Toyota Highlander Towing Guide: The Family Adventure SUV

Which Highlander Do You Drive? (Know Your Limit)

Before browsing inventory, identify which "Towing Club" your vehicle belongs to.

• The 5,000 lb Club:

  • Highlander V6 (2008–2022): The legendary 3.5L V6 is rated for 5,000 lbs when equipped with the tow package.

  • Highlander 2.4L Turbo (2023+): The new turbo gas engine maintains the 5,000 lb standard.

  • Grand Highlander Gas & Hybrid MAX: Both the gas model and the powerful "Hybrid MAX" are rated for 5,000 lbs.

  • Best Match: Travel Trailers Under 4,500 lbs like the Forest River Wolf Pup or Jayco Jay Feather Micro.

• The 3,500 lb Club:

  • Highlander Hybrid (Standard): All standard hybrid models are capped at 3,500 lbs to protect the electric motors.

  • Grand Highlander Hybrid (Standard): Despite being larger, the standard hybrid powertrain is still limited to 3,500 lbs.

  • Best Match: Travel Trailers Under 3,500 lbs like the Prolite Plus or Winnebago Micro Minnie.

• The 1,500 lb Club:

  • Older 4-cylinder base models (non-turbo) are often limited to 1,500 lbs.

  • Best Match: Teardrop Trailers or Pop-Ups.

Grand Highlander vs. Standard Highlander: The Size Advantage

While the towing numbers might look similar (5,000 lbs), the Grand Highlander has a significant advantage: Wheelbase. The Grand Highlander is longer, which provides better stability when towing 20+ foot trailers on the highway. The longer wheelbase helps resist "tail wagging the dog" (sway) better than the standard Highlander, making it a superior choice for larger families.

The "Payload Trap": Watch Your Passenger Weight

This is the #1 mistake Highlander owners make. Your vehicle has a Payload Capacity (usually 1,300–1,600 lbs). This number must include:

1. All passengers (Mom, Dad, Kids, Dog).

2. Cargo in the trunk.

3. The Trailer Tongue Weight (usually 400–600 lbs).

If you load 7 people into a Highlander, you may have very little payload left for a trailer tongue. We highly recommend using our Towing Guide Resource Center to calculate your real-world limits before purchasing.

Essential Upgrades for Highlander Towing

• Brake Controller: Most Highlanders do not come with a factory trailer brake controller. You will likely need a Redarc or Bluetooth controller installed by our Service Department to activate your trailer's brakes.

• Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH): Because the Highlander is a unibody SUV with soft suspension for comfort, a WDH is critical to prevent rear-end sag and keep your front tires firmly planted on the road.

Ready to Escape?

Your Highlander is the perfect weekend escape vehicle.

• Shop Safe Matches: Browse our curated list of Travel Trailers Under 4,000 lbs.

• Upgrade Your Setup: Still towing a tent trailer? Value Your Trade and step up to a unit with a full bathroom.

• Get Hitched: Need a brake controller installed? Schedule an appointment with our Service Team today.