2023 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity & Payload

The 2023 Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Quick Answer

• Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
• Max Payload: 1,685 lbs
• GVWR: 5,88 lbs
• GCWR: 9,800 lbs
• Curb Weight: 4,130-4,595 lbs
• Hitch Class: Class III (when equipped with factory tow package)
• Max Tongue Weight: 500 lbs

Tow Ratings by Engine & Trim

The 2023 Toyota Highlander offers a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. The towing capacity can vary based on the engine, drivetrain (FWD or AWD), and trim level. The 2023 Highlander's towing capacities are rated using the SAE J2807 standard, ensuring consistent and real-world applicable ratings.

Note: Payload capacity can vary based on trim, options, and passenger weight. Always verify the specific payload for your vehicle on the doorjamb sticker.

Tow Package Contents

For Highlanders equipped with the 2.4L turbocharged engine, a factory-installed tow package is included and essential to achieve the maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity. Key components of this package typically include:

• Heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler: Helps maintain optimal engine temperatures under towing stress.
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC): Utilizes the vehicle's stability control system to detect and counteract trailer sway, enhancing safety.
• 3,500-lb towing capacity-enhancing items: For hybrid models, these items are integrated to reach the 3,500-lb capacity.

While the Highlander comes with features that aid in towing, it does not typically include an integrated trailer brake controller as a factory option. If you plan to tow a trailer with electric brakes (generally required for trailers over 2,000 lbs, but always check local regulations and trailer manufacturer recommendations), an aftermarket brake controller will be necessary.

5th-Wheel & Gooseneck

The 2023 Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV and is not designed for 5th-wheel or gooseneck towing applications. These types of hitches are typically reserved for heavy-duty pickup trucks and significantly larger SUVs with much higher towing and payload capacities.

Weight Distribution & WDH Requirements

For optimal stability and safety when towing, especially with trailers approaching the Highlander's maximum towing capacity or those with significant tongue weight, a weight-distributing hitch (WDH) is highly recommended. A WDH helps to distribute the tongue weight of the trailer more evenly across all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer, reducing sag in the rear of the Highlander and improving steering and braking performance.

While Toyota does not explicitly state a weight threshold requiring a WDH for the Highlander, it's generally a good practice to consider one for trailers with a tongue weight over 350-400 pounds or for any trailer where you observe noticeable rear-end sag. Always consult your owner's manual for specific recommendations.

Real-World Towing Tips for This Vehicle

• Understand your limits: Never exceed the maximum towing capacity of your Highlander or the trailer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, pay attention to the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), which is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle and trailer combined.
• Proper loading: Distribute weight in your trailer evenly, with approximately 10-15% of the total trailer weight as tongue weight for conventional trailers. Too much or too little tongue weight can lead to instability.
• Check tire pressure: Ensure both your Highlander's tires and the trailer's tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressures for towing.
• Braking distance: Allow for significantly increased braking distances when towing, and always maintain a safe following distance.
• Cornering: Take turns wider and at reduced speeds to accommodate the trailer.
• Transmission selection: Use a lower gear (e.g., "S" mode or manual shift paddles) when towing on inclines or descents to prevent the transmission from constantly shifting and to utilize engine braking.
• Regular maintenance: Ensure your Highlander is in top mechanical condition before any towing trip, especially checking brakes, tires, and all fluids.

Common Towing-Related Issues

• Overheating: While the Highlander's tow package includes an engine oil cooler, sustained towing in hot weather or steep terrain can still lead to overheating if the vehicle is overloaded or poorly maintained. Monitor your temperature gauge.
• Transmission wear: Towing puts additional strain on the transmission. Regular transmission fluid changes according to your owner's manual are crucial for longevity.
• Tire wear: Increased weight can accelerate tire wear and tear. Ensure tires are properly inflated and in good condition.
• Suspension sag: Heavy tongue weights can cause the rear suspension to sag, affecting handling and headlight aim. A Weight Distributing Hitch can mitigate this.
• Trailer sway: Improper weight distribution, high speeds, or strong crosswinds can all contribute to trailer sway. The Highlander's Trailer Sway Control (TSC) helps, but proper loading and careful driving are key.

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