Jones Toyota - Can the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid tow a family camper around Timonium, MD?
Planning a family getaway involves more than booking a campsite—it’s knowing your SUV can tow with confidence and keep everyone comfortable along the way. The 2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid was engineered to handle busy lives and weekend adventures, and when properly equipped it offers up to 5000 lbs. of towing capacity. That means small travel trailers, a pair of personal watercraft, or a utility trailer with bikes and camping gear are squarely in reach for many families heading toward the trailheads and shorelines near Timonium, MD.
Capability is only half of the story. The Grand Highlander Hybrid pairs towing strength with hybrid smoothness and available all-wheel drive to add stability on slick roads and gravel paths. The available Panoramic View Monitor can help you align the hitch more precisely, while the available Digital Rearview Mirror provides a wide camera view behind you even with the cargo area full. Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 adds important driver assistance for the drive to and from the campground, and the 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility keeps maps and music easily accessible for the whole crew.
Before you head out, a little preparation makes towing simpler and safer. Here are practical steps families appreciate when getting ready for a weekend run.
- Confirm your trailer weight: Account for the trailer’s base weight plus water, supplies, and any added equipment to stay within the SUV’s rated capacity.
- Balance the load: Distribute cargo so tongue weight is appropriate and heavier items sit low and near the axle for better stability.
- Check connections: Verify the hitch, coupler, chains, and wiring are secured, and confirm brake lights and turn signals function correctly.
- Set mirrors and cameras: Adjust mirrors and trial the available Panoramic View Monitor and Digital Rearview Mirror to ensure clear views.
- Plan your route: Use your preferred navigation app via Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ to avoid steep grades or low-clearance roads.
Towing also means thinking about passengers. The Grand Highlander Hybrid’s three-row cabin, with seating for up to eight, lets you stage kids, pets, and road trip essentials without crowding. You get 20.6 cu. ft. of cargo space with all rows up for the essentials, and much more when folding rows for bulky items once you park at the site. Add the refined ride and quiet hybrid operation, and you have an SUV that keeps spirits high over long stretches of freeway and rural two-lanes.
Drivers who want even more passing power can look for Hybrid MAX configurations, which elevate acceleration while maintaining that smooth, composed Toyota feel. Pair that with available all-wheel drive for extra traction in rain or on the occasional dirt road to the campground, and you’ll feel ready for a range of family adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need all-wheel drive to tow?
All-wheel drive is not strictly required, but it can be beneficial for traction on wet roads, boat ramps, or uneven surfaces. If your trips regularly include these conditions, AWD can be a confidence booster.
How does the Panoramic View Monitor help with towing?
It uses multiple cameras to create a composite overhead view that helps you see around the vehicle as you align the hitch, park at the campsite, or maneuver in tight areas.
Is the third row usable on long drives?
Yes. The Grand Highlander Hybrid’s third row is designed to accommodate adults for day trips and kids for longer hauls. It’s one of the reasons this model excels as a family travel companion serving Timonium, Westminster, and Glen Burnie.
When you’re ready to explore configurations, compare available towing equipment, and set up a hands-on test of the visibility tools, Jones Toyota can help you plan the details that matter most to your family’s weekends—so your first camping trip is as smooth as the ride there.