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Toyota vehicles have always offered great customer satisfaction because of their dependability, seamless performance, and popular features. And the Highlander sports utility vehicle carries on that tradition with its new XLE model.
RV enthusiasts are discovering that this addition to the brand’s lineup has what it takes to haul a travel trailer.
Yes, the Toyota Highlander’s towing capacity can handle trailers weighing up to 5,000 lbs without missing a beat.
How Much Will a Toyota Highlander Tow?
Today’s Toyota Highlander is offered in three models: the LE, XLE, and the Hybrid XLE.
The Highlander also comes in two engine sizes, the available 2.5L four-cylinder engine and the standard 3.5L V6 engine.
Only the XLE comes with the 3.5L engine, which can tow up to 5,000 lbs. The other two models have a 2.5L engine that can haul up to 3,500 lbs.
This larger V6 engine also comes with an eight-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with continuous all-wheel-drive and is rated at 21/29 miles per gallon.
Is the Toyota Highlander Good for Towing a Trailer?
Considering many small and midsize trailers can be easily pulled by the Highlander, it follows that one of Toyota’s larger sports utility vehicles is an excellent choice for towing.
These trailers include pop-ups, small travel trailers, teardrop trailers, Airstream Basecamps, and Bambis.
Towing aside, the Highland also has great cargo space available for all the goods that won’t fit in the camper. It will seat up to eight people, so your campsite will be full when you get the trailer there!
Which Toyota Highlander Has the Highest Towing Capacity?
All Highlanders that have a four-cylinder engine can tow up to 3,500 lbs. That’s a lot, but it isn’t even close to the V6 engine found in the Highlander XLE.
It comes standard with continuous all-wheel-drive and can tow as much as some trucks – up to 5,000 lbs.
That weight covers numerous trailers on the market, making the XLE a favorite tow vehicle for family camping trips!
Keep in Mind: With prices increasing, you’ll need to find a few ways to save money while on the road. Here’s how to find free RV parking anywhere!
Campers a Toyota Highlander Can Tow
Here are just five of the many travel trailers models that a Highlander 3.5L can tow. This should give you a place to start when narrowing down the selection of your next camper.
1. Winnebago Hike 170S
GVWR: 4,200 lbs
Starting Price: $38,485
This trailer from Winnebago is 20 ft long, can sleep up to three people, has a full kitchen and a bath with a separate shower.
One slide provides more floor space at the campsite.
It has flexible storage and comes with more off-road features for those taking the path less traveled.
2. Forest River R-Pod RP-139
GVWR: 4,835 lbs
Starting Price: $36,555
With a Murphy bed and two bunks, this R-Pod can comfortably sleep up to four people.
It also has a full dry bath, kitchen with stainless steel appliances, entertainment seating, and a slide to increase floor space.
It measures 22 ft in length with an interior height of 6 ft 5 in. This allows for great Toyota Highlander towing capacity.
3. Airstream Bambi 16RB
GVWR: 3,500 lbs
Starting Price: $56,500
This single axle trailer is the perfect size for a solo traveler or couple. It can sleep three in a pinch but comes with a double bed, dinette, a wet bath, and kitchen area.
The Airstream Bambi is 16 ft long with an interior height of 6 ft 4 in. It has all of the allure of the larger Airstreams but is easy to tow, especially by a Toyota Highlander!
Keep in Mind: Are squaredrop campers better than teardrop campers? Check out this article to find out!
4. Jayco Feather Micro 173MRB
GVWR: 4,995 lbs
Starting Price: $20,063
At 20 ft in length, this Feather Micro packs a lot in a relatively small space.
It has a sofa/Murphy bed, a dinette that breaks down into a single bed, a full dry bath, and a kitchen with a microwave, refrigerator, stove, and sink.
Its weight, however, is at the top end of what a Highlander can tow, so don’t overpack it!
5. Jayco Feather Micro 166FBS
GVWR: 4,995 lbs.
Starting Price: $16,838
Also at the top of the towing range and showcasing the Toyota Highlander towing capacity, the 166FBS model of the Feather Micro has sleeping space for four with a double bed, a full jack knife sofa in a slideout, and a nice kitchen set up with a full array of appliances.
This model also has quite a bit of interior storage in a straightforward floor plan. It is 20 ft in length with an interior height of 6 ft 6 in.
Now You Know About 5 Awesome Campers That Are Well Within the Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity
Now that you know the Toyota Highlander XLE has a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities for travel trailers, doesn’t it?
Instead of forking over a bunch of cash for a big truck to pull your camper, you can use the family car. That also has space inside to bring the family to the campsite!
Use the list of possible campers to get your shopping started so that you don’t miss out on this year’s camping season!
What do you think of these camper options?
