Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity (All Years 2001-2026)

The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size, body-on-frame SUV produced since the 2001 model year. It has been sold across three distinct generations with different powertrain configurations, drivetrain options, and towing equipment standards. The Sequoia is available in rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive layouts across multiple trim levels.

This guide covers Toyota Sequoia towing specifications from 2001 through 2026, organized by model year. Each section includes maximum trailer weight, payload capacity, GCWR, tongue weight, hitch class, and related towing data. Staying within manufacturer-rated towing limits protects the engine, transmission, braking system, and frame from overload damage.

2026 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia achieves a maximum towing capacity of 9,500 lbs using the standard i-FORCE MAX twin-turbo hybrid powertrain and factory tow equipment. RWD configurations carry higher trailer weight ratings compared to equivalent 4WD trims due to lower curb weight. The standard Class IV receiver hitch and integrated trailer sway control are included across all 2026 trim levels.

2025 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia reaches a maximum towing capacity of 9,520 lbs in SR5 RWD configuration. The TRD Pro trim, available only in 4WD, is rated at 9,020 lbs. Payload capacity ranges from 1,375 to 1,730 lbs depending on the selected trim level and drivetrain.

2024 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shares the same 9,520 lb maximum towing capacity as the 2025 model in SR5 RWD trim. The Capstone trim with 4WD drops to a rating of 8,980 lbs due to added vehicle weight and configuration differences. All 2024 Sequoia models include the factory Class IV receiver hitch and a seven-pin electrical connector as standard equipment.

2023 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia offers a maximum towing capacity of 9,300 lbs in the Limited RWD configuration. The 4WD variant of the Limited trim is rated at 9,020 lbs. All 2023 models are powered exclusively by the i-FORCE MAX hybrid system, with no non-hybrid powertrain option available.

2022 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia is the first model year of the third generation and introduced the i-FORCE MAX twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain to replace the second-generation V8. Maximum towing capacity is 9,300 lbs for the Limited RWD configuration. This generation’s towing capacity exceeds the outgoing 5.7L V8’s 7,400 lb rating by nearly 2,000 lbs.

2021 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia is the final model year of the second generation, using the 5.7L V8 engine across all trims. Maximum towing capacity is 7,400 lbs for RWD models and 7,000 lbs for 4WD models. Toyota Safety Sense P was standard across all 2021 Sequoia trim levels.

2020 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2020 Toyota Sequoia carries the same towing ratings as the 2019 model. RWD models are rated at 7,400 lbs and 4WD models at 7,000 lbs. The factory tow package with integrated trailer brake controls was included as standard equipment across all trim levels.

2019 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2019 Toyota Sequoia maintains the 7,400 lb maximum towing capacity in RWD configuration with the 5.7L V8. The TRD Pro trim, offered in 4WD only, is rated at 7,000 lbs. All 2019 models continued with the standard six-speed automatic transmission tuned with a Tow/Haul mode.

2018 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2018 Toyota Sequoia introduced the TRD Pro trim level as a new 4WD-only configuration, with towing capacity unchanged at 7,000 lbs in 4WD and 7,400 lbs in RWD. The 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission remained the sole powertrain combination for all 2018 trims. Trailer sway control and Tow/Haul mode remained standard equipment for towing applications.

2017 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2017 Toyota Sequoia offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 lbs with the 5.7L V8 in RWD configuration. The 4WD variant is rated at 7,000 lbs across all trim levels for this model year. Towing-specific features include standard trailer sway control and a factory-integrated Class IV hitch receiver.

2016 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2016 Toyota Sequoia is rated at 7,400 lbs maximum towing capacity in RWD configuration and 7,000 lbs in 4WD. The 5.7L V8 with the 3UR-FBE designation was exclusive to 4WD models, while the 3UR-FE served RWD variants. Both engines share identical towing and payload specifications within their respective drivetrain configurations.

2015 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2015 Toyota Sequoia carries a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 lbs in RWD trim and 7,000 lbs in 4WD trim. Towing limits are consistent across all 2015 trim levels including SR5, Limited, Platinum, and 1794 Edition. The model code located on the driver’s door certification label identifies the specific towing limit for each 2015 configuration.

2014 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2014 Toyota Sequoia maintains the 7,400 lb maximum towing capacity in RWD configuration with the 5.7L V8. The 4WD models are rated at 7,000 lbs, and all trim levels share the same towing limit within their drivetrain class. Towing capacity for braked trailers applies to all published ratings; unbraked trailer limits are significantly lower.

