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2025 Toyota 4Runner Towing Capacity

Toyota 4Runner Towing

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner can tow up to 6,000 pounds, 1 making it have the best Toyota 4Runner towing capacity in 15 years. The wilderness is your oyster, thanks to exceptional off-roading features like the new Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism or TRD-tuned FOX® suspension so that you can bring your camper right to your favorite site – and an available third row of room brings the whole family with you. We at Haley Toyota of Roanoke are huge fans of SUVs with the utility to turn your vacation into something special and memorable, and the sixth generation of the legendary Toyota 4Runner has the grit to revolutionize your vacation.

Toyota 4Runner Towing Capacity by Trim, Engine & Drivetrain

To see just how far-reaching this new 6,000-pound 2025 Toyota 4Runner towing capacity is, see the chart for applicable trims.

SR5 TRD Sport TRD Sport Premium TRD Off-Road TRD Off-Road Premium Limited Platinum TRD Pro Trailhunter
Best Engine 2.4L i-FORCE Turbo 4-Cyl (standard) 2.4L i-FORCE Turbo 4-Cyl (standard) 2.4L i-FORCE Turbo 4-Cyl (standard) 2.4L i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Turbo 4-Cyl (available) 2.4L i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Turbo 4-Cyl (available) 2.4L i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Turbo 4-Cyl (available) 2.4L i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Turbo 4-Cyl (standard) 2.4L i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Turbo 4-Cyl (standard) 2.4L i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Turbo 4-Cyl (standard)
Best Towing Capacity Not Currently Listed Not Currently Listed Not Currently Listed 6,000 lbs 1 6,000 lbs 1 6,000 lbs 1 6,000 lbs 1 6,000 lbs 1 6,000 lbs 1

The i-FORCE MAX hybrid 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces the 326 net horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque required to maneuver a 6,000-pound haul behind it. 1 This engine, the most powerful offered on a 4Runner, sends its strength through an eight-speed automatic transmission to smooth out your drive and unlock the most optimal 4Runner tow capacity for 2025.

Toyota 4Runner Towing Capacity by Year & Engine

While 2025 promises to be the best 4Runner tow rating in the last 15 years, this modern generation isn’t the most potent vehicle in the SUV’s lineup. Just before the fifth-gen 4Runner towing capacity stayed steady at 4,700 to 5,000 pounds, 1 the 4Runner peaked. Check out our year-to-year chart to see what that height looked like.

Generation Best Engine Best Drivetrain Best Towing Capacity
1984 1st Gen 2.4L I-4 4WD 2,500 to 3,000 lbs 1
1985 1st Gen 2.4L I-4 4WD 2,500 to 3,000 lbs 1
1986 1st Gen 2.4L I-4 4WD 3,500 lbs 1
1987 1st Gen 2.4L I-4 4WD 3,500 lbs 1
1988 1st Gen 3.0L V-6 4WD 3,500 lbs 1
1989 1st Gen 3.0L V-6 4WD 3,500 lbs 1
1990 2nd Gen 3.0L V-6 4WD 3,500 lbs 1
1991 2nd Gen 3.0L V-6 4WD 3,500 lbs 1
1992 2nd Gen 3.0L V-6 4WD 3,500 lbs 1
1993 2nd Gen 3.0L V-6 4WD 3,500 lbs 1
1994 2nd Gen 3.0L V-6 4WD 3,500 lbs 1
1995 2nd Gen 3.0L V-6 4WD 3,500 lbs 1
1996 3rd Gen 3.4L V-6 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
1997 3rd Gen 3.4L V-6 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
1998 3rd Gen 3.4L V-6 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
1999 3rd Gen 3.4L V-6 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
2000 3rd Gen 3.4L V-6 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
2001 3rd Gen 3.4L V-6 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
2002 3rd Gen 3.4L V-6 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
2003 4th Gen 4.7L V-8 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
2004 4th Gen 4.7L V-8 RWD 7,300 lbs 1
2005 4th Gen 4.7L V-8 RWD 7,300 lbs 1
2006 4th Gen 4.7L V-8 RWD 7,300 lbs 1
2007 4th Gen 4.7L V-8 RWD 7,300 lbs 1
2008 4th Gen 4.7L V-8 RWD 7,300 lbs 1
2009 4th Gen 4.7L V-8 RWD 7,300 lbs 1
2010 5th Gen 4.0L V-6 Part- or Full-Time 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
2011 5th Gen 4.0L V-6 Part- or Full-Time 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
2012 5th Gen 4.0L V-6 Part- or Full-Time 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
2013 5th Gen 4.0L V-6 Part- or Full-Time 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
2014 5th Gen 4.0L V-6 Part- or Full-Time 4WD 4,700 lbs 1
2015 5th Gen 4.0L V-6 Part- or Full-Time 4WD 4,700 lbs 1
2016 5th Gen 4.0L V-6 Part- or Full-Time 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
2017 5th Gen 4.0L V-6 Part- or Full-Time 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
2018 5th Gen 4.0L V-6 Part- or Full-Time 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
2019 5th Gen 4.0L V-6 Part- or Full-Time 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
2020 5th Gen 4.0L V-6 Part- or Full-Time 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
2021 5th Gen 4.0L V-6 Part- or Full-Time 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
2022 5th Gen 4.0L V-6 Part- or Full-Time 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
2023 5th Gen 4.0L V-6 Part- or Full-Time 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
2024 5th Gen 4.0L V-6 Part- or Full-Time 4WD 5,000 lbs 1
2025 6th Gen 2.4L i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Turbo 4-Cyl Part- or Full-Time 4WD 6,000 lbs 1

The new 2.4-liter i-FORCE MAX turbo engine is quite capable, but the best possible 4Runner V-8 towing capacity from the fourth generation reaches up to 7,300 pounds when properly equipped. This is significantly greater than the 4Runner V-6 towing capacity of 5,000 pounds on fifth-generation SUVs, 1 allowing you to haul slightly more.

