How much can a Hilux actually tow?
In general, a modern Hilux can tow up to 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes) with a braked trailer, while unbraked towing is typically around 750 kg. The exact figure depends on model year, engine, transmission, and market, so always verify the rating for your specific vehicle.
Tow capacity is more than a single number. It is affected by engine and transmission options, drivetrain (4x4 vs 4x2), trailer type (braked vs unbraked), payload limits, and the vehicle’s overall weight ratings. This article explains what those factors mean, how they vary by market, and how to tow safely with a Hilux.
Tow ratings: what the numbers mean
Key specifications and terms you’ll encounter explain how much the Hilux can pull. Here is a concise guide to the main figures you should understand before towing.
- Braked towing capacity: the maximum weight of a trailer with its own braking system that the Hilux can safely tow.
- Unbraked towing capacity: the maximum weight of a trailer without trailer brakes that the Hilux can safely tow.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): the maximum total weight of the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and fuel.
- Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): the maximum combined weight of the vehicle and the trailer together when loaded.
- Payload: the amount of weight the vehicle can carry in passengers and cargo, which reduces how much tow capacity remains for a trailer.
In practice, the official braked tow rating is the critical number for determining what you can tow behind the Hilux. The payload you carry reduces available headroom for towing because GCWR cannot be exceeded. Always check the exact ratings for your chassis code in the owner’s manual or on the compliance plate.
Market and model variations
Because Toyota offers Hilux with different engines and transmissions across regions, tow ratings vary. The following general guidance applies to most current models, but exact figures must be verified for your vehicle.
- Most modern Hilux variants equipped with the 2.8-liter diesel engine are rated for braked towing up to around 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes).
- Some earlier or alternative engine configurations (such as the 2.4-liter diesel or petrol variants) may carry lower braked tow ratings, typically in the range of about 2,500–3,000 kg.
- Unbraked towing capacity is commonly around 750 kg across many Hilux variants, though this too can vary by market and specification.
Because regional specifications differ and ratings can change with updates, always confirm the exact towing limits for your vehicle’s model year, engine, and transmission. The vehicle’s door jamb sticker and the owner’s manual are the authoritative sources.
Practical guidelines for safe towing with a Hilux
To translate the numbers into safe, reliable towing performance, follow these practical guidelines. They help ensure you stay within limits while maintaining control and braking efficiency.
- Verify the correct tow rating for your exact vehicle version (engine, transmission, body style) and use that as the cap for your trailer mass.
- Use a hitch and coupling rated for at least the trailer mass you plan to tow, including hitch weight considerations.
- Brake the trailer if its gross trailer weight exceeds the unbraked limit and ensure the trailer’s braking system is properly connected and functional.
- Distribute weight properly on the trailer and vehicle: aim for a hitch (tongue) weight of roughly 8–12% of the total trailer mass, and keep heavier items over or near the trailer’s axles.
- Keep payload within the GVWR so you don’t exceed the vehicle’s weight limits when loaded with passengers and cargo.
- Enable electronic aids such as Trailer Sway Control and Vehicle Stability Control, and practice gradual acceleration, braking, and cornering to maintain control.
- Allow for longer braking distances and reduced acceleration when towing, and plan for steeper grades or adverse conditions.
In short, your real-world tow capability not only depends on the official brake-rated weight, but also on how you load the trailer, how much payload remains in the Hilux, and the driving conditions. Always err on the side of caution and stay within the lowest applicable rating for safety.
Summary
The typical maximum braked trailer towing capacity for a current Hilux is about 3,500 kg, with unbraked limits around 750 kg. Exact figures vary by engine, transmission, market, and vehicle configuration, so always check the official rating for your specific truck. Proper load distribution, compatible towing gear, and adherence to the vehicle’s weight ratings are essential to tow safely and effectively.
