Toyota RAV4 Towing Capacity (Chart by Model Year)

Whether you’re shopping for a new RAV4 or you already own one, it’s important to know how much weight you can safely pull with a trailer.

You can use our chart to quickly find your towing capacity. We’ll also provide you with the information you need to get started, even if you decide the RAV4 isn’t capable enough for your needs.

We’ll go into detail about the RAV4’s towing capacity, competitor capacities, alternative vehicles to consider, how to install a hitch, and more.

Towing Capacity Chart

Below, you’ll find towing capacity charts for the non-hybrid RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, and RAV4 Prime.

Please note that these capacities represent the trailer weight ratings (TWR), which is the standard towing capacity measurement.

TWR is the maximum allowable gross trailer weight. It is calculated as the sum of the trailer and cargo weights. It assumes a vehicle with two occupants, a towing package (if available), and a hitch system.

We verified this information with the Toyota RAV4 Owner’s Manuals.

RAV4 (Non-Hybrid)

Model Year	Towing Capacity
2024	W/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,590 kg.) W/o towing package: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2023	W/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,590 kg.) W/o towing package: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2022	W/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,590 kg.) W/o towing package: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2021	W/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,590 kg.) W/o towing package: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2020	W/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,590 kg.) W/o towing package: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2019	W/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,590 kg.) W/o towing package: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2018	W/o towing package: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) 2WD w/ towing package: 2,900 lbs. (1,315 kg.) AWD w/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. ( 1,590 kg.)
2017	1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2016	1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2015	1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2014	1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2013	1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2012	4-cylinder engine: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) V6 engine w/o towing package: 2,000 lbs. (905 kg.) V6 engine w/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,585 kg.)
2011	4-cylinder engine: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) V6 engine w/o towing package: 2,000 lbs. (905 kg.) V6 engine w/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,585 kg.)
2010	4-cylinder engine: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) V6 engine w/o towing package: 2,000 lbs. (905 kg.) V6 engine w/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,585 kg.)
2009	4-cylinder engine: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) V6 engine w/o towing package: 2,000 lbs. (907 kg.) V6 engine w/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg.)
2008	4-cylinder engine: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) V6 engine w/o towing package: 2,000 lbs. (907 kg.) V6 engine w/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg.)
2007	4-cylinder engine: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) V6 engine w/o towing package: 2,000 lbs. (907 kg.) V6 engine w/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg.)
2006	4-cylinder engine: 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) V6 engine w/o towing package: 2,000 lbs. (907 kg.) V6 engine w/ towing package: 3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg.)
2005	1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2004	1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2003	1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2002	1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2001	1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
2000	1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
1999	1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
1998	1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
1997	1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)
1996	1,500 lbs. (680 kg.)

RAV4 Hybrid

Model Year	Towing Capacity
2024	1,750 lbs. (795 kg.)
2023	1,750 lbs. (795 kg.)
2022	1,750 lbs. (795 kg.)
2021	1,750 lbs. (795 kg.)
2020	1,750 lbs. (795 kg.)
2019	1,750 lbs. (795 kg.)
2018	1,750 lbs. (795 kg.)
2017	1,750 lbs. (795 kg.)
2016	1,750 lbs. (795 kg.)

RAV4 Prime

Model Year	Towing Capacity
2024	2,500 lbs. (1,135 kg.)
2023	2,500 lbs. (1,135 kg.)
2022	2,500 lbs. (1,135 kg.)
2021	2,500 lbs. (1,135 kg.)

Competitors

Wondering how the Toyota RAV4’s towing capacity compares to other compact SUVs? The results are impressive. Take a look!

Toyota RAV4 (3,500 lbs. max.)
Subaru Forester (3,000 lbs. max.)
Hyundai Tucson (2,000 lbs. max.)
Mazda CX-5 (2,000 lbs. max.
Kia Sportage (1,632 lbs. max.)
Honda CR-V (1,500 lbs. max.)
Nissan Rouge (1,350 lbs. max.)

As you can see, the Toyota RAV4 has the highest maximum towing capacity when compared to other SUVs in the same class. If towing is important to you, then you’ll want to consider picking up a RAV4.

High-Capacity Alternatives

If the RAV4’s towing capacity is not enough for your needs, you’ll need to explore other options.

As we’ve just discussed, the RAV4 has the highest towing capacity in its class. This means you’ll need to venture outside of the compact SUV market to find a better towing capacity.

We’ve given some examples below, separated into different vehicle classes. We’re confident that one of these models will suit your towing needs.

Mid-Size SUVs:

Jeep Grand Cherokee (6,200 lbs.)
Nissan Pathfinder (6,000 lbs.)
Land Rover Defender (8,201 lbs.)

