Fourth generation (XU70)
2021–2022 Toyota Highlander towing capacity
Max towing, 20215,000 lb
The 2021 Toyota Highlander tows up to 5,000 lb (Limited and Platinum 3.5L V6 All-wheel drive, per Toyota’s 2021 Highlander Product Information).
Toyota rates the 2021 and 2022 Highlander the same in every configuration.
Seven more configurations are rated the same.
The lowest rating is 3,500 lb, for the Limited and Platinum 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid All-wheel drive.
2021 Highlander Product Information- Configurations
- 20
- Payload
- 1,405–1,685 lb
01 / Ratings
Every 2021–2022 Highlander configuration
2021 Toyota Highlander
| Configuration | Max towing lb | Max payload lb | GVWR lb | Axle ratio | Tow check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L V6 | |||||
| XLEAll-wheel drive | 5,000 | 1,565 | 5,935 | 3.003 | Check load → |
| XLEFront-wheel drive | 5,000 | 1,635 | 5,830 | 3.003 | Check load → |
| XSEAll-wheel drive | 5,000 | 1,535 | 5,935 | 3.003 | Check load → |
| XSEFront-wheel drive | 5,000 | 1,625 | 5,830 | 3.003 | Check load → |
| Limited · PlatinumAll-wheel drive | 5,000 | 1,485 | 5,935 | 3.003 | Check load → |
| Limited · PlatinumFront-wheel drive | 5,000 | 1,570 | 5,830 | 3.003 | Check load → |
| L · LEAll-wheel drive | 5,000 | 1,605 | 5,935 | 3.003 | Check load → |
| L · LEFront-wheel drive | 5,000 | 1,685 | 5,830 | 3.003 | Check load → |
| 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid | |||||
| XLEAll-wheel drive | 3,500 | 1,485 | 6,000 | not in our data | Check load → |
| XLEFront-wheel drive | 3,500 | 1,595 | 5,960 | not in our data | Check load → |
| Limited · PlatinumAll-wheel drive | 3,500 | 1,405 | 6,000 | not in our data | Check load → |
| Limited · PlatinumFront-wheel drive | 3,500 | 1,530 | 5,960 | not in our data | Check load → |
| LEAll-wheel drive | 3,500 | 1,535 | 6,000 | not in our data | Check load → |
| LEFront-wheel drive | 3,500 | 1,495 | 5,960 | not in our data | Check load → |
02 / Why
Which one tows the most, and why
What moves the rating
MakerTows the most: 5,000 lb
Limited and Platinum 3.5L V6 All-wheel drive; seven more configurations are rated the same.
Best rating by engine
- 3.5L V65,000 lb
- 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid3,500 lb
The line is the highest rating on this page. Each bar is that engine’s best configuration.
03 / By year
Highlander towing by model year
04 / Next
Check it against your load
05 / FAQ
Questions people ask
Which 2021 Highlander configuration tows the most?
The Limited and Platinum 3.5L V6 All-wheel drive, at 5,000 lb; seven more configurations are rated the same.
Has the Toyota Highlander’s towing capacity changed by year?
Highest rating by model year: 2026, 5,000 lb; 2025, 5,000 lb; 2024, 5,000 lb; 2023, 5,000 lb; 2021–2022, 5,000 lb; 2020, 5,000 lb.
Does four-wheel drive change the 2021 Highlander’s towing capacity?
No: Toyota rates each configuration the same with either drive (10 pairs in its table).
Does the engine change the 2021 Highlander’s towing capacity?
Yes. Best rating by engine: 3.5L V6, 5,000 lb; 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid, 3,500 lb.
Which 2021 Highlander configuration tows the least?
The Limited and Platinum 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid All-wheel drive, at 3,500 lb; five more configurations are rated the same.
What is the GVWR of the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
5,830–6,000 lb by configuration; the most is 6,000 lb, for the XLE 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid All-wheel drive. GVWR is the most the vehicle may weigh with its people, cargo and the trailer’s tongue weight aboard.