You found the right trailer. Maybe it is a fishing boat, a small camper or a pair of jet skis. Now there is one question left: can your 4Runner actually pull it?
The answer depends on the year you drive. Toyota changed the engine, the platform and the tow rating twice in the last 20 years. So a 2023 and a 2025 4Runner sitting side by side are rated very differently.
Quick answer: The Toyota 4Runner towing capacity is up to 6,000 lbs on 2025 and 2026 models when properly equipped. Every 2010 to 2024 model, including the 2022 and 2023 4Runner, is rated at 5,000 lbs. The 2003 to 2009 4Runner with the 4.7L V8 still holds the record at 7,000 lbs with 4WD and 7,300 lbs with 2WD.
That headline number is only half the story, though. GVWR, payload, tongue weight and how many people sit inside all change what you can safely tow. Below you will find the numbers for every recent year, plus a simple way to work out your own real limit before you hitch up.
4Runner Towing Capacity by Generation
Here is how the 4Runner towing capacity has changed across the last four generations. Use the row that matches the model year on your registration, not the year you bought it.
| Generation | Model years | Engine | Max towing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th gen | 2025 to 2026 | 2.4L i-FORCE turbo or 2.4L i-FORCE MAX hybrid | 6,000 lbs |
| 5th gen | 2010 to 2024 | 4.0L V6 | 5,000 lbs |
| 4th gen | 2003 to 2009 | 4.7L V8 | 7,000 lbs (4WD), 7,300 lbs (2WD) |
| 4th gen | 2003 to 2009 | 4.0L V6 | 5,000 lbs |
| 3rd gen | 1996 to 2002 | 3.4L V6 or 2.7L four cylinder | Lower, varies by engine and hitch |
A few things stand out in that table.
First, the 4th gen V8 is still the strongest 4Runner ever built for towing. Its higher rating came with a frame mounted, weight distributing hitch. A used V8 without that hitch should not be treated as a 7,000 lb truck.
Second, the 6th gen hybrid does not tow more than the gas engine, even with far more torque. A tow rating is set by the whole truck: frame, brakes, cooling, hitch and the SAE J2807 test Toyota now uses. Engine power is only one piece.
Third, older 3rd gen ratings vary a lot from truck to truck. If you own one, the towing chart in your owner’s manual is the only number to trust.
Thinking about a 2027 model? Toyota has not published its specs yet. It is expected to be a carryover year, so read our 2027 Toyota 4Runner guide for what is changing and whether it is worth the wait.
2025 and 2026 Toyota 4Runner Towing Capacity by Trim
Toyota rates the 6th gen 4Runner towing capacity at a maximum of 6,000 lbs. That is 1,000 lbs more than the V6 model it replaced. The 2026 lineup has nine trims, and the 2026 model is mostly a carryover from 2025.
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Towing capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| SR5 | i-FORCE turbo | RWD or part-time 4WD | Up to 6,000 lbs |
| TRD Sport | i-FORCE turbo | RWD or 4WD | Up to 6,000 lbs |
| TRD Sport Premium | i-FORCE turbo | RWD or 4WD | Up to 6,000 lbs |
| TRD Off-Road | i-FORCE or i-FORCE MAX | 4WD | Up to 6,000 lbs |
| TRD Off-Road Premium | i-FORCE or i-FORCE MAX | 4WD | Up to 6,000 lbs |
| Limited | i-FORCE or i-FORCE MAX | RWD, 4WD or full-time 4WD | Up to 6,000 lbs |
| Platinum | i-FORCE MAX | Full-time 4WD | Up to 6,000 lbs* |
| TRD Pro | i-FORCE MAX | 4WD | Up to 6,000 lbs* |
| Trailhunter | i-FORCE MAX | 4WD | Up to 6,000 lbs* |
*Toyota’s official figure is a 6,000 lb maximum. Some trim level spec sheets list the Platinum, TRD Pro and Trailhunter at 5,800 lbs, because their extra suspension, armor and equipment add weight. Before you buy a trailer, check the tow rating on the window sticker or in the owner’s manual for your exact truck.
i-FORCE vs i-FORCE MAX for towing
Both engines carry the same tow rating. They feel very different with a trailer behind them, though.
| Spec | i-FORCE 2.4L turbo | i-FORCE MAX 2.4L hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 278 hp | 326 hp |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft |
| EPA highway rating | 26 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Max towing | 6,000 lbs | 6,000 lbs |
| Standard on | SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium | Platinum, TRD Pro, Trailhunter |
That extra 148 lb-ft of torque is the big deal. It helps the hybrid pull away from a stop and hold speed up long grades with less effort. Hybrid models also get a 2,400 watt AC power supply in the cabin and the cargo area, which is handy at a campsite.
