From your other post:
BillLewis wrote:The question no one can answer is why is the Rogue listed at 1000lbs towing except if you get Nissan's tow package and then it jumps to 1500lbs? The answer is not AWD over FWD.
I called Nissan and their answer was the paddle shifters. Still doesn't sound right to me. Any thoughts out there?
The tow rating in many cases is quite simple: It's the maximum weight the vehicle can tow up a reasonably steep hill without causing undue stress. The vehicle design, engine torque, transmission, gear ratios, suspension design, etc determine this limit.
Nissan is correct. The premium pack comes with paddle shifters that allow you to use lower gears = more torque = higher rpms = less stress on the motor. This is why they rate it for 1500lbs vs. 1000lbs on the non-paddle shift models. Can you tow 1500lb loads on the lower models? Yes. Especially if you do not carry passengers or lots of cargo at the same time.
One more thing: Local laws may limit you to the GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) for the vehicle.