Full-Size SUVs:

Jeep Wagoneer (10,000 lbs.)
Toyota Sequoia (9,520 lbs.)
Ford Expedition (9,300 lbs.)

Trucks:

Toyota Tacoma (6,800 lbs.)
Chevrolet Colorado (7,700 lbs.)
Toyota Tundra (12,000 lbs.)

(KBB)

Getting a Tow Hitch

Have you decided that the RAV4 will be enough for your towing needs?

To get started, you’ll need a hitch receiver installed. You may already have one. It is a square hole at the back of your RAV4 that looks like this:

A hitch allows you to attach a trailer to a tow vehicle using a coupling point (typically a ball mount).

If you own a 2006 to 2012 Toyota RAV4, you can purchase a hitch kit from Toyota.

Here’s what the installation process looks like:

If you’re installing your RAV4’s hitch, here are the steps you should follow:

Gather your tools and equipment
- Safety glasses
- Support strap
- Spray bottle
- Flathead screwdriver
- Exhaust removal tool
- Torque wrench
- 19mm socket and crows foot adapter
Lower the exhaust that’s held in by three metal rubber hangers
- Look for one on the driver’s side, passenger’s side, and down the middle
Before you detach it, secure the exhaust using a support strap to help safely lower it
Utilize soapy water to help loosen the grommet
Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the stickers that are covering the weld nuts you’ll use to attach your hitch
Line up the two holes on the hitch with the two holes you just exposed by scrapping off the stickers
Use a hitch jack to do this or have an extra set of hands to help with this
Install your hardware (a bolt and conical tooth washer)
- The teeth should face toward the hitch
- Do the driver’s side first as the passenger’s side is normally tight and doing the driver’s side first can make for a more successful installation
Tighten and torque all the bolts to the manufacturer’s specification using a 19mm socket and crows foot adapter
Re-attach your exhaust with the original three hangers

Expert Tips for Towing Safely

It is important to place an emphasis on safety when towing with your Toyota RAV4. If you’re not taking the necessary precautions, you could end up causing a lot of damage and physical harm to yourself and others.

Here are some safety tips to consider when towing with your RAV4:

Check the tire pressure of your vehicle and trailer
Ensure your vehicle is up-to-date with maintenance
Bring a roadside safety kit in case of an emergency
Check that your lights are working (brakes, headlights, etc.)
Distribute the trailer weight properly
Do not exceed your towing capacity
Learn how to properly drive in reverse with a trailer attached
Drive at a slow, safe speed
Keep an eye on your engine temperature

(Consumer Reports)

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most commonly asked questions about the RAV4, its towing capacity, and other must-know information to tow safely.

Yes, a RAV4 can tow a camper. There are numerous campers available under the RAV4’s towing limits. However, these will be small campers.

If you’re interested in larger campers, you’re better off investing in a different Toyota vehicle with a higher towing capacity.

Yes, a RAV4 can tow a boat, however it would have to weigh less than the towing capacity. Please refer to our guide above to determine your towing capacity.

If you need to tow a heavier boat, consider purchasing a different Toyota model.

Only the RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road RAV4 trim levels can tow 3,500 pounds. They are generally considered the best RAV4s for towing because they have the highest capacity of all RAV4 trim levels.

Certain Toyota RAV4 trims can tow more because of a larger radiator, more rugged suspension, and transmission/engine oil cooler.

Yes, you can increase the towing capacity of your Toyota RAV4, but it won’t be easy. You’ll need to consider upgrading the radiator, suspension, transmission/engine cooler, and more.

The extent of the upgrades depend on how much you are interested in towing. In most cases, it’s better to simply upgrade to a different type of vehicle that is better equipped for towing.

A variety of factors impact the Toyota RAV4 towing capacity including:

The vehicle’s configuration
Its chassis (the foundation or structure of the car)
Its engine and transmission
Its rear axle ratio
Its weight

The best way to find your RAV4 towing capacity is to look in your owner’s manual.

The Toyota RAV4’s tongue weight is 9-11 percent of the gross trailer weight. Check your owner’s manual for more information about how to measure this.

Tongue weight is the static force that the trailer tongue exerts on the hitch ball. Tongue weight is important because it can make the difference between a safe trailer towing experience and a dangerous one.

Summary

We hope our charts helped you quickly find the towing capacity that you were searching for!

As we mentioned, the RAV4 is at the top of its class when it comes to towing capacity, with an impressive maximum capacity of 3,500 pounds.

However, this capacity still isn’t enough for some people, which means you’ll have to explore vehicles in other classes. We recommend looking in the mid-size SUV, full-size SUV, and truck market if you need a higher towing capacity.

If the RAV4’s towing capacity is sufficient for your needs, you will need to install a hitch receiver if you don’t already have one.

If you have any questions about towing capacity or need additional guidance, please leave a comment below!

Toyota RAV4 Towing Capacity