What is the hitch rating of the RAV4?

The hitch rating you need to know depends on whether your RAV4 has the factory Tow Package. In most trims, you can tow about 1,500 pounds without the Tow Package, and up to 3,500 pounds with the Tow Package. The hitch itself is a standard 2-inch receiver designed for Class III loads. Always verify the exact figure in your owner’s manual or the door sticker for your year and trim.

Tow ratings by configuration

The following overview reflects Toyota’s towing specifications for recent RAV4 generations. Exact numbers vary by year and drivetrain, so consult the owner’s manual or Toyota’s official specs for your specific vehicle.

• Non‑Tow Package RAV4 (most trims): maximum trailer weight (GTW) around 1,500 pounds; tongue weight typically about 150 pounds (roughly 10% of GTW). Requires a 2-inch receiver, usually Class III rated.


• Tow Package‑equipped gasoline RAV4: up to about 3,500 pounds GTW with appropriate drivetrain/trim; tongue weight in the ~350-pound range. Availability depends on year and model, and some trims may have restrictions (e.g., off‑road variants).


• Hybrid and plug‑in hybrid variants: towing capacities are generally lower than gasoline-only models. Most hybrids fall in the 1,000–1,500 pound range, while some years for the Prime (PHEV) have different ratings; verify your year’s specs.

Conclusion: The hitch rating is not fixed across all RAV4s. It changes with the Tow Package and drivetrain. Always confirm the exact rating from your vehicle’s documentation or Toyota’s official site for your model year.

Understanding hitch classes and terms

To gauge what the numbers mean, it helps to understand common hitch ratings and terms used with the RAV4 and other SUVs. The following explains the terminology and typical figures you might encounter.

• Class III hitch: Common on many modern SUVs, rated for up to 6,000 pounds gross trailer weight (GTW) with a 2-inch receiver, and typically up to about 600 pounds tongue weight (TW) when correctly configured.


• Tongue weight (TW): The downward force exerted by the trailer on the hitch; generally about 10–15% of the trailer’s GTW for standard setups.


• Gross trailer weight (GTW): The total weight of the trailer plus its load being towed.


• GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating): The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle plus trailer and cargo; towing beyond this is unsafe or illegal.

Note: Some models may use Class II or other hitch configurations depending on options; always verify the hitch class and rating stamped on the hitch or in the owner’s manual for your exact vehicle.

Practical towing tips for RAV4 owners

Before towing with your RAV4, consider these best practices to stay within the hitch rating and maintain safety on the road.

• Check your exact rating: Read the Owner’s Manual, the door jamb sticker, and the factory tow package documentation for your year and trim to know your precise limits.


• Use the proper hitch and ball mount: Ensure you have a 2-inch receiver and the correct ball size for your trailer, along with any required weight-distribution hitch or trailer brake controller if needed.


• Mind tongue weight and payload: Do not exceed the gross trailer weight or the tongue weight; also account for cargo in the RAV4 itself (payload).


• Consider environmental limits: Towing in hot weather, at high altitude, or on steep terrain can reduce effective tow capacity; plan accordingly.

Bottom line: The RAV4’s hitch rating depends on configuration, not a single universal figure. Verify your exact numbers in official documentation and follow safety guidelines when towing.

Summary

The RAV4 can tow up to about 3,500 pounds on gasoline models with the factory Tow Package, and about 1,500 pounds on models without the Tow Package. Hybrid variants typically have lower towing limits, often around 1,000–1,500 pounds. The hitch is commonly a 2-inch Class III receiver. Always confirm the exact rating for your year and trim and follow the towing guidelines in the owner’s manual.

How much can you pull with a RAV4?

The Toyota RAV4 can tow up to 3,500 pounds depending on the engine you choose. The base level 2.5L 4-cylinder engine provides the Toyota RAV4 with the ability to tow 1,500 pounds.

How do I find my hitch system rating?

To find your hitch system rating, locate the sticker on the hitch receiver itself, which shows the weight carrying capacity (also called "max gross" trailer weight). You should also find ratings stamped on the hitch ball and ball mount, which are separate components of the system. The system's rating is the lowest of all components. For hitches without a sticker, check the owner's manual or your vehicle's door jamb for information, says a YouTube video. 
This video demonstrates how to find the weight capacity of your hitch receiver: 57sU-HaulYouTube · Apr 2, 2010
1. Find the rating on the hitch receiver 

• Look for a sticker on the hitch's crossbar that says "Hitch Capacity" or similar. 
• The rating listed under "max gross" is what you need; specifically, look for "weight carrying capacity". 
• Some decals have multiple ratings for "weight distributing" and "weight carrying" setups. Use the "weight carrying" number for a basic assessment, notes a YouTube video. 

2. Find the rating on the ball mount 

• The ball mount is the piece that slides into the hitch receiver. 
• Check for a label or a stamped weight rating on the ball mount itself or on the plate connecting to the ball. 

This video explains how to find the weight rating on the ball mount: 56sU-Haul Trailer Hitches And TowingYouTube · Apr 15, 2024
3. Find the rating on the hitch ball 

• The hitch ball is the part that connects to your trailer's coupler.
• The weight rating is often stamped directly on the top of the ball or around the base of its shank. 

4. Determine the overall system rating 

• Once you have found the ratings for the hitch receiver, the ball mount, and the hitch ball, the lowest rating among the three components is your overall system rating. 
• Never exceed the lowest rating in your system. 

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.

Can you put a class 3 hitch on a RAV4?

Class 3 Receiver Hitch - Toyota Rav4
Fits: 2019-2025 Toyota Rav4 - 4500 LB GTW / 675 LB VTW. B&W's Class 3 hitches are custom-engineered for your vehicle's frame, providing a factory-quality fit that looks clean and performs flawlessly.