The Highlander was introduced into Toyota’s lineup as a mid-size crossover SUV in 2001 and remains popular today. Toyota vehicles are known for their versatility and for having the features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander has a towing capacity of 1,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on the configuration, with most recent model years having a 3,500 to 5,000 lb max tow capacity.
There’s a bit more to know about Toyota Highlander towing capabilities (also referred to as tow ratings or tow limits) which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity By Year
As we covered earlier, the current Toyota Highlander can tow a maximum of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped.
The Highlander has been in production from 2001, and 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 Highlander model year below for an in-depth guide and to get the most accurate information.
Here’s the maximum Toyota Highlander towing capacity by year:
2023 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2022 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2021 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2020 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2019 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2018 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2017 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2016 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2015 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2014 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2013 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2012 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2011 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2010 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2009 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2008 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 5,000 pounds
2007 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds
2006 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds
2005 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds
2004 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds
2003 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds
2002 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds
2001 Toyota Highlander Tow Capacity: 3,500 pounds
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Toyota Highlander 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 Highlander Braked Towing Capacity: 1,500 – 5,000 lbs.
Toyota Highlander Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Toyota Highlander tow capacity.
Regular Vs Hybrid
The gas-powered Highlander can generally tow more than the hybrid version.
Engine Size
Some years and trim levels of Toyota Highlanders had a smaller engine size, which obviously limited the towing capacity.
For example, the 2016 Highlander had 3.5L and 2.7L engine options, and the smaller of the two had a much lower towing capacity.
Number of Passengers
A big factor in calculating your vehicle’s towing capacity is how many passengers you’re carrying, which directly calculates into the vehicle’s GCWR.
This is true of all vehicles, not just the Toyota Highlander, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.
Toyota Highlander Engine Specs
The current generation Highlander has two engine options: a gas engine and a hybrid engine
2.4 Liter Turbo 4-Cylinder Engine
All trim levels of the gas Highlander have a single engine option which is a 2.4 Liter Turbo 4-Cylinder engine.
This engine has 265 hp and 309 lb.-ft of torque.
This engine can pull up to 5,000 pounds if the Highlander is a gas engine model.
2.5 Liter 4-Cylinder Hybrid Engine
All trim levels of the Highlander hybrid have a single engine option which is a 2.5 Liter 4-Cylinder engine paired with two electric motor-generators.
This engine has 243 hp and 175 lb.-ft of torque.
This engine can pull up to 3,500 pounds if the Highlander is a hybrid model.
Toyota Highlander Tow Packages
Does The Toyota Highlander Have A Tow Package?
Toyota offers a trailer hitch that is available on all trim levels of the Highlander.
The Toyota Highlander towing package includes the following:
- Tow Hitch Receiver
- Wiring Harness
Toyota does not specify whether the wiring harness is a 4-pin or 7-pin connector.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Toyota Highlander?
If you plan on towing anything with your Toyota Highlander, 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 Highlander Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Toyota Highlander uses a Class 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Toyota Highlander trailer hitch:
- Rated to 6,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 900 lbs. tongue weight
- Compatible with weight distribution hitch (8,000 lbs. WD / 900 lbs. WDTW)
- Engineered with a vehicle-specific design for a custom fit
- Tested for safety in accordance with SAE J684
- Precisely welded for superior strength and fit
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Highlander:
- Rated to 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 350 lbs. tongue weight
- Fits trailer hitches with a 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" receiver tube opening
- Factory-torqued trailer ball accepts 2" couplers
- USA-made ball mount is CNC-formed and robotically welded for a perfect fit
- 2-5/8" rise or 3-1/4" drop for precise trailer leveling
Toyota Highlander Tow Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Highlander, 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 Highlander 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 Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame-mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My Toyota Highlander Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Highlander 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 Highlander.
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 Highlander 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 a 2023 Toyota Highlander.