Can a Toyota Highlander tow a 3500 lb trailer?

The Highlander can tow a 3,500-pound trailer in most configurations, provided you have the right engine and equipment and stay within the official limits set by Toyota for your year and trim.

Tow capacity for the Highlander depends on the model year, engine choice, and whether the Tow Package is installed. Hybrid models generally have lower towing limits than non-hybrids. This article breaks down typical ratings, what to verify on your specific vehicle, and practical steps to tow safely with a Highlander.

Towing capacity by configuration

Understanding the numbers means matching your trailer’s weight to the Highlander’s rated capability and ensuring the right equipment is in place. Here are the common configurations you’ll encounter.

• Non-hybrid with a 3.5-liter V6: Tows up to about 5,000 pounds when equipped with the factory Tow Package and the appropriate hitch and braking system.


• Non-hybrid with a 2.4-liter turbo: Often rated up to 5,000 pounds with the Tow Package, depending on model year and trim; verify the exact figure for your vehicle.


• Hybrid models: Generally capped at 3,500 pounds, with Tow Package capabilities varying by year and trim.

Note: These are typical ratings and can vary by year and equipment. Always confirm the exact towing capacity for your specific Highlander in the owner's manual or on the door-stjcker sticker for your model year and trim.

In practical terms, a 3,500-pound trailer falls within the towing range for most non-hybrid Highlanders that are properly equipped, while hybrids will be at the upper end of their limit at 3,500 pounds.

Key considerations when towing 3,500 pounds

Beyond the raw number, several practical factors determine whether you can safely tow a 3,500-pound trailer with a Highlander.

• Verify the exact towing rating for your model year and trim, and confirm that the Tow Package is installed if required for higher capacities.


• Calculate payload carefully: ensure the vehicle’s passengers and cargo do not exceed the payload rating, which affects how much weight can be safely allocated to the trailer tongue.


• Use a properly rated hitch and wiring harness; a 2-inch receiver is common, and the hitch must be rated for at least the trailer’s tongue weight and gross trailer weight.


• Check whether the trailer requires its own braking system and whether you need a trailer brake controller; many trailers above a certain weight require brakes and appropriate controls.


• Inspect tires, maintain balanced loading (tongue weight roughly 10-15% of trailer weight), and plan for braking and handling on climbs, descents, and crosswinds.

With the proper equipment and careful planning, towing a 3,500-pound trailer with a Highlander is feasible and in line with factory recommendations for many configurations. Always use the exact figures from your vehicle’s documentation and avoid exceeding the stated limits.

Summary

Bottom line: A Toyota Highlander can tow a 3,500-pound trailer in most configurations when properly equipped. Non-hybrid models with the Tow Package typically reach up to about 5,000 pounds, while Hybrid models are limited to around 3,500 pounds. Always verify your exact towing rating for your year and trim, ensure you have the correct hitch and braking setup, and perform a careful payload calculation to stay within safe limits. For best results, consult the owner’s manual and your local dealer for the precise specs on your vehicle.

Which Toyota SUV can tow 3500 pounds?

Versatile Toyota SUVs
These family-focused Toyota SUVs provide a blend of towing capacity and around-town utility. First, the Toyota Grand Highlander is a spacious SUV that can tow up to 5,000 lbs. The capable and efficient Toyota RAV4 has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs on trims like the TRD Off-Road.

How big of a trailer can a Toyota Highlander pull?

5,000 pounds
All Trim Levels, including the L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited and Platinum, feature a 2021 Highlander towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. When opting for one of the Highlander Hybrid models, such as the LE, XLE, Limited or Platinum, this SUV/truck can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Are Toyota Highlanders good for towing?

Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity by Trim Level
The standard engine on the 2022 Toyota Highlander has a maximum available towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This is plenty enough for: A couple of jet skis. A utility trailer with a few snowmobiles.

What year to stay away from a Toyota Highlander?

Years to avoid in the Toyota Highlander include 2003, 2008, 2014, 2015, and 2020 due to common issues like transmission problems, oil leaks, and technology glitches. Other problematic years to consider are 2001-2007 (engine and climate control issues) and 2016-2019 (varying issues including potential oil leaks in some models).
 
This video discusses problems with the Toyota Highlander from 2020 to 2025, including paint issues: 54sCarnivautoYouTube · Feb 11, 2025
Toyota Highlander years to avoid

• 2001–2007: Prone to engine overheating, head gasket failures, and climate control issues like AC compressor and blower motor problems. 
• 2003: A big year for issues, particularly engine oil sludge buildup and premature transmission wear, according to Regan Motors Inc and Clutch. 
• 2008: A redesigned model that experienced oil cooler line leaks, which can cause engine damage if not addressed, and lower-quality interior components. 
• 2014: A recall was issued for the second-row seat assembly that may not lock correctly into the seat track, and there were also reports of issues that might be linked to the transmission, says Clutch and Reddit users. 
• 2015: Experienced growing pains from its redesign, with various reports of growing issues, according to Regan Motors Inc and Clutch. 
• 2020: Experienced early transmission and software problems, say Clutch and Reddit users. 

You can watch this video to learn more about common problems with the 2020-2025 Toyota Highlander: 51sChris DrivesYouTube · Jul 5, 2025