2025 Toyota Highlander towing capacity
Max tow rating
5,000lb
- LE FWD, 2.4L.
- Base trim: 5,000 lb.
- Top 34% of 159 SUVs (2025).
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
- 96% of 4,155 lb
Over the 85% curb weight guideline.
Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 15-20 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: LE FWD, $40,320.
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Tow rating | Payload | GVWR | Curb weight | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LE FWD | 2.4L | FWD | 5,000 lb | 1,715 lb | 5,870 lb | 4,155 lb | $40,320 |
| LE AWD | 2.4L 4cyl | AWD | 5,000 lb | N/A | N/A | 4,332 lb | $41,920 |
| XLE FWD | 2.4L | FWD | 5,000 lb | 1,671 lb | 5,870 lb | 4,199 lb | $43,470 |
| XLE AWD | 2.4L 4cyl | AWD | 5,000 lb | N/A | N/A | 4,376 lb | $45,070 |
| XSE AWD | 2.4L 4cyl | AWD | 5,000 lb | 1,550 lb | 5,970 lb | 4,420 lb | $47,140 |
| Limited FWD | 2.4L | FWD | 5,000 lb | 1,417 lb | 5,870 lb | 4,453 lb | $47,575 |
| Limited AWD | 2.4L 4cyl | AWD | 5,000 lb | N/A | N/A | 4,453 lb | $49,525 |
| Platinum AWD | 2.4L 4cyl | AWD | 5,000 lb | 1,517 lb | 5,970 lb | 4,453 lb | $52,725 |
| Hybrid XLE AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 3,500 lb | 1,485 lb | 6,000 lb | 4,515 lb | $46,820 |
| Hybrid Nightshade AWD | 2.5L | AWD | 3,500 lb | N/A | N/A | 4,595 lb | $47,820 |
| Hybrid XLE Nightshade AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 3,500 lb | 1,485 lb | 6,000 lb | 4,515 lb | $47,820 |
| Hybrid Limited AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 3,500 lb | 1,405 lb | 6,000 lb | 4,595 lb | $51,275 |
| Hybrid 25th Anniversary Edition AWD | 2.5L | AWD | 3,500 lb | N/A | N/A | 4,595 lb | $52,980 |
| Hybrid Platinum AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 3,500 lb | 1,405 lb | 6,000 lb | 4,595 lb | $54,475 |
| Hybrid Limited 25th Edition AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 3,500 lb | 1,405 lb | 6,000 lb | 4,595 lb | $52,980 to $53,480 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Telluride | 5,500 lb | EX X-Pro AWD | $47,385 |
| Toyota Highlander (this car) | 5,000 lb | LE FWD | $40,320 |
| Ford Explorer | 5,000 lb | Active RWD | $40,050 |
| Honda Pilot | 5,000 lb | Sport AWD | $42,300 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 5,000 lb | SE FWD | $37,200 |
| Kia Sorento | 4,500 lb | X-Pro SX Prestige AWD | $47,390 |
| Lexus RX | 3,500 lb | 350 FWD | $48,975 |
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