Contrary to contemporary SUVs, which frequently use a car chassis as their foundation, the Toyota 4Runner has always been constructed more like a truck. This contains several components that improve the ability of this kind of SUV to tow and the corresponding weight rating capabilities. This features sturdy suspension components, a sturdy rear axle, and a rigid ladder frame that it shares with the Tacoma and other Toyota vehicles as well as Lexus SUVs (including some of the Land Cruiser series). This facilitates the 4Runner’s ability to tow a trailer.
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to Present
Toyota underwent another redesign in 2010. Sadly, this resulted in the 4.7-liter V-8’s demise. The 4.0L continued to be the only available powertrain. The reason for this can be the fuel economy standards. The 4.7-liter 4Runners receive really appalling fuel efficiency despite the tow rating. The fifth-generation 4Runner has a 5,000-pound tow rating. For unclear reasons, the fifth-generation 4Runner’s towing capacity was reduced to 4,700 pounds in 2014. Stranger still, in 2016, the tow ratings for the SR5, SR5 Premium, and Limited 2WD increased back to 5,000 pounds, but those for the Trail, Trail Premium, and TRD decreased to 4,900 pounds and the Limited 4WD increased to 4,700 pounds. And in 2017, 5,000 pounds became the standard tow rating for all 4Runners. The fifth-generation 4Runner’s curb weight is between 4,400 and 4,805 pounds.
Through 2009
The Toyota 4Runner reached its peak performance in 2003, while its towing capacity peaked in 2004. That changed with the launch of the 2UZ-FE chassis, which had a 4.7-liter DOHC 32-valve EFI V-8 engine with a maximum output of 235 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 320 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm. The 5.0-liter DOHC 24-valve EFI VVT-i V8 and the 4.0-liter DOHC 24-valve EFI V6 or the 1GR-FE, which produced 245 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 283 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm, each had a tow rating of 5,000 pounds for the 2003 4Runner. The 2007 V-8 powered 2WD 4Runners were tow rated at 7,300 pounds and 7,000 pounds for the 4WD cars, with the caveat of a weight-distributing hitch. GVWRs varied between 6,005 pounds and 5,330 pounds (2WD V-6) (4WD V-8).
Through 2002
In 1996, the 4Runner underwent yet another comprehensive overhaul. The venerable 22RE was retired, and Toyota also bid farewell to the 3.0L 3VZ-E V-6. These engines were replaced by the 2.7-liter (3RZ-FE) four-cylinder and the 3.4-liter (5VZ-FE) V-6. These new engines had outputs of 150 horsepower at 4,800 revolutions per minute, 177 lb-ft at 4,000, and 183 horsepower at 4,800 and 217 lb-ft at 3,600, respectively. Likewise, the tow capacity increased from 3,500 to 5,000 pounds. GVWR was 5,250 pounds, and the curb weights for 2WD and 4WD versions were 3,795 pounds and 4,115 pounds, respectively. The GCWR ranged from 7,600 to 9,200 pounds (4WD).
Through 1995
The Toyota 4Runner had a facelift in 1990, which many believe softened the SUV’s tough exterior. The removable fiberglass rear shell was gone, and four doors were now an optional feature, making the SUV more suitable for soccer moms (like ours) across the United States. The 3.0-liter V-6’s horsepower rating increased to 150 hp (although the 180 lb-ft remained the same). For the most of those years, the 22RE remained the standard engine in the United States. While the GCWR of these newly built 4Runners increased to 7,700 pounds for 2WD models and 8,100 pounds for 4WD models with a GVWR of 5,350 pounds, the towing capacity with a frame-mounted hitch remained at 3,500 pounds. There were 3,760 pounds on the curb.
Can a Toyota 4Runner tow well?
Up to 5,000 pounds can be hauled behind the Toyota 4Runner. This is true for all grades, including the TRD Sport, SR5, and SR5 Premium. This is more than sufficient for towing a camper or flatbed trailer while hauling equipment like a jet ski or two ATVs. The SUV towing features meet SAE J2807 requirements. The Society of Automotive Engineers has established these tow standards. The SUV’s 4.0-liter V6 engine, which generates 270 horsepower and 278 lbs-ft of torque, is responsible for the towing capacity.
and 1985
The 2.4-liter 22R engine and solid front axle from the DX truck line were used in the first Toyota 4Runners that were sold. The 22R, later known as the 22RE, received fuel injection in 1985. Yes, we did own a 22RE in the venerable year 1985. Aside from 16 more horsepower, that improvement (?) also added some efficiency and reliability. According to a Toyota 4Runner brochure, the 1984 4Runner featured a load rating of 300 to 700 pounds (excluding passengers), a GVWR of 4,800 pounds, and a curb weight of 3,520 to 3,760 pounds. For the first two years of 4Runners, towing capacity is hard to locate, but it appears to be consistently between 2,500 and 3,000 pounds.
