What is the tongue weight for a Toyota Highlander?
The tongue weight of a Toyota Highlander is typically around 500 pounds when towing the vehicle’s maximum 5,000-pound trailer weight; for Hybrid models or lighter trailers, expect about 350 pounds. Always confirm with your specific model year and hitch rating in the owner's manual or Toyota's towing specs.
What tongue weight means for your Highlander
Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch. It influences steering stability, braking performance, and overall towing safety. A common guideline is to keep tongue weight around 10% of the trailer’s gross weight, with some setups tolerating up to about 15% depending on hitch type and weight-distribution equipment. Always stay within the vehicle’s published limits.
Typical tongue weight ranges by Highlander configuration
Below are common ranges based on the Highlander’s official towing specs and typical factory hitch ratings. Exact numbers can vary by model year and equipment, so consult your manual for precise figures.
- Gasoline Highlander with a 5,000-pound trailer rating: about 500 pounds of tongue weight (roughly 10% of trailer weight).
- Highlander Hybrid with a 3,500-pound trailer rating: about 350 pounds of tongue weight (roughly 10% of trailer weight).
- Practical towing practice: many drivers operate with 300–450 pounds of tongue weight when towing loads under the maximum, to maintain good handling and hitch compatibility.
In practice, ensure the tongue weight does not exceed the hitch’s or vehicle’s rated limits. If you use weight-distributing equipment, follow its instructions to achieve the correct tongue weight for safe towing.
How to verify your Highlander’s tongue weight
To ensure accurate towing setup, verify the tongue weight using official specifications and a reliable measurement method. The steps below provide a starting point and options for precise measurement.
- Identify the maximum trailer weight and tongue weight specified for your exact model year and drivetrain in the owner's manual.
- Estimate tongue weight as a starting point: TW ≈ 0.10 × GTW (gross trailer weight).
- Check the hitch rating stamped on the hitch or in the tow package documentation to ensure the estimated TW falls within the allowed range.
- For precise measurement, weigh the trailer with the hitch connected using a scale or professional weighing service, especially if using a weight-distributing hitch.
Accurate tongue weight helps prevent trailer sway, ensures stable braking, and protects the hitch and vehicle. If in doubt, consult a Toyota dealer or a towing specialist to confirm the correct setup for your specific Highlander and trailer configuration.
Summary
For the Toyota Highlander, tongue weight generally sits around 500 pounds when towing the full 5,000-pound trailer limit, and about 350 pounds for a 3,500-pound trailer in Hybrid configurations. The guiding principle remains: aim for about 10% of the trailer’s weight, but always verify against your model year’s official specs and hitch rating. Proper setup, including potential weight-distribution equipment, is essential for safe, stable towing.
What is the tongue weight of a 2015 Toyota Highlander?
500 lbs
With a tongue weight capacity of 500 lbs, both the 3.5L V6 and 2.7L 4-cylinder engines of the 2015 Toyota Highlander ensure a secure and well-balanced towing experience.
How much should my tongue weight be?
For instance, if a 2,000-pound conventional trailer is loaded with 1,000 pounds of cargo, the proper tongue weight of the loaded trailer should be between 300 and 450 pounds, or 10-15 percent of the loaded 3,000 pound total.
What is the tongue weight of a Toyota Highlander?
Hybrids
| Maximum Tongue Weight (lbs.) | ||
|---|---|---|
| RAV4 | BROCHURE | 175 |
| Highlander | BROCHURE | 350 |
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.