How To Prepare the Toyota 4Runner for Towing

Get the Right Equipment

Get the Right Equipment

While the 2025 Toyota 4Runner for sale comes with plenty of integrated off-road components and safety features, 4Runner ARB tow equipment is perfect for a busy family vacation.

4Runner Tow Hitch Cover

Keep your tow hitch free of debris or dents with the help of an OEM-approved hitch cover.

4Runner TRD Pro Tow Ring

Want to make getting yourself out of trouble easy? A tow ring on the front of your vehicle can help you get out of a ditch – with the help of another friend.

4Runner Tow Hitch Ball Mount

The right-sized 4Runner tow ball from ARB is designed to expand your collection to include utility, boat, and carrier trailers.

4Runner Tow Hooks

Spare tow hooks for your 4Runner are recommended for any problematic trail. These come in handy for attaching recovery gear like straps or chains.

How To Prepare the Toyota 4Runner for Towing

Equip the Wiring Harness, if Applicable

For trailers above a certain weight, please attach the wire harness according to your trailer’s installation guide.

Attach the Trailer, Safety Chain

Hook up the trailer to your vehicle. Your owner’s manual provides more details about the height of your carrying ball or hitch receiver so you can line it up more effectively. Once you are sure it’s secure, we recommend wrapping a safety chain around your 4Runner and haul.

Test Drive

Before you take your trailer onto the road, drive it carefully. Practice accelerating, braking, reversing, and turning with a heavier trailer. If you installed the wiring harness, check the integrated lights and brakes.

Feel the Toyota 4Runner Towing Specs for Yourself

Now that you know what the Toyota 4Runner towing capacity sounds like on paper, it’s time to visit Haley Toyota of Roanoke and take this capable sport-ute for a test ride. We have 2024 models in our showroom and older models in our used Toyota vehicle collection. If you would prefer to wait for the most modern edition, we can help you pre-order the 2025 edition of this legendary SUV as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the 2025 Toyota 4Runner payload capacity?

Currently, there is no official 2025 Toyota 4Runner payload capacity. Considering the towing capacity is around 1,000 pounds more than the fifth generation of 4Runner SUVs, 1 we can anticipate that the payload will likely be slightly lower than the 1,495-pound minimum as seen with the Limited trim on the 2024 Toyota 4Runner. Contact us for up-to-date information on more specific 2025 4Runner specs!

Can a Toyota 4Runner tow a car?

At a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, 1 the 2025 Toyota 4Runner can tow sedans and may be able to bring an off-roading vehicle out of a bad situation. It’s not recommended to do this with fifth-generation 4Runners, as 5,000 pounds 1 is much closer to the average weight of a vehicle. Consult your owner’s manual for more information about the types of automobiles you can tow.

Can a Toyota 4Runner tow 7,000 pounds?

The fourth generation of 4Runners includes models capable of towing up to 7,300 pounds. 1 These models must utilize the correct towing kit, the 4.7-liter V-8 engine, and be utilizing RWD. The Sport trims from this generation are a prime example of a powertrain with this towing strength, though 4WD models have slightly less potential. The 2025 edition gets close, at 6,000 pounds. 1

Which Toyota 4Runner has the highest towing capacity?

Toyota 4Runners from 2004 to 2009, when utilizing the 4.7-liter V-8 engine, RWD, and the standard trailering gear, are capable of the maximum 4Runner towing capacity of 7,300 pounds. 1 The next closest is the upcoming 2025 4Runner, with up to 6,000 pounds, 1 utilizing its hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain. Contact us for more information about towing with your 4Runner.

Can a Toyota 4Runner tow a boat or a jet ski?

Yes, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is capable of hauling jet skis and light boats. With 6,000 pounds of towing capacity, 1 your 4Runner is more than capable of bringing a fishing boat on its trailer, several jet skis on a carrier, a bunch of canoes, and more to the waterside for a weekend of beachside bliss. However, drive carefully to avoid trailer tipping while driving to the riverbed.

Can a Toyota 4Runner tow a camper?

Yes, a 2025 Toyota 4Runner can haul up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it well-versed in hauling medium-sized campers. With impressive off-roading specs, such as the TRD-tuned FOX® suspension and off-road gear from ARB, you should be able to get your vehicle right to your campsite without an issue! Before you tow your camper across rough terrain, fasten it securely.

What gear ratio is best for towing on a Toyota 4Runner?

When towing heavier loads with your 2024 Toyota 4Runner, staying out of the fifth gear ratio is advised. Sport mode and manual shift allow you to cruise in this range as much as possible, reducing strain on your engine. When we have more information about the gear ratios for the sixth generation Toyota 4Runner, contact us for details on the driving mode and gear selection you should stay in.

What axle ratio is most effective for towing on a Toyota 4Runner?

When carrying a heavy trailer with your 4Runner, it’s recommended that you put as much weight onto the trailer axles as possible. This takes the weight off your trailer tongue and 4Runner chassis, reducing the strain on your frame. For weights above 3,000 pounds, you should get a trailer with two or more axles to help distribute the haul accordingly. For more tips on axle weight distribution, contact us.

Toyota 4Runner Customer Reviews:


1 Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner’s Manual . The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. “Added vehicle equipment” includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle’s exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner’s Manual for limitations.

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