2021 Lexus RX towing capacity

Max tow rating

3,500lb

350 FWD, 3.5L.
Base trim: 3,500 lb.
Rank 71 of 127 SUVs (2021).

Trailer check

Yes. 2,800 lb is within 80% of the rating.

Tow rating: 3,500 lb
80% rule: Up to 2,800 lb
Margin: 700 lb (20%)
Hitch class needed: II, up to 3,500 lb
Share of curb weight: Curb weight not listed

Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 14-18 mpg.

Pounds. Blue: fits under 2,800 lb, 80% of the rating. Orange: lighter ones fit. Grey: too heavy.

What it can pull

Rule: keep the trailer at 80% of the rating or less.

Max tow rating: 3,500 lb
80% of the rating: 2,800 lb
Hitch class at max: II, up to 3,500 lb

What it can pull at 2,800 lb
Trailer	Loaded weight	Fits
Teardrop camper	1,000 to 2,500 lb	Yes
Utility trailer	1,000 to 3,000 lb	Some, up to 2,800 lb
Pop-up camper	1,500 to 3,000 lb	Some, up to 2,800 lb
Boat on a trailer	2,000 to 6,000 lb	Some, up to 2,800 lb
Small travel trailer	3,000 to 5,000 lb	No
Mid-size travel trailer	5,000 to 7,500 lb	No
Car on a car hauler	5,500 to 7,500 lb	No
Large travel trailer	7,500 to 10,000 lb	No
Fifth wheel	10,000 to 16,000 lb	No

Trailer weights are typical loaded weights.

Tow rating by trim

Cheapest at 3,500 lb: 350 FWD, $45,220.

2021 Lexus RX tow rating by trim
Trim	Engine	Drivetrain	Tow rating	Payload	GVWR	Curb weight	MSRP
350 FWD	3.5L	FWD	3,500 lb	N/A	N/A	4,222 lb to 4,905 lb	$45,220
350 AWD	3.5L 6cyl	AWD	3,500 lb	825 lb	5,212 lb	4,387 lb	$46,620
RX 450h AWD	3.5L 6cyl	AWD	3,500 lb	825 lb	5,565 lb	4,740 lb	$47,820
Hybrid 450h AWD	3.5L 6cyl	AWD	3,500 lb	N/A	N/A	4,740 lb	$47,920
350L FWD	3.5L	FWD	3,500 lb	N/A	N/A	4,464 lb	$48,050
350 F Sport FWD	3.5L 6cyl	FWD	3,500 lb	N/A	N/A	4,464 lb	$48,700
RX 350 F SPORT Appearance FWD	3.5L	FWD	3,500 lb	N/A	N/A	4,222 lb to 4,905 lb	$48,700
350L AWD	3.5L 6cyl	AWD	3,500 lb	825 lb	5,444 lb	4,619 lb	$49,450
350 F Sport AWD	3.5L 6cyl	AWD	3,500 lb	825 lb	5,212 lb	4,387 lb	$50,100
RX 350 F SPORT Appearance AWD	3.5L	AWD	3,500 lb	N/A	N/A	4,387 lb	$50,100
350 F Sport Handling FWD	3.5L	FWD	3,500 lb	N/A	N/A	4,222 lb to 4,905 lb	$51,100
RX 450h F SPORT Appearance AWD	3.5L	AWD	3,500 lb	N/A	N/A	4,740 lb	$51,300
RX 450hL AWD	3.5L 6cyl	AWD	3,500 lb	825 lb	5,730 lb	4,905 lb	$51,310
Hybrid 450hL AWD	3.5L 6cyl	AWD	3,500 lb	N/A	N/A	4,740 lb	$51,310
RX 450h F SPORT SUV 4D AWD	3.5L 6cyl	AWD	3,500 lb	825 lb	5,565 lb	4,740 lb	$51,350
Hybrid 450h F Sport AWD	3.5L 6cyl	AWD	3,500 lb	N/A	N/A	4,740 lb	$51,400
350 F Sport Handling AWD	3.5L 6cyl	AWD	3,500 lb	825 lb	5,212 lb	4,387 lb	$52,500
RX 450h F SPORT Handling AWD	3.5L 6cyl	AWD	3,500 lb	825 lb	5,565 lb	4,740 lb	$53,620
Hybrid 450h F Sport Handling AWD	3.5L 6cyl	AWD	3,500 lb	N/A	N/A	4,740 lb	$53,720
350L Luxury FWD	3.5L	FWD	3,500 lb	N/A	N/A	4,464 lb	$54,050
350L Luxury AWD	3.5L 6cyl	AWD	3,500 lb	825 lb	5,444 lb	4,619 lb	$55,450
RX 450hL Luxury AWD	3.5L 6cyl	AWD	3,500 lb	825 lb	5,730 lb	4,905 lb	$57,310
Hybrid 450hL Luxury AWD	3.5L 6cyl	AWD	3,500 lb	N/A	N/A	4,740 lb	$57,310

Max rating by year

Highest rating each year, 2009 to 2026. Pounds.

Same max rating from 2009 to 2026: 3,500 lb.

Rivals: max tow rating

2021 rivals by max tow rating
Model	Max tow rating	Cheapest trim at max	MSRP
BMW X5	7,200 lb	sDrive40i RWD	$59,400
Jeep Grand Cherokee L	6,200 lb	Limited 4x2	$44,405
Toyota Highlander	5,000 lb	L FWD	$35,085
Lexus RX (this car)	3,500 lb	350 FWD	$45,220
Toyota RAV4	3,500 lb	Adventure AWD	$33,455
Acura RDX	1,500 lb	FWD	$38,400

Lists by trailer weight

Other models rated for these weights.

What can tow 1,500 lb? 173 models (2026)
What can tow 2,000 lb? 155 models (2026)
What can tow 3,500 lb? 135 models (2026)

What this cannot tell you

Ratings need the right hitch and tow package.

Passengers and cargo count against the payload.

2 or more sources
1 source
Model-level, rule or estimate
Sources disagree

How values are checked