How Much Can the 2016 Toyota Highlander Haul?

July 9th, 2016 by

2016 Toyota Highlander liftgate

Overview

The 2016 Toyota Highlander midsize crossover SUV is a stylish, powerful vehicle with high passenger capacity, loads of cargo room, and surprisingly large towing capability. A consistent performer for families looking for more room, the new Highlander has been a leader in its class for years. At Toyota of Naperville, customers often ask us, “How much can the Toyota Highlander haul?” We wanted to put that question to rest by highlighting the robust hauling capabilities of the 2016 Highlander. Read on to find out more!

Passenger Capacity

If you’re looking for a large vehicle with enough room for the whole family, then the Highlander is the right choice for you. All models include three rows of comfortable, well appointed seating. This provides enough room for eight passengers on the LE, LE Plus, and XLE trims.While the Limited and Limited Platinum editions include seating for seven, that’s because these upgraded models include standard second row captain’s chairs for your passenger’s comfort. This gives you the ability to customize the Highlander to your individual needs. No matter which option you choose, the overall capacity comes to 158.7 cubic feet of total passenger volume.

passengers in 2016 Toyota Highlander

Cargo

Now that we’ve covered the amount of people the Toyota Highlander can haul, let’s turn our focus to cargo. With all three rows occupied, you can still fit nearly 14 cubic feet of cargo behind the back seat, be it groceries, construction supplies for weekend projects, or athletic equipment for your kid’s big game.If you’re looking to maximize the Highlander’s cargo abilities, the 60/40-split folding second and third row seats dramatically increase the cargo area, reaching an impressive 83.7 cubic feet with both rows folded down. That’s the kind of generous cargo space customers have come to expect from the Highlander name.

2016 Toyota Highlander cargo space

Towing

Another way to look at the 2016 Highlander’s hauling capabilities is towing. The base trim has a towing capacity of 1500 pounds. While that might be enough for most customers, Toyota now includes a powerful towing package with all V6 models. These upgrades include a towing receiver hitch with wire harness, heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler, 200 watt fan coupling, supplemental transmission oil cooler, and a 150 amp alternator.These upgrades ensure the stability and safety of your drive while increasing the towing capacity to a huge 5000 pounds. If you’re looking for the ability to haul boat and camping trailers for long weekends with the family, the V6 is the right choice for you.

2016 Toyota Highlander tows trailer

Put the Highlander to the Test at Toyota of Naperville

At Toyota of Naperville, we love showing why the 2016 Toyota Highlander is a leading midsize crossover SUV in passenger capacity, cargo, and towing. Contact us today to find out more, or stop by the dealership and experience our ongoing commitment to customer service.