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2021 Toyota RAV4 towing capacity

Max tow rating

3,500lb

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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.

05,00010,00015,000Teardrop camperUtility trailerPop-up camperBoat on a trailerSmall travel trailerMid-size travel trailerCar on a car haulerLarge travel trailerFifth wheel80%: 2,800 lbRating: 3,500 lb
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
TrailerLoaded weightFits
Teardrop camper1,000 to 2,500 lbYes
Utility trailer1,000 to 3,000 lbSome, up to 2,800 lb
Pop-up camper1,500 to 3,000 lbSome, up to 2,800 lb
Boat on a trailer2,000 to 6,000 lbSome, up to 2,800 lb
Small travel trailer3,000 to 5,000 lbNo
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 3,500 lb: Adventure AWD, $33,455.

2021 Toyota RAV4 tow rating by trim
TrimEngineDrivetrainTow ratingPayloadGVWRCurb weightMSRP
Adventure AWD2.5L 4cylAWD3,500 lb1,090 lb4,705 lb3,615 lb$33,455
TRD Off-Road AWD2.5L 4cylAWD3,500 lb1,050 lb4,705 lb3,655 lb$36,080
Prime SE AWD2.5L 4cylAWD2,500 lb1,295 lb5,530 lb3,490 lb to 4,235 lbN/A
Prime XSE AWD2.5L 4cylAWD2,500 lb1,230 lb5,530 lb3,490 lb to 4,300 lbN/A
Hybrid LE AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,750 lb1,230 lb4,920 lb3,690 lb$28,900
Hybrid XLE AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,750 lb1,165 lb4,920 lb3,755 lb$30,195
Hybrid XLE Premium AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,750 lb1,165 lb4,920 lb3,755 lb$32,900
Hybrid XSE AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,750 lb1,165 lb4,920 lb3,755 lb$34,850
Hybrid Limited AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,750 lb1,140 lb4,920 lb3,780 lb$37,430
LE FWD2.5LFWD1,500 lbN/AN/A3,370 lb$26,350
XLE FWD2.5LFWD1,500 lbN/AN/A3,405 lb$27,645
LE AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb1,120 lb4,610 lb3,490 lb$27,750
XLE AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb1,095 lb4,585 lb3,490 lb$29,045
XLE Premium FWD2.5LFWD1,500 lbN/AN/A3,405 lb$30,350
XLE Premium AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb1,095 lb4,585 lb3,490 lb$31,750
Limited FWD2.5LFWD1,500 lbN/AN/A3,369 lb to 3,485 lb$34,880
Limited AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,500 lb1,085 lb4,705 lb3,620 lb$36,280

Max rating by year

01,0002,0003,0004,0002009201220152018202120242026
Highest rating each year, 2009 to 2026. Pounds.
  • Changed in 2013: 3,500 lb to 1,500 lb.
  • Changed in 2016: 1,500 lb to 1,750 lb.
  • Changed in 2018: 1,750 lb to 3,500 lb.
  • Changed in 2025: 3,500 lb to 2,500 lb.
  • Changed in 2026: 2,500 lb to 3,500 lb.

Rivals: max tow rating

2021 rivals by max tow rating
ModelMax tow ratingCheapest trim at maxMSRP
Toyota 4Runner5,000 lbSR5 2WD$36,765
Toyota Highlander5,000 lbL FWD$35,085
Toyota RAV4 (this car)3,500 lbAdventure AWD$33,455
Subaru Outback3,500 lbOnyx Edition XT AWD$35,145
Honda CR-V1,500 lbLX 2WD$25,350
Subaru Forester1,500 lbAWD$24,795

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