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.
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Can a Toyota Highlander tow a camper?
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.
Which Highlander is 5000 lbs. towing capable?
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 well 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.
Which Toyota SUV is able to tow a camper?
The size of the RV you wish to pull is one of several crucial elements that determine the appropriate vehicle for the job.
The top ten are divided into:
- light-duty trailers
- streamlined travel trailers
Chevy Tahoe/Suburban, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, or Cadillac Escalade
SUVs constructed on pickup truck underpinnings work well for towing a large travel trailer. Due to their robust steel chassis, powerful engines, and tow-rated axles, GM’s large SUVs are among of the best SUVs for towing a camper available today. These vehicles are constructed on the Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra platform.
- 7,900 pounds maximum towing capacity when properly equipped.
- Rating for payload: 1,6551,927 lbs.
- Price: $4970-plus $90,000.
Ford Expedition
This enormous SUV, which was constructed on the same chassis as the Ford F-150, is ideally suited for pulling very large travel trailers. The Expedition is a good option if you require an SUV that can haul a large camper, seat up to eight people, and carry a sizable payload.
- 9,300 lbs maximum towing capacity when properly equipped.
- Rating for payload: 1,757 lbs.
- Price: $50,000 to $80,000
Nissan Armada
The Armada is a capable SUV for towing large travel trailers since it has the same mechanical foundation as the Nissan Titan pickup. The Armada is a good choice because it is also loaded with features and frequently costs less than comparable rivals.
- 8,500 pounds maximum towing capacity when properly equipped.
- Rating for payload: 1,5411723 lbs.
- Price: $48,900 to $72,300
Dodge Durango
Recently, the Durango made a strong comeback as one of the top SUVs for pulling a camper. The Durango is a capable family SUV for towing a camper thanks to its high towing capacity, roomy seating, state-of-the-art electronics, and large range of trim options.
- 8,700 pounds maximum towing capacity when properly equipped.
- Rating for payload: 1,4371,924 lbs.
- Price: $32,962 to 81,390
Toyota 4Runner
Because of its truck-based structure and reputation for dependability, the Toyota 4Runner is one of the oldest and most reliable SUVs for pulling a camper. One of the greatest SUVs for hauling an off-road camper is the 4Runner.
- 5,000 lbs maximum towing capacity when properly equipped.
- Rating for payload: 1,4951,700 lbs.
- Price: $39,180 to $55,150
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The high tow weight rating and upscale amenities of this tried-and-true vehicle make it one of the best SUVs for towing a medium-sized travel trailer.
- 7,200 lb. maximum towing capacity when properly equipped.
- Rating for payload: 1,2661,812 lbs.
Chevrolet Blazer
The brand-new Chevy Blazer has undergone a complete redesign to become a sporty SUV that is ideal for pulling a medium-sized camper. One of the greatest SUVs for towing a travel trailer is the Blazer because to its sporty, Camero-inspired appearance and cutting-edge technologies.
- 4,500 lbs maximum towing capacity when properly equipped.
- Rating for payload: 1,706-2,094 lbs.
- Price: $33,400 to $52,150
Jeep Wrangler
The ideal vehicle for pulling a lightweight travel trailer is this ever-popular SUV. Due to its incredible mobility and broad range of options, the Wrangler has long been the SUV of choice for light campers like these best popup campers.
- 3,500 lbs maximum towing capacity when properly equipped.
- Rating for payload: 1,0511,351 lbs.
- Price: $28,475 to $42,375
Volkswagen Atlas
One of the most family-friendly SUVs for towing a camper, this powerful and roomy vehicle is jam-packed with technology and features. Volkswagen has a devoted following because it is good at making cars that people fall in love with; the Atlas is no exception.
- Rating for payload: 1,080 lbs.
- Range: $33,475 to 57,645
Honda Pilot
One of the greatest SUVs for towing a travel trailer is the Pilot, a steadfast family vehicle. The Pilot has three rows of passengers, lots of cargo space, and legendary dependability.
- Rating for payload: 1,4181,614 lbs.
- Range of prices: $36,830-$53,040
Is a towing kit available for the Toyota Highlander?
Can a Toyota Highlander tow a lot of weight? With the optional tow package installed, the maximum towing capacity of this tough SUV is 5,000 pounds.
What is the towing capacity of a 2017 Toyota Highlander?
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:
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.
The towing capacity of a 2016 Toyota Highlander XLE.
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.
What can an XLE model Toyota Highlander tow?
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.
The towing capacity of a 2020 Toyota Highlander.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander features an array of powerful and effective components, beginning with a 3.5-liter Atkinson Cycle V-6 engine that generates 295 horsepower, 263 pound-feet of torque, and incorporates a Stop and Start Engine System to save gasoline. Towing-capable Toyota Highlander models will include Trailer Sway Control and be able to tow up to 5,000 pounds of freight with ease. The Toyota Highlander can tow a medium enclosed trailer, a medium flatbed trailer, a medium boat trailer, and more thanks to its 5,000-pound towing capacity.
The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which is powered by a 2.5-liter Toyota Hybrid System with 243 horsepower and 35 mpg combined with Electronic On-Demand AWD, is an excellent choice for families looking to improve their fuel economy. In addition to towing up to 3,500 pounds of goods, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid models promise to improve fuel efficiency. This is more than enough to tow an A-frame camper trailer, a pop-up camper trailer, a small boat, or a personal watercraft trailer.