Towing with a hybrid: It’s not what you’d expect!

When you think of towing, we’re willing to bet that hybrid cars aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. When you think of fuel efficiency, definitely – hybrids are probably at the top of your list of options. But most people don’t associate electrified vehicles with power, so when they need a vehicle that can tow, they tend to stick with gas-powered options. However, did you know that towing with a hybrid is absolutely doable?

Towing with a hybrid: What you should know

Hybrids are perfect when you want to up your MPGs, sure. They’re renowned globally for their fuel-efficient performance and their greener qualities.  But what you may not know is that they can tow, too. Here are some points to keep in mind about hybrid towing:

• Hybrids are “electrified”, but they’re not electric. Orlando Toyota hybrids use both an electric motor AND a gas engine to get where they need to go.
• While the electric motor helps, the gas engine still does a majority of the work in hybrid vehicles, which helps make towing possible.
• When you toss all-wheel drive into the equation, towing capacities can be almost as much as gas-powered vehicles.

This means that while their towing capacities might be slightly less, hybrid towing is absolutely possible.

Let’s explore the Toyota Highlander Hybrid towing capacity

Let us give you an example – the Toyota Highlander Hybrid towing capacity. What is it, and how does it compare to the gas model?

The 2024 Toyota Highlander comes with a 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine in it. This means that in the all-wheel drive model, you’ll get 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft torque. The final towing capacity is 5,000 lbs. 

The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine in its hybrid drivetrain. This means that with all-wheel drive in the mix, you’ll get 186 horsepower and 175 lb-ft torque. It sounds like a lot less, but the final Toyota Highlander hybrid towing capacity for this model is 3,500 lbs.

Tips for hybrid towing

Is towing with a hybrid any different than towing with a gas-powered vehicle? Not really – but we’ve got tips anyway.

• Make sure you check your towing capabilities before you commit. Towing too heavy loads can damage your vehicle, leaving you with expensive repairs on your plate.
• Practice ahead of time. If you’re a newbie when it comes to towing with a hybrid, make sure you have the hang of it before you hit the open road. Don’t forget to practice backing up, taking tight turns, and parking.
• Get routine car maintenance. When you’re towing with a hybrid, it’s important to ensure that your car is in the best shape possible. Get tire rotations, brake service, oil changes, and multi-point inspections done on the regular. Brakes are especially important – you’ll have more weight behind you when towing, which means you need more stopping power.
• Ensure you have the right equipment. Hybrid towing requires the same things as towing with a gas car. You’ll want to ensure your trailer lights are hooked up (brake lights and turn signals), and that you have a spare tire for not only your Orlando Toyota vehicle but also your trailer.

Contact Toyota of Orlando for more hybrid towing tips

Need more tips for towing with a hybrid? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500 to talk to one of our specialists. You can also stop by to see us and ensure you have the right parts and accessories to tow – Toyota of Orlando is located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Mall at Millenia.

Posted in New Toyota | No Comments »