Can a 4Runner Tow 7,000 Pounds?
The optional 4.7-liter V-8 was the Toyota 4Runner’s best option for performance and hauling capacity. The towing capacities of the V-8-powered 2WD 4Runners and the 4WD vehicles were 7,300 pounds and 7,000 pounds, respectively, in 2007. So, sure, depending on how the vehicle is equipped, some years of the Toyota 4Runner can tow 7,000 pounds or more.
Does the Toyota 4Runner offer a kit for towing?
Integrated Towing Hitch Receiver: The Toyota 4Runner is more practical than many other vehicles in its market thanks to the integrated tow hitch. Engine: 4.0L V6 This engine’s output of 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque enables the Toyota 4Runner to pull 5,000 pounds.
Is a 4Runner capable of towing a camper?
The Toyota 4Runner has a 5,000-pound towing capacity! All of this is possible because of the 4.0-liter V6 engine’s 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. This is what? Tongue weight is another factor to consider while towing an RV, and the Toyota 4Runner has a tongue weight capacity of 500 lbs.
What happens if you go above the tow limit?
Have you ever wondered how much your car can really tow? Do you want to buy a new trailer, but you’re not sure if your car can tow it? Don’t take the maximum towing capacity lightly. Overloading your vehicle’s towing capacity can damage your tires, hasten brake wear, strain your engine and transmission, and even deform your chassis. This might then result in a catastrophic collapse while driving, which might cause serious injury or property damage. Calculate the maximum weight your car can safely tow and compare it to the tongue weight of the trailer before making your choice. You can use a towing capacity calculator online or adhere to these instructions to aid you with these crucial calculations.
Can an Airstream be towed by a 4Runner?
Small camper trailers like Airstreams can be towable by 4Runners equipped with V6 engines. Towing the majority of fifth wheels and equivalent trailers is no problem for 4Runners with V8 engines.
Finding out a trailer’s “dry weight first,” or its weight without any gear inside, is always a smart idea. A decent rule of thumb is to add an extra 1,500 pounds to the dry weight of the trailer if you’re towing it with cargo inside.
Even a full-sized RV can be rescued from a tight spot by the 4Runner. Don’t trust us? Take a look at this video:
A camper can a 6 cylinder engine pull?
Travel trailers that are lightweight, like the Scamp, weigh between two and four thousand pounds. Lightweight trailers can be up to 30 feet long, yet 6-cylinder automobiles can still tow them. The majority of the more recent versions have complete bathrooms and appliances that rival those seen in larger recreational vehicles. They have enough room and comforts to create a cozy, short-term home away from home. Their fuel-efficient design makes them more efficient.
What SUV is able to tow 7000 lbs?
The only major decision you have to make when purchasing a Toyota Land Cruiser is the color of the inside and exterior. Every model has a 8,100-pound towing capability and a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. Full-time four-wheel drive, Trailer-Sway Control, and Hill Start Assist Control are all included as standard features. Additionally, you receive a wire harness with both 4-pin and 7-pin connectors, a built-in towing receiver, and a standard DVD player for the backseat. The ultimate SUV, the Toyota Land Cruiser, has an out-of-the-box towing capacity of almost 7,000 pounds.
Are tow hitches standard on all 4Runners?
Additionally, a standard integrated tow hitch receiver and wiring harness are included with every 4Runner level. These features, which were created for convenience, make it simple to attach and secure campers, trailers, and other load carriers to the SUV.
How far can a 4Runner travel?
You might get 300,000 miles out of a Toyota 4Runner. In reality, the majority of the data indicates that only 0.2% of 4Runner models will endure for more than 300,000 km.
The Highlander or the 4Runner is superior for towing.
Highlander: This family hauler has 16.0 cubic feet of space for your belongings behind its third-row seat. When those chairs are folded, the volume rises to 48.4 cu ft. The Highlander has 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space when configured as a two-seat vehicle.
4Runner: The 4Runner, a five-seat vehicle, has a load capacity of 46.3 cu. ft. when the second-row seat is folded down. Although useful, an optional sliding deck takes up around one cubic foot of room. When the back seat is folded down, a tremendous 88.8 cubes of space become availablea vast and yawning chasm when compared to the Highlander. Although the third row is folded down, the 4Runner’s trunk space is only 9 cu-ft.
Conclusion: Even though the Highlander triumphs in passenger volume, the 4Runner dominates in cargo capacityunless you’re using the third row of the 4Runner.
