The Toyota Highlander is a versatile midsize SUV that offers an impressive blend of interior space, comfort features, and robust towing capability. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a weekend warrior, or someone who frequently needs to haul cargo, the Highlander's towing capacity makes it a compelling choice in its segment. This article will delve into the Highlander's maximum towing capacity across different trim levels, its towing-focused features and technologies, safe towing practices, real-world towing scenarios, and how it compares to its competitors.
The Toyota Highlander's towing capacity varies depending on the trim level and powertrain configuration. Here's a breakdown of the maximum towing capacity for different Highlander models:
| Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| Gas-powered XLE, Limited, Platinum (FWD or AWD) | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Hybrid MAX Limited and Hybrid MAX Platinum | Up to 5,500 lbs |
| Hybrid XLE and Hybrid Limited | Up to 3,500 lbs |
As you can see, the gas-powered XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, regardless of whether they are equipped with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). For those seeking even greater towing prowess, the Highlander Hybrid MAX Limited and Hybrid MAX Platinum trims offer a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,500 pounds, combining robust towing capability with improved fuel efficiency.
On the other hand, the standard Hybrid XLE and Hybrid Limited trims have a lower towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds, which may be sufficient for lighter towing needs but may not meet the demands of those requiring more substantial hauling capabilities.
When it comes to towing capacity, the Toyota Highlander holds its own against its direct competitors in the midsize SUV segment. Here's how it stacks up against some of its rivals:
Ford Explorer: Up to 5,600 lbs
Honda Pilot: Up to 5,000 lbs
Subaru Ascent: Up to 5,000 lbs
While the Ford Explorer edges out the Highlander's top-tier trims with a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds, the Highlander matches or exceeds the towing capabilities of the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent. It's worth noting that while towing capacity is an essential factor, it's not the only consideration when choosing a midsize SUV. Factors such as interior space, fuel efficiency, and overall driving dynamics also play a crucial role in the decision-making process.
To ensure a smooth and confident towing experience, the Toyota Highlander is equipped with several towing-focused features and technologies designed to enhance safety, stability, and performance.
One of the most notable features is the Trailer Sway Control system, which helps detect and mitigate trailer sway. This system applies brake pressure to individual wheels and adjusts engine torque to help maintain control and stability, ensuring a more secure and comfortable towing experience, especially in challenging conditions.
Certain Highlander trim levels are available with a transmission cooler, which helps keep the transmission operating at optimal temperatures when towing heavy loads. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who frequently tow trailers or boats over long distances, as it helps prevent transmission overheating and potential damage.
For those who plan to tow regularly, Toyota offers an optional towing package for the Highlander. This package includes:
Heavy-duty radiator with an engine oil cooler
Upgraded fan cooling
Robust alternator to handle increased electrical demands
These enhancements help ensure that the Highlander can handle the added stress of towing without compromising performance or reliability.
The Highlander's available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and Multi-Terrain Select modes (Normal, Sport, Eco, and Trail) provide enhanced traction and control, making it easier to tow on various road surfaces and in challenging conditions. These features can be particularly beneficial when towing on slippery or uneven terrain, such as muddy trails or snowy roads.
While the Toyota Highlander offers impressive towing capabilities, it's crucial to follow safe towing practices to ensure a smooth and secure experience. Adhering to these guidelines can help prevent accidents, minimize wear and tear on the vehicle, and ensure a more enjoyable towing experience.
Proper weight distribution is critical when towing. Ensuring that the cargo inside the trailer is evenly distributed and that the tongue weight (the weight exerted by the trailer on the vehicle's hitch) is within the specified range is essential for balanced weight distribution and vehicle stability. Failure to properly distribute the weight can lead to handling issues, increased wear on the vehicle's components, and potential safety hazards.
Depending on the weight of the trailer, it may require its own braking system. While the Highlander's Trailer Sway Control can help maintain stability, trailers above a certain weight may necessitate independent brakes for additional safety and control. Consult the owner's manual or a professional for guidance on when trailer brakes are required.
Properly hitching the trailer to the Toyota Highlander is vital for safe and secure towing. Here are some essential hitching techniques:
Use a high-quality hitch that matches the trailer's weight rating
Ensure that all connections are secure
Double-check that safety chains are correctly attached
Verify that the lights and brakes are operational
Following these steps can help prevent potential issues on the road.
