How much weight can I put in my Toyota Highlander?
The Highlander can typically carry about 1,000 to 1,700 pounds of payload, depending on trim and configuration. To know your exact limit, check the door jamb sticker for the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and curb weight, then subtract curb weight from GVWR to get payload.
Payload includes passengers, cargo, and any installed accessories. If you plan to tow, the trailer’s tongue weight also counts toward payload and can further reduce what you can carry on board. Always stay within GVWR and GCWR (gross combined weight rating) to maintain safe handling, braking, and tire life.
Weight ratings and how to calculate payload
The following list explains the core numbers and the method to compute safe payload for your Highlander.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The maximum weight the vehicle is designed to carry, including the vehicle itself, passengers, cargo, and accessories. On Highlanders, this is typically around 6,000 to 6,400 pounds, varying by year and trim.
- Curb weight: The weight of the vehicle with standard equipment and a full fuel tank, but no passengers or cargo. For Highlanders, this usually falls roughly between 4,000 and 4,600 pounds, depending on drivetrain and options.
- Payload capacity: Calculated as GVWR minus curb weight. In practical terms, most Highlanders offer about 1,000 to 1,700 pounds of payload, depending on configuration.
- Tongue weight (for towing): The portion of a trailer's weight that rests on the hitch, typically 10–15% of the trailer's weight; this load also reduces the vehicle’s payload available for passengers and cargo.
- Towing capacity: The maximum weight you can tow with the Highlander when properly equipped. Gasoline/non-hybrid trims commonly tow up to 5,000 pounds; hybrids typically tow up to 3,500 pounds.
- GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): The maximum combined weight of the vehicle and towed trailer. Pushing toward this limit means you should reduce payload accordingly.
To get your exact numbers, locate the certification label on the driver's door jamb or door frame. The label lists GVWR, GAWR, curb weight, and sometimes payload derived from the two. If you’re uncertain, your Toyota dealer can pull your exact specifications for your VIN.
Practical loading tips
Below are practical steps to load your Highlander safely without exceeding its limits.
- Plan loads by weight, not just volume. Keep heavier items low and centered to maintain balance.
- Distribute weight evenly between front and rear axles to avoid overloading one axle.
- Limit passenger load to match the remaining payload allowance after cargo is accounted for.
- When towing, keep trailer weight within the recommended limit and account for tongue weight in the payload calculation.
- Consider using a roof rack or roof cargo box to avoid overweight interior cargo, but remember roof loads are separate from interior payload and have their own limits; check the manual.
By following these steps, you’ll keep your Highlander within its designed limits, preserving braking performance, handling, and tire life.
Summary
In short, your Toyota Highlander can safely carry a typical payload of about 1,000 to 1,700 pounds, depending on year, trim, and drivetrain. Always verify the door sticker for GVWR and curb weight, compute payload as GVWR minus curb weight, and account for any towing-related constraints. Safe loading depends on accurate measurements and conservative planning rather than guesswork.
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
How much weight can a Toyota SUV carry?
Toyota RAV4 Towing Capacity and Payload Comparison
| Towing Capacity1 | Payload Capacity | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Toyota RAV4 | 1,500 – 3,500 lbs | 1,025 – 1,230 lbs |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 | 1,500 – 3,500 lbs | 1,025 – 1,230 lbs |
| 2022 Toyota RAV4 | 1,500 – 3,500 lbs | 1,025 – 1,230 lbs |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | 1,500 – 3,500 lbs | 1,050 – 1,240 lbs |
How much weight can a 2019 Toyota Highlander hold?
2019 Toyota Highlander: Payload Capacity
The 2019 Toyota Highlander has more space than ever for residents in Springfield, IL. With a payload capacity of 1,486 up to 1,602 lbs, depending on the trim level, there is no need to add on and tow a trailer to store the extra cargo.
How much weight can a Toyota Highlander carry inside?
The Toyota Highlander's cargo weight capacity is referred to as its payload capacity, which varies by model year and trim. For example, a 2023 model has a maximum payload of around 1,715 pounds, while a 2022 XSE has a payload of 1,635 pounds. A 2023 Hybrid is listed with a payload of 1,485 pounds, while 2019 models ranged from 1,486 to 1,602 pounds depending on the trim.
Payload capacity by model year
- 2023: Around 1,715 pounds.
- 2022: 1,635 pounds for the XSE trim.
- 2021: 1,485 to 1,685 pounds, depending on the trim level.
- 2019: 1,486 to 1,602 pounds, depending on the trim level.
How to calculate and use the payload capacity
- Payload is the total weight of passengers and cargo: inside the vehicle, not what it can tow.
- To find the payload, subtract the vehicle's curb weight from its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
- It's important not to exceed the payload capacity, as this can impact the vehicle's handling and safety.
- The payload capacity is a maximum limit for the combined weight of all passengers and all items placed inside or on the vehicle.
Other relevant information
- Towing capacity: This is separate from payload capacity and refers to how much weight the Highlander can tow behind it. Many recent models have a 5,000-pound towing capacity, though the hybrid models typically have a lower limit of around 3,500 pounds.
- Cargo space: This refers to the volume of space available for cargo. The Highlander offers different cubic footage depending on whether the third-row or both the second and third-row seats are folded down.
