Can the 2026 Toyota Highlander tow a small camper over Monument Hill near Colorado Springs, CO?

Pueblo Toyota – Can the 2026 Toyota Highlander tow a small camper over Monument Hill near Colorado Springs, CO?

Plenty of families in and around Colorado Springs, CO want one SUV that can handle the daily school-and-activities routine and also pull a small camper for weekend getaways. If you are eyeing the 2026 Toyota Highlander, the big question is whether it can confidently tow over Monument Hill on I-25—the stretch of the Palmer Divide known for steep grades and gusty crosswinds—while keeping everyone comfortable and in control. The short answer is that the gas-powered 2026 Highlander, when properly equipped, is engineered for exactly this kind of trip, and our team at Pueblo Toyota can help you set it up the right way.

Why this question matters around Colorado Springs

Local towing is not flat, straight, or predictable. From Pueblo to Colorado Springs and on toward Castle Rock, Monument Hill introduces elevation, wind, and steady climbs that test engines, drivetrains, and driver confidence. That is why we talk about real-world capability, not just brochure numbers. Our goal is to help you understand how the Highlander’s powertrain, available systems, and smart packing strategies work together so you can tow your teardrop, pop-up, or small fishing boat without drama.

Powertrain and towing fundamentals

The 2026 Highlander’s available 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivers 265 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. More importantly for towing, it is rated for up to a 5000-lb. towing capacity when properly equipped. That combination—strong low- and mid-range torque with an engineered tow rating—gives you the thrust you want when merging onto I-25 and the stamina to maintain pace on extended grades.

Drive Modes let you tailor the feel. Sport Mode provides sharper acceleration for highway on-ramps and passing, while Normal Mode balances response and composure over long hauls. Eco Mode helps maximize fuel efficiency when cruising unloaded around town; when towing, most drivers prefer Normal or Sport for the more direct throttle mapping.

If maximum towing is a top priority for you, we typically steer shoppers to the gas model for its up to 5000-lb. rating. Highlander Hybrid focuses on efficiency—up to an EPA-estimated 35 combined mpg rating—making it a standout for daily driving; if you are considering towing with a hybrid, ask our product specialists to walk you through the specifics for your trailer and cargo setup.

Matching your camper to Highlander’s capability

Think about your real trailer weight, not just the empty number. A teardrop or lightweight travel trailer that lists 3000 to 3800 lb. dry can quickly approach the 4000 to 4500 lb. range once you add water, propane, battery, food, and gear. That still leaves a comfortable margin under the Highlander gas model’s up to 5000-lb. rating, but you also need to account for tongue weight and payload. A common rule of thumb is that tongue weight should be about 10 to 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight, and that tongue weight counts against the Highlander’s available payload alongside passengers and cargo in the cabin.

If you are unsure how your camping setup pencils out, bring your trailer specs and a quick list of what you pack on trips. We will help you think through loaded weights and how to distribute gear for balance. It is one of the simplest ways we help local customers dial in a confident Monument Hill run.

Traction and control when the climb gets real

Available Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive (AWD) improves responsiveness and stability by sending up to 50 percent of the power to the rear and then distributing more power to the wheel that needs it. On long grades or when you encounter mixed traction near the summit, that precision helps the Highlander feel settled and predictable. On AWD models, Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) adds modes for Snow, Rock & Dirt, and Mud & Sand. For paved climbs, leave it in Normal, but if you are pulling a small camper onto a gravel campsite outside Woodland Park or near Rampart Range Road, MTS can add the extra grip to get rolling without spinning a tire.

Chassis tuning matters too. Highlander’s suspension is calibrated for a smooth and confident ride, and the XSE grade adds sport-tuned shock absorbers, high-rate springs, and a rear stabilizer bar for enhanced on-road handling. If you value a tauter feel while towing, we can help you compare how XSE stacks up against other grades on a back-to-back test drive.

Pack smart: people, cargo, and payload 101

Highlander seats up to eight, so it is easy to load both passengers and gear—and just as easy to exceed payload if you do not plan. We recommend packing heavy items low and centered in the cargo area and using the underfloor storage to keep smaller dense items from shifting. Keep bikes, coolers, or extra totes in the trailer if it helps you balance tongue weight without overloading the SUV. Our team can show you quick ways to use the flexible storage spaces so your crew stays comfortable while you maintain a safe, well-balanced setup.

