You can tow up to 5,000 pounds with a gas-powered Toyota Highlander, primarily when equipped with the 2.4-liter turbo or V6 engine.
Hybrid models limit you to around 3,500 pounds due to lower engine output. Your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and payload capacity must support this load, and using a Class III hitch is essential for safety.
Advanced features like Trailer-Sway Control enhance stability. Understanding these specifics will help you maximize your Highlander’s towing capability effectively.
Key Takeaways
- The Toyota Highlander gas models generally tow up to 5,000 pounds, especially with the V6 or 2.4-liter turbocharged engines.
- Hybrid Highlanders typically have a lower towing capacity of about 3,500 pounds, prioritizing fuel efficiency over heavy towing.
- The 2024 Grand Highlander with the Hybrid MAX engine can tow up to 5,000 pounds, matching gas model capacities.
- Payload capacity for gas Highlanders is around 1,685 pounds, including passengers, cargo, and tongue weight.
- Safety features like Trailer-Sway Control and Dynamic Torque-Vectoring AWD enhance towing stability and control.
Towing Capacity by Powertrain Type
Although both powertrain types offer capable towing performance, the gasoline-powered Toyota Highlander outperforms the hybrid variant by supporting up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
This is compared to the hybrid’s 3,500-pound maximum. Quality tires are crucial for safely managing these towing capacities and ensuring stability.
This advantage stems from the gasoline model’s 2.4-liter turbo engine delivering 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, facilitating stronger hauling capability.
Meanwhile, the hybrid’s 2.5-liter powertrain produces a combined 243 horsepower through an eCVT system. The towing capacity depends on trim and configuration, so it’s important to consult your owner’s manual for exact specs towing capacity varies.
Both variants include Trailer-Sway Control to maintain stability, but the gasoline option can be enhanced with Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD.
This improvement boosts traction by distributing up to 50% power to the rear wheels, which is complemented by selecting tires with appropriate load rating to handle increased stress.
The 1,500-pound towing differential highlights a trade-off: the gasoline model prioritizes towing strength, while the hybrid favors fuel efficiency and moderate towing demands.
Engine Specifications and Performance Impact
When you examine the Toyota Highlander’s engine specifications, you’ll see that its 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 265 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 310 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 3,600 rpm.
This torque peak at low engine speeds enhances your towing response, providing strong acceleration under load. The engine’s design also contributes to improved fuel efficiency, which benefits overall towing economy.
The engine pairs with a Direct Shift-8AT eight-speed automatic transmission, which guarantees smooth, quick gear changes and ideal torque delivery. Its shift logic prioritizes lower gears during towing, maintaining consistent power.
Additionally, the transmission cooling system supports sustained towing loads, preventing overheating.
Turbocharging maintains engine output at higher altitudes, while Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD can allocate up to 50% of power to the rear wheels, improving traction. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs., the Highlander is well-equipped for a variety of towing needs.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Its Role
Understanding the Toyota Highlander’s engine and transmission capabilities lays the groundwork for evaluating its overall towing limits, which are governed by the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Proper towing also requires ensuring adequate power supply for accessories, which can be supported by a generator for charging RV batteries during extended trips.
The GVWR sets the maximum safe operating weight of the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and trailer tongue weight. For the 2025-2026 Highlander, this limit is 5,970 lbs. The vehicle’s fuel tank capacity of 17.9 gallons supports moderate driving range during towing activities.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GVWR | 5,970 lbs |
| Curb Weight | 4,453 lbs |
| Max Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs |
You must ascertain the combined weight of your loaded vehicle and trailer does not exceed the GVWR. Exceeding it risks brake failure, suspension damage, and legal penalties, compromising safety and vehicle integrity.
Payload Capacity and Hitch Requirements
Since payload capacity directly affects towing safety and performance, you need to know that the gas-powered Toyota Highlander supports up to approximately 1,685 pounds.
The gas-powered Toyota Highlander supports a payload capacity of approximately 1,685 pounds.
This payload includes passengers, cargo, and tongue weight, so you must account for all these when planning your load. Proper weight distribution and stability are crucial for safe towing and consistent vehicle handling.
The Highlander typically uses a Class III hitch, rated for up to 5,000 pounds towing capacity and 500 pounds tongue weight, with a 2-inch receiver size.
Using a factory-installed hitch guarantees compatibility and maintains warranty coverage, while any aftermarket hitch must meet or exceed these specs.
Tongue weight should remain within 10–15% of the trailer’s total weight and be included in your payload calculations.
