Skip to content
GizmoDriver

2026 Toyota RAV4 towing capacity

Max tow rating

3,500lb

Pick another car

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
72% of 3,865 lb

Within the 85% curb weight guideline.

Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 26-34 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: SE FWD, $34,700.

2026 Toyota RAV4 tow rating by trim
TrimEngineDrivetrainTow ratingPayloadGVWRCurb weightMSRP
SE FWD2.5LFWD3,500 lb1,055 lb4,920 lb3,865 lb$34,700
XLE Premium FWD2.5L 4cylFWD3,500 lb1,055 lb4,920 lb3,865 lb$36,100
SE AWD2.5L 4cylAWD3,500 lbN/AN/A3,920 lb$36,100
Woodland Edition AWD2.5L 4cylAWD3,500 lb1,000 lb4,920 lb3,920 lb$39,900
XSE AWD2.5L 4cylAWD3,500 lb1,000 lb4,920 lb3,920 lb$41,300
Plug-in Hybrid SE AWD2.5L 4cylAWD3,500 lbN/A5,530 lb3,746 lb to 4,435 lb$41,500
Limited AWD2.5L 4cylAWD3,500 lb1,000 lb4,920 lb3,920 lb$43,300
Plug-in Hybrid Woodland AWD2.5L 4cylAWD3,500 lbN/A5,530 lb3,746 lb to 4,500 lb$45,300
Plug-in Hybrid XSE AWD2.5L 4cylAWD3,500 lbN/A5,530 lb3,746 lb to 4,540 lb$47,200
XLE Premium AWD2.5L 4cylAWD3,500 lbN/AN/A3,920 lb$36,100 to $37,500
LE FWD2.5LFWD1,750 lbN/A4,920 lb3,640 lb to 3,885 lb$31,900
LE AWD2.5L 4cylAWD1,750 lbN/AN/A3,920 lb$33,300

No rating listed: 4 trims.

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

2026 rivals by max tow rating
ModelMax tow ratingCheapest trim at maxMSRP
Toyota 4Runner6,000 lbSR5 2WD$42,270
Toyota Highlander5,000 lbXLE AWD$46,270
Toyota RAV4 (this car)3,500 lbSE FWD$34,700
Subaru Forester3,500 lbWilderness AWD$36,995
Subaru Outback3,500 lbLimited XT AWD$44,365
Honda CR-V1,500 lbLX 2WD$30,920
Toyota Corolla Cross1,500 lbL 2WD$25,335

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