The 2015 Toyota Highlander is often marketed for its towing capabilities. However, my personal experience revealed significant limitations when attempting to tow a travel trailer. Initially, research indicated a 500-pound tongue weight and 5,000-pound total towing capacity for the XLE trim with standard towing features. Based on this, we purchased a Forest River travel trailer well within these limits, with a 468-pound tongue weight and 4,200-pound total weight.
Unexpected Costs and Challenges with a 2015 Toyota Highlander
After professional installation of a Curt hitch, a major issue emerged: the 2015 Highlander lacked pre-wiring for electric brakes, a legal requirement for trailers over 2,000 pounds. This necessitated extensive electrical work, adding a 7-pin connector and brake wiring, resulting in a $650 bill. This was a significant unexpected cost, especially considering Toyota’s advertised towing capacity. Furthermore, the pre-wiring provided by Toyota was only for a 4-pin connector, inadequate for a trailer requiring electric brakes.
The towing experience itself was disastrous. Fuel efficiency plummeted from 28 mpg to 8 mpg while towing the empty trailer. Despite using a weight distribution hitch, the front tires lifted off the pavement, creating a dangerous driving situation. Consultations with dealers and experts confirmed the 2015 Highlander was unsuitable for towing this weight, with potential for transmission and engine damage due to high RPMs at highway speeds.
2015 Toyota Highlander Towing Reality vs. Advertised Claims
Ultimately, we sold the brand new trailer at a $1,200 loss. This experience raises concerns about the accuracy of Toyota’s advertised towing capacity for the 2015 Highlander. The lack of pre-wiring for electric brakes, legally required for trailers exceeding 2,000 pounds, further underscores this discrepancy. The significant difference between the advertised towing capacity and the real-world limitations resulted in substantial financial loss and frustration.
This experience highlights the importance of thorough research and real-world testing before relying solely on manufacturer specifications. It also raises questions about the 2015 Toyota Highlander’s suitability for towing anything beyond a lightweight pop-up camper. The discrepancy between the advertised capabilities and the actual performance necessitates careful consideration for anyone planning to use a 2015 Toyota Highlander for towing.
