2026 Toyota 4Runner Towing Capacity

The sixth-generation 2026 Toyota 4Runner rides on Toyota's TNGA-F body-on-frame platform. That is the same boxed-steel architecture used by the larger Land Cruiser and Sequoia. It gives this midsize SUV a stiff foundation for both trail work and hauling.

The payoff is a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds when properly equipped, up from the previous generation's 5,000-pound limit. At North Hollywood Toyota, we know local drivers want real-world utility for daily driving and weekend trips alike. Come see the full lineup at our showroom on Lankershim Boulevard.

Most 2026 4Runner grades are rated to tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. The three i-FORCE MAX–standard grades — Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter — are rated at 5,800 pounds. That small reduction reflects the added weight of their off-road and premium equipment, not any drop in engine capability. Always confirm the tow rating for a specific build on its window sticker or owner's manual, or ask our team.

Two engines drive that capability. The standard i-FORCE is a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four making 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic. That is a clear step up from the previous V6 and five-speed. The available i-FORCE MAX hybrid adds an electric motor for up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of net combined output. It is standard on the Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter, and available on the TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, and Limited.

Powertrain & Towing by Trim

The TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, and Limited are also available with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid; so equipped, they retain the 6,000-pound rating shown above.

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner's manual and the vehicle's door-jamb label for specific capacities.

The i-FORCE MAX changes how the 4Runner feels under a heavy trailer. Its electric motor is fed by a 1.87-kWh nickel-metal hydride battery and puts 465 lb-ft low in the rev range. A loaded 4Runner pulls away from a stop and merges onto fast freeways with less strain.

The hybrid is not about big fuel savings while towing. Its real towing benefit is that low-end torque. Hybrid grades also add a standard 2,400-watt AC power supply for running gear at a campsite.

For efficiency, the standard gas SR5 with rear-wheel drive returns an EPA-Estimated 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid returns an EPA-Estimated 23 city / 24 highway / 23 combined MPG.

EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy & Capacity by Trim

EPA-estimated fuel economy figures shown reflect the standard rear-wheel-drive configuration for each gas grade; 4WD figures are lower. Official EPA estimates were not finalized at time of publishing. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors. Cargo volume behind the second row is 48.4 cu ft on two-row gas models, 44.8 cu ft when the available third row is equipped, and 42.6 cu ft on two-row i-FORCE MAX hybrids, whose battery raises the load floor.

For comfortable highway travel, leave a buffer and aim for a loaded trailer weight around 4,500 to 5,000 pounds rather than towing right at your grade's maximum. A rating of 5,800 to 6,000 pounds comfortably handles a wide range of recreational gear:

• Lightweight fiberglass travel trailers up to about 22 feet
• Tandem-axle utility trailers for UTVs or motorcycles
• Single-axle A-frame campers and pop-up tent trailers
• Small watercraft, such as wakeboard or pontoon boats on dual-axle trailers

When you shop, compare a trailer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), not its dry weight. Water, propane, batteries, and gear add hundreds of pounds fast.

Every pound of trailer tongue weight presses on the hitch. That weight counts against payload, along with passengers and cargo. A good target is a tongue weight of 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight. For a 5,000-pound trailer, that is roughly 500 to 750 pounds on the hitch.

Do all 2026 4Runner trims tow the same amount?

Most grades — SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, and Limited — are rated at up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter are rated at 5,800 pounds because of the added weight of their off-road and premium equipment. Confirm the exact rating for any specific vehicle before towing.

Does the 2026 Toyota 4Runner come with a trailer hitch?

An integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness are offered across the lineup, bolted to the high-strength steel frame, and come equipped on many grades. Availability can vary by trim and configuration, so confirm the hitch and wiring are included on the specific 4Runner you're considering, or ask our team.

Do I need a brake controller to tow?

Trailers over roughly 1,000 pounds generally need their own braking system. The available Tow Tech Package adds an integrated trailer brake controller that lets you operate trailer electric brakes.

Does the available third-row seat affect towing capacity?

The maximum tow rating is unchanged, but adding the available third row, offered on the SR5 and Limited, increases curb weight. That slightly reduces the payload remaining for passengers and tongue weight.

Is the 2026 Toyota 4Runner a good tow vehicle for the money?

With genuine body-on-frame construction, up to 6,000 pounds of towing when properly equipped, and Toyota's reputation for resale value, the 4Runner delivers truck-style capability that unibody crossovers can't match. You can explore the full 2026 4Runner lineup to compare grades.

Disclosures

Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner's manual and the vehicle's door-jamb label for specific capacities.

EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.