The 2025 Toyota 4Runner has earned its reputation as one of the most dependable SUVs in the market. They designed it to move more than just people; they built it to haul. Whether you’re towing a trailer, camping gear, or a boat, this SUV is engineered for strength.
Thankfully, Toyota didn’t cut corners with its towing design. But exactly how much can it tow? Let’s break down everything you need to know about the 2025 Toyota 4Runner capacity at Dalton Toyota National City.
Also Read: New Toyota Cars in San Diego, CA
How Much Can The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Tow?
When discussing towing capacity, you’ll always think about the weight that your 4Runner 2025 can handle. Per Toyota, the 2025 4Runner towing capacity is at 6000 lbs (SR and Limited trims), and 5800 lbs (TRD Pro). But, do you understand what that term means?
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner towing capacity refers to the maximum weight that the SUV can safely pull behind it, provided it’s fitted with the right gear.
It’s like your own carrying capacity.. You’re fine if you can comfortably carry 2 bags. But if you’re carrying 4 bags or more at a time, you’ll struggle. That is the same with vehicles.
Hence, with the 4Runner’s towing capacity of 6000 lbs, it can safely haul a trailer or gear up to 6000 lbs. Yet, this number isn’t randomly identified. Engineers put the 2025 Toyota 4Runner through a strict test (SAE J2807) to learn the weight it can handle without compromising safety.
Whatever the number, the trailer must not exceed the towing capacity. If it does, one of three things can happen:
- The 4Runner cannot handle the trailer properly. The trailer “bosses” the SUV around instead.
- Braking distances increase. Instead of stopping at 1 km, you’ll stop at 3 or more instead. After all, the higher the weight, the more force you need to overcome its inertia.
- Warranties are voided. Exceeding the 4Runner’s towing capacity can void its warranty, aside from putting strain on the drivetrain.
With towing capacity, there are two related terms that you should familiarize:
- Tongue weight: The downward force of the trailer on the SUV’s hitch. Too heavy, the front of the 4Runner can lift. Too light, and the trailer moves like a snake on the highway. Both of these can make your steering less responsive. The general rule is to aim for 10% of the trailer’s total weight on the hitch.
- Payload: This refers to the total weight that the Toyota 4Runner 2025 can safely carry inside. Think gear, passengers, and tongue weight. You can find this as a sticker on the driver’s door. If you exceed it, then you’re overloaded, wearing out suspension parts faster while endangering the stability of the SUV.
Hence, with the 5000 to 6000-pound 2025 4Runner tow capacity, it can safely tow:
- Campers (small to midsize)
- Teardrops
- Fiberglass boats (17-20 ft)
- ATVs (1 pair)
- UTV on a trailer
- Lightweight utility trailer switch landscaping gear
- Aluminum fishing boats (large)
- Bowriders (202-23 ft)
- Small toy haulers
- Mid-size travel trailers (watch cargo + water weight)
Just remember that the trailer’s GVWR (maximum loaded weight) matters and not just the “dry” weight.
6 Towing Features of the 2025 Toyota That Make It Possible
Towing is more than just the gear needed to haul trailers or fishing boats safely. And it’s certainly not just slapping on a hitch to call it “tow-ready.”
As Toyota built the 4Runner 2025, they made sure to add features that make towing less stressful to both the SUV and the driver:
Tow/Haul Mode
You can think of this driving mode as the 2025 Toyota 4Runner’s “trailer button.” Switching to this mode holds the gears longer, keeping the engine in its power zone for much longer. This way, the engine doesn’t struggle or constantly feel like it is changing gears, or “hunting.”
When going uphill, the 4Runner 2025 moves more smoothly as it gives you steady pulling power. But when going downhill, the engine slows down, engaging its engine brake so the trailer’s weight doesn’t take over and push you down the hill while taking off the stress on you constantly hitting the brakes.
Trailer Brake Controller (TBC)
Normally, when you hit the brake pedal, the 4Runner 2025 does most of the work in slowing down, even with a trailer in tow. The downside of this is that it puts too much stress on the brakes, which makes the stopping feel shaky.
But when engaging the integrated trailer brake control (ITBC), the trailer engages its own set of brakes. You’ll see this as a dial in your cabin that allows you to fine-tune the braking power that the trailer applies. All the other information you need in relation to braking can be found on its multi-information display (MID) screen.
This way, the trailer feels steadier as it won’t sway or push as much when braking. Plus, the stopping distance shortens, and the SUV’s brakes don’t wear as much compared to when you don’t have the trailer brake controller engaged.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (ITBC) * with Multi-Information Display (MID) screen and trailer brake type, gain, and manual trailer brake output controls
Note: Only available as part of an option package for Limited and as a standard in TRD Pro
Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist
Backing up with a trailer in tow can be quite challenging. When you turn the 2025 4Runner to the left, it goes right, and vice versa. Even the most seasoned of drivers struggles to keep everything straight.