Exceeding payload or hitch limits compromises vehicle handling and towing performance, so precise adherence is critical.
Additionally, the Highlander’s maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds ensures it can handle a wide range of trailers safely and efficiently. Consider using reliable materials in the hitch setup to enhance durability and safety during towing.
Safety Features Enhancing Towing Stability
Although towing demands precise control and stability, the Toyota Highlander equips you with advanced safety features designed to enhance towing stability under various conditions.
Its Dynamic Torque-Vectoring All-Wheel-Drive independently distributes engine power to each wheel, optimizing traction and reducing slip on diverse terrains.
The Trailer-Sway Control System automatically detects trailer movement, applying brake pressure to counteract sway and prevent jackknifing.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist continuously monitors lane position, providing warnings and subtle corrections to maintain alignment, reducing driver fatigue.
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert detects unseen vehicles adjacent or behind, improving situational awareness during lane changes and reversing.
Additionally, the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection actively scans for collision risks, applying automatic braking to mitigate impact while towing, collectively ensuring superior stability and safety.
For trailers with wooden decks, regular maintenance and the use of quality sealants are essential to preserve deck durability and appearance during towing.
Comparative Analysis With Other Toyota Models
When you take a closer look at the Highlander and the Tacoma, there’s something interesting about their towing capacities. The Tacoma’s gas models really shine here, boasting a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds.
In contrast, the Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is still impressive but not quite on the same level as the Tacoma.
Now, if you’re considering a hybrid Highlander, it’s good to know that the towing capacity takes a hit, dropping down to 3,500 pounds. This is mostly due to the limitations of the hybrid drivetrain, so it’s definitely something to keep in mind if towing is a priority for you.
Oh, and don’t forget that model year updates can affect these figures a bit. So, it’s wise to check the specific year of the models you’re looking at when evaluating their towing capabilities.
Also, reducing the overall weight of your load, such as by using a lightweight lithium battery in your RV or trailer, can help improve your towing efficiency and vehicle performance.
Highlander Vs Tacoma
While both the Toyota Highlander and Tacoma offer robust towing capabilities, their design and engineering cater to different needs.
The Highlander’s 2.4-liter turbo engine delivers 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft torque, enabling up to 5,000 pounds towing when properly equipped. Its SUV platform balances passenger comfort and light hauling.
In contrast, the Tacoma, built on a dedicated truck chassis, outperforms with a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, 1,500 pounds more than the Highlander gas model. Tacoma’s truck bed and structural design provide clear hauling advantages.
While the Highlander suits family and recreational use with versatile seating, the Tacoma meets heavier-duty towing demands. Your choice hinges on prioritizing passenger versatility versus maximum towing strength within Toyota’s lineup.
For optimal towing performance, monitoring your vehicle’s battery health with a reliable battery monitor can prevent unexpected power failures during travel.
Hybrid vs Gas Towing
Comparing the towing capabilities of the Highlander’s hybrid and gas models reveals notable differences that affect performance and suitability for various tasks.
The 2025 Highlander Hybrid, powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid engine generating 243 hp, tows up to 3,600 pounds. It prioritizes fuel efficiency with features like Trailer-Sway Control and an electronically controlled CVT.
Additionally, its EPA-estimated fuel economy is about 36 mpg combined, making it an efficient choice for daily driving and light towing. Proper tire selection, including G rated trailer tires, can enhance towing safety and performance for the hybrid model.
Conversely, the 2.4L turbocharged gas engine delivers 265 hp and 310 lb-ft torque, enabling a 5,000-pound towing capacity on gas models. This is enhanced by Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD availability.
When compared to the Grand Highlander Hybrid, which offers a base 3,500-pound and a Hybrid Max 5,000-pound towing capacity, the Highlander Hybrid suits lighter loads.
Gas variants and Grand Highlander Hybrid Max excel in heavier towing, making your choice dependent on your specific payload requirements.
Model Year Differences
Although the Toyota Highlander has maintained a consistent 5,000-pound towing capacity across model years 2008 through 2025 with the V6 engine, its hybrid variants and the Grand Highlander exhibit notable variations that impact towing performance.
You’ll find the Highlander Hybrid models consistently rated at 3,500 pounds, reflecting powertrain limitations despite advanced features like Trailer-Sway Control and electronic CVT. These hybrids prioritize fuel efficiency over heavy-duty towing capability.
