The 2008 Toyota Highlander is a well-liked SUV that most people use primarily for transporting their families; nevertheless, they would likely be surprised to learn that they have a respectable towing capability as well.
This page goes into great detail regarding the real weight that these vehicles can tow as well as the equipment that must be put on your car in order to tow the maximum weight listed in the charts. I arranged my online screenshots of charts and other towing-related information before posting them here.
Make sure to read your owner’s manual to see what Toyota advises regarding towing and other matters pertaining to your car.
Towing capacity overall:
The 2008 Toyota Highlanders’ towing capacity varied from 2,000 to 5,000 lbs. and mainly depended on whether you had a towing prep package put on your car. The maximum indicated rating for the hybrid versions, which was set at 3,500 lbs, was the only one that was specified and not actually a range.
There was just one engine choice for these SUVs, a 3.5 L (six cylinder) engine, however since there were Hybrid variants available, there was also a 3.3 L (six cylinder) engine option for these cars.
Trim Levels: For the 2008 Highlander, there were three distinct trim levels to choose from: Base, Sport, and Limited.
Assumed Weight: When describing the maximum trailer weight rating for other cars, I often notice references to any assumed weight in the vehicle, such as a driver, but I was unable to find a clear response anywhere in the owner’s manuals or the brochure. Since a driver is required to operate a vehicle, 150 lbs. is typically the “assumed weight” of a vehicle.
In This Article...
How can I tell whether the tow package is installed in my 2008 Highlander?
Question:
I own a Highlander Sport from 2008. It has a shift mechanism that allows for manual gear changes.
Expert Reaction:
You already have the factory tow package if your 2008 Toyota Highlander includes a converter box under the dashboard. I’ve included a video of the trailer wiring being fitted on a Highlander without the tow package to give you an idea of what to look for. Around the 30 second mark of the video, you can see the converter box being plugged in.
If you want to be absolutely certain that your Highlander has the factory tow package, you may also use your VIN to check with Toyota.
The Tekonsha # 118449 wiring harness is what you need if you don’t have the two bundle. You’ll need the Curt T-Connector # 56042 if it turns out that you do possess it.
The Draw-Tite Max-E-Loader # 75726 is a Class III hitch compatible with your Highlander if you don’t already have one.
The Curt Channel Style Adjustable Ball Mount # C45900 is another adjustable ball mount that comes with two hitch balls.
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.
The Toyota Highlander’s towing capacity
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. 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
What is able to haul 4000 lbs?
Trucks with the Highest Towing Capacity
- VIEW PHOTOS. Ford Maverick | 4,000 pounds.
- 5000-pound Hyundai Santa Cruz. VIEW PICTURES.
- View photos of the 5000-pound Honda Ridgeline.
- 6720 pound Nissan Frontier
- 6800 pound Toyota Tacoma.
- 7500-pound Ford Ranger
- 7650-pound Jeep Gladiator
- 7700 lb. Chevrolet Colorado
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.
The best Highlander for towing is which?
The Toyota Highlander line’s specifications are provided. There are three different models available: the base Hybrid LE, the XLE, and the Hybrid XLE, all of which have MSRPs that are higher than $40,000.
Regardless of the package you choose, there is plenty room for seven or eight passengers, and if you choose one of the hybrid models, your fuel economy will be around 35 mpg.
Many Highlander purchasers are curious about the vehicle’s towing capacity, which varies depending on the trim level you choose. The Toyota Highlander’s XLE grade, which has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, is the one you should choose if you want to get the most out of it. Your towing capacity will be capped at 3,500 pounds if you select the Hybrid LE or Hybrid XLE.
Can a Toyota Highlander be equipped with a tow hitch?
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 202021 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:
- Eye protection
- Wrench with 19mm socket for torque
- Sky Saw
- Driver of a flathead scew
- Energy Drill
- 11mm, 17mm, and 10mm Sockets