Toyota RAV4 Towing Capacity & Nose Weight

Gary White   Author: Gary White


The safe weight limit that a vehicle can pull is determined by its towing capacity. It's important to exercise caution when towing because exceeding the limit can cause the trailer to sway and potentially lead to loss of vehicle control. Traditionally, heavy-duty pick-up trucks and SUVs are the go-to options for towing, but surprisingly, the Toyota RAV4 might be suitable for your towing requirements. In this article, we'll delve into the towing capacity of the RAV4 and provide other essential details you should know.

In general, the Toyota RAV4 has a towing capacity of between 1,500 to 5,487 pounds, depending on the year and trim level.

Toyota Rav4 Towing Capacity By Year

YearMax Unbraked
Towing Capacity
Braked Towing
Capacity From
Max Braked
Towing Capacity
2023 Toyota Rav4750kg480kg1500kg
2022 Toyota Rav4750kg480kg1500kg
2021 Toyota Rav4750kg480kg1500kg
2020 Toyota Rav4750kg480kg1500kg
2019 Toyota Rav4750kg480kg1500kg
2018 Toyota Rav4750kg500kg1500kg
2017 Toyota Rav4750kg500kg1500kg
2016 Toyota Rav4750kg500kg1500kg
2015 Toyota Rav4750kg500kg1500kg
2014 Toyota Rav4750kg500kg1500kg
2013 Toyota Rav4750kg500kg1900kg
2012 Toyota Rav4750kg1500kg1900kg
2011 Toyota Rav4750kg1500kg1900kg
2010 Toyota Rav4750kg1500kg1900kg

Toyota Rav4 Towing Review

When towing a caravan, not all cars are created equal, and unfortunately, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid falls short in this regard.

The RAV4's instability at motorway speeds is particularly concerning, especially when dealing with crosswinds, as indicated by the nervousness it exhibits. Furthermore, when slowing down, the caravan's Al-Ko ATC sensors detected some sway from side to side.

The RAV4's 2.5-liter petrol engine, when combined with the electric motors, provides adequate acceleration, taking only 12.7 seconds to go from 30-60mph. However, the noise it generates under hard acceleration can be rather deafening.

In terms of stopping distance, the Toyota is towards the bottom of its class, taking 12.2m to come to a halt from 30mph, even on a dry track.

Under normal driving conditions, the RAV4 provides a comfortable ride, especially when driven gently around town, enabling the electric power to do most of the work and keep engine noise to a minimum.

Passengers will appreciate the ample space inside the car, and the boot has proven to be large enough to accommodate all our caravan holiday essentials.