2013 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2013 Toyota Sequoia is the first year in which Toyota standardized the 5.7L V8 engine across all trim levels, discontinuing the 4.6L V8 option used in 2011 and 2012. Maximum towing capacity is 7,400 lbs for RWD and 7,100 lbs for 4WD SR5 models. The factory tow package with a Class IV hitch receiver is included as standard equipment on all 2013 configurations.

2012 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2012 Toyota Sequoia offered two engine options: the 4.6L V8 and the 5.7L V8. The 4.6L V8 produced towing capacity between 6,600 and 6,900 lbs depending on drivetrain, while the 5.7L V8 reached 7,000 to 7,400 lbs. These ratings reflected the SAE J2807 towing standard adopted by Toyota beginning with the 2011 model year.

2011 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2011 Toyota Sequoia is the first model year in which Toyota adopted the SAE J2807 towing standard, which applies stricter real-world testing conditions than the previously used method. This change caused rated towing capacity for the 5.7L V8 to decrease from the 9,600 to 10,000 lb figures seen in 2008 to 2010 down to 7,000 to 7,400 lbs. The published specifications for 2011 better reflect maximum safe towing limits under loaded vehicle conditions.

2010 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2010 Toyota Sequoia replaced the 4.7L V8 with a new 4.6L V8, while continuing to offer the 5.7L V8. The 5.7L V8 with factory tow package and RWD configuration achieves a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 lbs, rated under the pre-SAE J2807 method. The 4.6L V8 is rated from 6,400 to 6,900 lbs depending on drivetrain and model code.

2009 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2009 Toyota Sequoia is available with either the 4.7L V8 or the 5.7L V8, producing maximum towing capacities of 7,800 lbs and 10,000 lbs respectively in RWD with a tow package. The 4.7L 4WD models carry a lower baseline rating starting at 6,200 lbs. GCWR for the 5.7L configurations is reported at approximately 16,960 to 17,280 lbs.

2008 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2008 Toyota Sequoia introduced the 5.7L V8 engine and a new six-speed automatic transmission, which provided a significant increase in towing capability over the first generation. The maximum towing capacity of 10,000 lbs applies to the 5.7L V8 in RWD configuration with the factory tow package installed. The 4WD Platinum trim is independently rated at 8,800 lbs for that configuration.

2007 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2007 Toyota Sequoia is the final year of the first generation and retains the 4.7L V8 as the only available engine. Maximum towing capacity is 6,500 lbs for RWD and 6,200 lbs for 4WD models. Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), introduced in 2005, contributed to minor improvements in engine efficiency compared to earlier first-generation models.

2006 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2006 Toyota Sequoia carries identical towing ratings to the 2005 and 2007 models, with a maximum of 6,500 lbs in RWD and 6,200 lbs in 4WD. The 4.7L V8 with VVT-i remained the sole engine option for this model year. Vehicle stability control was standard equipment by this point, improving trailer towing stability.

2005 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2005 Toyota Sequoia introduced VVT-i on the 4.7L V8 engine, improving power delivery without altering published towing limits. Towing capacity remained at 6,500 lbs for RWD and 6,200 lbs for 4WD, consistent with other first-generation model years. Vehicle stability control was added as standard equipment on the 2005 model, improving trailer sway response.

2004 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2004 Toyota Sequoia uses the pre-VVT-i version of the 4.7L V8, with towing capacities matching all other first-generation models. Maximum towing is 6,500 lbs for RWD configurations and 6,200 lbs for 4WD models. Only one engine option was available for this model year.

2003 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2003 Toyota Sequoia carries a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 lbs for RWD and 6,200 lbs for 4WD. Vehicle stability control became standard equipment in 2003, providing improved trailer sway management. Towing specifications remained unchanged from the 2001 and 2002 model years.

2002 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2002 Toyota Sequoia is rated at 6,500 lbs maximum towing capacity in RWD form and 6,200 lbs in 4WD form, using the 4.7L V8 engine exclusively. Only a single engine and transmission combination was available for this model year. The 4WD variant used a part-time four-wheel-drive system with a mechanical center differential.

2001 Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

The 2001 Toyota Sequoia is the inaugural model year, offering a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 lbs for RWD models and 6,200 lbs for 4WD variants. Payload capacity is 1,330 lbs for 4WD models and 1,400 lbs for RWD Limited models per specification data. The 4-speed automatic transmission was standard on all 2001 configurations.

Towing Equipment and Setup

Tow Package

The factory tow package determines whether a Sequoia can reach its rated maximum towing capacity. For 2008 to 2010 models, the tow package was required to achieve the 10,000 lb or 9,600 lb maximum. Without the package, ratings dropped significantly. From 2022 onward, the tow package is standard equipment on all Sequoia trim levels.

