2025 (6th Gen) 4Runner Trailer Towing Guidelines

Administrator

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 26, 2024
Messages
67
Reaction score
13
Trailer Weight Rating (TWR) and Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) are always a common question among owners. I wanted to draft this guide up as a simple but dependable reference point for all owners curious about towing with the 6th Gen 4Runner and what the owners manual suggests.

Vehicle Weight

Curb Weight (lbs)

  • Gas Engine (i-Force)
    • 2WD SR5: 4,455 lbs
    • 2WD TRD Sport: 4,610 lbs
    • 2WD Limited: 4,730 lbs
    • 4WD SR5: 4,685 lbs
    • 4WD TRD Sport: 4,850 lbs
    • 4WD TRD Off-Road: 4,850 lbs
    • 4WD Limited: 4,970 lbs
  • Hybrid Engine (i-Force Max)
    • Hybrid TRD Off-Road: 5,225 lbs
    • Hybrid Limited: 5,370 lbs
    • Hybrid Platinum: 5,390 lbs
    • Hybrid TRD Pro: 5,455 lbs
    • Hybrid Trailhunter: 5,500 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs)

  • Gas Engine (i-Force)
    • 2WD SR5: 6,005 lbs
    • 2WD TRD Sport: 6,020 lbs
    • 2WD Limited: 6,130 lbs
    • 4WD SR5: 6,075 lbs
    • 4WD TRD Sport: 6,395 lbs
    • 4WD Off-Road: 6,240 lbs
    • 4WD Limited: 6,395 lbs
  • Hybrid Engine (i-Force Max)
    • Hybrid TRD Off-Road: 6,505 lbs
    • Hybrid Limited: 6,505 lbs
    • Hybrid Platinum: 6,505 lbs
    • Hybrid TRD Pro: 6,505 lbs
    • Hybrid Trailhunter: 6,505 lbs
Weight Limits, Equipment, and Setup Tips
(Reference: 2025 Owner’s Manual, pg. 205–213)
Link to Owners Manual: https://trail4runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-4runner-owners-manual.pdf

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is rated to tow between 5,100–6,000 pounds depending on trim and drivetrain. Towing requires proper equipment, setup, and driving awareness to maintain safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.

Towing Capacity by Model​

Trailer Weight Rating (TWR) and Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) vary by drivetrain and trim:
  • 2WD SR5: TWR 6,000 lb | GCWR 10,970 lb
  • 2WD TRD Sport: TWR 5,000 lb | GCWR 11,025 lb
  • 2WD Limited: TWR 5,100 lb | GCWR 11,245 lb
  • 4WD SR5: TWR 5,095 lb | GCWR 11,235 lb
  • 4WD TRD Off-Road: TWR 5,110 lb | GCWR 11,265 lb
  • 4WD TRD Sport: TWR 5,115 lb | GCWR 11,285 lb
  • 4WD Limited: TWR 5,210 lb | GCWR 11,485 lb
Unbraked TWR for all models is limited to 1,655 lb.

Tongue Weight​

Tongue weight should be 9–11% of gross trailer weight for conventional towing.
If using a weight-distributing hitch, adjust torque until the front axle weight (or fender height) returns to pre-trailer connection levels.

Equipment Requirements​

  • Over 2,000 lb: Sway control device required
  • Over 5,000 lb: Weight-distributing hitch required
  • Trailer brakes are required above the unbraked TWR
  • Toyota recommends using a Toyota Genuine hitch and wiring system
  • Do not use a bumper-mounted hitch

Safety Checks Before Towing​

  • Tires (vehicle & trailer) inflated to spec
  • Trailer level when hitched
  • Lights connected and tested
  • Trailer cargo secured
  • Proper tongue weight and load balance
  • Mirrors comply with local towing regulations
  • Trailer brake controller gain properly set if equipped

