Toyota Land Cruiser Towing Capacity – From V8s to the 2025 Hybrid

Towing has always been one of those things I test personally, because numbers on a spec sheet don’t tell the full story.

And that’s exactly why I wanted to revisit the Toyota Land Cruiser towing capacity, a topic that has followed me through every generation I’ve driven.

I still remember the first time I hooked a trailer to an old V8 Land Cruiser years ago. The engine roared, the suspension settled, and the SUV just pulled with that unmistakable Toyota confidence.

Fast forward to today, and the Land Cruiser has evolved into a turbo-hybrid machine that feels nothing like the older models, yet somehow carries the same spirit.

When I tested the new generation, the towing experience felt different, smoother, almost effortless, thanks to the electric torque filling in those early RPM gaps.

So in this guide, I’m going to walk you through how the Land Cruiser performs, not just in numbers, but in real-world towing that actually matters.

Toyota Land Cruiser Towing Capacity

When I talk about Toyota Land Cruiser towing capacity, what I’m referring to is the maximum weight the SUV can safely pull when properly equipped. For the 2024-25 model, Toyota lists a rating of 6,000 lb (about 2,722 kg).

That number might surprise some, especially given the shift to the smaller turbo-hybrid powertrain (a 2.4 L i-FORCE MAX) rather than a traditional big-displacement V6 or V8. But from my time driving the latest model, the combination of hybrid torque, full-time 4WD, and trailer-ready hardware makes that rating feel very credible.

I found that for typical SUV users, towing a boat, a modest camper or even a work trailer, the 6,000-lb limit is more than adequate. The shift away from a large naturally aspirated engine doesn’t appear to have compromised towing ability in real use. Instead, the electric assist helps off-the-line torque, which is often what you need when pulling heavy loads uphill or off-road.

In practical terms, when I tested the new Land Cruiser on a highway run with a trailer in tow, the engine-transmission system never felt under-powered. The hybrid’s low-end torque made merging and climbing feel effortless compared to previous generations.

If you are looking at the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser towing capacity, know that despite the smaller engine, the capability remains strong, and in some ways, improved for real-world use.

For many buyers prioritizing capability and also the latest tech and efficiency, this version of the Land Cruiser offers a compelling mix. The 6,000-lb figure gives you confidence to haul without fear of over-taxing the vehicle, and Toyota has backed it with the appropriate hardware (hitch, wiring harness, brake controller, trailer sway control) in many cases.

Toyota Land Cruiser V8 Towing Capacity

When enthusiasts talk about the Toyota Land Cruiser V8 towing capacity, they are basically referring to the previous generation Land Cruisers equipped with large naturally-aspirated V8 engines (for example, the 5.7 L in the U.S. market LC200 series). Those models boasted towing ratings in the region of 8,100 lb (approximately 3,674 kg) in some configurations.

In driving one of those V8 Land Cruisers a few years back, I loved the effortless power and robust feel when towing. The V8 engine offered broad torque and steady performance even under heavy load. But the trade-offs: significantly heavier curb weight, poor fuel economy, and less refined tech compared to today’s models.

In contrast, the newer hybrid version (2.4 L turbo plus electric assist) proves that Toyota hasn’t sacrificed capability for efficiency. While the V8-era Land Cruiser had the raw advantage in pulling capacity, the modern version narrows the performance gap with improved technology and reduced complexity.

From my experience, the newer Land Cruiser feels more agile, responsive and refined when towing, even if the numeric towing rating is somewhat lower. That said, the difference in real-world performance is less significant than the spec sheet suggests because the newer hybrid gains in other areas (like responsiveness, modern trailer-ready electronics, and efficiency).

Another point I observed was that the newer Land Cruiser includes standard or available trailer towing features such as a 7-pin wiring harness, trailer-sway detection/control and full-time 4WD with locking centre differential, all of which support safe and confident towing.

So although the V8 Land Cruiser towing capacity was impressive, the hybrid Land Cruiser holds its own remarkably well when you factor in complete capability, everyday usability and long-term ownership cost.

2026 Toyota Land Cruiser Towing Capacity

Looking ahead to the 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser towing capacity, Toyota’s official site confirms a rating of up to 6,000 lb (2,722 kg) when properly equipped.

From my perspective, this tells an important story: Toyota has stabilized the towing specification rather than boosting it dramatically. Why? Because in the modern era, the vehicle’s overall architecture, integration of hybrid powertrain and 4WD system have matured to the point where 6,000 lb is a very credible and practical limit for most buyers.

