Overview
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is a midsize, three-row SUV designed for families who need versatility, comfort, and the ability to tow for weekend adventures or light hauling tasks. Positioned in the competitive midsize SUV segment, it rivals vehicles like the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Ford Explorer, offering a blend of reliability, advanced technology, and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. With its spacious interior, fuel-efficient powertrains, and reputation for durability, the Highlander is a top choice for those seeking a practical yet capable vehicle for towing small trailers, boats, or campers. This blog post, crafted for Antich Auto Eureka, explores the Highlander’s towing capabilities, configurations, and features to help you decide if it’s the right SUV for your towing needs.
Towing Capacity by Configuration
The 2025 Toyota Highlander’s towing capacity varies based on its engine, drivetrain, and whether it’s equipped with a towing package. The SUV offers two powertrains: a gas-powered 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid. Below is a detailed breakdown of towing capacities across configurations, sourced from Toyota’s official website and TowStats.com.
Engine Options
- 2.4L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder (Gas): Produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Achieves up to 5,000 pounds towing capacity with the towing package.
- 2.5L 4-Cylinder Hybrid: Delivers 243 net combined horsepower, paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). Limited to 3,500 pounds towing capacity.
Towing Capacity by Configuration
The maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds is achieved with the gas-powered engine and the optional towing package. Hybrid models are capped at 3,500 pounds. The towing capacity is consistent across front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, though some towing-related features are exclusive to AWD trims.
| Trim Level | Engine | Drivetrain | Towing Capacity (lbs) | Payload Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LE | 2.4L Turbo 4-Cylinder | FWD/AWD | 5,000 (with tow package) | 1,482–1,675 |
| XLE | 2.4L Turbo 4-Cylinder | FWD/AWD | 5,000 (with tow package) | 1,482–1,675 |
| XSE | 2.4L Turbo 4-Cylinder | FWD/AWD | 5,000 (with tow package) | 1,482–1,675 |
| Limited | 2.4L Turbo 4-Cylinder | FWD/AWD | 5,000 (with tow package) | 1,482–1,675 |
| Platinum | 2.4L Turbo 4-Cylinder | AWD | 5,000 (with tow package) | 1,482–1,675 |
| Hybrid LE | 2.5L 4-Cylinder Hybrid | FWD/AWD | 3,500 | 1,400–1,565 |
| Hybrid XLE | 2.5L 4-Cylinder Hybrid | FWD/AWD | 3,500 | 1,400–1,565 |
| Hybrid Limited | 2.5L 4-Cylinder Hybrid | AWD | 3,500 | 1,400–1,565 |
| Hybrid Platinum | 2.5L 4-Cylinder Hybrid | AWD | 3,500 | 1,400–1,565 |
Note: The 5,000-pound towing capacity requires the optional towing package, which includes a trailer hitch receiver, wiring harness, heavy-duty radiator, and transmission cooler. Always verify towing limits in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Trim-Specific Highlights
- LE: The base trim offers the full 5,000-pound towing capacity with the gas engine and towing package, making it a budget-friendly option for towing.
- XSE: Features sport-tuned suspension, which enhances handling when towing, and is available with Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD for improved traction.
- Platinum: The top trim, available only with AWD, includes premium towing features like Trailer Sway Control and a 12.3-inch multimedia display for monitoring towing data.
What Affects Towing Capacity?
Several factors influence the 2025 Toyota Highlander’s towing performance, ensuring safe and efficient hauling.
Engine Specs
- 2.4L Turbo 4-Cylinder (Gas): With 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, this engine provides robust power for towing up to 5,000 pounds, ideal for small boats or campers. Its turbocharging delivers strong low-end torque for pulling heavy loads.
- 2.5L Hybrid: The hybrid’s 243 net combined horsepower and eCVT prioritize fuel efficiency (up to 35 mpg combined) but limit towing to 3,500 pounds, suitable for lighter trailers.
Transmission and Axle Ratio
- The eight-speed automatic transmission (gas models) ensures smooth power delivery and efficient gear shifts, critical for towing heavier loads.
- The eCVT (hybrid models) optimizes efficiency but is less robust for heavy towing, contributing to the lower 3,500-pound capacity.
- Toyota does not publicly specify axle ratios for the Highlander, but higher numerical ratios in gas models enhance towing capability compared to hybrids.
Towing Package and Drive Modes
- Towing Package: Includes a heavy-duty radiator, engine oil cooler, transmission cooler, and trailer hitch receiver, enabling the 5,000-pound capacity on gas models. This package is essential for maximizing towing performance and ensuring cooling under load.
- Drive Modes: Gas models offer Sport, Eco, and Normal modes, with Sport Mode sharpening acceleration for towing and Eco Mode improving fuel efficiency. Hybrid models add EV and Trail modes for enhanced traction on AWD configurations.
Suspension, Chassis, and Braking System
- MacPherson Strut Front and Multi-Link Rear Suspension: Provides a balance of ride comfort and stability, with the XSE’s sport-tuned suspension improving handling when towing.
- Chassis Design: The Highlander’s unibody construction is lighter than body-on-frame SUVs, enhancing fuel efficiency but limiting towing compared to trucks like the Toyota Tundra.
- Braking System: Equipped with four-wheel disc brakes and standard Trailer Sway Control, which applies selective brake pressure to reduce trailer sway in windy conditions or during sharp maneuvers.
Smart Towing Technology
- Trailer Sway Control (TSC): Standard across all trims, TSC detects excessive trailer movement and stabilizes the vehicle by adjusting brake pressure and torque.
- Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD: Available on XSE, Limited, and Platinum trims, this system distributes power to the wheels with the most grip, improving stability when towing on uneven terrain.