Driving Tips​

  • Max recommended towing speed: 65 mph
  • Slow down before turns, during wind, or on rough roads
  • Increase stopping distance; avoid abrupt braking
  • Use lower gears and engine braking on long descents
  • Do not tow with the temporary spare tire
  • Practice reversing with the trailer in a safe area

Break-In & Maintenance​

  • Avoid towing for the first 500 miles
  • For the next 500 miles, limit speed to 45 mph and avoid full throttle
  • Towing increases wear—check fluids and hardware more frequently
  • Retorque hitch bolts after approx. 600 miles of towing

2025 4Runner Trailer Towing Guidelines Diagram​


Refer to pages 205–213 of the Owner’s Manual for diagrams showing proper trailer hitch setup, trailer ball sizing, tongue weight distribution, and more.

2025-4runner-trailer-towing-guidelines-diagram_01.jpg


2025-4runner-trailer-towing-guidelines-diagram_02.jpg


2025-4runner-trailer-towing-guidelines-diagram_03.jpg


2025-4runner-trailer-towing-guidelines-diagram_04.jpg


2025-4runner-trailer-towing-guidelines-diagram_05.jpg


2025-4runner-trailer-towing-guidelines-diagram_06.jpg
 
Last edited:
Trailer Weight Rating (TWR) and Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) are always a common question among owners. I wanted to draft this guide up as a simple but dependable reference point for all owners curious about towing with the 6th Gen 4Runner and what the owners manual suggests.

Vehicle Weight

Curb Weight (lbs)

  • Gas Engine (i-Force)
    • 2WD SR5: 4,455 lbs
    • 2WD TRD Sport: 4,610 lbs
    • 2WD Limited: 4,730 lbs
    • 4WD SR5: 4,685 lbs
    • 4WD TRD Sport: 4,850 lbs
    • 4WD TRD Off-Road: 4,850 lbs
    • 4WD Limited: 4,970 lbs
  • Hybrid Engine (i-Force Max)
    • Hybrid TRD Off-Road: 5,225 lbs
    • Hybrid Limited: 5,370 lbs
    • Hybrid Platinum: 5,390 lbs
    • Hybrid TRD Pro: 5,455 lbs
    • Hybrid Trailhunter: 5,500 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lbs)

  • Gas Engine (i-Force)
    • 2WD SR5: 6,005 lbs
    • 2WD TRD Sport: 6,020 lbs
    • 2WD Limited: 6,130 lbs
    • 4WD SR5: 6,075 lbs
    • 4WD TRD Sport: 6,395 lbs
    • 4WD Off-Road: 6,240 lbs
    • 4WD Limited: 6,395 lbs
  • Hybrid Engine (i-Force Max)
    • Hybrid TRD Off-Road: 6,505 lbs
    • Hybrid Limited: 6,505 lbs
    • Hybrid Platinum: 6,505 lbs
    • Hybrid TRD Pro: 6,505 lbs
    • Hybrid Trailhunter: 6,505 lbs
Weight Limits, Equipment, and Setup Tips
(Reference: 2025 Owner’s Manual, pg. 205–213)
Link to Owners Manual: https://trail4runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-4runner-owners-manual.pdf

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is rated to tow between 5,100–6,000 pounds depending on trim and drivetrain. Towing requires proper equipment, setup, and driving awareness to maintain safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.

Towing Capacity by Model​

Trailer Weight Rating (TWR) and Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) vary by drivetrain and trim:
  • 2WD SR5: TWR 6,000 lb | GCWR 10,970 lb
  • 2WD TRD Sport: TWR 5,000 lb | GCWR 11,025 lb
  • 2WD Limited: TWR 5,100 lb | GCWR 11,245 lb
  • 4WD SR5: TWR 5,095 lb | GCWR 11,235 lb
  • 4WD TRD Off-Road: TWR 5,110 lb | GCWR 11,265 lb
  • 4WD TRD Sport: TWR 5,115 lb | GCWR 11,285 lb
  • 4WD Limited: TWR 5,210 lb | GCWR 11,485 lb
Unbraked TWR for all models is limited to 1,655 lb.

