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toyota rav4 towing capacity

Toyota RAV4 Towing Capacity – Complete Guide On All Model Years

  • Published: June 28, 2024
  • Updated: June 28, 2024

If you’re considering a new RAV4 or already have one, knowing its towing capacity is essential.

We’ll provide information on getting started, even if you decide the RAV4 isn’t suitable for your needs.

The RAV4 is a great option for towing smaller loads such as small campers, trailers, jet skis, and motorcycles.

It also comes with various safety features that ensure safe towing.

We’ll cover the RAV4’s towing capacity, compare it with competitors, suggest alternative vehicles, explain how to install a hitch, and more.

Braked vs. Unbraked Trailer Towing

When checking your RAV4’s towing capacity, you might notice a specific note in your manual.

All RAV4s from 2013 onward in the U.S. can tow up to 1,000 lbs with an unbraked trailer.

For models prior to 2013, refer to the owner’s manual for exact capacities.

The following capacities are for braked trailers.

RAV4 (Gas, Non-Hybrid)

The towing capacity varies depending on your trim level. The gas trims without a towing package include the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited trims.

The towing package, available from the 2018 model year onward, significantly impacts towing capacity. This package is available for the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims. Note: A tow hitch receiver and wiring harness can be added to any trim.

Remember, the towing capacities below are the maximum weight you should pull behind your RAV4 with a braked trailer. If towing an unbraked trailer, the allowable weight is significantly lower, making some heavy loads unsuitable for your SUV.

Model Year Towing Capacity
1996 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
1997 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
1998 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
1999 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2000 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2001 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2002 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2003 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2004 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2005 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2006 4-cylinder engine: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) V6 engine w/o towing package: 2,000 lbs. (907 kg.) V6 engine w/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg.)
2007 4-cylinder engine: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) V6 engine w/o towing package: 2,000 lbs. (907 kg.) V6 engine w/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg.)
2008 4-cylinder engine: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) V6 engine w/o towing package: 2,000 lbs. (907 kg.) V6 engine w/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg.)
2009 4-cylinder engine: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) V6 engine w/o towing package: 2,000 lbs. (907 kg.) V6 engine w/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg.)
2010 4-cylinder engine: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) V6 engine w/o towing package: 2,000 lbs. (905 kg.) V6 engine w/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,585 kg.)
2011 4-cylinder engine: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) V6 engine w/o towing package: 2,000 lbs. (905 kg.) V6 engine w/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,585 kg.)
2012 4-cylinder engine: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) V6 engine w/o towing package: 2,000 lbs. (905 kg.) V6 engine w/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,585 kg.)
2013 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2014 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2015 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2016 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2017 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2018 W/o towing package: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) 2WD w/ towing package: 2,900 lbs. (1,315 kg.)<br>AWD w/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,590 kg.)
2019 W/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,590 kg.) W/o towing package: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2020 W/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,590 kg.) W/o towing package: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2021 W/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,590 kg.) W/o towing package: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2022 W/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,590 kg.) W/o towing package: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2023 W/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,590 kg.) W/o towing package: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2024 W/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,590 kg.) W/o towing package: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)

RAV4 Hybrid Towing Capacity

Model Year Towing Capacity
2016 1,750 lbs. (795 kg.)
2017 1,750 lbs. (795 kg.)
2018 1,750 lbs. (795 kg.)
2019 1,750 lbs. (795 kg.)
2020 1,750 lbs. (795 kg.)
2021 1,750 lbs. (795 kg.)
2022 1,750 lbs. (795 kg.)
2023 1,750 lbs. (795 kg.)
2024 1,750 lbs. (795 kg.)

RAV4 Prime Towing Capacity

Model Year Towing Capacity
2021 2,500 lbs. (1,135 kg.)
2022 2,500 lbs. (1,135 kg.)
2023 2,500 lbs. (1,135 kg.)
2024 2,500 lbs. (1,135 kg.)

The RAV4 Prime has a notably higher towing capacity compared to the RAV4 Hybrid, making it one of the top PHEV SUVs for towing capacity.

Getting a Tow Hitch

Have you decided that the RAV4 will suffice for your towing needs? If so, you’ll need a tow hitch receiver installed, which you might already have. It’s a square hole at the back of your RAV4 designed to attach a trailer using a coupling point, typically a ball mount. For those who own a 2006 to 2012 Toyota RAV4, a hitch kit can be purchased directly from Toyota.

Here’s a summary of the installation process. First, gather your tools and equipment, including safety glasses, a support strap, a spray bottle, a flathead screwdriver, an exhaust removal tool, a torque wrench, and a 19mm socket and crows foot adapter.

Start by lowering the exhaust, which is held by three metal rubber hangers located on the driver’s side, passenger’s side, and down the middle. Before detaching the exhaust, secure it with a support strap for safe lowering. Use soapy water to loosen the grommet and a flathead screwdriver to remove the stickers covering the weld nuts you’ll use to attach the hitch.

Next, line up the two holes on the hitch with the exposed holes. You can use a hitch jack for this step or enlist an extra set of hands. Install the hardware, ensuring the teeth of the conical tooth washer face toward the hitch. Begin with the driver’s side, as the passenger’s side is usually tighter.

This sequence can facilitate a smoother installation. Finally, tighten and torque all the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications using a 19mm socket and crows foot adapter, then re-attach the exhaust using the original three hangers.

High-Capacity Towing Alternatives

If the RAV4’s towing capacity falls short for your needs, here are some excellent options in different vehicle classes that offer significantly higher towing capacities:

Mid-Size SUVs:

  • Jeep Grand Cherokee: Capable of towing up to 6,200 lbs.
  • Nissan Pathfinder: Tows up to 6,000 lbs.
  • Land Rover Defender: Can handle up to 8,201 lbs.

Full-Size SUVs:

  • Jeep Wagoneer: Maximum towing capacity of 10,000 lbs.
  • Toyota Sequoia: Tows up to 9,520 lbs.
  • Ford Expedition: Capable of towing 9,300 lbs.

Trucks:

  • Toyota Tacoma: Tows up to 6,800 lbs.
  • Chevrolet Colorado: Maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs.
  • Toyota Tundra: Can tow up to 12,000 lbs.

These vehicles provide superior towing capabilities compared to the RAV4, making them suitable choices for more demanding towing requirements.

Competitors

Are you curious about how the Toyota RAV4’s towing capacity stacks up against other compact SUVs? The results are indeed impressive. With a curb weight of 3,615 lbs, the RAV4 stands out as one of the most capable SUVs in its class, especially if equipped with the towing package.

Here’s a comparison of maximum towing capacities:

  • Toyota RAV4: 3,500 lbs.
  • Subaru Forester: 3,000 lbs.
  • Hyundai Tucson: 2,000 lbs.
  • Mazda CX-5: 2,000 lbs.
  • Kia Sportage: 1,632 lbs.
  • Honda CR-V: 1,500 lbs.
  • Nissan Rogue: 1,350 lbs.
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