In other words, Toyota seems confident that this capacity meets real-world towing needs without over-engineering the powertrain or compromising efficiency, cost, or reliability.

In the time I spent evaluating the 2026 model (in pre-test driving briefings and spec review), the vehicle carries forward all the same trailer-ready hardware: full-time 4WD, center diff lock, Multi-Terrain Select, crawl control, and a factory trailer-hitch/tow-wiring setup.

The fact that Toyota didn’t inflate the number suggests they prioritize real-world durability and safe margin rather than headline chasing.

For a buyer thinking about past or the future, knowing the 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser towing capacity remains at 6,000 lb means you’re buying continuity of purpose, and not a gimmick.

Toyota Land Cruiser Towing Capacity – Year by Year

When you search for Toyota Land Cruiser towing capacity by year, you’ll find different figures depending on region, powertrain, and model generation. Based on my research and for U.S.-spec or representative markets, here’s a summary table showing how towing capacity has evolved:

Toyota Land Cruiser Towing Capacity – My Experience

During my review of the 2025 model, I had the opportunity to test towing a 5,500-lb (approx 2,495 kg) travel trailer behind the Toyota Land Cruiser. It was equipped with the factory trailer hitch, 7-pin wiring harness, and trailer-sway control system.

On the highway, the SUV felt composed, and the electric-assisted torque made merging and passing effortless. Off-site I took it onto a moderate dirt road with mild grades and gravel—again, the Land Cruiser held its own, with zero strain.

The standard full-time 4WD, locking center differential and crawl control give confidence when you unhook and explore. Trailer in tow? You switch mode, set the controls, and the Land Cruiser handles the task like it was designed for it (because it was).

The Toyota Land Cruiser towing capacity feels earned, it isn’t just about the number, but the whole system behind it. After that full day of towing and then transitioning into off-road mode, I came away thoroughly impressed: the hybrid system, the hardware, the trail readiness—it all reinforced that Toyota hasn’t compromised capability for modernization.

What Can You Tow With a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser?

Here are several real-world examples of what you can confidently tow with the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, given its 6,000-lb towing rating. These are based on real owner and forum reports, and my own experience.

Boats (19-24 ft)

A typical 21-foot bowrider with trailer falls in the 4,500-5,000 lb range. With the Land Cruiser, you’ll have headroom in the 6,000-lb limit, plus margin for gear, passengers and tongue weight.

Travel Trailers / Camper Trailers

Many midsize travel trailers weigh 5,000-6,000 lb fully loaded. I personally towed a 5,500-lb trailer and experienced minimal strain. The Land Cruiser’s full-time 4WD and torque assist make hill climbs and wind buffets far easier than older V8 models.

Toy Hauler or ATV Trailer

An ATV trailer with two machines and gear might weigh 3,500-4,000 lb. The Land Cruiser handles these with ease, and thanks to trail-ready features, you can unhook and hit off-road tracks while still camping.

Jet Skis / Small Boats

Two-jet ski trailer setups weigh around 2,000-3,000 lb. The Land Cruiser makes these feel trivial, good for weekend fun, and a capable daily driver.

Work Utility Trailer

For professionals who need to tow a small utility trailer with tools or landscaping gear, often in the 4,000-5,000 lb zone, the Land Cruiser offers confidence. You’re not operating near max capacity, giving you margin for safety, equipment and passengers.

In each of these use-cases, the Toyota Land Cruiser towing capacity is more than just a number, it translates into freedom. Freedom to tow heavy loads, yet still enjoy the same vehicle off-road, on road, and over the long haul.

Final Takeaway

Here are my key takeaways from this deep dive into Toyota Land Cruiser towing capacity:

• The modern Land Cruiser delivers a realistic 6,000-lb (2,722 kg) towing rating—strong for its size and powertrain.
• While older V8 models offered higher numbers, the newer hybrid Land Cruiser matches real-world utility with improved efficiency and usability.
• Trailer-ready hardware (hitch, wiring, control systems) is integrated thoughtfully, making towing less stressful.
• From boats to travel trailers, the Land Cruiser covers most towing scenarios with ease in daily use.
• If you want a vehicle that can both haul heavy loads and tackle off-road conditions, the Land Cruiser gives you confidence without compromise.