The 2017 Toyota Highlander establishes itself as a versatile three-row midsize SUV, and for many buyers, understanding its towing capacity is a primary decision-making factor. While not positioned as a heavy-duty hauler, the Highlander offers a respectable capability that comfortably handles common towing tasks associated with daily life. This includes pulling everything as benign as a small personal watercraft or as specific as a compact motorcycle trailer, making it attractive for active families. Knowing the specific limits and configurations is essential to ensure safety and compliance, preventing the strain on the vehicle’s powertrain during adventures. The following details break down the specific capacities and the variables that determine them for the 2017 model year.
Variations in 2017 Highlander Trim Levels and Drivetrains
To accurately determine the towing capacity of the 2017 Highlander, one must first consider the specific trim level and drivetrain configuration. The base L trim was only available with front-wheel drive and lacked the necessary towing package, resulting in a zero-towing capacity. All configurations capable of towing utilized either the available all-wheel-drive system or a robust towing package installed on specific trims. The primary candidates for towing were the LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, with the key differentiator being the optional towing package. Without this specific package, regardless of the trim name, the vehicle was not designed or rated to tow a trailer.
Standard and Optional Engine Specifications
The heart of the Highlander’s towing ability lies beneath the hood, where two engine options were available. The standard powertrain for most trims was a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking additional power, a more robust 3.5-liter V6, designated as the 3.5L 2GR-FKS, was available on higher trims and produced 301 horsepower along with 247 lb-ft of torque. Despite the slight variance in horsepower and torque figures, both engines shared the same maximum towing capacity when paired with the appropriate transmission and axle ratio. This consistency demonstrates that the towing limit is governed more by the vehicle’s overall architecture and cooling systems than by minor differences in engine output.
Maximum Towing Capacity Specifications
With the correct towing package installed, which includes specific axle ratios and cooling enhancements, the 2017 Highlander is officially rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. This figure represents the Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and is the absolute maximum the vehicle can safely handle under ideal conditions. It is crucial to distinguish between towing capacity and payload capacity, as the trailer's tongue weight typically counts against the Highlander’s rear passenger and cargo payload. Exceeding this 5,000-pound limit places significant stress on the hitch, suspension, and braking systems, potentially leading to catastrophic failure. Owners should always verify the specific equipment on their vehicle identification plate to confirm this rating applies.
Determining Tongue Weight
Successfully towing a trailer involves managing not just the total weight but also the distribution of that weight, specifically the tongue weight. This is the downward force exerted by the trailer's coupler on the hitch ball, and it is generally recommended to be between 10% and 15% of the total trailer weight. For a 2017 Highlander towing a 5,000-pound trailer, the ideal tongue weight falls within the range of 500 to 750 pounds. Exceeding this range can cause the vehicle’s rear suspension to overload, leading to dangerous sway or an inability to steer effectively. Conversely, too little tongue weight can make the trailer unstable and prone to fishtailing, particularly at higher speeds or in crosswinds.
Essential Towing Equipment and Considerations
More perspective on 2017 Highlander towing capacity can make the topic easier to follow by connecting earlier points with a few simple takeaways.
