Review Toyota Highlander towing capacity by year, trim, engine, and drivetrain.
Highest listed configuration
10 model years
Trim/engine rows represented
The Toyota Highlander 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 Highlander with a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped.
The Toyota Highlander 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 Highlander 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 Highlander 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 Highlander 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 Highlander 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 vehicle can cover more than basic utility towing, but the right parts depend heavily on factory tow package, drivetrain, and loaded trailer weight. For the Toyota Highlander, 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 hitch or factory receiver when equipped.
4-pin wiring for small trailers; 7-pin wiring if towing a camper, boat trailer with brakes, or enclosed trailer with electric brakes.
Adjustable ball mount if trailer heights vary, otherwise a properly dropped fixed ball mount.
Recommended when towing trailers with electric brakes; use a vehicle-specific harness when available.
Consider sway control for compact campers, taller enclosed trailers, or frequent highway towing.
Extended mirrors if visibility is limited, wheel chocks, trailer lock, and a tongue-weight scale for camper setups.
Utility trailers, small boats, personal watercraft, compact campers, and light enclosed 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 | 3.5L V6 | 1 |
| 2016 | 5,000 lbs | 3.5L V6 | 1 |
| 2017 | 5,000 lbs | 3.5L V6 | 1 |
| 2018 | 5,000 lbs | 3.5L V6 | 1 |
| 2019 | 5,000 lbs | 3.5L V6 | 1 |
| 2020 | 5,000 lbs | 3.5L V6 | 1 |
| 2021 | 5,000 lbs | 3.5L V6 | 1 |
| 2022 | 5,000 lbs | 3.5L V6 | 1 |
| 2023 | 5,000 lbs | 3.5L V6 | 1 |
| 2024 | 5,000 lbs | 3.5L V6 | 1 |
| Year | Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Max Towing | Payload | Tow Package | GCWR | Generation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | XLE | 3.5L V6 | AWD | 5,000 lbs | 1,450 lbs | Yes | 10,000 lbs | Gen3 |
| 2016 | XLE | 3.5L V6 | AWD | 5,000 lbs | 1,450 lbs | Yes | 10,000 lbs | Gen3 |
| 2017 | XLE | 3.5L V6 | AWD | 5,000 lbs | 1,450 lbs | Yes | 10,000 lbs | Gen3 |
| 2018 | XLE | 3.5L V6 | AWD | 5,000 lbs | 1,450 lbs | Yes | 10,000 lbs | Gen3 |
| 2019 | XLE | 3.5L V6 | AWD | 5,000 lbs | 1,450 lbs | Yes | 10,000 lbs | Gen3 |
| 2020 | XLE | 3.5L V6 | AWD | 5,000 lbs | 1,500 lbs | Yes | 10,000 lbs | Gen4 |
| 2021 | XLE | 3.5L V6 | AWD | 5,000 lbs | 1,500 lbs | Yes | 10,000 lbs | Gen4 |
| 2022 | XLE | 3.5L V6 | AWD | 5,000 lbs | 1,500 lbs | Yes | 10,000 lbs | Gen4 |
| 2023 | XLE | 3.5L V6 | AWD | 5,000 lbs | 1,500 lbs | Yes | 10,000 lbs | Gen4 |
| 2024 | XLE | 3.5L V6 | AWD | 5,000 lbs | 1,500 lbs | Yes | 10,000 lbs | Gen4 |