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Before hauling a load with your Toyota Sequoia, you need to know its towing capacity. Pulling more than your SUV can handle could seriously damage your vehicle and endanger everyone on the road.
We want you to be safe during whatever adventures you have planned. So what is the Toyota Sequoia’s towing capacity, and is this SUV suitable for towing?
Today, we’re getting behind the wheel of these popular vehicles to see how they stack up against the competition.
Let’s hit the road!
What Is Towing Capacity?
The towing capacity of a vehicle is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely haul behind it. It’s a specification that details the capabilities of a truck, SUV, or any other vehicle. The vehicle manufacturer sets this number based on the capabilities of the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and frame.
Why Does Towing Capacity Matter?
A vehicle’s towing capacity determines what you can tow with it. If you plan to haul a camper, boat, or any other trailer, you must stay under this number.
Pushing your vehicle past its abilities can stress components and increase wear and tear. You may not notice it immediately, but you’ll eventually begin to experience issues that wouldn’t otherwise exist.
Staying under the towing capacity ensures your vehicle can control the load. A trailer that’s too heavy could cause you to lose control. Being out of control while driving is scary, but being out of control while towing is a nightmare.
Overall, staying within the towing capacity of your vehicle keeps you and others on the road safe. You could run into insurance and legal issues if you’re involved in an accident while towing beyond the capabilities of your vehicle. You don’t want that on your record or conscience for the rest of your life.
What Affects Towing Capacity?
Manufacturers must consider several factors when assigning a vehicle’s towing capacity. One of the most significant factors is the power and torque of the engine. An automobile with more power and higher torque is more capable, which allows it to handle heavier loads.
You’ll notice the benefits of a more capable engine when going up a hill, steep grade, or mountain pass. In general, trucks and large SUVs offer the most towing capacities. Minivans, compact cars, or SUVs can still tow, but weight can be problematic.
Additionally, the chassis and suspension of the vehicle are also important factors. The most capable vehicles have frames and other suspension components reinforced and designed to distribute weight. A car with a longer wheelbase generally will have a higher towing capacity and a more stable ride.
About the Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia is an SUV built for mountains, deserts, and highways. But is it worth considering if you’ll be towing loads? Let’s take a closer look and see!
Models
The 2024 Toyota Sequoia is exclusively available as a hybrid vehicle and comes in five packages (SR4, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone). Like most automobiles, features and luxury increase as you climb higher in the lineup. However, no matter which model you choose, they’re incredibly efficient vehicles. You can typically expect to get between 19 and 24 mpg.
If you plan to take your adventures off paved roads, the TRD Pro model will be your best bet. It features a skid plate, FOX shocks, and Crawl Control to help you and your Sequoia stay safe. It’s also the only model in the lineup with four-wheel drive.
The ultimate Sequoia is the Capstone. It features massive 22-inch chrome wheels, power running boards, and walnut accents throughout the cabin. It’s also the most capable Sequoia for towing.
Keep in Mind: Towing With a Dolly Vs. Flat Towing: Which Is Better? Let’s find out!
Specs
The 2024 Sequoia comes standard with an i-FORCE MAX Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid engine, creating over 400 horsepower. With 583 pound-feet of torque, you’ll have no trouble conquering inclines while hauling heavy loads.
In addition to having a powerful engine, the latest Sequoia features seating for eight. This makes it a fantastic vehicle for larger families who want to get out and make memories together. When the third row isn’t needed, it folds down to maximize cargo space.
It comes equipped with all of the latest technology and safety features. With a massive 14-inch touchscreen, those turn-by-turn directions will be crystal clear. Lane tracing assist, lane departure alerts, and full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control maximize your safety. You’ll love how these features keep you and your loved ones safe during your epic trips.
Standout Features
One of the most prominent standout features of the Toyota Sequoia is its fuel efficiency. Getting a combined 22 miles per gallon is incredible. Who doesn’t like fewer stops and more money to spend on your travels?
Another feature that helps the Toyota Sequoia stand out is the adaptive variable suspension (AVS). With this feature, the shock absorbers adjust based on the road conditions. This provides an incredibly smooth and comfortable driving experience, especially during tight maneuvers and bumps in the road.
Keep in Mind: Most RVers don’t need a semi-truck to tow their rig, but for some, it might be beneficial!
What Is the Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity?
The Capstone has the highest towing capacity of any vehicle in the Sequoia lineup. It has a max towing capacity of 9,520 pounds when properly equipped. However, even the standard Sequoia, with a towing capacity shy of 9,000 pounds, is a towing beast.
However, before hooking a trailer up to it, you must consider the payload capacity. The Sequoia’s payload capacity is between 1,375 and 1,730 pounds. After adding passengers and any cargo, there won’t be much of your payload capacity left for a trailer. Exceeding the payload capacity of your vehicle is equally as dangerous as the towing capacity.
Make sure you run your towing numbers multiple times. You want to avoid overloading your vehicle and creating a dangerous situation. Things can get out of hand very quickly in these circumstances.
How Much Does a Toyota Sequoia Cost?
The cost of a Toyota Sequoia will depend on a variety of factors, but especially the model and your location. A base model SR5 costs around $60,875, and the Capstone and TRD Pro are around $75,000 each. However, as you can imagine, Toyota offers a variety of upgrades that consumers can choose from.
Is a Toyota Sequoia Good for Towing?
If you can keep your payload down, the Toyota Sequoia can be incredible for towing. However, it’s easy to underestimate the weight of your passengers and the cargo you’ll want to take with you.
A well-equipped Sequoia offers plenty of horsepower, a receiver hitch, seven-pin wiring connectors, and a built-in trailer brake controller. You can practically hit the road as soon as you get home!
Would you consider a Toyota Sequoia for your adventures?
