What Are The Best Toyota Models for Towing?

If you've been cross-shopping Toyotas and trying to figure out which one can actually pull your boat, camper, or trailer, you've probably noticed the towing numbers are all over the place and for good reason. Toyota's lineup spans everything from a compact crossover that can barely handle a jet ski trailer to a full-size truck that'll pull a fifth wheel. Here's how it all shakes out for 2026.

The short version: if maximum towing is the whole point, the Tundra wins by a wide margin at 12,000 lbs. But depending on what you're actually hauling, a few other Toyotas are worth a look too.

Tundra: the obvious choice for serious towing

No surprise here. Tundra tops Toyota's lineup at up to 12,000 lbs when properly equipped. What's less obvious is how it gets there: the i-FORCE MAX hybrid puts down 583 lb-ft of torque, which matters more than raw horsepower when you're trying to get a loaded trailer moving from a dead stop. Every Tundra comes with Trailer-Sway Control standard, and depending on trim you can add an integrated trailer brake controller and a Trailer Backup Guide that uses cameras to help you back up straight. If you're chasing the absolute highest number in the lineup, an SR5 with rear-wheel drive, a double cab, and the shorter 6.5-foot bed tends to land at the top of the range.

Sequoia: Tundra-level capability with three rows of seats

Don't need a truck bed but still need serious towing? The Sequoia shares its platform with the Tundra and tows up to 9,520 lbs, which is more than enough for a full-size travel trailer or a large boat and rare for a three-row SUV. Every Sequoia comes with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid standard, so you don't have to hunt for the right trim to get the best number.

Tacoma: still plenty of truck for most trailers

The Tacoma tops out at 6,500 lbs, and which trim gets you there is a little more specific than you'd think the SR5 and TRD PreRunner, both with the 2.4L turbo engine, hit the max. Step up to TRD Sport or TRD Off-Road and you're still at a very usable 6,400 lbs, Limited comes in at 6,300, and the i-FORCE MAX hybrid trims land at 6,000. That's a small enough spread that it shouldn't really decide which trim you buy.

4Runner and Land Cruiser both cap out at 6,000 lbs for different reasons

These two end up in the same place on paper, but they get there differently. The 4Runner's i-FORCE MAX hybrid trims top out at 6,000 lbs, while the gas-only SR5, TRD Sport, and TRD Sport Premium trims are rated lower at 5,000, and the off-road-focused Platinum, Trailhunter, and TRD Pro land in between at 5,800. The Land Cruiser is simpler: every trim runs the same hybrid powertrain, so the number doesn't change no matter which one you pick.

Grand Highlander and Highlander: enough for most weekend trailers

Both tow up to 5,000 lbs with their gas engines (the Grand Highlander also hits that number with the Hybrid MAX), while the standard hybrid versions of each are rated lower, at 3,500. That covers a pop-up camper, a small travel trailer, or a boat and trailer combo without needing to step up to something bigger.

RAV4: technically can tow, but it's not really the point

The RAV4 is rated for 1,500 lbs fine for a small utility trailer and not much else. If towing matters to you at all, look at the Highlander or Grand Highlander instead.

So which one should you actually buy?

It comes down to what's behind the vehicle, not just the badge on the front. A mid-size travel trailer in the 5,000–8,000 lb range is well within reach of a Tacoma, 4Runner, or Land Cruiser. Something bigger starts to point you toward the Tundra or Sequoia. And if you're only towing a light trailer a few times a year, there's no reason to pay for more truck than you need.

FAQS

What's the highest towing capacity you can get in a Toyota?

The Tundra, at up to 12,000 lbs when properly equipped.

Which Toyota SUV tows the most?

The Sequoia, at up to 9,520 lbs well ahead of the rest of the SUV lineup.

Tacoma or 4Runner which tows more?

The Tacoma, by 500 lbs (6,500 vs. 6,000), though both handle mid-size trailers and boats just fine.

Can a Highlander actually tow a camper?

Yes, up to 5,000 lbs with the gas engine enough for most small-to-mid-size campers. The Highlander Hybrid is rated lower, at 3,500 lbs.

Exact towing capacity depends on the specific trim, drivetrain, and how the vehicle is optioned, so don't assume a number for one configuration carries over to another. Stop by and we'll pull the real spec sheet for whatever you're looking at.