2012 Toyota Highlander towing capacity

The 2012 Toyota Highlander is published in 8 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (2,000 lb) sits in light utility / small-trailer territory.

The table below lists every trim of the 2012 Toyota Highlander 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

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 2011

The 2011 Toyota Highlander carried a maximum tow rating of 2,000 lb. The 2012 model carries the same headline figure — manufacturers usually leave the rating alone year-over-year unless there's a powertrain or hitch change. See the 2011 Toyota Highlander page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.

Other 2012 Toyota models

The rest of Toyota's 2012 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.

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.