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2021 Toyota 4Runner towing capacity

Max tow rating

5,000lb

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Trailer check

Yes. 4,000 lb is within 80% of the rating.

Tow rating
5,000 lb
80% rule
Up to 4,000 lb
Margin
1,000 lb (20%)
Hitch class needed
III, up to 8,000 lb
Share of curb weight
91% of 4,400 lb

Over the 85% curb weight guideline.

Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 10-14 mpg.

05,00010,00015,000Teardrop camperUtility trailerPop-up camperBoat on a trailerSmall travel trailerMid-size travel trailerCar on a car haulerLarge travel trailerFifth wheel80%: 4,000 lbRating: 5,000 lb
Pounds. Blue: fits under 4,000 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
5,000 lb
80% of the rating
4,000 lb
Hitch class at max
III, up to 8,000 lb
What it can pull at 4,000 lb
TrailerLoaded weightFits
Teardrop camper1,000 to 2,500 lbYes
Utility trailer1,000 to 3,000 lbYes
Pop-up camper1,500 to 3,000 lbYes
Boat on a trailer2,000 to 6,000 lbSome, up to 4,000 lb
Small travel trailer3,000 to 5,000 lbSome, up to 4,000 lb
Mid-size travel trailer5,000 to 7,500 lbNo
Car on a car hauler5,500 to 7,500 lbNo
Large travel trailer7,500 to 10,000 lbNo
Fifth wheel10,000 to 16,000 lbNo

Trailer weights are typical loaded weights.

Tow rating by trim

Cheapest at 5,000 lb: SR5 2WD, $36,765.

2021 Toyota 4Runner tow rating by trim
TrimEngineDrivetrainTow ratingPayloadGVWRCurb weightMSRP
SR5 2WD4.0L2WD5,000 lb1,700 lb6,100 lb4,400 lb$36,765
SR5 4WD4.0L 6cyl4WD5,000 lb1,625 lb6,300 lb4,675 lb$38,640
Trail Edition RWDN/ARWD5,000 lbN/AN/A4,400 lb$38,740
Trail Special Edition 2WD4.0L2WD5,000 lb1,700 lb6,100 lb4,400 lb$38,740
SR5 Premium 2WD4.0L2WD5,000 lb1,700 lb6,100 lb4,400 lb$39,825
Trail Edition 4WDN/A4WD5,000 lbN/AN/A4,750 lb$40,615
Trail Special Edition 4WD4.0L 6cyl4WD5,000 lb1,625 lb6,300 lb4,675 lb$40,615
TRD Off-Road 4WD4.0L 6cyl4WD5,000 lb1,550 lb6,300 lb4,750 lb$40,730
SR5 Premium 4WD4.0L 6cyl4WD5,000 lb1,625 lb6,300 lb4,675 lb$41,700
TRD Off Road Premium 4WD4.0L4WD5,000 lb1,550 lb6,300 lb4,750 lb$43,325
TRD Off-Road Premium 4WD4.0L 6cyl4WD5,000 lb1,550 lb6,300 lb4,750 lb$43,325
Venture Special Edition 4WD4.0L 6cyl4WD5,000 lbN/AN/A4,750 lb$44,855
Venture 4WD4.0L4WD5,000 lb1,625 lb6,300 lb4,675 lb$44,895
Venture Edition 4WDN/A4WD5,000 lbN/AN/A4,750 lb$44,895
Limited 2WD4.0L2WD5,000 lb1,575 lb6,100 lb4,525 lb$45,670
Nightshade 2WD4.0L2WD5,000 lb1,575 lb6,100 lb4,525 lb$47,085
Nightshade Edition RWDN/ARWD5,000 lbN/AN/A4,400 lb$47,085
Limited 4WD4.0L 6cyl4WD5,000 lb1,495 lb6,300 lb4,805 lb$47,705
Nightshade Special Edition 4WD4.0L 6cyl4WD5,000 lb1,495 lb6,300 lb4,805 lb$49,080
Nightshade 4WD4.0L4WD5,000 lb1,495 lb6,300 lb4,805 lb$49,120
Nightshade Edition 4WDN/A4WD5,000 lbN/AN/A4,750 lb$49,120
TRD Pro 4WD4.0L 6cyl4WD5,000 lb1,550 lb6,300 lb4,750 lb$50,745

Max rating by year

02,0004,0006,0008,0002009201220152018202120242026
Highest rating each year, 2009 to 2026. Pounds.
  • Changed in 2010: 7,000 lb to 5,000 lb.
  • Changed in 2014: 5,000 lb to 4,700 lb.
  • Changed in 2016: 4,700 lb to 5,000 lb.
  • Changed in 2025: 5,000 lb to 6,000 lb.

Rivals: max tow rating

2021 rivals by max tow rating
ModelMax tow ratingCheapest trim at maxMSRP
Toyota Land Cruiser8,100 lb4WD$85,665
Toyota Sequoia7,400 lbSR5 RWD$50,400
Toyota Tacoma6,800 lbSR5 Access Cab 6' Bed V6 AT RWD$31,335
Toyota 4Runner (this car)5,000 lbSR5 2WD$36,765
Toyota Highlander5,000 lbL FWD$35,085
Ford Bronco3,500 lb4WD$28,500
Toyota RAV43,500 lbAdventure AWD$33,455

Lists by trailer weight

Other models rated for these weights.

What this cannot tell you

Ratings need the right hitch and tow package.

Passengers and cargo count against the payload.

How values are checked