Is a Toyota Highlander good for towing?
Yes, the Highlander can tow modest loads, with up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the gasoline 2.4L turbo engine and the factory Tow Package; the Hybrid version tops out around 3,500 pounds. For many families and weekend-trailer needs, that makes it a capable option, though it isn’t designed for heavy-duty towing.
What makes the Highlander a suitable tow vehicle
Powertrains and towing capabilities
The Highlander offers two main propulsion options for towing: a gasoline 2.4L turbocharged engine and a 2.5L hybrid system. To reach the maximum advertised towing figures, you generally need the factory Tow Package, which adds the necessary hitch, wiring, and cooling components. Here’s how they stack up in common configurations:
- Gasoline 2.4L turbo with Tow Package: up to 5,000 pounds. This rating is applicable to most gas models with the Tow Package, including AWD versions.
- Hybrid 2.5L system: up to 3,500 pounds. The hybrid setup is typically limited to this lower towing capacity, and you’ll want the Tow Package as well to achieve it.
- Notes on equipment: The Tow Package often includes a wiring harness and sometimes an upgraded cooling system, along with the hitch and related components. Always verify the exact specification for your year and trim.
In practice, the 5,000-pound gas option makes the Highlander competitive for small boats, campers, and utility trailers, while the hybrid’s 3,500-pound ceiling covers lighter towing tasks. Always confirm the exact rating for your vehicle’s year, trim, and equipment before towing.
Other specs and considerations
Beyond raw numbers, several factors influence real-world towing capability and safety:
- Tongue weight and payload: Tongue weight is typically about 10% of the trailer’s weight, and the vehicle’s payload must accommodate both the hitch loads and passengers/cargo.
- Tow Package requirements: To reach the stated max tow ratings, the Tow Package (or equivalent) is usually required. Without it, the rated capacity is lower.
- Trailer brakes and wiring: For heavier trailers, an independent trailer brake system or an integrated brake controller may be recommended or required by law in some regions.
- Hitch and wiring: Most Highlanders use a 2-inch hitch receiver with a 7-pin wiring harness as part of the Tow Package.
- Drive mode and cooling: Tow-tuned cooling and, in some years, transmission cooler help manage heat during longer pulls or climbs.
These considerations help explain why the Highlander is more of a light-to-mid-range tow vehicle rather than a heavy-duty hauler. Any towing plan should start with your vehicle’s window sticker or official spec sheet to confirm the exact numbers for your configuration.
What to consider before towing with a Highlander
Key factors to review
Before hitching up, keep these points in mind to ensure safe and reliable towing performance:
- Tow rating varies by engine, drivetrain, and equipment; always verify your exact figure for the specific model year and trim.
- Tow Package is typically required to achieve maximum capacity and to equip the necessary cooling, hitch, and wiring.
- Payload and tongue weight must fit within the Highlander’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and available payload.
- Tow and trailer brakes: Heavier trailers benefit from functioning trailer brakes; a brake controller may be necessary or recommended depending on local regulations.
- Hitch setup: Use the factory-approved 2-inch hitch and wiring; improper installation can compromise safety and performance.
- Maintenance and cooling: When towing, monitor engine and transmission temperatures and perform appropriate maintenance to avoid overheating.
Understanding these factors helps buyers choose the right powertrain and equipment for their towing needs and avoids overestimating the Highlander’s capabilities.
Tips for safe towing with a Highlander
Practical steps can improve safety and performance when towing with a Highlander:
- Confirm the exact towing capacity for your vehicle’s year, trim, and equipment before towing anything close to the limit.
- Install and verify the Tow Package components (hitch, wiring, cooling enhancements) as specified by Toyota.
- Use a proper hitch setup, including a weight-distributing hitch or sway-control devices if you’re towing near the upper end of the rated limit.
- Ensure the trailer has working brakes and, if required, a brake controller that complies with local regulations.
- Keep loads within GVWR and manage tongue weight to avoid overloading the rear axle or reducing steering feel.
- Plan routes with gentler grades when possible and allow extra stopping distance; drive more slowly on hills and in windy conditions.
With careful configuration and respectful towing practices, the Highlander can handle a broad range of everyday towing tasks without stepping into heavy-duty territory.
Summary
The Toyota Highlander is a solid option for light-to-mid-range towing, delivering up to 5,000 pounds with the gasoline 2.4L turbo engine and Tow Package, and about 3,500 pounds with the Hybrid powertrain. That makes it well-suited for trailers, small boats, and campers within those limits. Prospective buyers should verify exact ratings for their year and trim, equip the Tow Package when aiming for maximum capacity, and follow best-practice towing guidelines to maintain safety and reliability.
What is the most common problem with a Toyota Highlander?
This isn't new for Toyota. Similar issues have appeared in other models. Before. And it seems they're still trying or not trying to fully resolve.
Which Toyota is the best for towing?
The Sequoia, 4Runner, Land Cruiser and Highlander are all considered among the best SUVs for towing, as each offers a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds or more. Browse new Toyota SUVs for sale near Omaha and secure your next rugged vehicle.
Is the Toyota Highlander a good tow vehicle?
When paired with the available 3.5L V6 engine and tow package, the 2021 Toyota Highlander towing capacity can reach up to 5,000 pounds, helping you haul equipment and supplies around Georgetown with ease. All this power is supported by performance features such as: Available 3.5L V6 engine with 295 hp.
Can a Toyota Highlander really tow 5000 lbs?
The Highlander has a towing capacity between 3,500-5,000 lbs. The towing capacity changes depending on if your model has a hybrid powertrain or gasoline engine. Highlander models with the standard 3.5L V6 engine have a tow capacity of 5,000 lbs.