We've provided in-depth data of the towing capacities for every RAV4 model year and trim level below.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the towing weights provided on this website are accurate, we always recommend checking the vehicle log book (V5) for the official towing capacity. We accept no responsibility if the towing weights provided on this website are incorrect.
Car Make & ModelMax Towing Weight - UnbrakedMax Towing Capacity - Braked
2024 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser (2WD) 2.0L, Speed Continuous Variable750kg800kg
2024 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser (2WD) Hybrid 2.5L, Speed Continuous Variable750kg480kg
2024 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser (awd) Hybrid 2.5L, Speed Continuous Variable750kg1500kg
2024 Toyota RAV4 Edge (awd) 2.5L, 8 Speed Automatic750kg1500kg
2024 Toyota RAV4 Edge (awd) (panoramic Sunroof) 2.5L, 8 Speed Automatic750kg1500kg
2024 Toyota RAV4 Edge (awd) Hybrid 2.5L, Speed Continuous Variable750kg1500kg
2024 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) 2.0L, Speed Continuous Variable750kg800kg
2024 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) Hybr Full Size Spare 2.5L, Speed Continuous Variable750kg480kg
2024 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) Hybrid 2.5L, Speed Continuous Variable750kg480kg
2024 Toyota RAV4 GX (awd) Hybr Full Size Spare 2.5L, Speed Continuous Variable750kg1500kg
2024 Toyota RAV4 GX (awd) Hybrid 2.5L, Speed Continuous Variable750kg1500kg
2024 Toyota RAV4 GXL (2WD) 2.0L, Speed Continuous Variable750kg800kg
2024 Toyota RAV4 GXL (2WD) Hybrid 2.5L, Speed Continuous Variable750kg480kg
2024 Toyota RAV4 GXL (awd) Hybrid 2.5L, Speed Continuous Variable750kg1500kg
2024 Toyota RAV4 XSE (2WD) Hybrid Premium Paint 2.5L, Speed Continuous Variable750kg480kg
2024 Toyota RAV4 XSE (awd) Hybrid Premium Paint 2.5L, Speed Continuous Variable750kg1500kg
Toyota RAV4 2.0 VVT-i (129 kW/175 PS) (2019, 2020, 2021) 750kg2000kg
Toyota RAV4 2.0 VVT-i Automatic (129 kW/175 PS) (2019, 2020, 2021) 750kg1500kg
Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid AWD (163 kW/222 PS) (2019, 2020, 2021) 750kg1650kg
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (225 kW/306 PS) (2021) 750kg1500kg
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (fuel) (136 kW/185 PS) (2021) 750kg1500kg
Toyota RAV4 2.0 VVT-i (129 kW/175 PS) (2022, 2023) 750kg2000kg
Toyota RAV4 2.0 VVT-i Automatic (129 kW/175 PS) (2022, 2023) 750kg1500kg
Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid 2WD (160 kW/218 PS) (2022, 2023) 750kg800kg
Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid AWD (163 kW/222 PS) (2022, 2023) 750kg1650kg
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (225 kW/306 PS) (2022) 750kg1500kg
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (fuel) (136 kW/185 PS) (2022) 750kg1500kg
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (225 kW/306 PS) (2023) 750kg1500kg
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (fuel) (136 kW/185 PS) (2023) 750kg1500kg
2023 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) Hybrid NAV 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-480kg
2023 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) Hybrid 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-480kg
2023 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser 2.0L, Unleaded Petrol-800kg
2023 Toyota RAV4 GX (AWD) Hybrid 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-1500kg (1.5t)
2023 Toyota RAV4 GX (AWD) Hybrid NAV 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-1500kg (1.5t)
2023 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser (AWD) Hybrid 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-1500kg (1.5t)
2023 Toyota RAV4 Edge (AWD) (panoramic Sunroof) 2.5L, Unleaded Petrol, 8 Speed Automatic-1500kg (1.5t)
2023 Toyota RAV4 Edge (AWD) 2.5L, Unleaded Petrol, 8 Speed Automatic-1500kg (1.5t)
2023 Toyota RAV4 Edge (AWD) Hybrid 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-1500kg (1.5t)
2023 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser (2WD) Hybrid 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-480kg
2023 Toyota RAV4 GXL 2.0L, Unleaded Petrol-800kg
2023 Toyota RAV4 GX (AWD) FSS + Navigation Hybr 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-1500kg (1.5t)
2023 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) FSS + Navigation Hybr 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-480kg
2023 Toyota RAV4 GXL (2WD) Hybrid 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-480kg
2023 Toyota RAV4 XSE (AWD) Hybrid 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-1500kg (1.5t)
2023 Toyota RAV4 GX 2.0L, Unleaded Petrol-800kg
2023 Toyota RAV4 GXL (AWD) Hybrid 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-1500kg (1.5t)
2023 Toyota RAV4 XSE (2WD) Hybrid 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-480kg
2022 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) Hybrid NAV 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-480kg
2022 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) Hybrid 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-480kg
2022 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser 2.0L, Unleaded Petrol-800kg
2022 Toyota RAV4 GX (AWD) Hybrid 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-1500kg (1.5t)
2022 Toyota RAV4 GX (AWD) Hybrid NAV 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-1500kg (1.5t)
