Page 225 of 556
225
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
L/C200_U (OM60D97U)
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load. 
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment when-
ever possible. Be sure all items are secured in place. 
● Be careful to keep the vehicle le vel. Placing the weight as far
forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance. 
● For better fuel economy, do no t carry unnecessary weight.
■ Roof luggage carrier
Roof rails
Cross rails
1
2
ITY25C039 
     
        
        Page 227 of 556

227
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
L/C200_U (OM60D97U)
Capacity and distribution
Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capa city) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The co mbined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehi-
cle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding  in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of  the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount  equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your  vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750 (5
 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely ex ceed the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a tr ailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle.  Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity
of your vehicle. ( P. 232)  
     
        
        Page 232 of 556

232
2-5. Driving information
L/C200_U (OM60D97U)
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information
label. (P. 414)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle. 
It may not only cause damage to the ti res, but also degrade steering and
braking ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 1235 lb. (560 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants,
cargo and luggage.
■ Seating capacity: 8 occupants (Front 2, Rear 6)
Seating capacity means the ma ximum number of occupants
whose estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants are within the seating capacity,
do not exceed the total load capacity.
■ Towing capacity: 8500 lb. (3855 kg)
Towing capacity means the maximum gross trailer weight (trailer
weight plus its cargo weight) that you vehicle is able to tow.
■ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the
weight and the number of occupants. 
     
        
        Page 238 of 556
238
2-5. Driving information
L/C200_U (OM60D97U)
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load car-
rying vehicle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on han-
dling, performance, braking, durability, and fuel consumption.
For your safety and the safety of others, do not overload the vehi-
cle or trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in
accordance with the trailer’s characteristics and operating condi-
tions.
The vehicle stability and braking performance are affected by
trailer stability, brake setting and performance, and the hitch.
Toyota warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused
by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Contact your Toyota dealer for further information about additional
requirements such as a towing kits, etc. 
     
        
        Page 240 of 556

240 2-5. Driving information
L/C200_U (OM60D97U)
Towing related term
Towing related termMeaning
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight 
Rating) The maximum allowable gross vehicle 
weight. The gross vehicle weight is the 
total weight of the vehicle. When towing 
a trailer, it is the sum of the vehicle 
weight (including the occupants, cargo 
and any optional equipment installed on 
the vehicle) and the tongue load.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight 
Rating) The maximum allowable gross axle 
weight. 
The gross axle weight is the load placed 
on each axle (front and rear).
GCWR (Gross Combination 
Weight Rating) The maximum allowable gross combi-
nation weight. The gross combination 
weight is the sum of the total vehicle 
weight (including the occupants, cargo 
and any optional equipment installed on 
the vehicle) and the weight of the trailer 
being towed (including the cargo in the 
trailer).
Gross trailer weight The sum of the trailer weight and the 
weight of the cargo in the trailer.
Towing capacity The maximum allowable gross trailer 
weight. Towing capacity is calculated 
considering base vehicle with neces-
sary vehicle equipment and occupants. 
Additional optional equipment, passen-
gers and cargo in the vehicle will reduce 
the towing capacity, gross trailer weight 
includes the trailer, cargo and neces-
sary equipment for towing.
Tongue load The load placed on the trailer hitch ball. 
     
        
        Page 241 of 556

241
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
L/C200_U (OM60D97U)
Trailer tongue load
● A recommended tongue load varies in accordance with the types
of trailers or towing as described below.
● In order to ensure the recommended values shown below, the
trailer must be loaded by referring to the following instructions.
The trailer cargo load should be di stributed so that the tongue load
is 9 to 11 %.
(Tongue load / Gross trailer weight   100 = 9 to 11 %)
If the gross trailer weight is over  2000 lbs. (900 kg), it is necessary
to use a sway control device with sufficient capacity.
If the gross trailer weight is over 5000 lbs. (2268 kg), it is neces-
sary to use a weight distributing hitch with sufficient capacity.
If using a weight distributing hitch when towing, keep your vehicle
level with the ground.
The gross trailer weight and tongue l oad can be measured with plat-
form scales found at a highway weighing station, building supply
company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.
Gross trailer weight
Tongue load 
     
        
        Page 244 of 556

244 2-5. Driving information
L/C200_U (OM60D97U)
Trailer towing tipsYour vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. The 3 main
causes of vehicle-trailer accidents  are driver error, excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep the following in mind when towing.
● Before starting out, check the trailer lights and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
● Practice turning, stopping and reve rsing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel
of the vehicle.
● Reversing with a trailer attached is  difficult and requires practice.
Grip the bottom of the steering  wheel and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to
move the trailer to right. (This  is generally opposite to reversing
without a trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have
someone guide you when reversing to reduce the risk of an acci-
dent.
● As stopping distance is increased  when towing a trailer, vehicle-to
vehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h)
of speed, allow at least o ne vehicle and trailer length.
● Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and
loss of control. This is especiall y true on wet or slippery surfaces.
● Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
● Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before mak-
ing turns. 
     
        
        Page 247 of 556

247
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
L/C200_U (OM60D97U)
■
Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
● The vehicle’s tires are properly inflated.
● Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recom-
mendation.
● All trailer lights work.
● All lights work each time you connect them.
● The trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the t\
railer.
● The vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is hitched.
Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper tongue
load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes. 
● The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
● The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for
towing purposes.
■ Break-in schedule
Toyota recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with any
new power train components (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bear-
ings, etc.) to tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving.
■ Maintenance
● If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance
due to the additional load. (See “Scheduled Maintenance Guide” or
“Owner’s Manual Supplement”.)
● Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball after approximately 600 miles
(1000 km) of trailer towing.