How Much Can A Toyota Highlander Tow? Capacity Guide
How much can a Toyota Highlander tow? It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when set up right. This SUV is great for hauling trailers, boats, or other equipment.
It’s important to know how much your Toyota Highlander can tow for safe driving. Want to learn about the Toyota Highlander’s towing power?
We’ll look at how different models and trims, including hybrids that tow up to 3,500 pounds, affect towing capacity.
We’ll also look at how things like engine strength and towing packages impact what you can tow. The Highlander comes with a strong 2.4-liter turbo engine that has 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
This makes the car good for both performance and versatility. Keeping your vehicle in good condition is key, especially if you plan to tow.
So, we’ll share some maintenance tips and safety features that make towing better. If you’re into camping or just got your first boat, knowing how much you can tow is helpful.
We’re going to go into detail about the Toyota Highlander’s towing abilities. You’ll learn how to tow safely and with confidence.
Introduction To Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity
The Toyota Highlander is a great fit for both families and adventure lovers. It’s known for being able to pull a lot. With the right gear, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
So, it’s perfect for taking all kinds of stuff on your trips. Since 2011 up to 2024, it’s been a top pick for anyone needing to tow heavy.
The 2024 version comes with a 2.4L turbo engine, making towing even smoother. Hybrid models can also tow a good 3,500 pounds. It’s roomy inside, fitting your family comfortably and leaving space for extra gears too.
What’s The Basics of Towing Capacity?
Towing capacity is crucial for those wanting to haul trailers or loads. It’s the heaviest weight a vehicle can tow without risks. Knowing this helps prevent dangers of overloading your vehicle.
Definition of Towing Capacity
Every car’s towing capacity is different and includes engine specs, drivetrain, and other factors. For example, the 2024 Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds if it uses gas.
Its hybrid version can handle 3,500 pounds. This makes the Highlander a solid pick for heavy towing needs since 2018.
Factors Affecting Towing Capacity
Several key factors impact how much your vehicle can tow. These include:
- Engine Specifications: More horsepower and torque mean you can tow more. The 3.5L V6 in the Highlander is a good example of this.
- Drivetrain Type: AWD vehicles often tow more safely because of better traction.
- Trailer Weight and Load: The weight of your trailer and cargo must not exceed your car’s limits.
- Curb Weight: The vehicle’s own weight also plays a role in its towing capacity. Heavier cars usually can tow more.
To tow safely with your Toyota Highlander, it’s essential to understand all these factors deeply.
How Much Can A Toyota Highlander Tow?
The Toyota Highlander is great for both families and adventurers. It can tow trailers, boats, and more. With the right equipment, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This makes it perfect for various towing needs.
Maximum Towing Capacity Overview
The 2025 Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds, no matter the model. This includes the LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum versions.
Both gas and hybrid models offer great towing power. However, hybrids can tow 3,500 pounds. The gas version has a 2.4-liter turbo engine. It delivers 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, great for heavy towing.
Comparison with Other SUVs
When comparing, the Toyota Highlander holds its own. For example, the Honda Pilot also tows up to 5,000 pounds. But, the Ford Explorer can tow 5,600 pounds
The Highlander Hybrid is perfect for those wanting efficiency. It can tow 3,500 pounds without giving up much power.
| SUV | Maximum Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander (Gas) | 5,000 lbs |
| Toyota Highlander (Hybrid) | 3,500 lbs |
| Honda Pilot | 5,000 lbs |
| Ford Explorer | 5,600 lbs |
The Toyota Highlander is a top choice for towing. It offers great strength and is useful for everyday use.
Towing Capacity of Different Toyota Highlander Models
The Toyota Highlander has impressive towing capabilities. You can pick the best model for your needs. The 2025 version stands out with its strong towing specs.
Knowing the toyota highlander towing capacity by year helps you make a smart choice. Let’s look at the towing specs for the 2025 Highlander and earlier models.
2025 Toyota Highlander Towing Specifications
The 2025 Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds if it’s set up right. This makes it great for heavy towing needs.
The LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum versions all share this capability. They’re powered by a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower, so they handle heavy loads well.
Towing Capacity For Previous Model Years
From 2018 to 2024, Highlanders have consistently towed a maximum of 5,000 pounds. The hybrid models can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
This shows you can rely on a Highlander for your towing needs over the years. It stays powerful and safe.
| Model Year | Towing Capacity (Gas Model) | Towing Capacity (Hybrid) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| 2019 | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| 2020 | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| 2021 | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| 2022 | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| 2023 | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| 2024 | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| 2025 | 5,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
Toyota Highlander Towing Features
The Toyota Highlander has great towing features to make your drive smoother. These features help with stability, traction, and flexibility. Knowing these will help you use the Highlander’s towing abilities better.
Trailer-Sway Control
Trailer-Sway Control is a key feature. It keeps the vehicle stable when towing. It checks for trailer sway and adjusts brakes and engine power to keep the ride smooth. This feature helps you tow safely and confidently.
Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD
The dynamic torque vectoring system boosts the Highlander’s performance. It sends up to 50% of power to the rear wheels for better traction. This is great for towing in different weather and on various terrains.
Multi-Terrain Select and Drive Modes
The Multi-Terrain Select system lets you pick from four driving modes: Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, and Normal. These options ensure the Highlander works well in any condition.
With the additional Drive Mode Select, including Sport, Eco, Normal, and Snow, adjusting to changes on the road is easy.
Engine Specifications Impacting Towing Capacity
The Toyota Highlander’s engine plays a key role in its towing power. The recent models have a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
This engine creates 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to this power, the Highlander can tow to its full potential.
Engine Type and Performance
The Toyota Highlander offers various engines over the years. For instance, the 2024 Highlander has a strong 2.4L turbo engine. This engine is known for its dependability and strength.
It affects the vehicle’s design and transmission, boosting the Toyota Highlander maximum towing capacity. A high-performing engine is crucial for safe and effective towing.
Horsepower and Torque Ratings
Knowing the horsepower and torque is important for towing. The Highlander has 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
These specs make it great for carrying heavy loads over various terrains. They help you know if the Highlander meets your towing needs, ensuring a smooth ride every time.
What Can The Toyota Highlander Tow?
When looking at the Toyota Highlander’s towing abilities, it’s key to know both its strength and what it can haul.
Knowing its max towing power lets you pick the right vehicles and uses. This ensures you choose wisely based on what you need to tow.
Common Towed Vehicles
The 2025 Toyota Highlander can tow lots of things, like:
- Teardrop campers
- Small boats
- Travel trailers
- Jet skis
- ATVs
- Motorcycles
It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when set up right. This makes it great for pulling the items listed above easily. Hybrid models can tow 3,500 pounds, good for lighter stuff.
Ideal Applications For Towing
Towing with the Toyota Highlander isn’t just about the vehicle type. Things like ground type, how you spread the load, and the driving situation matter
Here’s where it’s perfect:
- Towing a lightweight RV for weekend trips.
- Taking a small fishing boat to your go-to lake.
- Carrying ATVs for a mountain family adventure.
- Bringing a jet ski for summer fun at the beach.
The Highlander has special features like Trailer-Sway Control and Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD. These make towing more stable and safe, especially on tough terrains.
Towing Package and Accessories For Toyota Highlander
Do you wonder if you need a towing package for your Toyota Highlander? Although there’s no specific towing package for the Highlander, the right towing accessories can greatly up its game.
These accessories make towing safer and more efficient. They also ensure your Highlander meets towing package standards for reliable performance on the road.
Do You Need a Towing Package?
The Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds if it’s equipped right. While ready for big towing jobs, adding recommended accessories can boost its performance. Recommended towing accessories include:
- High-quality tow hitch receiver
- Advanced wiring harness
- Weight distribution systems for better load management
- Consideration of brake controllers for heavier trailers
Key Accessories For Enhanced Towing
Adding certain accessories to your Toyota Highlander can significantly improve its towing power. Must-have accessories are:
- Tow Hitch Receiver: It’s key for securely linking your trailer.
- Wiring Harness: Ensures your trailer’s lights work right.
- Weight Distribution Hitch: It evens out the trailer’s weight, enhancing stability.
- Trailer Brake Controller: It’s crucial for managing the trailer’s brakes safely.
- Safety Chains: Adds an extra safety layer to your setup.
With these accessories on your Highlander, you’ll meet towing package standards and boost your towing experience.
The 2025 Highlander models all stick to a 5,000 pounds towing capacity. This underscores the need to be fully prepped.
Towing Capacity by Trim Level
When looking at the Toyota Highlander’s towing capacity, it’s key to note the differences between gas and hybrid models.
Each model offers different performance specs that affect how well you can tow. Here is a look at what you can expect from each model.
Towing Capabilities of Gas Models
The 2025 gas-powered Toyota Highlander has a max towing limit of 5,000 pounds. This applies to the LE, XLE, and Platinum trims. This makes it versatile for your towing needs.
It has a 2.4-liter turbo engine with 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, ensuring powerful towing performance.
| Trim Level | Max Towing Capacity | GVWR (FWD/AWD) |
|---|---|---|
| LE | 5,000 lbs | 5,870 lbs / 5,970 lbs |
| XLE | 5,000 lbs | 5,870 lbs / 5,970 lbs |
| XSE | 5,000 lbs | 5,970 lbs (AWD) |
| Limited | 5,000 lbs | 5,870 lbs / 5,970 lbs |
| Platinum | 5,000 lbs | 5,970 lbs (AWD) |
Towing Capabilities of Hybrid Models
The hybrid Toyota Highlander tows less, topping out at 3,500 pounds. This shows the balance between fuel efficiency and towing power hybrids offer.
With enhanced fuel economy, hybrid models are great for both daily driving and lighter towing jobs.
Safety Features For Towing
Towing with the Toyota Highlander involves many safety details. It uses advanced tech to ensure you and your cargo stay safe.
