2026 Toyota Highlander towing capacity
Max tow rating
5,000lb
- XLE AWD, 2.4L 4cyl.
- Base trim: 5,000 lb.
- Top 37% of 147 SUVs (2026).
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 4,376 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: XLE AWD, $46,270.
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Tow rating | Payload | GVWR | Curb weight | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XLE AWD | 2.4L 4cyl | AWD | 5,000 lb | 1,594 lb | 5,970 lb | 4,376 lb | $46,270 |
| XSE AWD | 2.4L 4cyl | AWD | 5,000 lb | 1,550 lb | 5,970 lb | 4,420 lb | $48,340 |
| Limited AWD | 2.4L 4cyl | AWD | 5,000 lb | 1,517 lb | 5,970 lb | 4,453 lb | $50,725 |
| Platinum AWD | 2.4L 4cyl | AWD | 5,000 lb | 1,517 lb | 5,970 lb | 4,453 lb | $53,925 |
| Hybrid XLE AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 3,500 lb | 1,485 lb | 6,000 lb | 4,515 lb | $48,020 |
| Hybrid Limited AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 3,500 lb | 1,405 lb | 6,000 lb | 4,595 lb | $52,475 |
| Hybrid Platinum AWD | 2.5L 4cyl | AWD | 3,500 lb | 1,405 lb | 6,000 lb | 4,595 lb | $55,675 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander (this car) | 5,000 lb | XLE AWD | $46,270 |
| Ford Explorer | 5,000 lb | Active RWD | $38,465 |
| Honda Pilot | 5,000 lb | Sport AWD | $44,495 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 5,000 lb | SE FWD | $39,435 |
| Kia Sorento | 4,500 lb | X-Pro SX Prestige AWD | $47,790 |
| Lexus RX | 3,500 lb | 350 FWD | $51,225 |
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