The trade off is weight. A hybrid TRD Off-Road weighs about 375 lbs more than the gas version, and that eats into payload, which we cover below. If you want the full picture on how this hybrid system works in Toyota trucks, see our Toyota hybrid truck guide.
2022 and 2023 Toyota 4Runner Towing Capacity
The 2022 and 2023 4Runner towing capacity is 5,000 lbs on every trim. It does not matter if you have an SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited or TRD Pro, or if it is 2WD or 4WD. The same goes for the 2021 and 2024 models.
Every 5th gen 4Runner uses the 4.0L V6 with 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5 speed automatic. A towing receiver hitch and wiring harness were part of the package on these trucks.
| Spec | 2022 and 2023 4Runner |
|---|---|
| Towing capacity | 5,000 lbs (all trims) |
| Engine | 4.0L V6, 270 hp, 278 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 5 speed automatic |
| GVWR, 2WD | 6,100 lbs |
| GVWR, 4WD | 6,300 lbs |
| Seating | 5 standard, 7 with the optional third row on select SR5 and Limited models |
So what does 5,000 lbs get you in real life? A pop up camper, a teardrop, a small fishing boat or a utility trailer with a side by side are all realistic. A full size travel trailer usually is not.
If you are shopping used and towing is a priority, this is worth knowing. A 2025 model gives you 1,000 lbs more on paper and a lot more low end torque. A 2003 to 2009 V8 gives you even more rating, but on a truck that is now 17 or more years old.
A few early 5th gen spec sheets show 4,700 lbs instead of 5,000 lbs. If you own a 2010 to 2015 model, confirm the figure in your owner’s manual.
Toyota 4Runner GVWR, Payload and Seating Capacity
Towing capacity tells you what the 4Runner can pull. GVWR tells you how heavy the 4Runner itself can be once it is loaded. You need to stay under both.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the most the truck can weigh with fuel, people, cargo and the trailer’s tongue weight pressing on the hitch. Payload is GVWR minus curb weight. In short, it is everything you can put in or on the truck.
2025 and 2026 4Runner GVWR by trim
| Trim and engine | Curb weight | GVWR | Payload (GVWR minus curb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SR5 2WD, i-FORCE | 4,455 lbs | 6,005 lbs | 1,550 lbs |
| SR5 4WD, i-FORCE | 4,685 lbs | 6,075 lbs | 1,390 lbs |
| TRD Sport 2WD, i-FORCE | 4,610 lbs | 6,020 lbs | 1,410 lbs |
| TRD Sport 4WD, i-FORCE | 4,850 lbs | 6,395 lbs | 1,545 lbs |
| TRD Off-Road 4WD, i-FORCE | 4,850 lbs | 6,240 lbs | 1,390 lbs |
| Limited 2WD, i-FORCE | 4,730 lbs | 6,130 lbs | 1,400 lbs |
| Limited 4WD, i-FORCE | 4,970 lbs | 6,395 lbs | 1,425 lbs |
| TRD Off-Road, i-FORCE MAX | 5,225 lbs | 6,505 lbs | 1,280 lbs |
| Limited, i-FORCE MAX | 5,370 lbs | 6,505 lbs | 1,135 lbs |
| Platinum, i-FORCE MAX | 5,390 lbs | 6,505 lbs | 1,115 lbs |
| TRD Pro, i-FORCE MAX | 5,455 lbs | 6,505 lbs | 1,050 lbs |
| Trailhunter, i-FORCE MAX | 5,500 lbs | 6,505 lbs | 1,005 lbs |
There is a catch here. On many 6th gen trucks, the payload printed on the driver’s door jamb sticker is lower than this math, often 895 lbs on two row models. When the sticker and the math disagree, use the sticker. It is the number printed for your specific vehicle.