2022 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser (AWD) Hybrid 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-1500kg (1.5t)
2022 Toyota RAV4 Edge (AWD) (panoramic Sunroof) 2.5L, Unleaded Petrol, 8 Speed Automatic-1500kg (1.5t)
2022 Toyota RAV4 Edge (AWD) 2.5L, Unleaded Petrol, 8 Speed Automatic-1500kg (1.5t)
2022 Toyota RAV4 Edge (AWD) Hybrid 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-1500kg (1.5t)
2022 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser (2WD) Hybrid 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-480kg
2022 Toyota RAV4 GXL 2.0L, Unleaded Petrol-800kg
2022 Toyota RAV4 GX (AWD) FSS + Navigation Hybr 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-1500kg (1.5t)
2022 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) FSS + Navigation Hybr 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-480kg
2022 Toyota RAV4 GXL (2WD) Hybrid 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-480kg
2022 Toyota RAV4 XSE (AWD) Hybrid 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-1500kg (1.5t)
2022 Toyota RAV4 GX 2.0L, Unleaded Petrol-800kg
2022 Toyota RAV4 GXL (AWD) Hybrid 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-1500kg (1.5t)
2022 Toyota RAV4 XSE (2WD) Hybrid 2.5L (Petrol/Electric)-480kg
2021 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser (2WD) 2.0L, ULP, CVT AUTO -800kg
2021 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser (2WD) Hybrid 2.5L, Hyb/ULP, CVT AUTO -480kg
2021 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser (AWD) Hybrid 2.5L, Hyb/ULP, CVT AUTO -1500kg (1.5t)
2021 Toyota RAV4 Edge (AWD) 2.5L, ULP, CVT AUTO -1500kg (1.5t)
2021 Toyota RAV4 Edge (AWD) (panoramic Sunroof) 2.5L, ULP, CVT AUTO -1500kg (1.5t)
2021 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) 2.0L, ULP, CVT AUTO -800kg
2021 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN -800kg
2021 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) Hybrid 2.5L, Hyb/ULP, CVT AUTO -480kg
2021 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) Hybrid NAV 2.5L, Hyb/ULP, CVT AUTO -480kg
2021 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) NAV 2.0L, ULP, CVT AUTO -800kg
2021 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) NAV 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN -800kg
2021 Toyota RAV4 GX (AWD) Hybrid 2.5L, Hyb/ULP, CVT AUTO -1500kg (1.5t)
2021 Toyota RAV4 GX (AWD) Hybrid NAV 2.5L, Hyb/ULP, CVT AUTO -1500kg (1.5t)
2021 Toyota RAV4 GXL (2WD) 2.0L, ULP, CVT AUTO -800kg
2021 Toyota RAV4 GXL (2WD) Hybrid 2.5L, Hyb/ULP, CVT AUTO -480kg
2021 Toyota RAV4 GXL (AWD) Hybrid 2.5L, Hyb/ULP, CVT AUTO -1500kg (1.5t)
2020 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser (2WD) -800kg
2020 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser (2WD) Hybrid -480kg
2020 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser (AWD) Hybrid -1500kg (1.5t)
2020 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser 2WD Hybrid -480kg
2020 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD Hybrid -800kg
2020 Toyota RAV4 Edge (AWD) -1500kg (1.5t)
2020 Toyota RAV4 Edge (AWD) (panoramic Sunroof) -1500kg (1.5t)
2020 Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD -1500kg (1.5t)
2020 Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD (panoramic Sunroof) -1500kg (1.5t)
2020 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) -800kg
2020 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) -800kg
2020 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) Hybrid -480kg
2020 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) Hybrid NAV -480kg
2020 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) NAV -800kg
2020 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) NAV -800kg
2020 Toyota RAV4 GX (AWD) Hybrid -1500kg (1.5t)
2020 Toyota RAV4 GX (AWD) Hybrid NAV -1500kg (1.5t)
2020 Toyota RAV4 GX 2WD (nav) -800kg
2020 Toyota RAV4 GX 2WD (nav) -800kg
2020 Toyota RAV4 GX 2WD Hybrid -480kg
2019 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser (2WD) 2.0L, ULP, CVT AUTO -800kg
2019 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser (4x4) 2.2L (Diesel), 6 SP AUTO -550kg
2019 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser (4x4) 2.5L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO -1500kg (1.5t)
2019 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser 2WD Hybrid 2.5L, Hyb/ULP, CVT AUTO -480kg
2019 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD Hybrid 2.5L, Hyb/ULP, CVT AUTO -800kg
2019 Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD 2.5L, ULP, 8 SP AUTO -1500kg (1.5t)
2019 Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD (panoramic Sunroof) 2.5L, ULP, 8 SP AUTO -1500kg (1.5t)
2019 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) 2.0L, ULP, CVT AUTO -800kg
2019 Toyota RAV4 GX (2WD) 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN -800kg
2019 Toyota RAV4 GX (4X4) 2.2L (Diesel), 6 SP AUTO -500kg
2019 Toyota RAV4 GX (4X4) 2.2L (Diesel), 6 SP MAN -500kg
2019 Toyota RAV4 GX (4X4) 2.5L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO -1500kg (1.5t)
2019 Toyota RAV4 GX 2WD (nav) 2.0L, ULP, CVT AUTO -800kg
2019 Toyota RAV4 GX 2WD (nav) 2.0L, ULP, 6 SP MAN -800kg
2019 Toyota RAV4 GX 2WD Hybrid 2.5L, Hyb/ULP, CVT AUTO -480kg
2019 Toyota RAV4 GX 2WD Hybrid (nav) 2.5L, Hyb/ULP, CVT AUTO -480kg
2019 Toyota RAV4 GX AWD Hybrid 2.5L, Hyb/ULP, CVT AUTO -850kg
2019 Toyota RAV4 GX AWD Hybrid (nav) 2.5L, Hyb/ULP, CVT AUTO -850kg
2019 Toyota RAV4 GXL (2WD) 2.0L, ULP, CVT AUTO -800kg
2019 Toyota RAV4 GXL (4X4) 2.2L (Diesel), 6 SP AUTO -550kg