Technology
Without a question, Highlander is the most suited to families of the two. Although only available on the Platinum model, the 12.3-inch infotainment system is still accessible. You do get an 11-speaker JBL Audio system in place of the rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The revolutionary Driver Easy Speak system amplifies the driver’s voice so that it sounds like an irate airline captain and broadcasts it through the back speakers. Toyota incorporates a wide range of safety features, including lane-keeping assistance, dynamic cruise control, pedestrian recognition technology, and pre-collision systems. With the exception of the blind spot monitoring system, which is not included in the base model, the majority of safety measures are part of the standard equipment. Additionally, only AWD models come with dynamic torque vectoring and trail modes.
4Runner: All models come standard with features including air conditioning, a reverse camera, cruise control, and a number of USB ports for charging mobile devices, including a 12V household socket in the cargo area. There is also a powerful JBL stereo available. However, the inside of the 4Runner is specifically designed for adventurers rather for folks who enjoy taking road trips with their families and grandmother, thus it lacks many of the driver assistance and safety features found in the Highlander. Hey, ten cupholders are at least present.
Conclusion: The Highlander delivers significantly more cutting-edge technology and advanced driving aids than the 4Runner. The latter, nevertheless, is also not exactly a deserted penalty area. Simply said, the designers of that vehicle invested their development funds in off-road enthusiasts’ favorite suspension components and equipment.
Powertrains
Highlander: The only gas engine available is a 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The V6 as the new “basic” engine has increased the Highlander’s base price while also elevating the SUV’s level of luxury. The Sienna minivan’s popular engine is combined with the same 8-speed automatic transmission in this vehicle. AWD is now an option throughout the board, even on the entry-level L trim.
The remaining 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines left are currently exclusively offered on hybrid models. The RAV4 is powered by the same atkinson cycle engine, although it is tuned differently. Here, it generates a total output of 243 horsepower and has an ECVT transmission that is comparable to the RAV4’s.
4Runner: Toyota discarded the four-cylinder engine wisely decades ago, putting a durable 4.0L V6 engine beneath the hood of the 4Runner. This 24-valve engine produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a (very outdated) five-speed automated transmission. The 44 system, which is based on a rear-wheel-drive foundation, employs a Torsen-type locking center diff in high-zoot Limited trims, allowing one to easily handle challenging road conditions. High/low transfer cases are offered for the SR5 and TRD trims.
Conclusion: The 4Runner is considerably less elegant than the Highlander because it is much more agrarian. Choose the Highlander if your goal is to transport passengers in comfort comparable to a vehicle. The 4Runner will probably appeal to people who spend their weekends snowboarding in Whistler or BASE jumping off the Empire State Building.
Fuel Economy
Highlander: The Highlander performs admirably at the gas station for such a roomy car. Examples with front-wheel drive and a V6 engine get combined fuel economy of 24 mpg, or 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. When driving in the city, the economy for AWD models drops to 20 mpg. Highway mileage of 27 mpg results in a combined economy of 23 mpg.
The Highlander hybrid, which achieves an astounding 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, is now also available with FWD. The AWD variants’ city mileage drops by 1 mpg while maintaining the same highway mileage.
4Runner: The 4Runner’s enormous curb weight and barn-door aerodynamics make it difficult for drivers to achieve fuel economy ratings of more than 20 mpg. In city driving, the 42 and 44 variants are also rated at 17 mpg. Two-wheel drive vehicles should achieve 21 mpg on the interstate; the addition of 44 will reduce that number by 1 mpg.
Conclusion: The Highlander will undoubtedly use less fuel than the 4Runner, so that much is certain. Blame physics and drivetrain effectiveness together. Both cars are made to run on ordinary gasoline with an octane rating of 87. Get the Highlander Hybrid if fuel efficiency is your top priority.
Capability
5,000 lbs is the amazing maximum towing weight for a V6 Highlander. However, exercise cautious. A top-tier AWD model’s payload capacity is only 1,280 pounds, so a 500-lb tongue weight for the trailer leaves less than 800 lbs for passengers and cargo.
4Runner: Don’t believe claims that it can haul more weight than its car-based relative because of its bulky body-on-frame design. The 4Runner 42 or 44 is only capable of towing 5,000 pounds. The four-wheel drive version comes close to the 4,700 lb curb weight limit while still permitting a payload of about 1,500 lb. The unibody architecture provides a benefit in that regard. Off-road enthusiasts will like the TRD Pro trim’s Nitto Terra Grappler tires and front skid plate for challenging maneuvers. Your dogs can get some fresh air by sliding down the rear window of the 4Runner.
Bottom Line: The 4Runner is clearly superior in terms of overall capability. Despite having a smaller towing capacity than the Highlander, it can tow a large trailer and carry much greater loads thanks to its sturdy body-on-frame construction.