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