When the topic of towing arises, many people immediately picture a powerful pickup truck cruising down the highway with a massive trailer attached. However, you don't necessarily need a pickup truck to transport heavy items. Whether it's an SUV, crossover, or even a sedan like the Camry, these vehicles can handle hauling cargo around town as long as you possess the right knowledge:

If you're in the market for a robust towing vehicle but prefer something other than a pickup truck, the Toyota Highlander XLE is an excellent choice. The towing capacity of the 2014-2019 models actually surpasses that of the Tacoma, which tops out at 3,500 pounds. The XLE is the top-tier trim of the Highlander lineup. Equipped with its V6 engine and the optional towing package, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds*. In contrast, the base LE trim, which uses a four-cylinder engine, can tow up to 1,500 pounds.

To give you a better understanding of what the Highlander XLE can handle, here are three common items people tow that weigh up to 5,000 pounds:

1. A Speedboat

A 4WD Highlander towing a 4,000-pound speedboat:

Living close to a body of water and eager to take your speedboat out for a spin? No problem. As long as your speedboat weighs less than 5,000 pounds (which most do), your Highlander XLE will have no trouble handling it.

2. Horses

Horse trailer

Photo credit: Boeckmann_horseexperts

The Highlander XLE has enough power to tow a two-horse trailer along with the horses, a bale of hay, and horseback riding gear. On average, each horse weighs about 1,000 pounds, and a two-horse trailer typically weighs just over a ton, so you should be fine taking your beloved horses out with an XLE.

3. A 25’ RV

RV

Photo credit: Larry Krainson

Some 25-foot RVs weigh nearly 5,000 pounds without any water or supplies inside. For instance, a 2017 Rockwood Mini-Light 2504S (as shown above) has a dry weight of 4,800 pounds. Keep in mind that not all 25-foot RVs weigh the same, so always check your RV's weight before attaching it to your Highlander XLE.

What a Highlander LE Can Tow

The most basic Highlander trim level, the LE, can still tow some items with a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. You can upgrade to an LE with a V6 engine for greater towing capability. Here are some things you can tow with the four-cylinder LE engine:

  • A teardrop trailer
  • A small utility trailer
  • A jet ski
  • An ATV

Safety Tips for Towing With Your Highlander XLE

  • Always drive at a speed below 55 mph.
  • Maintain at least four seconds of following distance from the car ahead.
  • Avoid rapid acceleration.
  • When descending hills, gently tap the brakes rather than slamming them to prevent overheating.
  • Inspect everything—especially your brakes and all fluids—before starting your journey.
  • On long trips, check the tire pressure every time you stop.
  • Set your tires to their maximum recommended pressure.
  • To stabilize the trailer, aim for a tongue weight of 10%-15% of the trailer's total weight.

The Right Towing Accessories for Your Highlander XLE

The first essential item is the hitch (Part No. PT228-48172). It connects the trailer to your Highlander's frame, and you should never tow using just the bumper.

Another critical component is the wiring harness (Part No. PT725-48140). Without it, you'll risk getting pulled over for having non-functional lights on your trailer. Additionally, consider purchasing a ball mount and safety chains.

We're consistently impressed by the towing capabilities of the Highlander XLE, and we'd love to see videos of it in action. If you own one, please share it with us on Facebook!

*Always refer to your owner's manual for precise specifications before towing.

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