The 2025 4Runner's towing capacity isn't just a number on a spec sheet—it's your ticket to weekend freedom. With the gas model rated for 2,722 kg (6,000 lbs) and the Hybrid model handling 2,631 kg (5,800 lbs), this SUV transforms cottage trips from logistical puzzles into straightforward adventures. But what does that capacity mean in real terms for Durham Region families heading to their favourite lakes?

Understanding towing capacity means more than just knowing the maximum weight. It's about matching your actual gear and recreational equipment to a vehicle that handles the load safely and confidently. Whether you're pulling a boat to Balsam Lake or hauling a travel trailer to Algonquin Park, the 4Runner's substantial towing ability opens up possibilities that smaller SUVs simply can't match.

Real-World Towing Examples for Cottage Country

The 2,722 kg (6,000 lb) towing capacity accommodates serious recreational equipment without breaking a sweat. A 20-foot aluminum fishing boat with trailer typically weighs around 1,800-2,200 kg (4,000-4,800 lbs), leaving plenty of capacity margin for safety and additional gear weight.

For camping enthusiasts, a mid-size travel trailer in the 24-foot range usually falls within the 2,200-2,500 kg (4,800-5,500 lb) range when loaded with supplies. This means family camping trips to Bon Echo Provincial Park or Killarney become realistic options rather than pipe dreams.

Popular Towing Combinations:

• Pontoon boat (20-22 feet): 1,800-2,300 kg including trailer
• Travel trailer (22-24 feet): 2,000-2,500 kg loaded for camping
• Utility trailer with ATV/side-by-side: 1,200-1,800 kg combined weight
• Enclosed snowmobile trailer: 1,000-1,500 kg with two sleds

The 4Runner's robust TNGA-F platform, shared with the Tacoma and Tundra, provides the structural foundation needed for confident towing. This isn't a unibody SUV pretending to be a truck—it's built on a genuine truck platform designed for serious hauling work.

Powertrain Performance for Towing Duties

The gas-powered 4Runner uses an i-FORCE turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine producing 278 peak horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain delivers strong acceleration even when pulling substantial loads up the hills between Whitby and cottage country.

The 4Runner Hybrid takes towing performance to another level with its i-FORCE MAX system. Combining the same 2.4L turbo engine with a 48-horsepower electric motor and 1.87-kWh battery pack, the hybrid delivers 326 system horsepower and an impressive 465 lb-ft of torque. That electric motor assistance provides instant torque from zero RPM, making boat launch situations and steep cottage road climbs significantly easier.

Towing Performance Comparison:

Both powertrains connect to an eight-speed automatic transmission designed to handle towing loads efficiently. The transmission includes a tow/haul mode that adjusts shift patterns to maintain optimal engine speed for pulling heavy loads up long grades.

Safety and Control Features for Confident Towing

Towing heavy loads safely requires more than just raw pulling power. The 4Runner includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard equipment, providing features like Dynamic Radar Cruise Control that maintains safe following distances even while towing.

The available Trailer Sway Control system automatically detects when a trailer begins to sway and applies selective braking and engine management to restore stability. This feature proves invaluable on windy stretches of Highway 35 or when passing transport trucks on the 401.

The 4Runner's approach and departure angles (18 and 23 degrees respectively) handle cottage road conditions without scraping the undercarriage. Ground clearance accommodates rough cottage driveways and boat launch areas that might challenge lower SUVs.

Standard Towing-Related Safety Features:

• Trailer Sway Control for stability management
• Hill Start Assist Control prevents rollback on steep launches
• Downhill Assist Control maintains controlled speeds on descents
• Multi-Terrain Select optimizes traction for different surfaces

The available Multi-Terrain Monitor system displays the view around the vehicle, helping with trailer positioning at campsites or boat launches where visibility becomes limited.

Practical Considerations for Durham Region Towing

Fuel consumption increases when towing, but the 4Runner's efficiency remains reasonable for its capability class. The gas model's combined rating helps estimate costs for cottage trips, while the hybrid's improved efficiency reduces fuel expenses during towing season.

Winter towing capability matters for snowmobile enthusiasts heading to Georgian Bay or Muskoka. The 4Runner's 4WD systems (part-time or full-time depending on grade) provide traction for launching boats on icy ramps or navigating snow-covered cottage roads with trailers attached.

The 4Runner's 72-litre fuel tank provides good range when towing, reducing the need for frequent fuel stops during longer cottage trips. This proves especially valuable when pulling larger loads that increase fuel consumption.

Ready to expand your weekend possibilities? Visit Whitby Toyota Company to test drive the 2025 4Runner and experience the confidence that comes with genuine towing capability designed for Canadian adventures.