How Much Can a Toyota 4Runner Tow?

Curious about the 2025 Toyota 4Runner’s towing capacity? This guide offers ten key insights into its towing capabilities, from engines to trims, perfect for hauling campers or boats. Learn to maximize your 4Runner’s potential while towing safely for off-road adventures or family trips.

Safety Warning: Towing is hazardous. Never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or tow beyond capacity to avoid damage or accidents.

1. Understand 4Runner Towing Capacity

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner tows between 5,000 and 6,000 pounds, depending on trim and powertrain. Knowing your SUV’s limit ensures safe towing for recreational or work-related loads.

Capacity varies by configuration. Here’s what defines 4Runner towing.

• Max capacity is 6,000 lbs. Achieved with i-FORCE MAX hybrid on TRD Pro, Trailhunter, or Platinum trims.

• Base models tow 5,000 lbs. SR5 and TRD Sport with 2.4L i-FORCE engine, ideal for light trailers.

• Check the manual. Confirm your trim’s capacity, costing $0, to avoid $500–$2,000 in damage.

• Use VIN lookup. Verify specs on Toyota’s website, taking 2–3 minutes for accuracy.

2. Explore Engine Options

The 4Runner offers two engines: a 2.4L i-FORCE turbo and an i-FORCE MAX hybrid. Each provides distinct towing capabilities, impacting trailer choices for your adventures.

Engines drive towing power. Here’s how they affect capacity.

• 2.4L i-FORCE (278 hp). Tows up to 5,000 lbs, suited for jet skis or small trailers.

• i-FORCE MAX hybrid (326 hp). Reaches 6,000 lbs, ideal for campers or boats.

• Hybrid adds torque. Delivers 465 lb-ft, enhancing towing stability on tough terrain.

• Choose for needs. Opt for hybrid for heavier loads, per manual specs.

3. Consider Trim and Drivetrain

Trim levels (SR5, TRD Pro, Trailhunter) and drivetrains (RWD, 4WD) influence towing. Higher trims with the hybrid powertrain maximize towing capacity.

Trims impact limits. Here’s how configurations affect towing.

• TRD Pro, Trailhunter, Platinum. Tow 6,000 lbs with i-FORCE MAX hybrid, standard on these trims.

• SR5, TRD Sport. Limited to 5,000 lbs with standard i-FORCE engine.

• RWD vs. 4WD. Both achieve 6,000 lbs with hybrid, offering flexibility for terrain.

• Verify setup. Check trim details in the manual, costing $0, to match needs.

4. Utilize Towing Packages

The 4Runner’s integrated tow hitch and available Tow Technology Package enhance towing with features like trailer brake controllers. These are standard on most trims.

Packages boost capability. Here’s how they support towing.

• Integrated tow hitch. Standard on all trims with 4/7-pin connectors, costing $0.

• Tow Technology Package. Includes trailer brake controller, standard on Platinum, costing $500–$1,000.

• Trailer Sway Control. Stabilizes trailers, included standard, improving safety.

• Check equipment. Confirm package via dealer, taking 2–3 minutes, for max towing.

5. Account for Payload and GVWR

Payload (up to ~1,200–1,495 lbs) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR, 6,005–6,505 lbs) limit towing. Cargo reduces towing capacity to stay within safe limits.

Payload affects towing. Here’s how to manage it.

• Subtract payload. 500 lbs of cargo lowers towing by 500 lbs, per GCWR.

• Check GVWR. Ranges from 6,005 lbs (SR5) to 6,505 lbs (Trailhunter), avoiding $500–$2,000 damage.

• Weigh loads. Use a scale ($5–$20) to stay within limits, ensuring safety.

• Distribute evenly. Balance cargo to prevent sway, costing $0 to adjust.

6. Evaluate Trailer Types

The 4Runner tows various trailers, from jet skis to midsize campers, depending on configuration. Matching trailers to capacity ensures safe towing.

Trailer choice is critical. Here’s what a 4Runner can tow.

• Jet skis (1,000–3,000 lbs). Easily towed by any trim, ideal for SR5 models.

• Small campers (3,000–5,000 lbs). Handled by non-hybrid trims with i-FORCE engine.

• Midsize boats (up to 6,000 lbs). Requires hybrid trims like TRD Pro or Trailhunter.

• Utility trailers. ATVs or gear up to 6,000 lbs with proper setup.

7. Leverage Towing Technology

The 4Runner’s towing features, like Trailer Back Up Guide and Trailer Sway Control, enhance safety and ease. These are standard or available on most trims.

Technology improves towing. Here’s how it helps.

• Trailer Back Up Guide. Uses sensors for straight reversing, available on higher trims.

• Trailer Sway Control. Automatically brakes to stabilize wobble, standard on all trims.

• Digital rear-view mirror. Improves trailer visibility, costing $0 on equipped trims.

• Check features. Confirm availability via Toyota’s site, taking 2–3 minutes.

8. Comply with Legal Requirements

Towing regulations vary by state, covering weight, brakes, and lights. Compliance avoids fines and ensures safe towing with your 4Runner.

Following laws protects you. Here’s how to stay compliant.

• Verify weight limits. Keep loads under 6,000 lbs to meet state rules, avoiding $100–$500 fines.

• Check brake laws. Trailers over 3,000 lbs may need brakes, per DOT regulations.

• Ensure light functionality. Working lights prevent $50–$200 fines, checked in 1–2 minutes.

• Carry registration. Ensure trailer registration is current, avoiding $50–$200 penalties.

9. Maintain the SUV for Towing

Regular maintenance ensures the 4Runner tows at maximum capacity. Neglecting upkeep can reduce performance or cause damage during towing.

Maintenance supports reliability. Here’s how to prepare the SUV.

• Check cooling system. Ensure radiator and coolant are ready, costing $50–$150, to avoid overheating.

• Inspect brakes. Replace worn pads ($100–$300) to handle trailer weight safely.

• Monitor transmission fluid. Top off ($10–$30) to prevent $500–$2,000 repairs.

• Test performance. Drive briefly to confirm operation, costing $0, taking 5–10 minutes.

10. Compare with Competitors

The 4Runner’s 6,000-pound towing capacity competes well with midsize SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler or Honda Pilot, offering a balance of off-road and towing capability.

Comparing helps gauge value. Here’s how the 4Runner stacks up.

• Jeep Wrangler. Tows up to 5,000 lbs, 1,000 lbs less than the 4Runner hybrid.

• Honda Pilot. Reaches 5,000 lbs with AWD, matching non-hybrid 4Runner trims.

• Ford Bronco. Tows 4,500 lbs, trailing the 4Runner’s max capacity.

• Test drive competitors. Visit dealers to compare towing feel, costing $0.

Conclusion

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner tows up to 6,000 pounds with these ten insights, from engine choice to maintenance. Tow safely within limits for any adventure. For professional towing needs, our reliable towing service in Dallas offers 24/7 support, ensuring your 4Runner and load are handled with care!