Can a Toyota Prius pull a trailer?
In general, the Toyota Prius is not designed for trailer towing, and Toyota does not publish a towing rating for most Prius models. If you must tow, you should use a vehicle that is rated for towing and consult the owner's manual and a dealer for guidance. This article explains why and what you should consider by model generation, plus safer alternatives.
Towing guidance by Prius generation
The following overview summarizes official guidance and common practice across Prius generations. Toyota’s manuals traditionally emphasize that towing is not recommended for Prius models, due to the hybrid drivetrain, cooling needs, braking, and chassis tuning focused on fuel efficiency rather than load handling.
- Gen 1 and Gen 2 (1997–2009): The manuals for these early Priuses generally do not publish a towing rating and advise against towing heavy trailers. Aftermarket hitch setups exist but are not endorsed by Toyota and can affect warranty and safety.
- Gen 3 (2010–2015): As with earlier generations, there is no official towing specification from Toyota, and towing is not recommended. Some dealers may discuss hitch accessories, but towing remains outside the intended use of the vehicle.
- Gen 4 / current generation (2016–present) and Prius Prime (plug-in hybrid, available in various markets): Toyota maintains that towing is not part of the Prius’s design remit. The official stance is to avoid towing; any exceptions would require explicit dealer guidance and are not standard practice.
Concluding note: Across generations, Toyota’s official position has consistently been to avoid towing with the Prius. If you anticipate needing to pull a trailer, a vehicle built for towing is a safer and more reliable choice.
What to consider if you still plan to tow a trailer
Even with cautions in place, some owners ask how to proceed. Use this as a precautionary guide, not a retrofit approval from Toyota. Always verify with your dealer and consult the precise owner’s manual for your exact model year before attempting any trailer operation.
- Check the exact model-year manual: confirm whether a tow rating exists and what limits apply; many Priuses have no published towing capacity.
- Consult the dealer about any approved towing accessories: if Toyota does offer an official hitch kit or guidance, follow that precisely and be aware of warranty implications.
- Assess trailer characteristics: keep payload, tongue weight, and braking requirements compatible with what the vehicle’s braking and stability systems can handle; install any required trailer brakes and lighting correctly.
- Factor in hybrid-specific considerations: towing can affect cooling, battery management, and overall performance; plan for reduced fuel efficiency and potential service concerns.
- Comply with local laws and insurance: ensure proper licensing, registration, weight limits, and insurance coverage for towing activities.
Concluding note: While these steps can reduce risk, towing with a Prius remains outside standard Toyota recommendations. If towing is a regular need, choose a vehicle designed for towing instead of a Prius.
Summary
The Toyota Prius is not intended for trailer towing, and Toyota generally does not publish a towing rating for the model. Across generations, the official stance is to avoid towing with the Prius. For anyone who needs to haul a trailer, a purpose-built towing vehicle—such as a midsize SUV or pickup—offers safer performance, better braking capacity, and warranty-aligned support. Always consult the specific owner’s manual and speak with a Toyota dealer before considering any towing with a Prius.
Can a Toyota Hybrid tow a trailer?
The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Are hybrids ok for towing?
Most people associate trucks with towing and in turn, gasoline-powered vehicles. However, did you know that hybrids are very capable when it comes to towing loads? Sure, these electrified vehicles are renowned for their great fuel efficiency, but that's not all they have to offer.
Can you put a trailer hitch on a Toyota Prius?
Yes, you can put a hitch on a Prius, but it is important to know that most Prius models are not officially rated for towing, though they can handle the weight of accessories like bike racks. Hitches are available for many Prius models, including concealed options, and can be installed either by a professional or a DIYer with some mechanical knowledge.
This video shows how to install a hitch on a 2010-2015 Toyota Prius: 55sStevens Automotive YouTube · Feb 4, 2021
Considerations
- Towing vs. bike racks: While a hitch can be installed, the car may not be rated for towing large trailers, which is limited by the vehicle's frame and cooling systems. It's generally recommended to use a hitch for accessories like bike racks or light cargo carriers, not for heavy towing.
- Receiver size: The Prius typically uses a Class 1 trailer hitch, with a 1.25-inch or 2-inch receiver.
- Installation: Installation can range from a straightforward bolt-on process to requiring some modifications, like cutting or bending plastic trim or pinch welds to make space for the hitch.
- Hitch options: You can find various types of hitches, including standard and fully concealed models. Some modern, concealed hitches are designed to integrate with the car's design and may retain functions like the hands-free kick sensor.
Installation steps
- Locate and remove the tow loop: Find the tow loop on the rear of the vehicle, usually on the driver's side, and remove the bolts.
- Prepare the area: Remove any plastic undertrays or trim pieces that are in the way. Some installation may require you to cut or bend the plastic pinch weld or trim to create space.
- Position the hitch: Lift the hitch into place, loosely attaching it to the frame on one side.
- Secure the hitch: Insert and tighten the bolts on the other side, then fully tighten all bolts according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Reinstall the exhaust: Lift the exhaust back into position and reinstall the rubber isolator.
Before you install
- Check your owner's manual: Refer to your owner's manual to see the specific towing capacity for your model year, or confirm with a dealer.
- Consider your needs: If you only need to carry accessories, a lighter-duty hitch is sufficient. If you plan to tow, be sure to research the towing capacity of your specific Prius model before proceeding.
Can I pull a trailer with a Prius?
For U.S. models: Third-Generation Prius (2009-2015): Not officially rated for towing but can handle up to 1,500 pounds with a properly installed hitch. Fourth-Generation Prius (2016-2022): Some trims are rated for towing, with a maximum towing capacity of between 1,600-1,750 pounds, depending on the market.
