Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity
The Toyota Highlander towing capacity is one of the best qualities of this SUV. When you have the SUV properly equipped, you can confidently tow as much as 5,000 pounds. This power comes courtesy of a 3.5L V6 motor, which also delivers a range of other performance benefits. We’ll be diving into all this and more in our 2021 Toyota Highlander overview so you can determine if the SUV fits your lifestyle near the Worcester, Auburn, and Shrewsbury areas.
There’s also a hybrid motor in the Highlander, too. At Harr Toyota, you can test drive both engines if you want!
Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity: Hybrid vs Non-Hybrid
Your decision to go with either the hybrid engine or the non-hybrid V6 engine is going to alter the performance makeup of your Highlander. In terms of towing capacity specifically, it really depends on how much weight you think you’re going to be towing.
The 3.5L V6 is how you’ll reach the 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. The hybrid motor still has plenty of juice, though. With it, you can expect to tow as much as 3,500 pounds.
Either engine can be had with a Trailer-Sway Control system, too. What Trailer-Sway Control does is actively work to keep your trailer or boat in line with your vehicle as you navigate winding roads or try to make parking lot maneuvers.
Other Key Performance Attributes
The 2021 Toyota Highlander is going to feel steady and strong on the open road no matter the engine you have under the hood. However, traits such as horsepower, torque, and fuel economy will shift depending on your preference of hybrid vs. non-hybrid.
The 3.5L V6 makes 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. To help boost fuel economy, there’s a start and stop engine system that shuts off your motor when you come to a complete halt using the brake pedal. Lift your foot off the pedal and the engine returns to life. According to EPA estimates, the Toyota Highlander with the 3.5L V6 engine receives 21 city/29 highway MPG.1
Conversely, the 2.5L hybrid motor is able to generate 243 combined system net horsepower while reaching an EPA-estimated 36 city/35 highway MPG.1
The V6 receives an 8-speed automatic transmission while the hybrid gets an electronically continuously variable one. You’ll also be able to choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive for your SUV.
Toyota Highlander has Strong Towing Capacity and Overall Performance
If you want efficiency and towing power, you can enjoy a hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander. If you want a V6 under the hood for even more towing capability around Worcester, Auburn, and Shrewsbury, the Highlander can accommodate.
Given the model’s versatility, it’s best to check out the SUV in person, which you can do at Harr Toyota!
1 EPA-estimated 21 city/29 hwy/24 combined mpg for 2021 Highlander; 20 city/27 hwy/23 combined for 2021 Highlander AWD; 36 city/35 hwy/36 combined mpg for 2021 Highlander Hybrid. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.