The 2016 Toyota Highlander is a versatile midsize SUV that blends practicality, comfort, and performance, making it a favourite among families and adventure seekers. One of the main attractions of the Highlander, especially for those who need a reliable vehicle for towing, is its impressive towing capacity. Whether you’re hauling a caravan, a boat, or a trailer full of equipment, understanding the 2016 Highlander’s towing capabilities is essential for safe and efficient towing.
This article looks in-depth at the 2016 Toyota Highlander’s towing capacity, engine options, key towing features, safety considerations, and how it stacks up against its competitors. By the end, you’ll clearly understand what makes the Highlander such a solid choice for towing and whether it fits your needs.
Table of Contents
Engine Options and Powertrain Overview
The engine and powertrain are at the heart of any vehicle’s towing capacity, and the 2016 Toyota Highlander offers two primary engine options. Each engine provides different power levels, directly impacting the vehicle’s towing ability.
1. 2.7-Litre Four-Cylinder Engine
The base model of the 2016 Toyota Highlander has a 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine. While this engine offers respectable performance for everyday driving, it’s not particularly suited to heavy-duty towing.
- Power Output: The 2.7-litre engine produces 185 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, which is adequate for daily driving but falls short when pulling heavier loads.
- Towing Capacity: With this engine, the 2016 Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds (approximately 680 kg). This limited towing capacity makes it suitable for light towing tasks, such as pulling small utility trailers, lightweight boats, or small personal watercraft. It’s ideal for individuals who occasionally need to tow lighter loads.
- Fuel Economy: One advantage of the four-cylinder engine is its fuel efficiency. It delivers an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, making it a practical choice for those prioritising fuel savings over towing performance.
2. 3.5-Litre V6 Engine
The 2016 Highlander’s 3.5-litre V6 engine is the more powerful option, and it’s the go-to choice for anyone planning to tow regularly or pull heavier trailers.
- Power Output: The V6 engine provides 270 horsepower and 336 Nm of torque, offering significantly more power than the four-cylinder variant. This additional torque is crucial for towing larger and heavier loads with ease.
- Towing Capacity: When equipped with the V6 engine and the optional Towing Package, the 2016 Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds (approximately 2,268 kg). This towing capacity makes it a practical choice for families who want to tow mid-sized caravans, medium-sized boats, or trailers filled with camping gear, ATVs, or other recreational equipment.
- Fuel Economy: Despite the increase in power, the V6 engine maintains good fuel economy. It is rated at 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, which is competitive for a vehicle in this class with such towing capabilities.
The Towing Package: A Critical Addition for Maximum Towing Capacity
While the V6 engine alone provides decent towing power, the optional Towing Package is essential to achieve the Highlander’s maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This package includes a variety of enhancements designed to support the vehicle’s towing performance and keep it running optimally when under heavy loads.
Key Features of the Towing Package
- Heavy-Duty Radiator:
- The heavy-duty radiator in the towing package is designed to better manage engine temperature, especially during long towing trips or when towing in hot weather. Towing can put extra stress on the engine, and this radiator ensures that the vehicle stays cool and operates efficiently.
- Engine Oil Cooler:
- An engine oil cooler is included in the towing package to keep the engine oil at a stable temperature. The cooler is essential for preventing the engine oil from overheating during prolonged towing, especially in challenging conditions like driving uphill or in high temperatures.
- 200-Watt Fan Coupling:
- The 200-watt fan coupling improves air circulation through the engine bay, helping the vehicle maintain its performance during towing. This additional cooling power reduces the risk of engine overheating, which can occur under heavy towing loads.
- Trailer Sway Control (TSC):
- One of the most critical safety features in the towing package is Trailer Sway Control (TSC). This system uses sensors to detect if the trailer is swaying and automatically applies brakes to individual wheels to help stabilise the trailer and the vehicle. This feature is handy when towing on winding roads or in windy conditions.
- Pre-Wired for Trailer Brake Controller:
- The Highlander comes pre-wired for a trailer brake controller when equipped with the towing package. This controller is vital when towing heavier loads that require electric trailer brakes. This system ensures that the trailer’s brakes engage along with the vehicle’s brakes, providing smoother and safer stopping power.
These features are designed to improve the overall towing experience, making it easier and safer to tow heavier loads while maintaining the performance and reliability that Toyota is known for.