Tongue Weight​

Tongue weight should be 9–11% of gross trailer weight for conventional towing.
If using a weight-distributing hitch, adjust torque until the front axle weight (or fender height) returns to pre-trailer connection levels.

Equipment Requirements​

  • Over 2,000 lb: Sway control device required
  • Over 5,000 lb: Weight-distributing hitch required
  • Trailer brakes are required above the unbraked TWR
  • Toyota recommends using a Toyota Genuine hitch and wiring system
  • Do not use a bumper-mounted hitch

Safety Checks Before Towing​

  • Tires (vehicle & trailer) inflated to spec
  • Trailer level when hitched
  • Lights connected and tested
  • Trailer cargo secured
  • Proper tongue weight and load balance
  • Mirrors comply with local towing regulations
  • Trailer brake controller gain properly set if equipped

Driving Tips​

  • Max recommended towing speed: 65 mph
  • Slow down before turns, during wind, or on rough roads
  • Increase stopping distance; avoid abrupt braking
  • Use lower gears and engine braking on long descents
  • Do not tow with the temporary spare tire
  • Practice reversing with the trailer in a safe area

Break-In & Maintenance​

  • Avoid towing for the first 500 miles
  • For the next 500 miles, limit speed to 45 mph and avoid full throttle
  • Towing increases wear—check fluids and hardware more frequently
  • Retorque hitch bolts after approx. 600 miles of towing

2025 4Runner Trailer Towing Guidelines Diagram​


Refer to pages 205–213 of the Owner’s Manual for diagrams showing proper trailer hitch setup, trailer ball sizing, tongue weight distribution, and more.

View attachment 1459

View attachment 1460

View attachment 1461

View attachment 1462

View attachment 1463

View attachment 1464
Thanks. But could you please verify a couple things?

1. There is conflicting information regarding the towing capacity: I have seen on various dealership websites where they say all hybrid 4Rs are rated at 6,000 lbs. and nonhybrids a little less. (I can do a screenshot of these or link if you like.)

2. There is also conflicting information as to whether the 6th gen has a receiver hitch that will accept a weight distribution (WD) hitching system. WD capable usually means it is mounted to the frame in at least two or three places (not just on rear cross member). Toyota requires a WD system to tow anything above 5,000 lbs. Again, I see conflicting information on various Toyota related sites on the hitching setup, and whether the factory receiver will support WD.

Any clarification you can provide would be much appreciated, as two people in my family are considering a 6th gen to tow travel trailers with, and one would definitely use a weight distributing hitching system.
 
Last edited:

New Threads

I usually have a fish rack up front and tray...
I’ve had my TRD Pro for about 3-weeks now and...
Hi. What is the best rubber floor mat for the...

Recent

If you want a FREE 6G4R.com decal, comment below with "6G4R.com Decal". That's it. Each free...
I usually have a fish rack up front and tray in the rear when I go surf fishing. Best I've...
I just got some XPEL Stealth PPF film added to my new 4Runner. I was nervous at first about...
I’ve had my TRD Pro for about 3-weeks now and ever since the first test drive it has had a...
Waiting for my 2025 TRD Sport Premium to arrive and stopped by dealer today since they finally...
Hi. What is the best rubber floor mat for the 6th Gen Hybrid? I know WeatheTech seems to pop uo...
Finally got around to installing the Screen ProTech screen protectors on the 6th Gen 4Runner...
I added the beautiful candy red TRD UCAs onto my 6th Gen 4Runner TRD Off Road. These things look...
Received everything but the hardware for our new RCI Rock Sliders. Painted the top plate a...
Hi there, I'm looking to get new tires for my 6th gen 4Runner and was wondering what tire/wheel...
We are updating our tires to Falken Wild Peak 285/70/18 C - Rated tires. A little pricey for...
When I was recently at the Toyota Jamboree in Gilmer TX, I was able to not only see the new 6th...

Similar

Back
Top