2021 Toyota Highlander towing capacity
Max tow rating
5,000lb
- L FWD, 3.5L.
- Base trim: 5,000 lb.
- Top 34% of 127 SUVs (2021).
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
- 97% of 4,145 lb
Over the 85% curb weight guideline.
Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 14-19 mpg.
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
| Trailer | Loaded weight | Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Teardrop camper | 1,000 to 2,500 lb | Yes |
| Utility trailer | 1,000 to 3,000 lb | Yes |
| Pop-up camper | 1,500 to 3,000 lb | Yes |
| Boat on a trailer | 2,000 to 6,000 lb | Some, up to 4,000 lb |
| Small travel trailer | 3,000 to 5,000 lb | Some, up to 4,000 lb |
| 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 5,000 lb: L FWD, $35,085.
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Tow rating | Payload | GVWR | Curb weight | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L FWD | 3.5L | FWD | 5,000 lb | N/A | N/A | 4,145 lb | $35,085 |
| L AWD | 3.5L 6cyl | AWD | 5,000 lb | N/A | N/A | 4,330 lb | $36,685 |
| LE FWD | 3.5L | FWD | 5,000 lb | N/A | N/A | 4,145 lb | $37,285 |
| LE AWD | 3.5L 6cyl | AWD | 5,000 lb | 1,370 lb | 5,700 lb | 4,330 lb | $38,885 |
| XLE FWD | 3.5L | FWD | 5,000 lb | N/A | N/A | 4,195 lb | $40,085 |
| XSE FWD | 3.5L | FWD | 5,000 lb | N/A | N/A | 4,205 lb | $41,680 |
| XLE AWD | 3.5L 6cyl | AWD | 5,000 lb | 1,340 lb | 5,710 lb | 4,370 lb | $41,685 |
| XSE AWD | 3.5L 6cyl | AWD | 5,000 lb | N/A | N/A | 4,400 lb | $43,630 |
| Limited FWD | 3.5L | FWD | 5,000 lb | N/A | N/A | 4,123 lb to 4,260 lb | $44,040 |
| Limited AWD | 3.5L 6cyl | AWD | 5,000 lb | 1,280 lb | 5,730 lb | 4,450 lb | $45,990 |
| Platinum FWD | 3.5L | FWD | 5,000 lb | N/A | N/A | 4,123 lb to 4,260 lb | $47,240 |
| Platinum AWD | 3.5L 6cyl | AWD | 5,000 lb | 1,280 lb | 5,730 lb | 4,450 lb | $49,190 |
| Hybrid LE FWD | 2.5L | FWD | 3,500 lb | N/A | N/A | 4,123 lb to 4,330 lb | $38,735 |
| Hybrid LE AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 3,500 lb | 1,340 lb | 5,805 lb | 4,465 lb | $40,335 |
| Hybrid XLE FWD | 2.5L | FWD | 3,500 lb | N/A | N/A | 4,123 lb to 4,365 lb | $41,535 |
| Hybrid XLE AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 3,500 lb | 1,300 lb | 5,815 lb | 4,515 lb | $43,135 |
| Hybrid Limited FWD | 2.5L | FWD | 3,500 lb | N/A | N/A | 4,123 lb to 4,430 lb | $45,490 |
| Hybrid Limited AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 3,500 lb | 1,305 lb | 5,900 lb | 4,595 lb | $47,440 |
| Hybrid Platinum FWD | 2.5L | FWD | 3,500 lb | N/A | N/A | 4,123 lb to 4,430 lb | $48,690 |
| Hybrid Platinum AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 3,500 lb | 1,305 lb | 5,900 lb | 4,595 lb | $50,640 |
Max rating by year
Same max rating from 2009 to 2026: 5,000 lb.
Rivals: max tow rating
| Model | Max tow rating | Cheapest trim at max | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer | 5,600 lb | ST 4WD | $49,000 |
| Toyota Highlander (this car) | 5,000 lb | L FWD | $35,085 |
| Honda Pilot | 5,000 lb | Touring AWD | $45,220 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 5,000 lb | SE FWD | $32,675 |
| Kia Telluride | 5,000 lb | LX FWD | $32,190 |
| Kia Sorento | 3,500 lb | EX FWD | $34,990 |
| Lexus RX | 3,500 lb | 350 FWD | $45,220 |
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 can tow 5,000 lb? 92 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