These features help keep the ride steady, especially in difficult weather. They are vital for anyone hitching a trailer, no matter their experience level.
Overview of Safety Technology
The Toyota Highlander comes with special safety tech for towing. Here’s what it includes:
- Trailer-Sway Control: This checks the trailer’s movement and can apply brakes to certain wheels. It helps keep both the vehicle and trailer stable in wind or sudden moves.
- Hill Start Assist: It stops the Highlander from rolling back on hills, making starts smoother and safer.
- Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD: This adjusts power to the rear wheels when needed. It’s great for control, especially on rough ground while towing.
- Multi-Terrain Select: On AWD models, this feature lets you choose driving modes like Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, and Normal. It adjusts the car’s performance to fit the driving condition.
How These Features Enhance Towing Experience?
These towing safety features boost your towing journey. Here’s the impact:
- Enhanced Stability: Trailer-Sway Control helps keep the trailer in line, making driving safer.
- Improved Control on Hills: Hill Start Assist ensures a smoother and safer start on slopes.
- Better Traction: Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD keeps a firm grip on different grounds. It’s perfect for heavy loads on tough terrains.
- Adaptability: Multi-Terrain Select lets you change settings for better performance and safety in various conditions.
Maintaining Your Toyota Highlander For Towing
Regular maintenance is key for your Toyota Highlander to be ready for towing. Following maintenance tips boosts your car’s performance and keeps your family safe on the road.
Knowing how to maintain your Highlander helps avoid problems and improves your towing experience.
Regular Maintenance Tips
Here are some tips for keeping your Toyota Highlander ready for towing:
- Regularly check and change the engine oil to keep the engine running smoothly.
- Look at the transmission fluid since it’s vital for towing.
- Make sure the coolant system works well to prevent the car from overheating with heavy loads.
- Check the brakes and brake fluid for safe towing.
- Examine tires for signs of wear and make sure they are properly inflated for stable towing.
Inspection Before Towing
Before towing, it’s important to inspect your vehicle to ensure it’s safe and reliable. Here are some key points to look at:
- Make sure the hitch and its connections are secure and undamaged.
- Check all towing gear, like safety chains and light wiring.
- Ensure your load is within the 5,000-pound towing capacity for gas models.
- Test the trailer’s brakes and lights to see they work.
- Look at the car’s rear suspension to ensure it can support the load.
By following these guidelines consistently, you can have a safer and smoother experience towing with your Toyota Highlander.
Towing Regulations and Recommendations
It’s crucial to know towing regulations for safety and legality. Know your vehicle’s towing capacity and the trailer’s weight. This helps avoid accidents and legal trouble.
Knowing Towing Limits
The towing limit depends on the vehicle’s make and model, and equipment. For a Toyota Highlander, it’s usually 5000 lbs with the right towing package.
Older models or different engines may have lower limits, like 1500 lbs. Always check your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s specs to find your vehicle’s limits.
Importance of Legal Compliance
Following towing laws is a must, not just a recommendation. Going over the limit can cause penalties, insurance issues, and even accidents.
It’s your job to make sure your towing is legal. This keeps you safe, safeguards others, and protects your vehicle’s value.
Conclusion
In this article, you’ve gotten a good look at what the Toyota Highlander can do when it comes to towing. It can pull up to 5,000 pounds, making it a strong choice for family trips or fun activities.
When planning to tow with the Highlander, it’s important to know its specs and special features. Things like trailer-sway control and the right towing package are key for the best tow.
If you’re moving stuff with a U-Haul or taking a boat out, the Highlander is up for it. Make sure you plan your towing well. Then, enjoy what this vehicle can do for your outdoor adventures.
FAQs
How much can a Toyota Highlander tow?
The Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the right equipment. The hybrid models can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
What factors influence the towing capacity of the Toyota Highlander?
Several factors impact towing capacity. These include the vehicle’s engine specs, drivetrain type, trailer weight, and the vehicle’s own weight.
Does the Toyota Highlander come with a towing package?
The Highlander doesn’t come with a specific towing package. Yet, adding a tow hitch and wiring harness is recommended to boost towing.
What towing features does the Toyota Highlander offer?
Key features for towing include Trailer-Sway Control. There’s also Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD and Multi-Terrain Select. They help with stability and traction.
Can the Highlander tow boats or RVs?
Yes, the Highlander can tow small boats, teardrop campers, and travel trailers. Make sure the weights are within the towing capacity limits.
How do different trim levels affect towing capacity?
All gas models of the Highlander can tow 5,000 pounds max. Meanwhile, hybrid models are limited to towing 3,500 pounds.
What safety technologies are integrated into the Toyota Highlander for towing?
The Highlander has Hill Start Assist and Trailer-Sway Control. These technologies make towing more secure.
What regular maintenance should I perform for towing?
Before each towing trip, check the hitch, brakes, and towing accessories. This ensures safety and reliability.
Are there any regulations I should be aware of regarding towing?
Yes, knowing the towing limits based on the vehicle and trailer weight is vital. It ensures safety and follows the law.
