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.
A Highlander is able to haul 5000 pounds.
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.
A camper can a 2016 Toyota 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.
When can a Highlander haul 5000 pounds?
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:
How can I enhance my Toyota Highlander’s towing capacity?
The amount of weight you tow behind your car should not exceed its towing capacity. Depending on the model of the Toyota Highlander you own, your vehicle’s maximum load size may change.
Although each trailer’s exact weight varies, the following is a basic list of what the Toyota Highlander can tow:
Standard:
The Toyota Highlander hybrid should be adequate if you have plans to go kayaking with the family. However, if your goal is to tow a camper for a weekend escape, you should stick with the conventional design.
You should consider how much the trailer will weigh when it is completely loaded before choosing its size. The weight of the cargo and passengers should be included.
How to increase towing capacity
Use the following advice to increase your Toyota Highlander’s ability to tow:
It’s vital to keep in mind that adding aftermarket components to your Toyota Highlander could result in a reduction in the vehicle’s ability to tow. The amount of weight you can pull will decrease, for instance, if you replace the wheels with larger rims.
While some modifications to your car can increase its towing capacity, most of the time trying to haul something more than 5,000 pounds won’t work. If towing a fifth-wheel trailer behind your car is something you’ve always wanted to do, you might want to think about some other alternatives. The Ford Expedition, which can tow up to 9,300 pounds, and the Lincoln Navigator L, which can tow up to 8,7000 pounds, are two SUVs with exceptional towing capacity.
Can a Toyota Highlander tow a travel trailer?
The Toyota Highlander is a contemporary SUV design (sport utility vehicle). These are fantastic automobiles with room for up to 7 or 8 passengers. They make excellent family vehicles and can be utilized by clients in a variety of situations. The Toyota Highlander can tow a variety of campers and trailers, but passenger comfort is one of this brand’s top objectives.
The Toyota Highlander series includes a number of various versions with towing capacity ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 lbs. Toyota Highlanders can pull pop-up trailers, teardrop trailers, tiny airstreams, and tiny travel trailers within this range.
A table with some essential details about each Toyota Highlander sub-type can be found below. Before you consider purchasing a camper, make sure you are aware of the proper information for your particular car because there are a lot of different alternatives.
You may start considering your camper alternatives once you’ve determined which Toyota Highlander you currently own (or are considering)! You may get a sense of the sizes you’ll be working with by reading the table below, which lists the weight ranges of the various varieties.
Now that we have a better understanding of each of these trailer types, we can discuss their advantages and disadvantages, the layout of each kind, and several models that Toyota Highlander owners would find useful.
I’ll only be talking about campers with dry weights that fall within the range of 1,500 and 5,000 lbs because there is a range of weight capacities in this range (or lower). You don’t want to purchase a camper that is too hefty for your car to tow, so be sure to keep your exact model in mind as you shop.
Can you tow a camper trailer behind a Toyota Highlander?
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 a towing kit available for the Toyota Highlander?
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.
If my 2016 Toyota Highlander has a towing package, how do I know?
Toyota Highlander wiring harness for the 2016 model. How can I determine if my car has a wiring converter?
Expert Reaction:
I’m not sure how you can know for sure if your Highlander has a converter, however I can assist you with the installation of the trailer harness. Checking the wiring in your back baggage area is the only surefire way to determine which harness you require.
You can see the differences in the installation by watching the videos that are included. You can check to see if there are two connectors, one of which is larger than the other, in the rear cargo compartment of your Highlander by removing the back tray. Your Highlander does not have the tow package if both connectors are present, hence component # C56217 is required. Both connections will be used with this harness.
The connection point, if you have the tow package, is located in the rear cargo area on the driver’s side, behind a trim panel. This installation requires component number 56042.
You can also look at the installation instructions I’ve supplied for each of these harnesses.
How can I tell if the 2016 Highlander I’m looking at has a tow package?
Question:
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.
A boat trailer can a 2016 Highlander tow?
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.