Trailer Brake Controller

All published towing capacity figures for the Toyota Sequoia assume the trailer is equipped with its own electric braking system. For trailers without independent brakes, the maximum allowable towing weight drops to approximately 1,000 lbs regardless of the model year. A proportional brake controller distributes braking force between the tow vehicle and trailer for safer stopping.

Weight-Distributing Hitch

A weight-distributing hitch is recommended for trailers that approach the Sequoia’s maximum tongue weight rating. It redistributes tongue weight across all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer. This reduces rear sag, restores steering response, and improves braking performance at or near maximum towing limits.

Transmission Cooler

The Sequoia’s automatic transmission generates more heat during sustained towing. Factory tow packages on eligible models include an auxiliary transmission cooler to manage this. For vehicles without a factory cooler, an aftermarket transmission cooler is advisable when towing at or above 80 percent of the rated maximum.

Tire Load Ratings

Tires must be rated for the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and tongue weight of the trailer. Overloading tires outside their rated load index causes heat buildup and increases blowout risk. Tire pressure should be set to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification rather than the maximum printed on the sidewall.

Trailer Sway Control

Trailer sway control has been standard on Toyota Sequoia models since 2010 and uses the vehicle’s stability system to correct trailer oscillation. The system applies selective braking to individual wheels to counteract sway before it becomes uncontrollable. This feature operates independently of any aftermarket sway control equipment installed on the hitch.

Normal Towing vs. Heavy-Duty Towing Setup

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum towing capacity of a Toyota Sequoia?

The maximum towing capacity of the Toyota Sequoia across all model years is 10,000 lbs, achieved by 2008 to 2010 models equipped with the 5.7L V8 engine in RWD configuration with the factory tow package. Current third-generation models (2022 to 2026) reach up to 9,520 lbs. First-generation models from 2001 to 2007 are rated at 6,500 lbs maximum in RWD.

How much can a Toyota Sequoia tow with a tow package?

For 2022 to 2026 models, the factory tow package is standard equipment and supports towing up to 9,300 to 9,520 lbs depending on drivetrain and trim level. For 2008 to 2010 models with the 5.7L V8, the tow package was required to reach the published maximum of 10,000 lbs for RWD and 9,600 lbs for 4WD. For 2011 to 2021 models, the tow package supports 7,400 lbs in RWD and 7,000 lbs in 4WD.

Does 4WD affect Toyota Sequoia towing capacity?

Yes, 4WD configuration reduces the rated towing capacity on all Toyota Sequoia model years. The difference is typically 200 to 400 lbs compared to an equivalent RWD model. This is primarily due to the added weight of 4WD drivetrain components reducing the available payload margin.

What trailer weight is safe for a Toyota Sequoia?

A safe trailer weight for any Sequoia is the lower of: the manufacturer’s published maximum towing capacity for that specific configuration, or the remaining capacity after subtracting the total loaded vehicle weight from the Gross Combined Weight Rating. It is also important to verify that tongue weight does not exceed 10 to 15 percent of the trailer’s gross weight and remains within the vehicle’s published tongue weight limit.

Do I need a weight-distributing hitch for a Toyota Sequoia?

A weight-distributing hitch is not required for all towing applications but is recommended when trailer tongue weight approaches or exceeds 500 to 600 lbs. Without weight distribution, heavy tongue loads cause rear suspension sag and reduce front axle contact, degrading steering and braking. For trailers that are 50 percent or more of the Sequoia’s rated towing limit, a weight-distributing hitch improves stability.

What hitch class does a Toyota Sequoia use?

Toyota Sequoia models from 2008 onward use a Class IV receiver hitch as factory equipment, which accommodates a 2-inch receiver tube. First-generation models from 2001 to 2007 use a Class III hitch. A Class IV hitch supports higher tongue weight ratings and is required for trailers approaching the Sequoia’s maximum towing capacity.

Conclusion

The Toyota Sequoia towing capacity ranges from 6,200 lbs in first-generation 4WD configurations up to 10,000 lbs in second-generation 5.7L V8 RWD models rated under the pre-SAE J2807 method. Current third-generation models achieve up to 9,520 lbs using the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain. Engine configuration, drivetrain selection, model code, and tow package installation all directly determine the trailer weight limit for any specific Sequoia.

The shift to the SAE J2807 towing standard in 2011 significantly reduced published ratings relative to the same engine in prior years, but reflects more conservative and accurate real-world towing limits. The 2022 generation change from V8 to twin-turbo hybrid produced higher towing ratings while also adding standard tow equipment across all trim levels.

Always verify specifications using the vehicle’s owner’s manual and the certification label on the driver’s door jamb before towing any load.