There are some features you sort of expect to see in some of the most popular full-sized SUVs on the road today: a huge cabin with plush seats, all-wheel drive (or at least the option), and the capacity to tow if necessary.
Because we are aware that for certain families, having the clan’s primary vehicle be trailer-ready is an absolute necessity, we are concentrating on the last criteria today. We’re focusing on the Toyota Highlander in particular to give you an idea of how much weight you’ll be able to tow if you choose this model, which has been a longtime family favorite at our dealership.
In This Article...
Towing Capacity for the Highlander
The Toyota Highlander’s towing capacity varies slightly depending on trim level; the LE model with a 4-cylinder engine can haul 1,500 pounds, which is really the same as the 2016 Toyota Rav4’s capacity.
Of course, you might need more power than that, but you won’t have to look far as the LE Plus, XLE, and Highlander Limited models all have 5,000-pound towing capacities thanks to their more potent 3.5L V6 engines. All Highlander models have a massive cargo volume of 83.7 cubic feet when all the rear seats are put down and a roomy 43.3 cubic feet when only the third row is folded down.
Can I go over 5,000 pounds if I need to?
The simple answer is yes, especially if it doesn’t happen often or by lot, but it’s strongly advised to stay within the 5,000 limit. It goes without saying that when your trailer’s weight increases, regulating and steering will become more challenging because they are the kinds of maneuvers that should be simple and straightforward. The Highlander might not be the best option for your needs if you anticipate frequently needing to haul more than 5,000 pounds; instead, you might want to consider a smaller truck like the Tacoma. Read more here about towing a Tacoma:
We’ll be pleased to help you locate the car that best suits your needs and budget if you have any questions or would like to check out the Highlander or any of our other models while you’re in the Quad Cities. You can schedule a test drive online.
What kind of weight can a 2016 Toyota Highlander tow?
the 3.5L V6 DOHC With 270 horsepower, this engine is the most potent choice for the 2016 Toyota Highlander. It can pull up to 5,000 pounds, which makes it ideal for larger boats or a horse-drawn livestock trailer.
Can a Highlander tow 5000 pounds in reality?
The towing capacity of the 2021 Toyota Highlander When properly outfitted, the 2019 Highlander can tow an astonishing 5,000 pounds. Depending on the engine you select, you can tow a certain amount of weight. And that’s still another fantastic feature of this SUV. A gas engine or a hybrid engine are your options.
Do I have a tow package with my 2016 Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander’s remarkable load and passenger capacity may be drawing your attention, but that is not where its usefulness ends. Along with the amazing level of convenience and technology, the 2016 Toyota Highlander also has a big towing capacity, possibly able to tow 5,000 pounds.
Toyota Highlander towing capacity highlights
The Highlander has two engine choices. a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine as the standard model, producing 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, or a 3.5-liter V6 engine as an option, producing 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. The V6 Highlander (fitted with a standard tow kit that includes a heavy-duty radiator, alternator, and supplementary oil cooler) can pull up to 5,000 pounds whereas the four-cylinder Highlander is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Which Toyota Highlander offers a kit for towing?
Many people think of a powerful pickup truck speeding down the freeway pulling a massive trailer when they think about towing. The fact is, you can move heavy objects without a pickup truck. If you have the right information, your SUV, crossover, or even sedan (like the Camry) can haul cargo around town safely and easily:
You can’t go wrong with a Toyota Highlander XLE if you need a substantial towing vehicle but don’t want to acquire a pickup truck. The 2014–2019 versions’ towing capacity even outperforms that of the Tacoma (which tops off at 3,500 pounds). The Highlander’s top trim level is XLE. With the optional towing kit and its V6 engine, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds*. For comparison, the LE trim level’s base engine, which has four cylinders, can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Three of the most popular items that people tow that weigh up to 5,000 pounds are listed below to give you an idea of what the Highlander’s highest trim level can tow:
Do I have a tow package with my Highlander?
Highlander Towing Capacity Front-wheel drive is the default setting for the car, although all-wheel drive is an option. The 2021 Highlander can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds when fully equipped with all-wheel drive with Dynamic Torque Control and the optional tow package.
A camper can a Highlander tow?
The Toyota Highlander will almost certainly come up in your search for the best sport utility vehicles (or SUVs), and for good reason—it was designed to comfortably seat 7-8 people and is ideal for daily family activities like going to and from soccer practice and school, as well as a host of other pursuits. Camping is included here.
The Highlander may be the best SUV for you if you own a camper or trailer because it can pull both types of vehicles. Having said that, there are several distinct Highlander models available, and each has a different towing capacity that ranges from 1,500 to 5,000 pounds. We’ve put together a guide below to help you choose the best Highlander to tow your camper, pop-up trailer, travel trailer, airstream, or teardrop trailer.
A boat can a Highlander tow, right?
The XLE has a towing capacity of 5000 lb compared to 3500 lb for the Hybrid LE and XLE models. Since a 23′ boat typically weighs roughly 3400 lbs, the 2021 Toyota Highlander can definitely pull a boat.
A Toyota Highlander can haul how much weight?
The Highlander can tow between 3,500 and 5,000 lbs. A 3,500 lb towing capacity is offered on Highlander vehicles equipped with the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. The basic 3.5L V6 engine in Highlander models has a 5,000 lb towing capacity.
What year Toyota Highlander is 5000 lb towing capable?
Similar to what we observed with the 2019–2017 vehicles, the 2016–2014 models have an overall towing capability range of 1,000–5,000 lbs oh, with a few slight variations in the values for the larger 6-cylinder engines.
For these model years, the same two engines—the 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder ones—were offered.
Depending on whether you had a tow package put on your vehicle, the chart below displays a capacity range for the models with the six-cylinder engine between 2,000 pounds and 5,000 pounds.
A trailer can a V6 Toyota Highlander tow?
Toyota automobiles have consistently provided high levels of customer satisfaction due to their durability, smooth operation, and appealing features. And the new XLE edition of the Highlander sports utility vehicle continues this legacy.
RV aficionados are learning that this new model from the manufacturer is capable of towing a travel trailer.
Without breaking a beat, the Toyota Highlander’s towing capacity can tow trailers weighing up to 5,000 lbs.
Is there a towing package for the Toyota Highlander XLE?
Each Trim Level, including the L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, offers a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds for the 2021 Highlander. This SUV/truck can tow up to 3,500 pounds when choosing one of the Highlander Hybrid variants, such as the LE, XLE, Limited, or Platinum.
Is my 2017 Toyota Highlander equipped with a tow package, and how do I know?
Question:
Expert Reaction:
Start by opening the rear hatch on a 2017 Toyota Highlander to see if a factory towing harness is there. The rear compartment panel should then be lifted up and pulled out. Pulling up on the two panels will allow you to take them off. You might spot a factory 4-pole there. If so, you can be certain that the towing harness is the original equipment. Continue with the next steps if you don’t because you might still have one that didn’t arrive with the 4-pole connector.
The bottom panel and the floor covering are connected by tabs that you can pull up. Pull out the bottom panel by releasing the 10mm nut on its left side. The connecting box plug and towing harness should be visible there. You have the factory towing package if you notice a connection box attached to the plug; in that case, all you need is a 4-pole connector, such as the Curt Harness, part number 56042.
You don’t have the factory tow package and require a connector like the Curt Connector, part number C56217, if you don’t see a connector box connected.
I’ve provided links to videos of both of these devices being installed so you can see exactly what you need.
Whatever the case, make sure to check the connection’s functionality using a 4-pole tester, such as part number I26.