The Toyota Highlander's owner's manual provides comprehensive information and guidelines for safe towing practices. Referring to the manual is crucial to ensure that you are following the manufacturer's recommendations for weight limits, hitching procedures, and other important considerations specific to your vehicle.
Be aware of towing regulations in your region, including:
Speed limits for vehicles towing trailers
Trailer width restrictions
Specific rules for towing on highways
Adhering to these regulations not only ensures compliance with the law but also promotes safety for you and other drivers on the road.
Highlander owners have put their SUVs to the test in various real-life towing scenarios, demonstrating the vehicle's towing capacity in action. These scenarios highlight the versatility and capability of the Highlander in different towing situations.
For families seeking adventure, the Toyota Highlander's towing capacity opens up opportunities for towing travel trailers or campers for family getaways. Whether it's a weekend escape or an extended cross-country road trip, the Highlander's towing capabilities allow families to bring along the comforts of home while exploring new destinations.
One Highlander owner, John, shared his experience of towing a travel trailer for family adventures. With the LE model, he could comfortably tow a spacious trailer, accommodating his family of four. Whether it was a weekend getaway or a cross-country road trip, the Highlander's towing capabilities allowed his family to explore new destinations without compromising on comfort.
Outdoor enthusiasts like boaters, anglers, and adventurers can take advantage of the Highlander's towing capacity to transport their gear and equipment. With the ability to tow boats, personal watercraft, or off-road vehicles, the Highlander enables these outdoor enthusiasts to pursue their passions without compromising on convenience or capability.
Sarah, an outdoor enthusiast, shared her experience of towing a boat with her Highlander Limited. She could easily tow her boat to serene lakeside destinations, enabling her to enjoy water sports and fishing trips with ease.
When it comes to moving or hauling large loads, the Toyota Highlander's towing capacity can be a game-changer. Whether it's towing a U-Haul trailer loaded with belongings or hauling equipment for a job site, the Highlander's robust towing capabilities make it a reliable and versatile choice for these tasks.
Mike, a Highlander Hybrid MAX owner, relied on his vehicle to tow a U-Haul trailer loaded with his belongings when moving across town. Despite the heavy load, the Highlander's powerful hybrid powertrain and towing capacity made the task manageable, saving him the cost of hiring a moving company.
With its impressive towing capacity, robust towing features, and real-world versatility, the Toyota Highlander emerges as a compelling choice for those seeking a capable and comfortable midsize SUV that can handle their towing needs with ease. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a weekend warrior, or someone who frequently needs to haul cargo, the Highlander's towing capabilities, combined with its spacious interior and advanced technologies, make it a standout option in its class.
The maximum towing capacity of the Toyota Highlander is 5,000 lbs for gas-powered models and 3,500 lbs for hybrid models when properly equipped.
Yes, the Toyota Highlander requires an optional towing package to achieve its maximum towing capacity, which includes features like a transmission cooler and engine oil cooler.
Yes, the Toyota Highlander's towing capacity is sufficient for towing many types of travel trailers, pop-up campers, and small to medium-sized boats when properly equipped.
The Toyota Highlander's maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs is competitive with other midsize SUVs like the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Subaru Ascent.
The Toyota Highlander offers features like Trailer Sway Control, a weight distribution hitch, and Multi-Terrain Select modes to enhance towing stability and control.
Yes, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid models have a towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs, which is suitable for towing smaller trailers or boats.
The recommended tongue weight for towing with a Toyota Highlander is typically 10-15% of the total trailer weight, but consult your owner's manual for specific guidelines.
Yes, towing a trailer or heavy load will significantly reduce the Toyota Highlander's fuel economy, especially when towing at or near its maximum capacity.
It is generally recommended to use a weight distribution hitch when towing near the Toyota Highlander's maximum capacity to improve stability and reduce strain on the vehicle.
Regular maintenance like transmission fluid changes, brake inspections, and tire rotations are recommended when towing frequently with a Toyota Highlander to ensure safe operation.
Sarah isn't your average gearhead. With a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Technology, she dived straight into the world of car repair. After 15 years of turning wrenches at dealerships and independent shops, Sarah joined MICDOT to share her expertise and passion for making cars run like new. Her in-depth knowledge and knack for explaining complex issues in simple terms make her a valuable asset to our team.