Athletic families consider Toyota Highlander as their top choice for dependable midsize SUV versatility. Many buyers value the capacity of the Toyota Highlander to run on gas and hybrid systems but what differences exist between the two powertrain options when it comes to towing capacity? This guide presents an evaluation of the Toyota Highlander’s towing power as it exists between gasoline and hybrid versions. Toyota USA provides information about gas and hybrid model Highlander performance while examining their efficiency and towing-related features.
Gas-Powered Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity
Recent Highlander models now standardly use a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine obtained from the older V6 engine model
• Max Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs.
• Horsepower: 265 hp / 310 lb-ft of torque
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain Options: Cars with FWD (front-wheel drive) paired with AWD (all-wheel drive) exist for this model.
With its current configuration this Highlander model can pull lightweight boats and campers and utility trailers. The Tow Package adds to a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds but it requires the Tow Package with its trailer sway control system and upgraded cooling systems (Source: Edmunds). Edmunds).
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Towing Capacity
The Highlander Hybrid replaces its maximum power output with improved fuel economy capabilities. Under its hood is a combination of a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and electric motors.
• Max Towing Capacity: Up to 3,500 lbs.
• Combined Horsepower: 243 hp
• Drivetrain Options: FWD or Electronic On-Demand AWD
• Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
A hybrid system functions optimally when used to pull small equipment and personal watercraft together with slight camping vehicles. Though it may not handle heavy loads well the hybrid provides excellent fuel efficiency compensation. The hybrid version achieves up to 36 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving which is higher than the gas model’s average of 24 MPG (Source: Car and Driver).
Performance and Efficiency Comparison
| Model | Max Towing Capacity | Horsepower | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Highlander | 5,000 lbs. | 265 hp | 24 MPG |
| Highlander Hybrid | 3,500 lbs. | 243 hp | 36 MPG |
The hybrid’s fuel economy leadership is canceled out by the gas model’s superior ability to pull heavy loads and deliver better torque. The gas version provides better hill-climbing capability under full loading conditions.
Towing Technologies and Features
Every Highlander configuration comes standard with advanced towing systems for safer and more stable turns:
- Trailer Sway Control: Standard on all trims
- Tow Package (Gas Models): The towing package includes three components: engine oil cooler along with a heavy-duty radiator and a strengthened fan unit.
- Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD: This option improves vehicle grip as well as control performance.
- Multi-Terrain Select (Gas AWD): Enhances off-road towing confidence
Note: The hybrid model has specific limitations with its CVT transmission and decreased torque output which reduces its performance for steep-grade towing or heavy cargo loads (MotorTrend).
Real-World Towing Scenarios
Gas Model Use Case:
The 5,000 lbs. towing package equipping a Highlander enabled the SUV to transport a dual-window trailer loaded with kayaks and other equipment and bicycles for four campers through mountainous terrain. When equipped with the towing package, the transmission temperature maintained a consistent level while the sway control system successfully controlled wind variations.
Hybrid Model Use Case:
The hybrid Highlander pulled a two-thousand-pound-lightweight teardrop camper during straight highway travel. A fuel economy average of 27 MPG during towing period produces superior results for an SUV in its class. The gas version proved faster at both acceleration and hill climbs in comparison to the hybrid variant according to Kelley Blue Book (Source: Kelley Blue Book). Kelley Blue Book).
When Towing Which Model Should You Select?
- If you need to pull boats and utility trailers or campers approaching 5,000 pounds then select the Gas Highlander.
- You should go with the Hybrid Highlander when you need to occasionally pull small loads but pay more attention to achieving optimal fuel efficiency on daily drives.
- Regular towers should opt for the gas Highlander model since it provides superior towing capabilities of up to 5,000 lbs. with its available torque. The hybrid model offers the best option for people who want to maintain low fuel costs when towing smaller loads (Author: U.S. News & World Report). U.S. News & World Report).
FAQs
Q1: What is the maximum capacity for towing a vehicle by a Toyota Highlander gas model?
A: A gas Highlander with the proper tow package enables towing of up to 5000 pounds.
Q2: Does the Toyota Highlander Hybrid provide a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds?
A: The hybrid model of the Toyota Highlander offers 3,500 lbs as its maximum towing capacity.
Q3: What are the Highlander Hybrid capabilities?
A: The car works well with small trailers, together with personal watercraft, but it should not handle heavy towing jobs.
Q4: Do standard gas-powered Highlanders contain the towing option as factory equipment?
A: Additional purchase of the Tow Package enables the attainment of the 5,000 lbs rating.
Q5: Among Highlander vehicles, which one achieves higher fuel efficiency for towing?
A: The Hybrid Highlander achieves improved fuel efficiency during basic towing situations, but the fuel efficiency diminishes when hauling weightier loads.
Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity: Gas vs. Hybrid Models Compared