Owner guide · Elgin Toyota · Streamwood, IL
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Towing Capacity
The 2026 Grand Highlander tows either 5,000 lb. or 3,500 lb., and the powertrain decides which. Here is the rating for each grade, the tongue weight that goes with it, the towing features that come standard, and what else to check before you hook up a trailer. Figures are from toyota.com's 2026 Grand Highlander specifications, read October 27, 2026.
5,000 lb.2.4L turbo gas grades and Hybrid MAX grades
3,500 lb.2.5L hybrid grades
500 / 350 lb.maximum tongue weight (10% of tow rating)
StandardTrailer-Sway Control on every grade
What is the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander towing capacity?
Up to 5,000 lb. Toyota.com lists 5,000 lb. for the LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum with the 2.4-liter turbo engine and for the Hybrid MAX Limited and Hybrid MAX Platinum, and 3,500 lb. for the Hybrid LE, Hybrid XLE, Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Nightshade.
2026 Grand Highlander towing capacity by grade
| Grade | Powertrain | Towing | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| LE | 2.4L turbo | 5,000 lb. | FWD or AWD |
| XLE | 2.4L turbo | 5,000 lb. | FWD or AWD |
| Limited | 2.4L turbo | 5,000 lb. | FWD or AWD |
| Platinum | 2.4L turbo | 5,000 lb. | AWD |
| Hybrid LE | 2.5L hybrid | 3,500 lb. | AWD |
| Hybrid XLE | 2.5L hybrid | 3,500 lb. | FWD or AWD |
| Hybrid Limited | 2.5L hybrid | 3,500 lb. | AWD |
| Hybrid Nightshade | 2.5L hybrid | 3,500 lb. | AWD |
| Hybrid MAX Limited | Hybrid MAX | 5,000 lb. | AWD |
| Hybrid MAX Platinum | Hybrid MAX | 5,000 lb. | AWD |
From toyota.com's 2026 Grand Highlander specifications page (mechanical and performance), read October 27, 2026. Gas grades use an 8-speed automatic, 2.5L hybrid grades an electronically controlled CVT, and Hybrid MAX grades a 6-speed automatic with full-time electronic AWD.
Gas, hybrid or Hybrid MAX: which tows more?
The gas and Hybrid MAX grades. The LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum use a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 265 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, and each is listed at 5,000 lb. The Hybrid MAX Limited and Hybrid MAX Platinum use a 2.4-liter turbo Hybrid MAX powertrain rated at 362 net combined hp and 400 lb.-ft., and are also listed at 5,000 lb.
The Hybrid LE, Hybrid XLE, Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Nightshade use a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain rated at 245 combined net hp, and each is listed at 3,500 lb.
If you plan to tow a camper, a boat or a utility trailer, bring the trailer's loaded weight when you shop at Elgin Toyota and we will show you the Grand Highlander grades rated for it.
Towing features on the 2026 Grand Highlander
Trailer-Sway Control
Listed as standard on every 2026 Grand Highlander grade on toyota.com.
Hill Start Assist Control
Listed as standard on every grade, useful when you pull away on a slope with a trailer behind you.
Downhill Assist Control
Listed as standard on the all-wheel-drive versions; not available on the front-wheel-drive versions.
Three all-wheel-drive systems
Dynamic Torque Control AWD on gas grades, Electronic On-Demand AWD on 2.5L hybrid grades, and full-time electronic AWD on Hybrid MAX grades.
Feature availability from toyota.com's 2026 Grand Highlander specifications page, read October 27, 2026. Equipment can change during the model year.
Towing capacity is not the only limit
The towing capacity is the most a Grand Highlander is rated to pull. The trailer, the cargo on it, your passengers and the cargo inside the SUV all have to stay within the vehicle's other weight limits too.
Toyota.com lists Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings from 6,010 lb. to 6,340 lb. and curb weights from 4,290 lb. to 4,905 lb., depending on grade, drivetrain and seating. It also lists a maximum tongue weight of 500 lb. on the 5,000-lb. grades and 350 lb. on the 3,500-lb. grades. The owner's manual for your Grand Highlander has the full set of limits, so read it before your first trip with a trailer.
Elgin Toyota hours
| Department | Hours |
|---|---|
| Sales | Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun closed |
| Service | Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun closed |
From Elgin Toyota's website, October 27, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
2026 Grand Highlander towing FAQ
How much can a 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander tow?
Up to 5,000 lb. Toyota.com lists 5,000 lb. for every grade with the 2.4-liter turbocharged gas engine (LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum) and for the Hybrid MAX Limited and Hybrid MAX Platinum. The Hybrid LE, Hybrid XLE, Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Nightshade are listed at 3,500 lb.
Which Grand Highlander hybrid tows 5,000 lb.?
The Hybrid MAX grades. Toyota.com lists the Hybrid MAX Limited and Hybrid MAX Platinum, which pair a 2.4-liter turbo engine with the Hybrid MAX system, at 5,000 lb. The grades with the 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain are listed at 3,500 lb.
What tongue weight can a 2026 Grand Highlander handle?
Toyota.com lists a maximum tongue weight of 500 lb. for the 5,000-lb. grades and 350 lb. for the 3,500-lb. grades, which it describes as 10% of the tow rating.
Does the 2026 Grand Highlander have trailer sway control?
Yes. Trailer-Sway Control and Hill Start Assist Control are listed as standard on every 2026 Grand Highlander grade on toyota.com.
Is the towing capacity the only limit I need to check?
No. The trailer, its cargo, your passengers and your own cargo all have to stay within your Grand Highlander's weight limits. Toyota.com lists Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings from 6,010 lb. to 6,340 lb., depending on grade, drivetrain and seating. The owner's manual for your model year has the full set of limits.
Planning to tow with a Grand Highlander?
Visit Elgin Toyota at 1600 W. Lake St. in Streamwood to compare Grand Highlander grades, or book a brake and tire check before a towing trip.
Sources
Towing capacities, tongue weights, powertrains, drivetrains, weights and feature availability are from toyota.com's 2026 Grand Highlander specifications page, read October 27, 2026. Your owner's manual and the labels on your vehicle are the final word. Address and hours are from Elgin Toyota's own website. Image is illustrative.
- 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander specifications: maximum towing capacity, maximum tongue weight, powertrain, transmission, drivetrain, GVWR, curb weight, Trailer-Sway Control, Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control by grade, Toyota, read October 27, 2026
- Address and hours, Elgin Toyota, October 27, 2026
