Toyota RAV4 Towing Capacity
Toyota RAV4 Towing Capacity Overview
- The 2025 Toyota RAV4 can tow up to 1,500 pounds.1
- 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid variants increase the towing capacity to 1,750 pounds when properly equipped, while RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid models offer the most towing strength of up to 2,500 pounds.1
- Certain model years, including the 2024 Toyota RAV4, can tow up to 3,500 pounds.1
- All trims have the same towing capacity specs.
Toyota RAV4 SUV Towing Capacity Explained
If you're wondering how much you can haul with the Toyota RAV4 towing capacity, you're in the right place. The Toyota RAV4 – one of the nation's most popular compact crossover SUVs – is back for the 2025 model year with a 1,500-pound towing capacity when properly equipped in its gas-only configuration. However, things aren't as cut-and-dry as a simple number.
For example, how does the towing capacity of Toyota RAV4 models differ by powertrain? What if you purchase a 2020 Toyota RAV4 and are interested in how much that variation can pull? Check out maximum towing capacities here, then visit DARCARS Toyota of Frederick to experience this sport-ute's power in person.
Toyota RAV4 Towing Capacity Chart by Year
| Year | Max. Towing Capacity |
| 2025 RAV4 Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs1 |
| 2024 RAV4 Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs1 |
| 2023 RAV4 Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs1 |
| 2022 RAV4 Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs1 |
| 2021 RAV4 Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs1 |
| 2020 RAV4 Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs1 |
| 2019 RAV4 Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs1 |
| 2018 RAV4 Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs1 |
| 2017 RAV4 Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs1 |
As you can see from the chart detailing Toyota RAV4 towing capacity by year values above, the maximum for the 2025 RAV4 is lower than it was for previous model years. This is in large part due to the automaker dropping the nature-loving Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims from the lineup – these models used an advanced all-wheel-drive system that contributed to the crossover's overall strength.
That being said, a 1,500-pound towing capacity is still a respectable specification for a compact SUV such as the Toyota RAV4. Plus, if you opt for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, you can get a higher towing capacity of 1,750 pounds1 or 2,500 pounds,1 respectively.
To see how the RAV4 compares to one of its main competitors in the compact SUV segment, check out our Toyota RAV4 vs. Honda CR-V comparison. You'll find that the gas models from either brand offer the same maximum towing strength, but there's one key difference: Where the 2025 Toyota RAV4 increases your hauling power when you opt for hybrid capability, the Honda CR-V lowers your towing capacity when you equip it with a hybrid setup.
Experience the RAV4 SUV's Performance
Whether you're taking on the interstate or a trail, the RAV4 has the performance chops to handle it. You have the option of choosing a compact SUV with front-wheel drive or going with the available all-wheel drive. If you decide on an older model with the TRD Off-Road trim, features like a TRD-tuned suspension and skid plate make tackling off-road terrain a breeze. You can also enjoy performance features in the latest iteration, such as Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD and Multi-Terrain Select, that help deliver an enhanced ride.
With Multi-Terrain Select, you can choose between MUD & SAND, ROCK & DIRT, SNOW, and NORMAL modes, adjusting your suspension to improve your traction. The impressive ground clearance of the RAV4 also makes overcoming obstacles easy. For a premium towing experience, you can purchase available tow options like a 130-amp alternator, a heavy-duty battery, a tow hitch receiver, and a wiring harness. The new Toyota RAV4 also boasts Active Cornering Assist, Hill Start Assist Control, and Trailer-Sway Control as standard equipment, so you can accelerate and take corners with ease.
Toyota RAV4 Engine Specs
These adventurous features of the new Toyota RAV4 are supported by the capable 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder DOHC D-4S injection engine with dual variable valve timing. This efficient powertrain unlocks the full towing capacity of the Toyota RAV4 on all gas-only 2025 trims. The specs below showcase how the RAV4 was built to maximize strength without overworking your powertrain.
- Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
- Horsepower: 203 horsepower
- Torque: 184 pound-feet
RAV4 Towing Capacity by Trim
You have four gas-powered trims to choose from for the 2025 Toyota RAV4, including the following:
- 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE
- 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE
- 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium
- 2025 Toyota RAV4 Limited
While trims affected your performance specs, such as towing, in previous model years, you'll find that the model variations are more about changing the quality of your Toyota RAV4 interior for the latest model year.
| Trim | Max. Towing Capacity |
| LE | 1,500 lbs1 |
| XLE | 1,500 lbs1 |
| XLE Premium | 1,500 lbs1 |
| Limited | 1,500 lbs1 |
Lease or Buy a Toyota RAV4 at DARCARS Toyota of Frederick
After reading through this 2025 Toyota RAV4 towing capacity guide, you can get a new RAV4 in Frederick, MD, and weigh your trailers with professional supervision. See more about the features of the Toyota RAV4 at our dealership. Our friendly representatives will showcase the upsides of every trim of this competent SUV, from the entry-level RAV4 LE to the range-topping RAV4 Limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Toyota RAV4 can tow 3,500 pounds?
For the 2025 model year, the maximum RAV4 towing capacity is 1,500 pounds.1 Discontinued models, such as the RAV4 Adventure and RAV4 TRD Off-Road, from previous years can tow up to 3,500 pounds.1 Alternatively, 2025 RAV4 Hybrid variants can tow 1,750 pounds,1 and 2025 RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid SUVs can tow 2,500 pounds.1 Discuss your towing needs with our team.
Can a Toyota RAV4 pull a 1,500-pound trailer?
Yes! The gas-motivated 2025 RAV4 can tow up to 1,500 pounds (including trailer and cargo weight). Some older models can even tow up to 3,500 pounds,1 meaning the trailer itself can weigh 1,500 pounds, and you'll still have ample capacity left over to load it up. Make sure to consult your owner's manual or our expert team for towing limits and proper setup.
Is Toyota RAV4 good for towing?
Yes, the 2025 RAV4 offers competitive towing specs for its vehicle segment – and earlier models provide exceptional hauling power for their size. Thanks to advanced suspension features and built-in Trailer-Sway Control, you'll have comfortable control over your trailer on the interstate. Heavier-duty models, like the now-discontinued Adventure, can even tackle rough road conditions with the correct trailers and wiring harnesses.
Explore Comparisons And Features Of The Toyota RAV4
1Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.