Toyota 4Runner Towing Capacity (All Years 1984-2023)

The 4Runner was introduced into Toyota’s lineup as an SUV in 1984 and has been quite popular ever since. Toyota vehicles are known for their reliability and for having the features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the Toyota 4Runner tow capacity?

The Toyota 4Runner has a towing capacity of 4,700 to 7,300 pounds depending on the configuration, with most recent model years having a 5,000 lb max tow capacity.

There’s a bit more to know about Toyota 4Runner towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.

Toyota 4Runner Towing Capacity By Year

how much can a toyota 4runner tow
How much weight can a Toyota 4Runner tow is up to 7,300 lbs.

As we covered earlier, the current Toyota 4Runner can tow a maximum of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, with some older models being able to tow up to 7,300 lbs.

The 4Runner has been in production from 1984 through the present. We’ve listed out the maximum tow capacity by year below for reference.

Note that for each model year, there are many variables that affect the total towing capability of each vehicle year, so we recommend checking your specific 4Runner year and trim level in the links below for an in-depth guide and to get the most accurate information for that year.

Here’s the maximum Toyota 4Runner towing capacity by year:

2023 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2022 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2021 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2020 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2019 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2018 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2017 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2016 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2015 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2014 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2013 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2012 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2011 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2010 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2009 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 7,300 pounds

2008 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 7,300 pounds

2007 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 7,300 pounds

2006 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 7,300 pounds

2005 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 7,300 pounds

2004 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 7,300 pounds

2003 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2002 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2001 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

2000 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

1999 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

1998 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

1997 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

1996 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds

1995 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds

1994 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds

1993 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds

1992 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds

1991 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds

1990 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds

1989 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds

1988 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds

1987 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds

1986 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds

1985 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 3,000 pounds

1984 Toyota 4Runner Tow Capacity: 2,500 pounds

You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.

Here’s a video showing the Toyota 4Runner being put to a real-world towing test:

Toyota 4Runner Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity

All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.

Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.

Toyota 4Runner Braked Towing Capacity: up to 7,300 lbs.

Toyota 4Runner Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.

Toyota 4Runner Towing Capacity Factors

On years from 2016 – 2023, Toyota has only offered a 5,000 towing capacity on the 4 Runner, regardless of engine size, trim level, or drivetrain.

On prior year models, the engine option and drivetrain also affected the Toyota 4Runner tow capacity.

We’ll get into the engine specs and 4Runner tow package a little later.

Toyota 4Runner Engine Specs

The 4Runner has a single engine option.

4.0 Liter V-6 Engine

All trim levels of the 4Runner have a single engine option which is the 4.0 L V-6 engine.

This engine has 270 hp and 278 lb.-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.

This engine can pull up to 5,000 pounds.

Toyota 4Runner Tow Packages

2021 Toyota 4Runner
How much can a Toyota 4Runner tow is 4,700 – 7,300 pounds.

Does The Toyota 4Runner Have A Tow Package?

Toyota offers a trailer hitch that comes standard on all trim levels of the 4Runner.

You can purchase a trailer ball directly from Toyota when building your vehicle if you choose.

Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Toyota 4Runner?

Toyota 4Runner rear view
How much weight can a Toyota 4Runner pull is 7,300 pounds.

If you plan on towing anything with your Toyota 4Runner, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.

Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.

Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.

Toyota 4Runner Tow Hitch

Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.

The Toyota 4Runner uses a Class 3 hitch.

Here’s a great option for a Toyota 4Runner trailer hitch:

CURT 13157 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Round Tube Frame, Fits Select Toyota 4Runner , Black
  • DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 5,000 lbs. gross trailer weight, 500 lbs. tongue weight, 6,000 lbs. weight distribution capacity and 600 lbs. weight distribution tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
  • VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
  • FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
  • RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
  • EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Toyota 4Runner

Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your 4Runner:

Sale
CURT 45148 Trailer Hitch Mount, 2-Inch Ball, Pin, Fits 1-1/4-In Receiver, 3,500 lbs, 3-1/4" Drop, GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT
  • DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
  • VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
  • READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
  • CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
  • EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy

Toyota 4Runner Tow Hitch Installation

If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your 4Runner, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).

If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.

Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Toyota 4Runner trailer hitch installation:

Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing

Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.

Can I Bumper Tow With A Toyota 4Runner?

The Toyota 4Runner does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame-mounted hitch.

Some aftermarket bumpers from manufacturers like Coastal Offroad may have bumper hitches installed on them, but those may reduce your Four Runner towing capacity.

How Do I Know If My Toyota 4Runner Has A Tow Package?

Toyota 4Runner towing a travel trailer
The Toyota 4Runner can tow up to 7,300  pounds.

You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your 4Runner to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.

That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your 4Runner.

Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.

Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.

Data Accuracy

We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official Toyota 4Runner Owner’s Manuals on Toyota’s site and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.

Having said that, we still recommend you refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual yourself before towing with your Toyota 4Runner.

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