But with the trailer backup guide with a straight assist path, you can see where the trailer is. With its system of cameras and sensors, it can automatically adjust the steering so everything moves in a straight line. This way, you stay focused on controlling the gas and the brakes.
Note: Only available as part of an option package for Limited and as a standard in TRD Pro
Panoramic Cameras and Digital Rearview Mirror
Hooking a trailer to the 2025 4Runner may look simple. But in reality, it feels like a workout cycle, with you backing up a few feet, getting out, checking, and climbing back in a loop. But with this SUV’s panoramic cameras and digital rearview mirror, you won’t have to go through this relentless cycle again.
However, with panoramic cameras, also known as 360-degree cameras, you can view a bird’s-eye perspective of both the trailer and the truck on the infotainment screen. This allows you to see where the hitch is in real-time, eliminating the guesswork.
And, with the digital rearview mirror, you can switch the said mirror to a camera feed so you get a clear, wide-angle view of the trailer. This removes the blind spots while making towing less intimidating.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
Though the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 was originally developed to make the 4Runner 2025 driving experience safer, some of its features prove to be handy when trailer towing. For one, you have the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and the Blind Spot Monitoring.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRC) regulates your speed to the flow of the traffic. If the car in front slows down, it eases off the gas accordingly. Paired with the Lane Tracing Assist, you can be sure to stay centered in your lane.
Lastly, the Blind Spot Monitoring keeps watch on the 4Runner and the trailer’s surroundings throughout the length of the trailer. This way, if a car behind the trailer comes near, an alert sounds when it tries to merge or change lanes.
Integrated Towing Receiver Hitch and Wiring Harness
Apart from the nifty tech, Toyota has built towing hardware into the 4Runner 2025. At the back, you’ll find the receiver hitch so you can easily connect your trailer to the SUV. To make hitching trailers easier, this SUV also comes with 4- and 7-pin wiring connectors.
How do these work? The 4-pin wiring connector is for basic trailer lighting, while the 7-pin is used for trailer utility or when changing its battery. These two help trailer hitching be a more seamless process.
Fuel Economy and 2025 4Runner Towing: What to Expect
Without towing, you can experience the full 2025 4Runner MPG of 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway*. This may not be the most fuel-efficient SUV, but it is a reasonable tradeoff for driving one that is ready to tackle mud, mountains, and trailers.
However, when you attach a trailer or any other gear to the 2025 4Runner, you can expect the MPG to drop. This is because towing puts a strain on the engine. You can expect more gas to be burned to keep everything moving, translating to 14 MPG.
It may seem like a huge drop, but it’s something expected from this class of SUVs. This just means that the 2025 4Runner for sale is capable of towing heavy loads.
Note:
* - Based on the 2025 4Runner SR5
Maximizing 2025 Toyota 4Runner for Sale Fuel Efficiency While Towing: How-Tos
You may be bummed with the drop in the MPG of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner. But knowing the 4Runner towing capacity, you shouldn’t take it like the SUV is failing you.
Here are some tips to help you stretch your gas tank even a wee bit farther:
- Pack smart. Avoid overloading: Adding unnecessary weight to the trailer makes the engine work harder, and more fuel is burned.
- Steady driving is the key: Avoid sudden stops and accelerations, as this leads to the 4Runner 2025 guzzling more gas.
- Stick to moderate driving speed: Pushing past the 65 mph mark when towing drastically reduces the MPG.
- Check tires: Properly inflated tires, for both the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and the trailer, reduce the rolling resistance, which in turn leads to less gas consumption.
- Use the Tow/Haul Mode: This driving mode in the 4Runner has transmission settings that optimize its towing performance, reducing gear-hunting and helping make it more fuel efficient.
The 4Runner 2025 may not reap eco awards. But if you know how to tow smart, you’ll get the most out of each gallon while enjoying the muscle power this SUV brings to the road.
2025 Toyota 4Runner Towing Capacity: Stronger Than Ever
Year after year, the 2025 4Runner proves itself to be a durable and dependable SUV. The 4Runner’s towing capacity shows more than just a rugged SUV. It accompanies you whenever you explore, haul, or live life to its fullest.
Ready to test the 2025 4Runner’s towing power yourself? Schedule your test drive with Dalton Toyota National City and let our expert team give you the lowdown on everything towing in this powerful SUV.
Read Next: Toyota Tacoma Trucks for Sale Near San Diego
