Towing Capacity on 2015 Highlander

"PyramidHat" (pyramidhat)
04/13/2019 at 12:40 • Filed to: None

Hi Folks -

So, looking for a 2015 Highlander for my girlfriend. I noted that on some literature that the LE/LE Plus only tows 2000 lbs while the XLE and Limited tow 5000 lbs. Does anyone know the rationale behind this? Are LE/LE Plus 4 cylinder or something? I’d think same drive train would be same towing capacity.

[NOTE: This is for occasionally (1-2x/year) towing of a rented travel trailer of about 3000 lbs or so; if we did serious towing, I’d be looking at a truck]

Thankx.

DISCUSSION (6)

Snuze: Needs another Swede > PyramidHat
04/13/2019 at 12:52

Im not too knowledgable on this particular car, but generally tow ratings are based less on engine power and more on brakes and cooling.

For example, the GMC Terrain is only rated for 1500lbs, UNLESS you get the factory towing package, which adds a hitch, wiring harness, larger radiator, and external transmission cooler.

Boxer_4 > PyramidHat
04/13/2019 at 13:09

Long story short, 4 cylinder tows 1500 lbs, LE Plus gets V6 and 2000 lbs towing. Upper trim levels get towing package (not sure if standard, or optional, or also available on the lower V6 trims) with upgraded radiator, fans, and alternator.

Source:

https://www.toyotaofnaperville.com/how-much-can-the-2015-toyota-highlander-haul/

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > PyramidHat
04/13/2019 at 13:29

A RAV4 Limited V6 tows 2,000 I bet a Highlander can't be much more

Funktheduck > PyramidHat
04/13/2019 at 13:53

Sometimes with tow packages vehicles get different gearing, suspension, brakes, cooling, etc. sometimes it’s just more power. I don’t know the rationale in this case

GLiddy > PyramidHat
04/13/2019 at 14:37

I know on my Honda Pilot, the towing capacity jumps from like 2500# to 5500# when you go from 2WD to a AWD model . Perhaps the Highlander is similar. Just a guess.

nermal > PyramidHat
04/13/2019 at 21:06

Whatever you do, don’t listen to the RV dealer or the car dealer. They only care about selling you something. “Sure, it’ll tow it just fine.....”

Also, remember that when it comes to travel trailers, weight isn’t as much of an issue as wind catching the big box. Especially at highway speeds with tractor trailers.

Just get a truck.