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How much weight can a RAV4 hitch hold?

The Toyota RAV4 has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped with a towing package. This means the RAV4's hitch can safely support up to 3,500 pounds of trailer weight. However, the actual weight capacity can vary depending on the specific model year, engine, and other factors.


Towing Capacity of the Toyota RAV4


The towing capacity of the Toyota RAV4 is an important consideration for anyone looking to use the vehicle for hauling trailers, boats, or other equipment. The maximum towing capacity can range from 1,500 pounds to 3,500 pounds, depending on the RAV4 model year and configuration.



  • 2019-2022 RAV4 models: Towing capacity of 1,500 pounds for front-wheel drive models, 3,500 pounds for all-wheel drive models.

  • 2013-2018 RAV4 models: Towing capacity of 1,500 pounds for front-wheel drive models, 2,000-3,500 pounds for all-wheel drive models.

  • Pre-2013 RAV4 models: Towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.


It's important to check the owner's manual or contact Toyota to confirm the exact towing capacity for your specific RAV4 model and configuration. Exceeding the recommended towing capacity can be unsafe and may damage the vehicle.


Factors Affecting Towing Capacity


Several factors can influence the towing capacity of a RAV4, including:



  • Engine size: Larger engines generally have higher towing capacities.

  • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive models typically have higher towing capacities than front-wheel drive models.

  • Towing package: Vehicles equipped with a factory-installed towing package may have increased towing capacity.

  • Trailer weight: The weight of the trailer, cargo, and any additional equipment must be within the RAV4's towing capacity.


It's essential to carefully consider these factors when determining the appropriate towing capacity for your RAV4 and the trailer or equipment you plan to haul.


Proper Towing Setup


To ensure safe and legal towing with a RAV4, it's important to follow these guidelines:



  • Install a proper hitch: The RAV4 must be equipped with a factory-installed or aftermarket hitch that is rated for the vehicle's towing capacity.

  • Use the correct trailer and accessories: The trailer, safety chains, and other towing accessories must be compatible with the RAV4's towing capacity and hitch.

  • Distribute the weight properly: The trailer's weight should be properly balanced and distributed to maintain control and stability while towing.

  • Check local laws and regulations: Familiarize yourself with any state or local laws regarding towing and trailer requirements.


By following these guidelines and staying within the RAV4's towing capacity, you can safely and effectively use your vehicle to haul trailers, boats, or other equipment.

What is the hitch rating of the RAV4?


The 2024 Toyota RAV4 can tow up to 3,500-pounds. It has maintained this towing capacity since 2018, while models from 2017 and earlier have a maximum of 1,500 pounds. A 203-horsepower engine couples Trailer-Sway Control and in-built tow prep equipment to improve your experience.



What is the rear capacity of a RAV4?


37.6 cubic feet
Toyota RAV4 Cargo Space Specs
The rear row of the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is spacious, which makes it highly accommodating to take along whatever you need. As mentioned, the cargo space in the 2022 RAV4 is spacious and affords 37.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row with all seats upright and in use.



How much weight can I put on my tow hitch?


Hitch Class Comparison Chart

Hitch ClassCommon ApplicationsTW Capacity (lbs.)
Class 2Cars, crossovers and minivansUp to 350
Class 3Crossovers, vans, SUVs and trucksUp to 800
Class 4Trucks and SUVsUp to 1,000
Class 5 - Xtra DutyTrucks and SUVs2,400 to 2,550



What is the max payload for a RAV4?


1,240 pounds
Depending on the configuration you choose, the Toyota RAV4 towing capacity will vary. Entry-level LE trims can tow up to 1,500 pounds with a maximum payload capacity of 1,240 pounds. Hybrid RAV4 models can tow up to 1,750 pounds with a payload capacity of 1,230 pounds maximum.



How much weight can I put in the back of my RAV4?


How much weight can a Toyota RAV4 carry? The 2024 Toyota RAV4 has a payload range of 1,015 to 1,230 pounds, as do 2022 and 2023 models. Choose a 2020 or 2021 model for a 1,050- to 1,240-pound payload capacity.



How do I know my hitch weight limit?


Your hitch's maximum tow weight rating can usually be found on a label on the hitch itself.



What happens if you exceed hitch weight?


If you don't have enough weight on the trailer tongue, the trailer may be prone to swaying from side to side, making it difficult to control. Conversely, if you have too much weight exerted on the hitch ball, the force could overload the rear tires of the tow vehicle and push the rear end of the vehicle around.



Which Toyota RAV4 can tow 3 500 lbs?


Yes, you can attach a small pop-up camper to the tow hook of a Toyota RAV4. However, those interested in towing should focus on the late-model Adventure or TRD Off-Road trims, which have a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.



Can a RAV4 pull a 1500 lb trailer?


The base level 2.5L 4-cylinder engine provides the Toyota RAV4 with the ability to tow 1,500 pounds. The Hybrid 2.5L 4-cylinder engine actually pushes the towing limits further to 1,750 pounds, adding 250 pounds more towing ability than the standard gas engine.



Is a RAV4 good for towing?


All RAV4 models have a legal towing capacity of 750kg for unbraked trailers. But with regard to braked trailers (where the trailer has its own braking system), the front-wheel drive RAV4 has a recommended towing capacity of 800kg and the all-wheel drive RAV4 has a 1,650kg capacity.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.