2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime towing capacity
Max tow rating
3,500lb
- RAV4 Adventure AWD, 2.5L 4cyl.
- Base trim: 2,500 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
- 77% of 3,615 lb
Within the 85% curb weight guideline.
Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 17-22 mpg.
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
| 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: RAV4 Adventure AWD.
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Tow rating | Payload | GVWR | Curb weight | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAV4 Adventure AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 3,500 lb | N/A | N/A | 3,615 lb | N/A |
| RAV4 TRD Off-Road AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 3,500 lb | N/A | N/A | 3,655 lb | N/A |
| SE AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 2,500 lb | 1,295 lb | 5,530 lb | 4,235 lb | $38,350 |
| XSE AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 2,500 lb | 1,230 lb | 5,530 lb | 4,300 lb | $41,675 |
| RAV4 Hybrid LE AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 1,750 lb | N/A | N/A | 3,690 lb | N/A |
| RAV4 Hybrid XLE AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 1,750 lb | N/A | N/A | 3,755 lb | N/A |
| RAV4 Hybrid XSE AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 1,750 lb | N/A | N/A | 3,755 lb | N/A |
| RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 1,750 lb | N/A | N/A | 3,780 lb | N/A |
| RAV4 Hybrid XLE Premium AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 1,750 lb | N/A | N/A | 3,755 lb | N/A |
| RAV4 LE AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 1,500 lb | N/A | N/A | 3,490 lb | N/A |
| RAV4 XLE AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 1,500 lb | N/A | N/A | 3,490 lb | N/A |
| RAV4 Limited AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 1,500 lb | N/A | N/A | 3,620 lb | N/A |
| RAV4 XLE Premium AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 1,500 lb | N/A | N/A | 3,490 lb | N/A |
Max rating by year
Same max rating from 2021 to 2024: 3,500 lb.
Rivals: max tow rating
| Model | Max tow rating | Cheapest trim at max | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota 4Runner | 5,000 lb | SR5 2WD | $36,765 |
| Toyota RAV4 Prime (this car) | 3,500 lb | RAV4 Adventure AWD | N/A |
| Tesla Model Y | 3,500 lb | Standard Range RWD | $39,990 |
| INFINITI QX50 | 3,000 lb | PURE FWD | $38,050 |
| Lexus NX | 2,000 lb | 300 FWD | $37,610 |
| 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