat it like a comfortable, quiet SUV that can also pull a small trailer when asked, you can have some very good trips. The difference is the planning.
Essential checklist for towing with a Cadillac Lyriq
1. Confirm your tow rating and equipment
Verify that your Lyriq is an AWD model with the correct hitch, wiring, and brake controller (if required). Check tow and tongue‑weight limits in the owner’s manual before you hitch up.
2. Weigh your loaded trailer
Trailer brochures lie, or at least they’re optimistic. Visit a public scale and measure <strong>actual trailer and tongue weight</strong> with water, gear, and propane on board.
3. Plan your charging stops around 120–170 miles
Use that 30–50% range‑loss assumption and aim for chargers every 120–170 miles, depending on terrain and weather. Shorter hops are less stressful and give you more options.
4. Prioritize pull‑through or trailer‑friendly chargers
Some public stations are laid out terribly for trailers. Apps like PlugShare often include photos and notes from other drivers, look for <strong>pull‑through lanes</strong> or easy access.
5. Watch speed and weather
Aerodynamic drag rises fast above 65 mph. Combine that with headwinds or winter temps and your consumption skyrockets. Drive a little slower; your range and nerves will thank you.
6. Use charging time wisely
When towing, you’ll likely stop more often. Turn those 20–30 minute sessions into meal breaks, kid and dog walks, or quick grocery restocks instead of waiting impatiently in the car.
Think like a pilot, not a gambler
Is the Cadillac Lyriq a good tow vehicle?
Where the Lyriq shines, and where it doesn’t, when towing
Understanding the trade‑offs helps you decide if it fits your life.
Strengths as a tow vehicle
- Comfort and quiet: Long days on the road feel short when the cabin is this refined.
- Instant torque: Electric motors make it easy to pull away smoothly with a loaded trailer.
- Standard driver assistance: Lane keeping, adaptive cruise, and other tech reduce fatigue.
- Reasonable tow rating: 3,500 lbs covers many small campers and toys.
Limitations to keep in mind
- Not a heavy‑duty hauler: 3,500 lbs is well below what a truck‑based SUV or pickup can manage.
- Significant range loss with tall trailers: Boxy campers are aero kryptonite.
- Charging infrastructure quirks: Not every site is trailer‑friendly; you may need to unhook sometimes.
- Payload trade‑offs: People, gear, and tongue weight all count toward payload.
Who the Lyriq tow setup is perfect for
Buying a used Cadillac Lyriq for towing and range
Because the Lyriq is still relatively new, used examples are just starting to appear in meaningful numbers. If you’re shopping the used market, you’ll want to pay close attention not only to the towing hardware but also to the battery’s health and real‑world range.
Key towing questions for a used Lyriq
- Is it RWD or AWD, and what’s the listed tow rating?
- Does it have a factory or professionally installed hitch and wiring harness?
- Has it done heavy or frequent towing in the past? (Ask directly.)
- Are there any service records related to suspension, brakes, or high‑voltage systems after towing use?
Why battery health matters more than ever
Towing exposes the battery and drivetrain to higher loads and more frequent fast‑charging. That’s not inherently bad, but it makes verified battery health a must‑have if you plan to keep towing.
A healthy Lyriq pack means you’ll still have the range you’re paying for, especially once you start hanging a trailer on the back.
How Recharged can help with a towing‑ready used Lyriq
- Prioritize AWD Lyriq trims with appropriate equipment
- Review real‑world energy use and charging history
- Compare a used Lyriq to other tow‑capable EVs that might fit your trailer and budget better
Cadillac Lyriq towing and range FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Cadillac Lyriq towing capacity and range
Bottom line: Lyriq towing capacity and range
The Cadillac Lyriq isn’t trying to be a three‑quarter‑ton pickup, and that’s a good thing. It’s a luxury EV SUV that just happens to be capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, while delivering some of the best refinement in its class and an honest 300‑ish miles of real‑world range when you’re not hauling a trailer.
Hook up a small camper or toy hauler and you’ll need to rethink your numbers: figure on roughly half your normal range, more frequent DC fast‑charging stops, and a bit of extra route planning to find trailer‑friendly stations. But if your towing needs are modest and your priority is a calm, high‑tech cabin the other 50 weeks of the year, the Lyriq makes a compelling case.
If you’re considering a used Cadillac Lyriq for towing or long‑range road‑tripping, this is exactly where Recharged shines. Every vehicle includes a Recharged Score battery‑health report, transparent pricing, and EV‑specialist guidance, so you can match the right Lyriq, or another EV entirely, to your trailer, travel style, and budget with confidence.
