2016 Toyota Highlander towing capacity
Up to 5,000 lbs (the source does not say which hitch type the figure is for). That rating is for this configuration: LE, LE V6 FWD, V6, FWD. The lowest-rated configuration in the same tables is 1,500 lbs, so the answer for your vehicle depends on how it is equipped.
The top figure belongs to one specific build. Find the row that matches your engine, cab, drive and axle, and check the label on your driver's door jamb. Passengers and cargo in the truck come off what you can tow.
2016 Toyota Highlander towing capacity by engine
The highest rating published for each engine. Pick a figure to see every configuration behind it.
2016 Toyota Highlander towing capacity chart
All 10 configurations in the source, by hitch type and engine, highest rating first. Each row links to the page it is printed on.
Hitch type not stated
The source gives these trailer weights without naming a hitch type. They are shown as printed.
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LE, LE V6 FWDOne V6 value per grade column, not split by drive; split into FWD and AWD rows because the same page lists V6 FWD and V6 AWD for this grade. Heavy-duty radiator/oil cooler/transmission cooler/150-amp alternator listed as Standard on V6 in the towing block. | FWD | 5,000 lbs | p. 19 | ||
| LE, LE V6 AWDOne V6 value per grade column, not split by drive; split into FWD and AWD rows because the same page lists V6 FWD and V6 AWD for this grade. Heavy-duty radiator/oil cooler/transmission cooler/150-amp alternator listed as Standard on V6 in the towing block. | AWD | 5,000 lbs | p. 19 | ||
| LE Plus, LE PLUS V6 FWDOne V6 value per grade column, not split by drive; split into FWD and AWD rows because the same page lists V6 FWD and V6 AWD for this grade. Heavy-duty radiator/oil cooler/transmission cooler/150-amp alternator listed as Standard on V6 in the towing block. | FWD | 5,000 lbs | p. 19 | ||
| LE Plus, LE PLUS V6 AWDOne V6 value per grade column, not split by drive; split into FWD and AWD rows because the same page lists V6 FWD and V6 AWD for this grade. Heavy-duty radiator/oil cooler/transmission cooler/150-amp alternator listed as Standard on V6 in the towing block. | AWD | 5,000 lbs | p. 19 | ||
| XLE, XLE V6 FWDOne V6 value per grade column, not split by drive; split into FWD and AWD rows because the same page lists V6 FWD and V6 AWD for this grade. Heavy-duty radiator/oil cooler/transmission cooler/150-amp alternator listed as Standard on V6 in the towing block. | FWD | 5,000 lbs | p. 19 | ||
| XLE, XLE V6 AWDOne V6 value per grade column, not split by drive; split into FWD and AWD rows because the same page lists V6 FWD and V6 AWD for this grade. Heavy-duty radiator/oil cooler/transmission cooler/150-amp alternator listed as Standard on V6 in the towing block. | AWD | 5,000 lbs | p. 19 | ||
| Limited, LIMITED V6 FWDOne V6 value per grade column, not split by drive; split into FWD and AWD rows because the same page lists V6 FWD and V6 AWD for this grade. Heavy-duty radiator/oil cooler/transmission cooler/150-amp alternator listed as Standard on V6 in the towing block. | FWD | 5,000 lbs | p. 19 | ||
| Limited, LIMITED V6 AWDOne V6 value per grade column, not split by drive; split into FWD and AWD rows because the same page lists V6 FWD and V6 AWD for this grade. Heavy-duty radiator/oil cooler/transmission cooler/150-amp alternator listed as Standard on V6 in the towing block. | AWD | 5,000 lbs | p. 19 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Limited, HYBRID LIMITEDDrive not stated in the towing block, left null. Heavy-duty radiator with 240-watt fan coupling and supplemental transmission oil cooler listed as Standard. | 3,500 lbs | p. 19 |
| Configuration | Drive | Axle | Max trailer | Needs | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LE, LE 4-cylinder FWDTable does not split towing by drive; 4-cylinder is listed only as FWD in the same page's mileage table. Other grades print NA for 4-cylinder. | FWD | 1,500 lbs | p. 19 |
Common questions
Which 2016 Toyota Highlander engine tows the most?
V6, at up to 5,000 lbs. Next is Hybrid at up to 3,500 lbs.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 2016 Toyota Highlander eBrochure. Each row in the tables above links to the document and gives the page the figure is printed on.
Towing equipment for the 2016 Toyota Highlander
Parts sold to fit this vehicle. Fitting one does not raise a rating, and the tables above say what each rating needs.
- Trailer wiring harness for the 2016 Toyota Highlander. See on Amazon (paid link)
- Trailer hitch receiver for the 2016 Toyota Highlander. See on Amazon (paid link)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The ratings on this page come only from the documents cited.
Where these numbers come from
- 2016 Toyota Highlander eBrochure, Toyota. Manufacturer spec sheet. Retrieved October 3, 2026.
Page numbers count pages in the linked file, which can differ from the number printed in the corner. Report a number that looks wrong.
Related ratings
- 2017 Toyota Highlander towing capacity
- 2015 Toyota Highlander towing capacity
- Every year of the Toyota Highlander
- Other SUVs that can tow 5,000 lbs
- 2016 Toyota Tundra, up to 10,500 lbs
- 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser, up to 8,100 lbs
- 2016 Toyota Sequoia, up to 7,400 lbs
- 2016 Toyota Tacoma, up to 6,800 lbs
- 2016 Toyota 4Runner, up to 5,000 lbs