The engine of the 2018 Toyota Highlander is very powerful. Its 2.7-liter engine produces 184 pound-feet of torque and 185 horsepower. The SE and Limited models come with a 3.5-liter engine that generates 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque if you need more power. The Toyota Highlander is a powerful vehicle, so you can use its towing capabilities to transport your belongings.
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Hauling Capability
The 2018 Toyota Highlander can be useful if you want a bigger vehicle to haul things around or if you want to go camping. You already know that this SUV can carry a lot because of its maximum load volume of 83.7 cubic feet, but what about its towing capacity? The standard trim level of the 2018 Toyota Highlander has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, while the SE and Limited trims have a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Take a seat in the driver’s seat to discover all that this car is capable of.
Maximum Towing Capacity – 1000 lb
The heaviest load that a Toyota Highlander may tow. The mentioned maximum trailer weights only apply to elevations up to 3280 feet (1,000 meters) above sea level. As altitude rises, the reduced air density reduces engine power and, as a result, the car’s ability to climb; as a result, the maximum trailer weight must be adjusted. For each additional 3280 feet (1,000 meters), the weight of the vehicle and trailer must be lowered by 10%. (or part thereof).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) – 5665 lb
This is the maximum weight that a Toyota Highlander is capable of towing (engine, chassis, fluids, passengers, cargo, load – everything). In the owner’s manual or on the interior of the drive’s door panel, the manufacturer will frequently specify it.
Payload Capacity – 1500 lb
The weight of all the extra items you load into your car, such as passengers or a load of boulders, is referred to as the payload. It can be raised by:
- Improvements to the Rear Springs
- Coil-Over Shock Absorbers can be added.
- installing a truck bed extension.
- Trailer Attachment.
- Include Bed Racks.
Which Highlander is 5000 lbs towing capable?
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.
How can I tell whether the Highlander 2018 I have has a tow package?
Question:
How can I know if my Highlander has the tow package? There is nothing in the vehicle specifications that indicates whether or not I have the limited edition, even if I have it. The 5,000-pound towing capacity of the limited edition is true, but my car did not come equipped with a trailer hitch.
Expert Reaction:
To find out how your 2018 Toyota Highlander is configured, you can have a Toyota dealer run the VIN number. You can look under the dash for any type of wiring converters to see how the trailer wiring is connected. It might or might not be marked. Alternately, locate the connector where a wiring harness enters the vehicle at the back and test it with a circuit tester like model number 40376. While you test the hookup, have someone sit inside the car and control the illumination.
If that connector has power, all you will need to add a 4-Way flat trailer connector to the back of the car is part number 56042. You require harness number 118449 if that connector doesn’t have power. To help you locate the connector in the back of the car, I’ve provided a link to a video that installs the 118449 wiring harness.
What’s covered by the towing package for the 2018 Toyota Highlander?
According to my research, the 2018 Toyota Highlander’s factory tow option comes with a trailer hitch receiver and a 4-way trailer connector to power a trailer’s lights.
Hopkins’ HM11141845 4-way trailer wiring harness is the one I suggest. It plugs into a connector in the back cargo area, just like the other custom harnesses for your Highlander. To find the connector, you must remove some paneling. The converter that came with it needs to be plugged in as well, underneath your dashboard. The Hopkins isn’t the cheapest choice, but once it’s placed, it’s the most secure. The converter box is mounted using two screws, one on each side, as opposed to the other options, which either use merely double-sided tape or only one screw, allowing the converter box to move around. To prevent it from coming loose, you don’t want the conveter box to move around under your dash.
I’ve provided you with links to install videos for each hitch and the wiring harness. You’ll also need a ball mount if you want to tow a trailer. I’ve sent a link to our recommendation for the 2 inch hitches. In order to assist you calculate the rise or drop you require dependent on the height of your trailer, I’ve also provided a link to an article.
You should be aware that adding aftermarket parts won’t boost your Highlander’s ability to haul more weight. The rating will always remain the same as when it left the factory. The owner’s manual for your Highlander states that it can carry up to 1,500 pounds with a 2.7L engine and 5,000 pounds with a 3.5L.
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 reasonit 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.
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 20142019 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?
With the optional tow package installed, the maximum towing capacity of this tough SUV is 5,000 pounds. Here are a handful of the 2022 Toyota Highlander’s standout performance attributes: a 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque 3.5L V6 engine.
Can an Airstream Bambi be towed by a Toyota Highlander?
Given that the Highlander can tow a variety of small and midsize trailers with ease, one of Toyota’s larger sports utility vehicles is a wise choice for towing.
Pop-ups, tiny travel trailers, teardrop trailers, Airstream Basecamps, and Bambis are a few examples of these trailers.
Aside from towing, the Highland includes a spacious cargo area for all the items that won’t fit within the camper. Your campsite will be crowded when you arrive with the trailer because it can accommodate up to eight people.
A boat can a Toyota Highlander tow?
There are ten various trim options for the 2021 Toyota Highlander, including L, LE, Hybrid LE, XLE, Hybrid XLE, XSE, Limited, Hybrid Limited, Platinum, and Hybrid Platinum. However, today we’re going to concentrate on these three:
- LE hybrid
- XLE
- XLE hybrid
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.
Additionally, all three of these trims come with Trailer-Sway Control (TSC), an electrical device that aids the driver in maintaining control of the car under shaky situations.
Is a tow package included with the Highlander XLE?
The 2021 Highlander XSE AWD introduces significant improvements that maintain its position as a top SUV option.
The middle row includes a captain’s chair, and the 2021 Highlander XSE AWD also includes a wireless charger and sport-tuned suspension.
The model seen in the photos has a crossbar and a tow hitch. The Highlander XSE AWD does not include these as standard equipment.
In contrast to the Platinum trim, which comes with a luxury 12.3-inch touchscreen, all 2021 Toyota Highlander trim levels come standard with an 8-inch touchscreen.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported in all models, providing a great substitute for the touchscreen’s built-in Toyota Entune system.
The newly introduced Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is included as standard in the 2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum as well as a 3.5 Litre V6 engine. It is currently up for order. For a complete comparison, look at all the trims and features on this page!
Can a 2017 Toyota Highlander tow how much weight?
The 2017 Toyota Highlander is a beautifully crafted car that provides the best comfort, aesthetics, and safety that Toyota has to offer. The Highlander has competitive towing capabilities to suit a variety of drivers, keeping up with Toyota’s lineup of SUVs.
Do different trims of the Toyota Highlander have different towing capacities?
Depending on the Highlander grade you choose, the 2017 Toyota Highlander can tow anywhere from 1,500 pounds to 5,000 pounds. Less expensive trims, like the LE, have lesser towing capacity whereas more expensive trims, such the XLE and Limited, have more pulling power. To ensure that your towing requirements are met, ask your sales representative for details on the Highlander you are interested in.
What can I tow with the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
Remember that the whole weight of the load your vehicle is towing must be taken into account when choosing safe towing alternatives. That goes for passengers as well as any additional cargo you may have in the trunk or the seats. Here are some examples of objects you can tow with various capacities bearing that in mind: