Review Toyota 4Runner towing capacity by year, trim, engine, and drivetrain.
Highest listed configuration
10 model years
Trim/engine rows represented
The Toyota 4Runner is a SUV with towing capacity that varies by model year, trim, engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, payload, and factory towing equipment. Towlytics lists the Toyota 4Runner with a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped.
The Toyota 4Runner towing package usually includes the core equipment required to tow safely, such as a hitch receiver, wiring harness, trailer stability features, and sometimes upgraded cooling or drivetrain-specific equipment. Exact package content changes by year and trim.
The Toyota 4Runner is best suited for small to midsize campers, boats, utility trailers, and lightweight enclosed trailers when properly equipped. Always confirm the exact rating on the vehicle certification label, owner's manual, and manufacturer towing guide before towing.
Towlytics lists the Toyota 4Runner with a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. Actual capacity depends on the specific year, trim, engine, drivetrain, payload, and towing package.
Some Toyota 4Runner configurations may require a factory towing package or specific equipment to reach the highest tow rating. Check the exact year and trim because hitch, wiring, cooling, axle ratio, and brake-controller availability can change by configuration.
The Toyota 4Runner may be able to tow a camper depending on the camper's loaded weight, tongue weight, passengers, cargo, and the vehicle's payload rating. Compare the loaded trailer weight against the exact tow rating and keep tongue weight within payload limits.
This SUV profile is often used for outdoor towing. The best setup balances hitch rating, departure angle, wiring protection, and trailer stability on both highway and uneven access roads. For the Toyota 4Runner, start with fitment-specific parts and confirm all ratings against the owner’s manual, door-jamb payload label, hitch label, and trailer manufacturer specs.
Vehicle-specific Class III receiver or factory receiver with attention to clearance and recovery-point separation.
4-pin for small utility/adventure trailers; 7-pin if brakes, auxiliary power, or camper charging are needed.
Adjustable ball mount with the correct rise/drop for lifted vehicles or off-road trailer couplers.
Recommended for heavier adventure trailers and campers with electric brakes.
Consider sway control for compact campers and tall off-road trailers used at highway speeds.
Recovery gear stored separately from towing hardware, coupler lock, wheel chocks, and trailer spare/tire tools.
Utility trailers, small campers, adventure trailers, boats, motorcycles, and off-road cargo trailers are the most logical starting points. The final answer depends on loaded trailer weight, tongue weight, passenger weight, cargo, drivetrain, tow package, and whether the trailer has brakes.
| Year | Max Towing | Engine options listed | Configs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 5,000 lbs | 4.0L V6 | 1 |
| 2016 | 5,000 lbs | 4.0L V6 | 1 |
| 2017 | 5,000 lbs | 4.0L V6 | 1 |
| 2018 | 5,000 lbs | 4.0L V6 | 1 |
| 2019 | 5,000 lbs | 4.0L V6 | 1 |
| 2020 | 5,000 lbs | 4.0L V6 | 1 |
| 2021 | 5,000 lbs | 4.0L V6 | 2 |
| 2022 | 5,000 lbs | 4.0L V6 | 1 |
| 2023 | 5,000 lbs | 4.0L V6 | 1 |
| 2024 | 5,000 lbs | 4.0L V6 | 1 |
| Year | Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Max Towing | Payload | Tow Package | GCWR | Generation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | SR5 | 4.0L V6 | 4x4 | 5,000 lbs | 1,550 lbs | Yes | 12,000 lbs | Gen5 |
| 2015 | SR5 | 4.0L V6 | 4x4 | 5,000 lbs | 1,550 lbs | Yes | 12,000 lbs | Gen5 |
| 2016 | SR5 | 4.0L V6 | 4x4 | 5,000 lbs | 1,550 lbs | Yes | 12,000 lbs | Gen5 |
| 2017 | SR5 | 4.0L V6 | 4x4 | 5,000 lbs | 1,550 lbs | Yes | 12,000 lbs | Gen5 |
| 2018 | SR5 | 4.0L V6 | 4x4 | 5,000 lbs | 1,550 lbs | Yes | 12,000 lbs | Gen5 |
| 2019 | SR5 | 4.0L V6 | 4x4 | 5,000 lbs | 1,550 lbs | Yes | 12,000 lbs | Gen5 |
| 2020 | SR5 | 4.0L V6 | 4x4 | 5,000 lbs | 1,550 lbs | Yes | 12,000 lbs | Gen5 |
| 2021 | SR5 | 4.0L V6 | 4x4 | 5,000 lbs | 1,550 lbs | Yes | 12,000 lbs | Gen5 |
| 2022 | SR5 | 4.0L V6 | 4x4 | 5,000 lbs | 1,550 lbs | Yes | 12,000 lbs | Gen5 |
| 2023 | SR5 | 4.0L V6 | 4x4 | 5,000 lbs | 1,550 lbs | Yes | 12,000 lbs | Gen5 |
| 2024 | SR5 | 4.0L V6 | 4x4 | 5,000 lbs | 1,550 lbs | Yes | 12,000 lbs | Gen5 |