Trucks have always been the primary towing vehicles for civilians – and they continue to be. But what if you don’t want to get a pickup bed? In that case, an SUV is probably the next best bet for towing capability. With one of the most versatile lineups, Toyota SUVs are a common starting point for drivers seeking towing capacity. Let’s look at how well each Toyota SUV can tow from the Venza to the Sequoia. 

Are Toyota SUVs good for towing?

The SUV segment has strayed far from its rugged agricultural origins. We’ve come from what started as essentially covered trucks all the way to crossover SUVs replacing sedans. But even though SUVs have become more domesticated, there are still many that are plenty capable. Toyota’s SUV lineup is a perfect example – offering a capability spectrum ranging from leisurely hybrid crossovers to truck-based utility vehicles. While some are more attuned to efficiency and comfort, others offer usable towing performance. 

6. Toyota Venza: not for towing

The upscale hybrid crossover isn’t much of a utility vehicle. In fact, it’s not even rated for towing. Its strength lies elsewhere: sleek style, efficient power, and passenger comfort. The Venza is akin to a Lexus crossover with a Toyota badge. But it won’t be towing any trailers.  

5. Toyota Corolla Cross: value proposition

The Corolla Cross is Toyota’s most affordable SUV, starting at just over $23,000. It’s a simple crossover meant to offer a more practical alternative to its sedan namesake. While the Corolla Cross doesn’t provide impressive performance, it has some towing capabilities. According to Edmunds, it has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. It’s not huge but it’s enough for basic towing needs like small moving trailers. 

4. Toyota RAV4: versatility prevails

As the world’s best-selling vehicle, the RAV4 is known for its well-rounded design and performance. Its towing capacity is impressive for a compact SUV – 3,500 pounds with the gas engine, according to Edmunds. Hybrid and Prime models are rated for up to 2,500 pounds. It’s by no means a heavy-duty towing vehicle, but the RAV4 should be able to handle plenty of lighter towing needs. 

3. Toyota Highlander: family-friendly towing

Toyota’s family crossover offers more towing capability than you might think. In its base form, the Highlander can handle up to 3,500 pounds. Moving up to a turbocharged all-wheel drive model bumps towing capacity to 5,000 pounds. The Highlander Hybrid is no slouch, offering a max towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. 

2. Toyota 4Runner: old-school capability

The ancient Toyota 4Runner has scarcely changed in over a decade, continuing to offer its same old 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic transmission. It has a reputation for durability and off-road chops, but the 4Runner can also tow up to 5,000 pounds across all trim levels, according to Toyota.  

1. Toyota Sequoia: truck-based towing SUV 

The new Sequoia is by far Toyota’s best towing SUV. Unsurprisingly, the Sequoia uses the same ladder-frame platform as the Tundra pickup. The standard twin-turbo hybrid V6 helps as well. As a result, the Sequoia has a max towing capacity of over 9,500 pounds. 

Which Toyota SUV is best for towing?

By sheer numbers, the Sequoia is the strongest Toyota SUV for towing. However, it doesn’t serve the needs of every driver. For some drivers, a more efficient crossover with moderate towing capability could be a better option. It’s all about specific needs.