Towing Safety: Key Considerations
While the Highlander’s towing capacity is impressive, it’s essential to remember that towing requires careful preparation and adherence to safety guidelines. Here are some critical factors to consider when towing with the 2016 Highlander.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) refers to the total weight that the Highlander can safely carry, including passengers, cargo, and the weight of the trailer’s tongue. For the 2016 Highlander, the GVWR is 2,722 kg. It’s crucial not to exceed this rating, as doing so can lead to dangerous handling, braking issues, and potential damage to the vehicle.
Payload Capacity
The payload capacity is the total weight the Highlander can carry inside the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and the trailer’s tongue weight. The 2016 Highlander has a payload capacity of approximately 1,450 pounds (657 kg). When towing, it’s essential to account for the trailer’s tongue weight in this figure, as exceeding the payload capacity can negatively affect the vehicle’s handling.
Trailer Tongue Weight
The trailer tongue weight is the downward force exerted on the vehicle’s hitch by the trailer. Ideally, the tongue weight should be between 10-15% of the total trailer weight. For example, if you are towing a 4,500-pound trailer, the tongue weight should be around 450 to 675 pounds. If the tongue weight is too light, the trailer may sway, while if it’s too heavy, it could reduce the vehicle’s steering control.
Weight Distribution Hitch
A weight distribution hitch is recommended for trailers approaching the Highlander’s upper towing limits. This hitch redistributes the trailer’s weight across the vehicle’s axles, improving stability and reducing the strain on the rear axle. A weight distribution hitch also helps level the car, preventing the rear end from sagging when towing heavy loads.
Braking and Trailer Brake Systems
The vehicle’s braking system maintains safety when towing heavy loads. The 2016 Toyota Highlander has four-wheel disc brakes, providing solid stopping power. However, when towing heavier trailers, it’s advisable to use a trailer brake controller, which allows the trailer’s brakes to sync with the vehicle’s brakes. This reduces stopping distances and provides greater control during braking.
Driving Tips for Safe Towing
- Speed Control: Always drive moderately when towing, especially when navigating curves or going downhill. High speeds can cause the trailer to sway, increasing the risk of losing control.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Sudden braking, accelerating, or turning can destabilise the trailer, so smooth and gradual movements are essential.
- Check Mirrors Regularly: It’s essential to be aware of the trailer’s position at all times. Check your mirrors frequently to ensure the trailer tracks correctly and monitor other vehicles.
- Load Distribution: Ensure that the trailer’s load is evenly distributed. Uneven loads can cause the trailer to sway or become difficult to control.
How the 2016 Highlander Compares to Competitors
The 2016 Toyota Highlander competes in the midsize SUV market, where towing capacity is critical for many buyers. Let’s compare how the Highlander stacks up against some of its closest rivals:
Honda Pilot (2016)
The Honda Pilot is a strong competitor in the midsize SUV segment. Like the Highlander, it offers a 3.5-litre V6 engine and, when properly equipped, a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Both vehicles are evenly matched in towing capacity, but the Pilot offers a more powerful engine option, slightly edging out the Highlander in performance.
Ford Explorer (2016)
The Ford Explorer also offers a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with its V6 engine. However, the Explorer has the option of a turbocharged EcoBoost engine that increases its towing capacity to 5,600 pounds. This gives the Explorer a slight advantage over the Highlander for those who need to tow heavier loads.
Chevrolet Traverse (2016)
The Chevrolet Traverse‘s V6 engine can tow up to 5,200 pounds. While it offers slightly more towing power than the Highlander, it lacks some advanced towing features, such as Trailer Sway Control and a pre-wired trailer brake controller, which may affect overall towing ease and safety.
Conclusion: Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander Right for You?
The 2016 Toyota Highlander offers a solid towing capacity, especially with the V6 engine and the optional towing package. Its ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds makes it a practical choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone needing to haul trailers, caravans, or boats. The Highlander’s blend of comfort, fuel efficiency, and advanced towing features make it a strong contender in the midsize SUV market.
If you’re in the market for an SUV that can handle your daily commute while offering enough power for towing, the 2016 Highlander is worth considering. However, if your towing needs exceed 5,000 pounds, you might want to explore other options like the Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Traverse.