For the 2010 to 2024 4Runner, the Toyota 4Runner GVWR is about 6,100 lbs on 2WD models and 6,300 lbs on 4WD models.
Toyota 4Runner seating capacity
The 4Runner seats five people as standard. An optional third row raises the Toyota 4Runner seating capacity to seven.
- 2025 and 2026: the third row is offered only on the gas SR5 and Limited. It was listed as a $770 option on 2025 models. Hybrid 4Runners are two row only, because the battery sits under the cargo floor.
- 2010 to 2024: the third row was available on select SR5 and Limited models.
- Space: the third row is tight and best for kids. Cargo room behind it drops to about 12.1 cubic feet on the 6th gen.
Here is why seating matters for towing. Five adults at 180 lbs each weigh 900 lbs. On a truck with an 895 lb sticker, you are already over payload before you add a cooler, a dog or the trailer tongue.
If you need seven real seats and plan to tow, a bigger three row SUV may suit you better. Our best 7 seater SUV guide ranks the options by real space, price and MPG.
How to Work Out What Your 4Runner Can Safely Tow
Most people check one number: the 4Runner towing capacity on the spec sheet. In practice, payload is usually the limit you hit first. Run these five checks before you buy or borrow a trailer.
- Find the trailer’s real loaded weight. Use the GVWR on the trailer’s VIN tag, not the dry weight in the brochure. Water, propane, batteries and gear add up fast. A public truck scale gives you the true number for a few dollars.
- Compare it to your tow rating. Many experienced towers stay at or below about 80% of the rating. On a 6,000 lb 4Runner, that is about 4,800 lbs. The margin helps on long grades, in heat and in crosswinds.
- Work out tongue weight. For a regular bumper pull trailer, tongue weight is usually 10% to 15% of the trailer’s weight. Too little causes sway. Too much overloads the rear axle.
- Add it all up against payload. People plus cargo plus tongue weight must stay under the payload on your door jamb sticker.
- Check the hitch rating. The receiver has its own label with a max trailer weight and tongue weight. Never go over the lowest number in the chain.
Worked example: 2026 4Runner TRD Off-Road with a 4,500 lb camper
| Step | Number |
|---|---|
| Camper loaded weight | 4,500 lbs |
| Tow rating | 6,000 lbs (camper is 75% of the rating, so it passes) |
| Tongue weight at 10% to 15% | 450 to 675 lbs |
| Two adults plus gear in the truck | about 460 lbs |
| Total load on the 4Runner | about 910 to 1,135 lbs |
| Payload by GVWR math | 1,390 lbs (passes) |
| Payload on an 895 lb door sticker | Fails |
See what happened? The camper is well inside the 4Runner towing capacity. Yet the truck can still end up over its sticker payload. Before you tow, read your own door jamb label, and weigh the full rig if you are close to any limit.
What Can a 4Runner Tow?
Here is how common trailers line up against each 4Runner towing capacity rating. Trailer weights vary a lot, even within one type, so use this as a starting point, then check the loaded weight of the exact trailer you plan to pull.
| Trailer type | 2010 to 2024 (5,000 lbs) | 2025 to 2026 (6,000 lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Teardrop camper | Yes | Yes |
| Pop up camper | Yes | Yes |
| One or two jet skis | Yes | Yes |
| Small fishing boat | Yes | Yes |
| UTV or side by side on a utility trailer | Usually | Yes |
| Small travel trailer | Check the loaded weight | Usually |
| Larger travel trailer (about 25 ft or longer) | Usually not | Usually not |
| Car on a car hauler | Usually not | Check the combined weight |
| Two horse trailer with horses | No | Usually not |
A good rule of thumb: if a trailer’s loaded weight sits within a few hundred pounds of your limit, look at a bigger tow vehicle.
Towing Features on the 2025 and 2026 4Runner
The 6th gen 4Runner adds towing tech the old V6 model never had. Here is what Toyota offers, depending on trim:
- Tow hitch receiver for bolting on a ball mount.