What is the Nose Weight / Tongue Weight of a Toyota RAV4?

Tow ball pressure, known as nose weight or sometimes referred to as tongue weight, is a crucial factor to consider when towing. For safety reasons, you must not exceed the maximum nose weight set by the tow bar on your car. Exceeding the nose weight of your Toyota RAV4 may have detrimental effects on the vehicle such as damage to the chassis or mounting points of the tow bar. The nose weight varies according to the type of tow bar you have installed.

YearNose Weight
From
Nose Weight
Up To
2024 Toyota RAV480kg80kg
2023 Toyota RAV480kg80kg
2022 Toyota RAV480kg80kg
2021 Toyota RAV480kg80kg
2020 Toyota RAV480kg80kg
2019 Toyota RAV480kg80kg
2018 Toyota RAV480kg80kg
2017 Toyota RAV480kg80kg
2016 Toyota RAV480kg80kg
2015 Toyota RAV480kg80kg
2014 Toyota RAV480kg80kg
2013 Toyota RAV480kg80kg
2012 Toyota RAV475kg90kg
2011 Toyota RAV475kg90kg
2010 Toyota RAV475kg90kg
2009 Toyota RAV475kg90kg
2008 Toyota RAV475kg90kg
2007 Toyota RAV475kg90kg
2006 Toyota RAV475kg90kg
2005 Toyota RAV465kg75kg
2004 Toyota RAV465kg75kg
2003 Toyota RAV465kg75kg
2002 Toyota RAV465kg75kg
2001 Toyota RAV465kg75kg
2000 Toyota RAV465kg75kg
1999 Toyota RAV475kg75kg
1998 Toyota RAV475kg75kg
1997 Toyota RAV475kg75kg
1996 Toyota RAV475kg75kg
1995 Toyota RAV475kg75kg
1994 Toyota RAV475kg75kg


If you're planning to use a Toyota RAV4 for towing, it's important to note that every model comes with some level of towing capability. To determine the towing capacity of your RAV4, refer to the owner's manual for specific details.

If you know you'll be towing larger items, I recommend checking out the Adventure and TRD models as they have the highest towing capacities among all RAV4 models, up to 3,500 pounds.
However, if you require a higher towing capacity than what the RAV4 can provide, you may want to consider other Toyota models such as the Highlander, Tacoma, 4Runner, or Tundra which are better suited for heavier loads.

CAN A RAV4 TOW A CAMPER?

Yes, the Toyota RAV4 can tow a camper. However, the camper size will need to be within the RAV4's towing limits, which may restrict you to smaller campers. For larger campers, it's recommended that you consider purchasing a different Toyota vehicle with a higher towing capacity.

CAN A RAV4 TOW A BOAT?

Certainly, a Toyota RAV4 can tow a boat, but the boat must weigh less than the vehicle's towing capacity. To determine your RAV4's towing capacity, please refer to our guide above. If you're interested in towing a heavier boat, you should consider buying a different Toyota model that is better equipped to handle heavier loads.

WHICH RAV4 CAN TOW 3,500 POUNDS?

Only the RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road RAV4 trim levels have the capacity to tow up to 3,500 pounds. These two RAV4 trims are typically the best options for towing because they have the highest capacity of all RAV4 models.

WHY CAN SOME RAV4S TOW MORE?

Certain Toyota RAV4 trims are capable of towing more weight because of features such as a larger radiator, a more rugged suspension, and transmission/engine oil cooler.

CAN I INCREASE THE TOWING CAPACITY OF MY TOYOTA RAV4?

It's possible to increase the towing capacity of your Toyota RAV4, but it is not an easy task. You'll need to upgrade several features of the vehicle, such as the radiator, suspension, and transmission/engine cooler, depending on how much you want to tow. In most cases, upgrading to a different type of vehicle that is better suited for towing is a more practical option.

WHAT FACTORS AFFECT THE RAV4’S TOWING CAPACITY?

Several factors affect the towing capacity of a Toyota RAV4, including the vehicle's configuration, chassis, engine and transmission, rear axle ratio, and weight. To find the exact towing capacity for your RAV4, refer to the owner's manual.

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