Make hitching and hauling easier with available tech

The Highlander Platinum adds a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and a backup camera with dynamic gridlines. That combination is a genuine time saver for solo hitching—you can line up the coupler cleanly on the first try. Once on the road, the available 12.3-in. digital gauge cluster keeps vital info front and center, while the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility helps you manage navigation and music hands-free so you stay focused on the drive.

Safety remains central. Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ brings driver-assist features designed to support your awareness. While you should always remain attentive and in control—especially when towing—these systems can help reduce fatigue during long travel days between Pueblo and Colorado Springs.

Pre-trip checklist for towing Pueblo to Colorado Springs

Before you point the Highlander toward Monument Hill with a camper in tow, give yourself a few extra minutes to run through this quick list. Most of these items take seconds and pay off in a calmer, more confident climb.

• Tire pressures: Set SUV and trailer tires to the recommended pressures when cold.
• Lighting and connections: Confirm brake lights, turn signals, and the 7-pin/4-pin connector are working.
• Hitch height and level: Aim for a level trailer; adjust the ball mount or weight distribution setup as needed.
• Load distribution: Place heavy gear low and centered; verify tongue weight is within the recommended range.
• Mirrors and visibility: Adjust mirrors for a clear view down both trailer sides; stow loose interior items.
• Route and weather: Check I-25 conditions over the Palmer Divide and plan fuel and rest stops.

Once your checklist is complete, select the drive mode that feels best for your route, give yourself extra following distance, and settle into a steady pace. The Highlander’s torque-rich 2.4L turbo makes it easy to maintain momentum without frequent downshifts.

Plan your test drive and tow talk at Pueblo Toyota

We recommend a two-part visit. First, take a Highlander gas model on our extended test loop that includes highway merges and steady grades so you can feel the power delivery and braking composure. Next, sit down with our product specialists to review your trailer’s loaded weight, tongue weight goals, and cargo plan. We can walk you through grades and trims, explain the benefits of Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD for your routes, and show how features like Panoramic View Monitor on Platinum simplify hitching. If you want, we can also review accessories like hitch mounts and wiring to match your specific camper.

Whether your destination is Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Mueller State Park, or a weekend at Lake Pueblo, our team will help you build a Highlander setup that fits your family and your favorite places—without overcomplicating your driveway routine.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD to tow over Monument Hill?

Front-wheel-drive Highlander models can tow within their ratings in good conditions, but available Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive (AWD) adds confidence when roads get slick or windy. It can send up to 50 percent of power to the rear and then distribute more power to the wheel that needs it, helping the SUV feel planted on climbs and descents.

Which 2026 Highlander grades are best if towing is a priority?

If your goal is towing up to 5000 lb., focus on the gas grades and talk with us about the equipment you plan to use. Many shoppers also appreciate the XSE’s sport-tuned suspension for its controlled feel, and the Platinum’s Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) for easier hitching. We will help you compare the drive feel across XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum to see which one matches your style.

What drive mode should I use while towing?

Normal Mode is a great all-around choice for most towing scenarios, offering smooth power delivery and predictable response. If you want snappier throttle for merges and passes, switch to Sport Mode. On loose surfaces at campsites, AWD models also offer Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) with modes like Snow, Rock & Dirt, and Mud & Sand to help with traction when you are moving at low speed.

How do I know if my camper is within the Highlander’s limits?

Start with the trailer’s gross weight when loaded for travel—not just the dry number. Then estimate tongue weight at 10 to 15 percent of that figure and make sure your total payload (passengers plus cargo plus tongue weight) stays within limits. Bring your trailer specs to our showroom, and we will walk you through the math and help you plan a safe loadout.

Can the Highlander Hybrid tow a small camper, or should I stick with the gas model?

Highlander Hybrid prioritizes efficiency—up to a 35 EPA-estimated combined mpg rating—making it an excellent daily driver. If towing is your main use case, we recommend the gas 2.4L turbo for its up to 5000-lb. towing capacity and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. We are happy to compare both with your specific trailer in mind.

What tech helps with hitching and visibility?

On Highlander Platinum, the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and backup camera with dynamic gridlines are especially helpful when lining up to a trailer coupler. Across the lineup, the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility can help you manage navigation and calls hands-free as you tow.

Ready to see how the 2026 Toyota Highlander fits your camping plans around Colorado Springs, CO? Visit Pueblo Toyota in Pueblo, or call us to set up an extended test drive and a tow-planning session. We will help you choose the right grade and equipment—and we will be here with Genuine Toyota parts and maintenance to keep your Highlander ready for your next Monument Hill climb.

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