Trailer hitch for 2023 toyota highlander

Toyota is beginning to phase out its longstanding 3.5-liter V6 engine, and the 2023 Toyota Highlander is one of the first models to make the change. The new engine is a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four that produces 265 horsepower and 309 lb.-ft of torque.

Its a drop of 30 hp from the previous V6 engine but makes up for it with an added 46 lb.-ft of toque. Toyota also assures that the same great fuel economy will remain with 24 mpg overall. 

The Lexus NX350 uses a version of this engine already, delivering 275 hp and 317 lb.-ft of torque. Other models, like the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, are also phasing out the V6 engine in favor of the 2.4-liter inline-four engine. 

What else is new on the 2023 Toyota Highlander?

Some fans of the Highlander might be turned off by the engine update, but many things that drivers loved about the previous models will remain the same. For example, the 2023 model still has a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, and the hybrid powertrain remains unchanged. 

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two motor-generators on the hybrid powertrain make a total of 243 horsepower and gets 26 mpg overall. The towing capacity is slightly lower at 3,500 lbs. 

Buyers of the 2023 Highlander are in for some sleek updates as well including an optional 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster offered on Limited and Platinum trim levels as well as power-folding mirrors that come standing on all models. 

The wireless smartphone charger has also been moved to a more convenient spot, along with a few other interior trim changes to maximize style and comfort. 

There is not yet pricing info available for the 2023 Highlander, but the 2022 model has a price range of $37,070 for the base L model to $51,175 for the Platinum.

How to save money on a new car

If you’re eyeing the 2023 Toyota Highlander for your next car, you’re going to need a great car insurance plan. Shop with Jerry to get the best deal possible. 

A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy.

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.

As we covered earlier, the current Toyota Highlander can tow a maximum of 5,000 lbs when properly equipped.

You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Towing Capacity

It’s important to note that the Toyota Highlander Hybrid towing capacity is lower than the gasoline-powered version.

For example, all versions of the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid can tow 3,500 pounds, while the Toyota Highlander gasoline engine can pull 5,000 pounds.

As we go through Toyota Highlander tow ratings by year later in this guide, we’ll distinguish the towing cap for both gas and hybrid options of the vehicle.

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 Highlander has a 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:

CURT 13200 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Fits Select Toyota Highlander

• DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 6,000 lbs. gross trailer weight, 900 lbs. tongue weight, 8,000 lbs. weight distribution capacity and 900 lbs. weight distribution tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
• VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
• FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
• RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
• EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Toyota Highlander

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

CURT 45148 Trailer Hitch Mount, 2-Inch Ball, Pin, Fits 1-1/4-In Receiver, 3,500 lbs, 3-1/4" Drop, GLOSS BLACK POWDER COAT

• DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
• VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
• READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
• CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
• EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy

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.

2022 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2022 Toyota Highlander can tow 3,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on whether it is gas or hybrid.

• The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
• The 2022 Toyota Highlander has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

2021 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2021 Toyota Highlander can tow 3,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on whether it is  gas or hybrid.

• The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
• The 2021 Toyota Highlander has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

2020 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2020 Toyota Highlander can tow 3,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on whether it is  gas or hybrid.

• The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
• The 2020 Toyota Highlander has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

2019 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2019 Toyota Highlander can tow 1,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on whether it is FWD or AWD, its engine size, and if it is gas or hybrid.

• The 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
• The 2019 Toyota Highlander FWD w/ 2.7L engine has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

2018 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2018 Toyota Highlander can tow 1,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on whether it is FWD or AWD, its engine size, and if it is gas or hybrid.

• The 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
• The 2018 Toyota Highlander 2WD w/ 2.7L engine has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

2017 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2017 Toyota Highlander can tow 1,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on whether it is FWD or AWD, its engine size, and if it is gas or hybrid.

• The 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
• The 2017 Toyota Highlander 2WD w/ 2.7L engine has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

2016 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2016 Toyota Highlander can tow 1,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on the trim level.

• The 2018 Toyota Highlander LE has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
• The 2018 Toyota Highlander LE Plus, XLE, and Limited models have a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

2015 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2015 Toyota Highlander can tow 1,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on the trim level.

• The 2015 Toyota Highlander LE has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
• The 2015 Toyota Highlander LE Plus has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
• The 2015 Toyota Highlander XLE and Limited models have a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, thanks to the towing prep package which includes an upgraded radiator and engine cooling with a special fan coupling and enhanced 150-amp alternator.

2014 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2014 Toyota Highlander can tow 1,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on the trim level.

• The 2014 Toyota Highlander LE has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
• The 2014 Toyota Highlander LE Plus has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
• The 2014 Toyota Highlander XLE and Limited models have a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, thanks to the towing prep package which includes an upgraded radiator and engine cooling with a special fan coupling and enhanced 150-amp alternator.

2013 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2013 Toyota Highlander can tow 1,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on the engine size and whether or not it has a towing package installed.

The 2013 Toyota Highlander with 2.7L 4-cylinder engine without a towing package has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

The 2013 Toyota Highlander with 2.7L 4-cylinder engine with a towing package has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

The 2013 Toyota Highlander with 3.7L V6 engine without a towing package has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2013 Toyota Highlander with 3.7L V6 engine with a towing package has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

2012 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2012 Toyota Highlander can tow 1,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on the engine size and whether or not it has a towing package installed.