The 2024 Grand Highlander balances size and capability, offering 5,000 pounds towing with the 2.4L gas and Hybrid MAX engines, but only 3,500 pounds with the 2.5L hybrid. Proper maintenance practices can help ensure optimal towing performance and vehicle longevity.
Compared to other Toyota SUVs, the Highlander’s towing capacity is moderate: equal to the 4Runner at 5,000 pounds, but less than the Tacoma’s 6,800 and far below the Tundra’s 12,000.
Understanding these distinctions helps you match vehicle choice to towing needs precisely.
Factors Influencing Maximum Towing Limits
Because towing capacity depends on multiple interconnected factors, understanding what influences your Toyota Highlander’s maximum limits is essential for safe and efficient hauling.
Engine type directly affects towing capability: gas-powered 2.4-liter turbo engines deliver 265 hp and 310 lb-ft torque, supporting up to 5,000 pounds.
Gas-powered 2.4L turbo engines provide 265 hp and 310 lb-ft torque, enabling up to 5,000 pounds towing.
Whereas hybrid 2.5-liter powertrains with 243 hp limit towing to 3,500 pounds.
Trim level and configuration also matter, as fully equipped gas models maximize towing capacity, but hybrids remain capped.
Transmission systems influence load management. Standard transmissions optimize towing in gas models, while hybrids use eCVT and AWD for stability.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) sets the overall safe load limit, combining vehicle, cargo, and trailer weight.
Ultimately, safety features like Trailer-Sway Control improve control, underscoring the need for proper equipment installation to achieve maximum towing limits safely.
For extended trips and off-grid power needs, considering battery capacity and maintenance requirements of your RV’s power system can ensure reliable energy supply during towing and camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Trailer Brake System Is Recommended for Highlander Towing?
Toyota doesn’t specify a particular trailer brake system for the Highlander, but you’ll want an electric trailer brake controller for safe, effective towing.
This system actively manages trailer brakes in sync with your vehicle’s braking, enhancing control and reducing wear.
Make certain the trailer’s brakes are proportional and properly adjusted. Consult your dealer or Toyota’s official guidelines to ensure compatibility and compliance with local towing laws before installing any brake controller.
How Does Altitude Affect the Highlander’s Towing Performance?
When you tow your Highlander up a mountain, you’ll notice its power dips as the air thins.
Oxygen drops about 3% per 1,000 feet, cutting engine efficiency and turbo boost.
Above 5,000 feet, expect 10-15% less towing capacity, more transmission heat, and slower braking response.
Cooling systems strain, and electronic controls adjust aggressively.
You’ll need to reduce loads and stay alert to maintain safe, stable towing in high-altitude conditions.
What Maintenance Is Required for Towing With a Toyota Highlander?
You need to regularly check and change fluids: engine oil, transmission, coolant, brake, and differential fluids to prevent overheating and maintain smooth operation.
Inspect brake pads, rotors, and calipers for wear and consider installing a trailer brake controller.
Maintain tire pressure and tread, check suspension components and shocks, and ensure proper wheel alignment.
Verify trailer-sway control, hitch receiver, wiring harness, towing mirrors, and use weight distribution hitches for balanced loads.
Can the Highlander Tow a Boat or Camper Trailer Safely?
You can definitely tow a boat or camper trailer safely with a Toyota Highlander, much like a knight relying on his trusted steed.
Gas models handle up to 5,000 pounds, ideal for small to mid-sized boats and travel trailers.
Hybrid versions tow up to 3,500 pounds, suitable for lightweight campers.
Confirm you have the right hitch and equipment installed.
Consider trailer sway control and AWD options for enhanced stability and safety.
Are There Specific Tire Requirements for Towing With the Highlander?
You’ll need to check your Highlander’s owner’s manual or contact a Toyota dealer for specific tire requirements when towing.
Tire specs can vary by model year, trim, and load, affecting safety and performance. Generally, tires must have adequate load ratings and proper inflation pressures to handle towing stresses.
Using tires not rated for towing could compromise stability, braking, and durability. Always verify the recommended tire type and pressure before towing.
Choosing the Right Setup to Maximize Toyota Highlander Towing Power
When considering how much weight your Toyota Highlander can tow, you’ll want to factor in its powertrain, engine specs, and gross vehicle weight rating.
Like a knight choosing armor, you must match your hitch and payload capacity precisely to guarantee safety and stability.
Compared to other Toyotas, the Highlander offers solid towing capabilities. Just don’t exceed its maximum limits for ideal performance and security.
