--- title: "2012-2013 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity and Specs" description: "The 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander tows up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. Fuel tank 19.2 gallons. Curb weight, fuel economy, ground clearance and other key numbers for the 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander, by engine and drivetrain." url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/specs" updated: "2026-08-20" --- # 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity and Key Specifications The 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander tows up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. Fuel tank 19.2 gallons. Curb weight, fuel economy, ground clearance and other key numbers for the 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander, by engine and drivetrain. **Quick answer**: The 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander tows up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, and weighs about 4,045 lbs at the curb. Engine, axle ratio, cab and bed configuration all move the real number down; the door-jamb placard for your exact build governs. ## 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander key specs | Spec | Value | | --- | --- | | Towing capacity (max) | 5,000 lbs | | Fuel tank | 19.2 gallons | | Fuel economy | 20 city / 25 hwy (2.7L FWD); 18/24 (3.5L FWD); 17/22 (3.5L 4WD); 28/28 (Hybrid). Fuel tank: 19.2 gal gas, 17.2 gal hybrid. | | Curb weight | 4,045 lbs | | Ground clearance | 8.1 in | | Key fob battery | CR2032 (smart key and remote-head key) | ## 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander engines | Engine | Trims | Power | Fuel | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2.7L 4-cylinder (1AR-FE) | Base/Plus (FWD only) | 187 hp | Regular 87 octane | | 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE) | Base, SE, Limited (FWD or 4WD) | 270 hp | Regular 87 octane | | 3.5L Hybrid (2GR-FXE, AWD e-Four) | Hybrid, Hybrid Limited (AWD only) | 280 hp | Regular 87 octane | ## Which Toyota Highlander model years does this cover? These specs specifications apply to every Toyota Highlander built from 2012 through 2013, the XU40 (2nd generation, final years), mid-size 3-row crossover suv. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. - [2012 Highlander](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012) - [2013 Highlander](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2013) ## What changed during the 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander | Years | What changed | | --- | --- | | 2012 | Carryover of the 2011 facelift (revised fascia, PSX26W fog lamps). Towing: 5,000 lbs V6 with factory tow prep (3,500 without), 1,500 lbs 2.7L, 3,500 lbs hybrid | | 2013 | Final XU40 year; subject of the 14V-148 second-row seat recall | ## 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander specs: common questions ### How much can a 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander tow? Up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. That is a maximum for the best-configured version, engine, axle ratio, cab and bed configuration, and towing package all move the real number down, and the door-jamb placard plus the towing guide for your exact build is what governs. ### How big is the fuel tank on a 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander? 19.2 gallons. ### What does a 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander weigh? About 4,045 lbs at the curb, before passengers and cargo. ### What gas mileage does a 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander get? 20 city / 25 hwy (2.7L FWD); 18/24 (3.5L FWD); 17/22 (3.5L 4WD); 28/28 (Hybrid). Fuel tank: 19.2 gal gas, 17.2 gal hybrid. on the EPA cycle. ## Sources - [Toyota technical data, Highlander XU40 fluids & capacities (toyota-club.net)](https://toyota-club.net/files/techdata/ttx/highlander_40u.htm) - [Toyota TrueStart battery application chart (toyotapartsandservice.com)](https://www.toyotapartsandservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/03_Batteries2022_hi.pdf) - [Toyota Genuine spark plug application chart (toyotapartsandservice.com)](https://www.toyotapartsandservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/09_SparkPlugs2022_hi.pdf) - [NHTSA recall 14V-148, second row seat lock](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=14V148000) - [TirePressure.org, 2013 Toyota Highlander placard pressures](https://tirepressure.org/toyota/highlander/2013) - [fueleconomy.gov, 2013 Highlander EPA ratings](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2013_Toyota_Highlander.shtml) - [XenonPro, 2011-2013 Highlander bulb size chart](https://www.xenonpro.com/blogs/home/2011-to-2013-toyota-highlander-headlight-bulb-sizes) - [AutoZone, 2013 Highlander wiper blade fitment (26/20)](https://www.autozone.com/ignition-tune-up-and-routine-maintenance/wiper-blade-windshield/toyota/highlander/2013) ## Other Toyota Highlander generations - [2020-2025 Toyota Highlander specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2020-2025/specs) - [2014-2019 Toyota Highlander specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2014-2019/specs) Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/specs). ## More for the 2012-2013 Toyota Highlander - [Oil & filter](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/oil) - [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/battery) - [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/tires) - [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/wipers) - [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/filters) - [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/bulbs) - [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/brakes) - [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/fluids) - [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/service-schedule) - [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/common-problems) - [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/oil-reset) - [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/toyota/highlander/2012-2013/key-fob-battery) Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.