• The 2012 Toyota Highlander with 2.7L 4-cylinder engine without a towing package has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
• The 2012 Toyota Highlander with 2.7L 4-cylinder engine with a towing package has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
• The 2012 Toyota Highlander with 3.7L V6 engine without a towing package has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
• The 2012 Toyota Highlander with 3.7L V6 engine with a towing package has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

2011 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2011 Toyota Highlander can tow 1,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on the engine size and whether or not it has a towing package installed.

• The 2011 Toyota Highlander with 2.7L 4-cylinder engine without a towing package has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
• The 2011 Toyota Highlander with 2.7L 4-cylinder engine with a towing package has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
• The 2011 Toyota Highlander with 3.7L V6 engine without a towing package has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
• The 2011 Toyota Highlander with 3.7L V6 engine with a towing package has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

2010 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2010 Toyota Highlander can tow 1,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on the engine size and whether or not it has a towing package installed.

• The 2010 Toyota Highlander with 2.7L 4-cylinder engine without a towing package has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
• The 2010 Toyota Highlander with 2.7L 4-cylinder engine with a towing package has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
• The 2010 Toyota Highlander with 3.7L V6 engine without a towing package has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
• The 2010 Toyota Highlander with 3.7L V6 engine with a towing package has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

2009 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2009 Toyota Highlander can tow 1,500 to 5,000 pounds depending on the engine size and whether or not it has a towing package installed.

• The 2009 Toyota Highlander with 2.7L 4-cylinder engine without a towing package has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
• The 2009 Toyota Highlander with 2.7L 4-cylinder engine with a towing package has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
• The 2009 Toyota Highlander with 3.7L V6 engine without a towing package has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
• The 2009 Toyota Highlander with 3.7L V6 engine with a towing package has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

2008 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2008 Toyota Highlander can tow 2,000 to 5,000 pounds depending on if it has a towing package installed.

• The 2008 Toyota Highlander without a towing package has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
• The 2008 Toyota Highlander with a towing package has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
• The 2008 Toyota Highlander with 3.7L V6 engine without a towing package has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
• The 2008 Toyota Highlander with 3.7L V6 engine with a towing package has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

2007 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2007 Toyota Highlander can tow 1,500 to 3,500 pounds depending on the engine size and whether or not it has a towing package installed.

• The 2007 Toyota Highlander with 2.4L 4-cylinder engine without a towing package has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
• The 2007 Toyota Highlander with 2.4L 4-cylinder engine with a towing package has a towing capacity of 3,000 pounds.
• The 2007 Toyota Highlander with 3.3L V6 engine without a towing package has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
• The 2007 Toyota Highlander with 3.3L V6 engine with a towing package has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

2006 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2006 Toyota Highlander can tow 1,500 to 3,500 pounds depending on the engine size and whether or not it has a towing package installed.

• The 2006 Toyota Highlander with 2.4L 4-cylinder engine without a towing package has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
• The 2006 Toyota Highlander with 2.4L 4-cylinder engine with a towing package has a towing capacity of 3,000 pounds.
• The 2006 Toyota Highlander with 3.3L V6 engine without a towing package has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
• The 2006 Toyota Highlander with 3.3L V6 engine with a towing package has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

2005 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2005 Toyota Highlander can tow 1,500 to 3,500 pounds depending on the engine size and whether or not it has a towing package installed.

• The 2005 Toyota Highlander with 2.4L 4-cylinder engine without a towing package has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
• The 2005 Toyota Highlander with 2.4L 4-cylinder engine with a towing package has a towing capacity of 3,000 pounds.
• The 2005 Toyota Highlander with 3.3L V6 engine without a towing package has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
• The 2005 Toyota Highlander with 3.3L V6 engine with a towing package has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

2004 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2004 Toyota Highlander can tow 3,000 to 3,500 pounds depending on the engine size.

• The 2004 Toyota Highlander with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine has a towing capacity of 3,000 pounds.
• The 2004 Toyota Highlander with the 3.3L V6 3MZ-FE engine has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

2003 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2003 Toyota Highlander can tow 3,000 to 3,500 pounds depending on the engine size.

• The 2003 Toyota Highlander with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine has a towing capacity of 3,000 pounds.
• The 2003 Toyota Highlander with the 3.0L V6 1MZ-FE engine has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

2002 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2002 Toyota Highlander can tow 3,000 to 3,500 pounds depending on the engine size.

• The 2002 Toyota Highlander with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine has a towing capacity of 3,000 pounds.
• The 2002 Toyota Highlander with the 3.0L V6 1MZ-FE engine has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

2001 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity

The 2001 Toyota Highlander can tow 3,000 to 3,500 pounds depending on the engine size.

• The 2001 Toyota Highlander with the 2.4L 2AZ-FE engine has a towing capacity of 3,000 pounds.
• The 2001 Toyota Highlander with the 3.0L V6 1MZ-FE engine has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

Can you add a tow hitch to a Toyota Highlander?

Can you put a hitch on a 2022 Toyota Highlander?

Is the Toyota Highlander good for towing a trailer?

Which Toyota Highlander has towing package?