- Multi-Terrain Select (MTS): Exclusive to AWD models, MTS offers Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, and Normal modes to optimize traction during towing in challenging conditions.
- Backup Camera with Dynamic Gridlines: Assists with trailer alignment and reversing, displayed on the 8-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen.
Payload Capacity and Its Impact
Payload capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, and the trailer’s tongue weight (typically 10–15% of the trailer’s weight). The 2025 Highlander’s payload capacity ranges from 1,400 to 1,675 pounds, depending on the trim and drivetrain. Gas models generally offer higher payload (1,482–1,675 pounds) than hybrids (1,400–1,565 pounds) due to the hybrid’s heavier battery system.
Payload directly affects towing capacity, as both contribute to the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). For example:
- A gas-powered XLE with a 5,000-pound trailer (500-pound tongue weight) and 1,000 pounds of passengers/cargo leaves approximately 175–675 pounds of remaining payload, depending on the configuration.
- Exceeding payload limits reduces towing capacity to stay within the GCWR, ensuring safe handling and braking.
Always check the vehicle’s GVWR (on the driver’s side door pillar) and owner’s manual to avoid overloading.
Insights From the Web and Social Media
Real-world feedback from owners and experts highlights the Highlander’s towing capabilities and limitations:
- Car and Driver notes that the Highlander’s 5,000-pound towing capacity matches competitors like the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride but falls short of the Dodge Durango’s 8,700 pounds. They praise its comfortable ride and quiet cabin, ideal for family towing trips, but mention the hybrid’s limited 3,500-pound capacity as a drawback for heavier loads.
- Edmunds tested the 2025 Highlander’s gas engine, reporting it towed a 4,500-pound camper with confidence, though acceleration was slower compared to V6-powered rivals. They appreciated the Trailer Sway Control for maintaining stability on highways.
- On X, an owner shared, “Towed a 4,000-pound boat with my 2024 Highlander XLE (gas, AWD) across Colorado. Handled hills well, but you feel the weight on steep grades. Trailer Sway Control saved me in crosswinds!” Another user noted, “The hybrid Highlander struggles with my 3,200-pound camper uphill—wish I’d gone for the gas model.” These comments suggest the gas model is preferred for heavier towing tasks.
Common praises include the Highlander’s ease of use and safety features, while criticisms often focus on the hybrid’s lower towing capacity and the need for a towing package to achieve the maximum rating.
Best Configurations for Towing
Choosing the right Highlander configuration depends on your towing needs:
- Light-Duty Towing (Under 3,500 lbs): The Hybrid LE or XLE (FWD or AWD) is ideal for towing small trailers or pop-up campers, offering up to 3,500 pounds and excellent fuel efficiency (up to 35 mpg). These trims suit eco-conscious families with occasional towing needs.
- Mid-Range Towing (3,500–5,000 lbs): Opt for the LE, XLE, or XSE with the 2.4L turbo gas engine, AWD, and the towing package to achieve the full 5,000-pound capacity. The XSE’s sport-tuned suspension and Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD enhance stability for towing boats or medium-sized campers.
- Essential Towing Options:
- Towing Package: Includes a trailer hitch, wiring harness, heavy-duty radiator, and transmission cooler, critical for the 5,000-pound capacity.
- Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD: Improves traction and stability, especially on uneven or slippery surfaces.
- Trailer Brake Controller: Recommended for trailers over 1,000 pounds to enhance braking control (not included in the towing package but available as an accessory).
- Safety Tips:
- Always verify towing and payload weights against the vehicle’s GVWR and GCWR using the owner’s manual or Toyota’s tow charts.
- Use a weight-distributing hitch for trailers over 5,000 pounds (if applicable) and ensure proper trailer brake setup.
- Check trailer lights, tire pressures, and the emergency breakaway system before each trip.
- Drive at moderate speeds (below 65 mph) to reduce sway and improve braking performance.
Conclusion
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is a versatile midsize SUV that excels as a family-friendly vehicle with solid towing capabilities for light to mid-range hauling. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds (gas models with towing package) and up to 3,500 pounds for hybrids, it’s well-suited for towing small boats, campers, or utility trailers. Its advanced safety features, like Trailer Sway Control and Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD, make towing safer and more manageable, while its spacious interior and fuel-efficient hybrid option appeal to families. Compared to competitors, the Highlander offers competitive towing but falls short of heavy-duty SUVs like the Dodge Durango for larger loads. For Antich Auto Eureka customers, the Highlander is an excellent choice for occasional towing and family adventures. Visit our dealership to test drive the 2025 Highlander and find the perfect configuration for your lifestyle.
Toyota Talk: Highlander Towing (:30)
FAQ
Which Toyota Highlander can tow 5000 lbs?Highlander models with the standard 3.5L V6 engine have a tow capacity of 5,000 lbs. Highlander models with the available 2.5L 4-cylinder Engine have a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.
Can a Toyota Highlander tow a 3500 lb trailer?How much can a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid tow? The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
What Toyota SUV can tow 7000 lbs?2022 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity
The Toyota Sequoia towing capacity is rated at a maximum of 7,400 pounds, which means bringing your toys along for the summer road trip is no problem. Available 4-wheel drive makes navigating the terrain easy on your way to the beach or up the mountain for a camping trip.
Are Toyota Highlanders good for towing?When paired with the available 3.5L V6 engine and tow package, the 2021 Toyota Highlander towing capacity can reach up to 5,000 pounds, helping you haul equipment and supplies around Georgetown with ease. All this power is supported by performance features such as: Available 3.5L V6 engine with 295 hp.
Reference
https://www.bobhowardtoyota.com/how-much-tow-capacity-toyota-highlander/
https://www.reddit.com/r/ToyotaHighlander/comments/12h2niy/towing_question/
