The Toyota Highlander gets excellent gas mileage and is known for being very comfortable to drive, but can a Toyota Highlander tow a camper? The short answer to this question is yes.
Still, you should know that the towing capacity of the Highlander has not changed over the years, despite there being some new additions to the Highlander lineup, such as a V6 engine in addition to the standard 4-cylinder engine and optional all-wheel drive.
Is it Possible to Tow a Camper With the Toyota Highlander?
Towing capacity is never an issue with larger SUVs. But what about smaller vehicles, like sport-utility vehicles?
When you think of towing, you probably envision your parents driving an oversized RV across the country—not taking their compact car out for a drive.
But that doesn’t mean smaller cars aren’t capable of pulling behind them another small vehicle.
Many SUVs come with built-in tow packages allowing you to pull trailers or small campers, such as pop-up and travel trailers.
The Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds and has Class II and III hitches for different trailers.
How Does a Toyota Highlander Compare to Other SUVs
If you have been asking yourself, can a Toyota Highlander tow a camper? You would probably have checked out other brands.
So, know if you wish to tow a camper or travel trailer with an SUV, your options are restricted.
Full-size trucks, larger SUVs, and crossovers are the most popular towing vehicles these days.
The Toyota Highlander is one of the numerous mid-size crossovers that can tow light loads, with a maximum capability of 5,000 pounds.
The 2015 Highlander has less ground clearance than other vehicles in its class, like the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder, which is beneficial for off-roading but not so great for trailering.
The towing capacity of the 2017 Toyota Highlander ranges from 1,500 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the model level.
More basic trims like the LE have lesser towing capacity, but trims like the XLE and Limited have more.
There are two engine options for the Toyota Highlander from 2019 through 2022: 2.7L Inline-4 Engine in Highlander and The maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
A Highlander with a 3.5L V6 engine has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
A 3.5L V6 engine and an electric motor power Highlander Hybrid. The maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.
What Kinds of Campers Can a Toyota Highlander Tow?
Now you know that asking, “Can a Toyota Highlander tow a camper?” is a yes!
If you love camping and want to travel with your favorite family members or even friends, then there are some things you need to know.
Before starting your trip, make sure you know what kind of camper or trailer you plan on pulling with your vehicle.
The type of camper will give you insight into how much weight it will take in tow.
If you have decided to pull a toy hauler, don’t be surprised if it takes more power to get moving. This is because these trailers can get heavy fast!
Other types of campers, like teardrop, Airstreams, or pop-up trailers, will not require as much ability to move them down the road.
Teardrop Camper
Small teardrop campers typically weigh from 500 to 800 pounds. However, larger pop-up campers can weigh up to 1,500 pounds.
This means that for most teardrop campers, you won’t need a big tow vehicle, but if you opt for an RV or camper weighing 1,500 pounds or more, you may want to look into an SUV.
Pop-up Camper
A pop-up camper can be easily attached to a Toyota Highlander and removed just as quickly.
Pop-up trailers are lightweight, easy to tow, and often include notable additions to send or with your family.
The main disadvantage of pop-up campers is their limited space. They’re not made for extended stays for relatively quick excursions into nature.
In addition, they’re somewhat exposed when in use and may attract unwanted attention if left unattended on your trip.
If you don’t plan on keeping your camper for two to two weeks at most and you have access to soft surfaces such as grass or dirt, consider investing in one of these lights (and usually cheap) wonders!
Airstream Camper
Towing a camper can be hard on any vehicle. It’s tough when you’re pulling something significant, like an Airstream.
The weight will impact your fuel economy and add extra wear and tear to your SUV.
But what if you have an SUV with factory-installed tow prep that could handle it? Here’s how you can determine if your particular Highlander is up to snuff for trailer towing.
Can a Toyota Highlander Tow a Camper? Yes!
Depending on where you live and how much stuff you need to bring with you, your car choice will play an essential role in planning your next adventure.
In many cases, particularly if you’re thinking about camping or long-distance traveling with all of your family’s gear and provisions. It might make sense to buy a vehicle designed for hauling.
Can a Toyota Highlander tow a camper? One look at this article will tell you that, yes—the highlander can pull any size trailer camper for all types of adventures.