- Tow/Haul mode, standard on all i-FORCE MAX trims and most others. It changes throttle and shift points for heavy loads.
- Trailer brake controller (available). You need one for any trailer with electric brakes.
- Trailer Back-Up Guide with Straight Path Assist. It uses cameras and sensors to help keep the trailer straight while you reverse.
- Blind Spot Monitor with trailer detection. It extends the warning zone to cover the length of the trailer.
- Digital rearview mirror (available), useful when cargo or a tall trailer blocks the back glass.
- Tow tech package, standard on the Platinum.
Quick Checks Before You Tow
- Trailer weight, tongue weight and payload checked against the door jamb sticker
- Ball size matches the trailer coupler, and the coupler latch is locked with a pin
- Safety chains crossed under the tongue
- Brake controller set and tested on the trailer’s brakes
- Running lights, brake lights and turn signals tested
- Tire pressures set on the 4Runner and the trailer, spare included
- Tow/Haul mode on, with extra following distance on the road
4Runner vs Other Toyotas for Towing
If a 4Runner towing capacity of 6,000 lbs is not enough, Toyota has bigger options.
| Model | Max towing |
|---|---|
| 2026 Sequoia | 9,520 lbs |
| 2026 Tacoma | 6,500 lbs |
| 2026 4Runner | 6,000 lbs |
| 2026 Land Cruiser | 6,000 lbs |
The Tacoma beats the 4Runner by 500 lbs on its best configuration, and its open bed handles a heavier tongue more easily. Our Toyota Tacoma towing capacity guide breaks that down by year, cab and engine. For anything heavier than about 6,000 lbs, the full size Sequoia is the Toyota SUV built for the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a Toyota 4Runner tow?
A 2025 or 2026 Toyota 4Runner tows up to 6,000 lbs when properly equipped. Every 2010 to 2024 model is rated at 5,000 lbs. A 2003 to 2009 4Runner with the 4.7L V8 and the weight distributing hitch is rated at 7,000 lbs (4WD) or 7,300 lbs (2WD).
What is the 2023 4Runner towing capacity?
The 2023 4Runner towing capacity is 5,000 lbs on every trim, from the SR5 to the TRD Pro. It uses the 4.0L V6 with 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque.
What is the 2022 Toyota 4Runner towing capacity?
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner also tows 5,000 lbs across all trims and drivetrains. The 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 models share the same rating.
Is the Toyota Forerunner towing capacity the same as the 4Runner?
Yes. “Forerunner” is a common spelling of the 4Runner’s name, but Toyota only sells it as the 4Runner. So the Toyota Forerunner towing capacity is the same: 6,000 lbs for 2025 and 2026, and 5,000 lbs for 2010 to 2024.
What is the Toyota 4Runner GVWR?
On 2025 and 2026 models, the Toyota 4Runner GVWR ranges from 6,005 lbs on a 2WD SR5 to 6,505 lbs on i-FORCE MAX hybrid trims. On 2010 to 2024 models, it is about 6,100 lbs for 2WD and 6,300 lbs for 4WD. Your exact figure is on the driver’s door jamb sticker.
How many people can a Toyota 4Runner seat?
The 4Runner seats five as standard and up to seven with the optional third row. On 2025 and 2026 models, the third row is only offered on the gas SR5 and Limited.
Does the hybrid 4Runner tow more than the gas model?
No. Both the i-FORCE and i-FORCE MAX carry the same 6,000 lb maximum. The hybrid has 148 lb-ft more torque, so it pulls with less effort, but it also weighs more and has less payload.
Can a 4Runner tow a travel trailer?
A small, light travel trailer, yes. Check the trailer’s loaded GVWR, not its dry weight, and try to keep it at or under about 80% of your tow rating. Most travel trailers around 25 feet or longer are too heavy for any 4Runner.
Do I need a brake controller to tow with a 4Runner?
You need one for any trailer with electric brakes. Many US states require trailer brakes once a trailer passes a set weight, and the limit differs by state. A trailer brake controller is available on 2025 and 2026 4Runners.
