You might have your eye on this sporty SUV for its fuel economy or updated technology. Or maybe you’re a weekend warrior hoping to convert the RAV4 into your camping companion. Either way, it’s crucial to be aware of your model’s towing capacity. While SUVs are typically built with towing in mind, factors like the trim you choose can drastically affect the RAV4’s towing chops.

To help you narrow down your hauling needs, the

car insurance

super app

Jerry

has rounded up all there is to know about towing with the RAV4. From trim levels to tips for attaining its maximum towing capacity, we’ll break down how the Toyota RAV4 can meet your needs. We'll also show you how Jerry can help you keep your

Toyota RAV4 insurance costs

low, so keep reading!

How much can a Toyota RAV4 tow?

Base towing capacity: 1,500 pounds

Maximum towing capacity: 3,500 pounds

Engines: 2.5L dynamic force 4-cylinder engine, 203 horsepower and 184 foot-pounds of torque

With a broad trim range including off-roading and hybrid options, cutting-edge technology, and a family-friendly ride, the Toyota RAV4 is an ideal small SUV for just about anyone.

While options are great to have, the trim you choose will determine how much you can haul, so it’s essential to know the differences between each one. The base trim can tow up to 1,090 pounds. If you upgrade to the

XLE

XLE Premium

, or

Limited

trim, you can enhance that amount to 1,500 pounds.

If towing a small trailer doesn’t cut it for you, you should consider either the

Adventure

TRD Off-Road

trims. With the Tow Prep Equipment and Dynamic Torque Vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD), you can maximize the RAV4’s towing potential to 3,500 pounds.

Meanwhile, buyers whose needs are equal parts fuel efficiency and towing capacity can opt for the

RAV4 Hybrid

. Your ride will be kinder to the earth, and you can still haul up to 1,700 pounds behind you.

Trailer hitches for the Toyota RAV4

To gear up your RAV4 for towing, you’ll need to outfit it with a

Draw-Tite 76201 trailer hitch

. It’s easy to install yourself with a few tools. The hitch is slated to pull up to 6,000 pounds (gross trailer weight).

While that trailer hitch should be sufficient for the majority of RAV4 models, you might need to change up the gear to accommodate the particular trim you choose. You can

use this handy tool

from Autozone to pinpoint the exact equipment you’ll need for your model. There are also plenty of options available directly through

Toyota’s website

MORE:

Car loan for Toyota 2022

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How to calculate the towing capacity you need

Once you’ve got all the right towing equipment in place, you’re almost ready to hit the road. But first, you’ll need to calculate the total weight of all items you intend to tow, including the trailer, cargo/load, any other equipment, and all your passengers.

So, just because your RAV4 Adventure can handle up to 3,500 pounds, doesn’t mean you can tack on a 3,500-pound trailer behind you. This is generally what you can expect to tow with the 1,500-pound towing capacity:

Canoe

Jetski

Light rowboat

Some examples of loads you can pull with the 3,500-pound towing capacity include:

Two motorcycles

Teardrop trailer

Pop-up trailer

Larger loads packed onto trailers or campers should be relegated to the TRD Off-Road and Adventure trims with AWD. No matter your model, ensure you’re not towing beyond your vehicle’s capacity or you’ll be compromising your car’s integrity *and* your safety.

How to increase towing capacity

While the maximum towing capacity with the Tow Prep Equipment and Dynamic Torque Vectoring all-wheel drive (AWD) is impressive for the RAV4, there are some features you can add to optimize the load you’re pulling.

To enhance your RAV4’s safety and performance while towing, these are some add-ons you should consider:

Active Cornering Assist

Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission

Trailing wishbone-style multi-link rear suspension

Power-assisted ventilated disc brakes

Mud and Sand, Rock and Dirt, and Snow modes

With these additions, you can rest assured that your RAV4’s handling will be at the top of its game. However, none will help you tow more than 3,500 pounds. So, if you’re looking for a vehicle with a more robust towing capacity, consider the

Toyota Tacoma

—it can handle up to 6,800 pounds.

MORE:

How to install a tow bar

How to find affordable car insurance

While towing can be safe and easy to do, it can still raise your risk for blunders on the road. To find the best car insurance coverage for your towing escapades, look no further than the broker app

Jerry

Finding a customized insurance policy has never been more accessible. After a 45-second sign-up in our

trustworthy insurance comparison app

, you’ll get to choose from competitive quotes sourced from over 50 top-rated insurance companies.

Make your pick and Jerry will handle the rest—securing your new insurance and helping to cancel your old policy. With Jerry in tow, you can save an average of $800+ per year!

“
Jerry
had a super simple app that was easy to navigate. And their terrific customer service made everything even easier. Plus, I saved $700 in a single year.” —Lucia M.