Toyota SUV Towing Capacity: 4Runner, Highlander, RAV4, Sequoia & Venza

If you're in search of a new crossover or SUV, then you're likely looking for a versatile vehicle that is as powerful and capable as it is modern and dependable. Maybe you're even planning to do some towing with your new SUV. If so, Toyota has adventure-ready crossovers and SUVs for sale that certainly qualify!

Whether you'd like to secure a new ride that can tow your boat, a large trailer or just some bikes on a hitch-mounted rack, Toyota has you covered with its extensive array of utility vehicles. Here at Coad Toyota Paducah, we stock the entire lineup of new Toyota SUV and crossover models for Murray, Kentucky, area motorists to consider.

We've compiled a review of Toyota's new CUVs and SUVs that offer impressive towing performance. For many drivers, tow ratings are a determining factor when buying or leasing a new vehicle, so we hope this information will help your SUV search.

We invite you to review the tow ratings and powertrain specifications of Toyota's sport-utes and crossovers below before contacting our sales team to discuss your preferred Toyota model and to book a test drive!

What is Towing Capacity & Why Does it Matter?

If you ever tow a trailer, then you already understand the importance of having a vehicle that has the power and confidence to pull a heavy load safely. The road is already unpredictable, so the last thing you want to add to that equation is an SUV that's not quite qualified to handle the trailer it's towing. So how do you find the right SUV for your towing needs?

Determining the towing capacity of a vehicle isn't just about horsepower and torque. Other aspects that affect an SUV's tow rating include its frame and construction, chassis, curb weight, transmission, brakes, drivetrain and axles. In other words, a lot goes into a vehicle's trailering performance, so its maximum tow rating is not something you want to take lightly.

Now that we've covered how a vehicle's towing capacity is determined, let's look at the ratings of some of Toyota's highly versatile CUVs and sport-utes.

Towing Capacity of Toyota SUVs & Crossovers

Let's start with an iconic model, Toyota's classic 5-passenger mid-size SUV: the 4Runner. This rugged sport-ute is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine and delivers skillful performance, whether hauling, towing or venturing off-road. The great news for fans of this legendary Toyota SUV is that no matter if you opt for a 2WD model or one with part-time 4WD, the new 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 pounds with confidence.

Another mid-size model, the Highlander, also comes standard with 6-cylinder performance, but this time, it's Toyota's 3.5-liter V6. This three-row crossover SUV boasts a 5,000-pound tow rating, whether equipped with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD).

Toyota's top-selling crossover SUV, the RAV4, is a compact yet highly versatile vehicle that utilizes a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force inline 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission to deliver highly efficient performance. Drivers seeking the ability to tow more than a small, lightweight trailer will likely opt for a version of the new RAV4 with AWD, as these models feature an impressive maximum tow rating of 3,500 pounds. Front-wheel-drive RAV4 crossovers are rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds.

Looking for standard V8 power in a tow-ready SUV? Then look no further than Toyota's full-size family SUV, the Sequoia. This three-row sport-ute is motivated by a Toyota 5.7L V8 engine paired with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available 4WD. Maximum towing capacity for the new Sequoia lineup ranges from 7,000 to 7,400 pounds, meaning that no matter which version you choose, trailering your large boat or other weekend toys will be no problem for this SUV.

Lastly, we have the new, second-generation Venza, a crossover SUV that's been reimagined with a standard gas-electric hybrid powertrain. Similar in size to the RAV4, the new Venza is geared toward efficiency more than brute force, which is why it comes with a maximum towing capacity of just 1,000 pounds. If your idea of towing is loading up your hitch-mounted bike rack, then the Venza certainly qualifies. When more trailering capability is needed, though, you'll want to consider some of the other Toyota SUVs on this list.

So, which trailer-ready Toyota SUV will you select? Head over to our Paducah, KY, Toyota dealership to explore each of these highly versatile Toyota sport-utes with a tour and test drive.