2008 Toyota Rav4 towing capacity
The 2008 Toyota Rav4 is published in 15 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (3,500 lb) sits in compact SUV / minivan territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 2008 Toyota Rav4 with the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, horsepower, torque, GVWR, curb weight, and payload that go with that trim's headline tow rating. Manufacturers often publish more than one tow figure per truck — a conventional bumper-hitch rating, a weight-distributing rating, and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel rating — so the highest number here is the maximum across all hitch classes the source carries for the trim.
Per-trim breakdown
| Configuration | Engine | HP | Torque | Axle | Tow (lb) | GVWR | Curb | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Sport" Sport Utility 4D | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 166 | 165 | — | 1,500 | — | 3,514 | — |
| Sport Utility 4D | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 166 | 165 | — | 1,500 | — | 3,444 | — |
| Limited Sport Utility 4D | V6, 3.5 Liter | 269 | 246 | — | 3,500 | — | 3,675 | — |
| Base Front-wheel Drive | — | 166 | 165 | 2.92 | 1,500 | 4,430 | 3,300 | 1,130 |
| Sport Front-wheel Drive | — | 166 | 165 | 2.92 | 1,500 | 4,430 | 3,373 | 1,057 |
| Limited Front-wheel Drive | — | 166 | 165 | 2.92 | 1,500 | 4,430 | 3,371 | 1,059 |
| Base V6 Front-wheel Drive | — | 269 | 246 | 3.08 | 2,000 | 4,600 | 3,527 | 1,073 |
| Sport V6 Front-wheel Drive | — | 269 | 246 | 3.08 | 2,000 | 4,600 | 3,549 | 1,051 |
| Limited V6 Front-wheel Drive | — | 269 | 246 | 3.08 | 2,000 | 4,600 | 3,547 | 1,053 |
| Base 4x4 | — | 166 | 165 | 3.08 | 1,500 | 4,535 | 3,444 | 1,091 |
| Sport 4x4 | — | 166 | 165 | 3.08 | 1,500 | 4,535 | 3,514 | 1,021 |
| Limited 4x4 | — | 166 | 165 | 3.08 | 1,500 | 4,535 | 3,512 | 1,023 |
| Base V6 4x4 | — | 269 | 246 | 3.08 | 2,000 | 4,720 | 3,655 | 1,065 |
| Sport V6 4x4 | — | 269 | 246 | 3.08 | 2,000 | 4,720 | 3,677 | 1,043 |
| Limited V6 4x4 | — | 269 | 246 | 3.08 | 2,000 | 4,720 | 3,675 | 1,045 |
How to interpret the headline tow figure
Tow ratings at this level are normally achievable with a conventional Class II or Class III receiver hitch. Always verify your vehicle has the manufacturer's tow package installed if you intend to tow at the upper end of the rating, and inspect the door-jamb sticker for the actual maximum permitted on your specific configuration.
How this year compares to 2007
The 2007 Toyota Rav4 carried a maximum tow rating of 2,000 lb. The 2008 model adds 1,500 lb on top of that — usually a sign the manufacturer added a tow package option, refreshed the powertrain, or revised hitch class certification. See the 2007 Toyota Rav4 page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2008 Toyota models
The rest of Toyota's 2008 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 2008 Toyota Tundra | 10,800 |
| 2008 Toyota Tundra Reg. Cab 2WD Long Bed | 10,800 |
| 2008 Toyota Tundra Dbl. Cab 2WD Standard Bed | 10,600 |
| 2008 Toyota Tundra Reg. Cab 4WD Long Bed | 10,500 |
| 2008 Toyota Tundra Dbl. Cab 2WD Long Bed | 10,500 |
| 2008 Toyota Tundra Reg. Cab 2WD Standard Bed | 10,400 |
All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled. Always confirm against your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing.