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:
The towing capability of the 2014-2019 models even surpasses that of the Tacoma, making the Toyota Highlander XLE an excellent choice if you need a heavy towing vehicle but don’t want to own a pickup truck (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:
In This Article...
Is a towing kit available for the Toyota Highlander?
The 3.5L V6 engine that powers the Highlander is standard. How much weight can a Toyota Highlander tow then? When properly equipped and the optional Tow Package fitted, this Toyota SUV offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
Can the Highlander have a towing package added?
A Curt 13453 trailer hitch, a few simple tools, and a little length of time are all that are needed to install a trailer hitch on a Toyota Highlander. The Toyota Highlander model years 2020–21 are compatible with this trailer hitch and installation procedure.
Start carrying trailers and other types of hitch-mounted accessories for your Toyota Highlander right now by following these simple instructions.
Tools required:
- Driver of a flathead scew
- Energy Drill
- Eye protection
- Sky Saw
- 11mm, 17mm, and 10mm Sockets
- Wrench with 19mm socket for torque
Which Highlander is capable of the most towing?
A significant choice is making a new family vehicle purchase. In addition to needing a car that can accommodate your entire family, you also need one that will let you participate in the activities you enjoy. A Toyota Highlander is a sizable SUV with lots of room for goods, seating for the entire family, and a sizable towing capacity.
The Toyota Highlander is a multipurpose vehicle with a wide range of uses. Let’s examine the features of the Toyota Highlander in more detail below.
The Toyota Highlander SUV is readily capable of towing 5,000 pounds. This weight is significant for an SUV and outstanding in and of itself. A medium-sized enclosed trailer, medium-sized flatbed trailer, medium-sized boat, or even a small boat and trailer can all be pulled by a 5,000-pound towing capacity.
The huge engine of this SUV is responsible for its towing capacity. The 3.6 L V6 engine in the Toyota Highlander gives it lots of power. The Toyota Highlander XLE, the most expensive model, can tow 5,000 pounds. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a hybrid version of the Highlander that still has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. When compared to other SUV models of a similar size, this substantial towing capacity is unmatched.
A Highlander or a 4Runner, which is larger?
Highlander: At 194.9 inches, the new 2020 Highlander is 4.7 inches longer than its more capable off-road sibling, the 4Runner. Even though their widths are nearly identical, the new Highlander sits three inches lower than the 4Runner.
What’s covered by the towing package?
Tow package installation is the process of adding specific characteristics to a vehicle to improve its capacity to tow goods safely and dependably. Recreational vehicles, boats, mobile homes, horse trailers, and building supplies are a few examples of these items. Tow packages often include a tow hitch even if the equipment they cover may vary greatly. Listed below is a list of possible inclusions in a tow package:
- Tow hook
- cooling system for the transmission and engine
- wiring for trailer lights when towing
- heavy-duty brakes and suspension
- bigger battery, bigger alternator
- more driver-assistance technologies
- a wiring loom
- improved rear gears
A tow package installation is a smart choice whether you need to haul hefty objects on weekend travels or at a construction site. A tow package can provide a variety of advantages, such as:
A Toyota tow package: what is it?
Features of the Toyota Tacoma Tow Package While every 2022 Toyota Tacoma is powerful, the optional tow package cranks things up with a number of crucial features, like: Trailer-Sway Control. cooler for engine oil. transmission coolant a neatly positioned 4/7-pin connector inside the three-piece bumper.
How long does the installation of a tow package take?
Depending on the labor rates charged by the auto shop and the complexity of the installation, a professional hitch installation may cost $50 or more. The cost rises since more time is needed for some hitch installations than for others due to their greater complexity.
Depending on the installer’s level of experience, the tools being used, the state of the vehicle, and other factors, installing a hitch can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours or more. Check the installation instructions for your particular hitch for a useful guidance.
A trailer hitch installation does not void a car’s warranty. The 1975 Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act ensures that consumers can install aftermarket parts without worrying that doing so will void their warranty. The installation has to be done correctly, for example. Any installation done incorrectly won’t be supported (e.g. bolt holes drilled too close together, different hardware used, etc).
How can I tell whether the 2019 Toyota Highlander comes with a tow package?
Question:
How can I determine the wire harness for my 2019 Toyota Highlander’s towing package with converter?
Expert Reaction:
Remove all of the floor coverings on the interior of the back of your 2019 Toyota Highlander to see if it has a towing package with a converter. You will require a flat head screwdriver or a trim panel removal tool with the component number ALL648544. You will already have a black box with wiring against the wall of the rear cargo area if you have the factory package with a converter, as shown in my illustration.
The Curt T-Connector Wiring harness for Highlanders with the towing package, part number 56042, is required if you already have the converter. Since you already own the Converter, it is not included in this kit. I’ve included a video for your viewing convenience.
The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Highlanders without the Towing Package, part number C56217, is required if you don’t have the converter. Since the Highlander didn’t come equipped with a converter out of the box, this package includes one. The fuses necessary to turn on the towing features are also included. You can see a video of this in the attachment.
If you don’t want to remove the panels, you may alternatively take your VIN to the dealership and have them check to see if the Highlander has a tow package. In the event that you already have the converter, you might alternatively just utilize the C56217.
Is my 2017 Highlander equipped with a tow package, and how do I know?
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.
Can a Toyota Highlander tow 5,000 pounds in reality?
The outstanding 5,000-pound towing capacity of the 2021 Toyota Highlander is possible with the right equipment. Depending on the engine you select, you can tow a certain amount of weight. You can pick between a gas engine and a hybrid engine, which is yet another fantastic feature of this SUV.
What kind of loads can the Toyota Highlander tow?
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.
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.
The Highlander or the 4Runner is superior for towing.
The Toyota Highlander and 4Runner can tow the same amount of weight when equipped with an optional tow package, which includes a tow hook, a redesigned cooling system, as well as improved brakes and suspension, thanks to their 3.5L V6 engines.
What is the lifespan of a Highlander?
How many miles can a Toyota Highlander travel on average? When you inquire with a Toyota dealer, they will give you the high-end estimate, which is approximately 300,000 miles.
This figure is approximately 50–100,000 miles higher than you would generally anticipate in this price range and size class.
Although 300,000 miles is certainly not unheard of, if you take care of your Highlander, you shouldn’t be surprised to see it go far beyond that number.
However, this is the best-case situation and presupposes that you are most likely the first owner and haven’t been putting off any oil or fluid changes.
A typical used Highlander will likely travel at least 250,000 miles with its original engine and transmission if you’re the third or fourth owner. From then, everything will depend on you.
According to Kelley Blue Book, the typical American logs 14,000 miles a year on their vehicles. Therefore, if you can keep it clear of rust and prevent collisions, your Highlander might live over 20 years, assuming ordinary mileage.
The majority of Highlanders are built on the same Toyota K platform as the Avalon, which has been known to travel more than 500,000 kilometers.
All things considered, driving a Highlander into Guinness World Record zone is possible if you really know how to maintain an SUV.
Are Highlander and RAV4 the same size?
2019 RAV4 vs. Highlander: Key Differences Interior volume and performance options are where the RAV4 and Highlander diverge the most. Compared to the RAV4’s 139 cubic feet of cargo space, the Highlander has a larger SUV.