How much can you tow with a Toyota Land Cruiser?
You can tow up to about 8,100 pounds (3,669 kilograms) with a Toyota Land Cruiser when it is properly equipped, with the exact figure depending on the generation, engine option, and market. This article breaks down the current capability, how ratings are determined, and practical guidance for towing with a Land Cruiser.
Current Land Cruiser 300 Series towing capability
Understanding the official limit for the latest generation helps you plan trailers and loads accurately.
- Maximum towing capacity: 8,100 pounds (3,669 kg) when properly equipped.
- Engine and drivetrain: 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Required equipment: typically the heavy-duty tow package and related towing aids; exact items can vary by market.
- Market variations: some countries or trims may have slightly different ratings due to homologation and available options.
- Trailer types: the rating applies to conventional trailers; special configurations (like fifth-wheel or gooseneck setups) are not covered by this figure unless explicitly stated.
For the most accurate figure, verify the exact rating for your vehicle in Toyota’s official documentation or your VIN-specific brochure, since equipment and market-specific specifications can change the number.
Notes on variations and what affects the rating
Engine choice, towing package contents, and local regulations can shift the official rating. Always confirm the rating for your exact vehicle configuration before hitching a trailer.
Historical context: towing capability by Land Cruiser generation
While the current 300 Series sets the contemporary standard, past generations offered strong but sometimes varied towing limits depending on engine and market.
- Land Cruiser 200 Series (2007–2021): US-spec gasoline V8 configurations commonly cited up to about 8,100 pounds (3,669 kg); diesel and regional variants could differ.
- Earlier generations (80/100 Series and others in certain markets): towing capacities generally ranged lower or varied more with engine and configuration, often in the 6,000–7,000 pound range depending on market.
In practice, the exact rating for a given model year and market should be verified in the owner’s manual or official Toyota materials for that VIN.
Practical towing tips for a Land Cruiser
Beyond the official rating, following best practices helps ensure safe and reliable towing performance.
- Know your GCWR (gross combined weight rating) and ensure the total weight of vehicle, trailer, passengers, and cargo stays within limits.
- Use the appropriate hitching setup, including a compatible hitch class and, if needed, a weight-distribution hitch for longer or heavier trailers.
- Equip and use trailer brakes as required by local laws and the trailer’s weight; many regions require trailer brakes above certain weights.
- Verify tire load capacity and inflate to the recommended pressures for both vehicle and trailer to maintain stability and braking performance.
- Keep tongue weight within the recommended range (typically around 10–15% of the trailer’s gross weight) to preserve steering and stability.
- Plan for engine and transmission cooling on long climbs or in hot conditions; monitor temperatures and allow for venting and cool-down periods as needed.
- Drive with extra caution—allow more stopping distance, avoid abrupt maneuvers, and account for wind gusts and crosswinds that can affect trailer stability.
Always consult the owner’s manual for the exact towing configurations, required equipment, and safety recommendations specific to your Land Cruiser and market.
Summary
The Toyota Land Cruiser can typically tow up to 8,100 pounds (3,669 kg) when properly equipped, with the current 300 Series using a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 and a 10-speed automatic. Towing capacity varies by generation, market, and optional equipment, so verify the VIN-specific rating in official Toyota materials before hitching a trailer. Practical towing success also depends on adherence to weight limits, proper hitching, trailer brakes, tire and trailer maintenance, and cautious driving habits.
How much weight can a Toyota Land Cruiser tow?
The 2024 and 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser models can tow up to 6,000 pounds. Older models, such as the 2019 Land Cruiser, had a higher towing capacity of up to 8,100 pounds. It is crucial to check the specific model's owner's manual for its exact towing capacity and to ensure you are using the proper equipment for safe towing.
2024 and 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser
- Towing Capacity: 6,000 pounds.
- Features: A standard trailer hitch is included on all trims.
- Towing Recommendations:
- Engage "tow/haul" mode for towing.
- Be aware that the trailer brake controller is set to "off" by default and must be manually activated.
- For loads over 5,000 pounds, a weight-distribution hitch is recommended.
- Toyota recommends using sway control for any load over 2,000 pounds.
Older Land Cruiser models
- 2019 Land Cruiser: 8,100 pounds.
- LandCruiser 300 (Australia): 3,500 kg (approximately 7,716 pounds).
- 100 Series: Up to 6,700 pounds.
What Toyota SUV has the highest tow capacity?
Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV that's capable of delivering outstanding power. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,500 lbs. when properly equipped with the i‑FORCE MAX twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine. By offering strong towing power, it's secured a reputation for hauling heavy loads.
Are Land Cruisers good for towing?
Towing with a Land Cruiser is definitely possible. Once you unhitch the trailer and set up camp, the real fun happens. With a full-time four-wheel drive system, an available low range, standard CRAWL control, and available Multi-Terrain Select, you can venture away from the campsite and explore the terrain around you.
What is the 80% towing rule?
Many RVers are strict followers of the 80% or 80/20 rule of towing, and it's a great rule to live by if you want to ensure you don't overload your tow vehicle. The 80% towing rule is less of a “rule” and more of an idea: don't pull a trailer with a GVWR that is more than 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.
