Totally unrelated question that I think is torque related. (And I apologize if my Hybrid question makes big truck people angry). I have a new Highlander Hybrid- it's tow rating is 3500 pounds vs the gas version is 5000 pounds (or 5500?). My Hybrid is rated at more HP and with the electric engine much faster off a stop.

Why does it have a lower tow rating than the gas version? Is it too hot off the line and it would damage something- is the transfer from electric to motor while pulling too hard on it? I have not been able to find this answer anywhere and I am curious. I was even told they were probably going to discontinue the hitch as an option on the hybrids (which I understand wiring is a bit of a PITA with batteries in the floor).

What does ST think?

It does not look like they have adequate towing capacity for anything but the smallest 5th wheels.

weight of vehicle comes into play. Would hybrid weigh a lot more? for instance a 4WD vs 2WD. Towing ratings are reduced by the extra weight of the 4WD even when you have same engine. Also what rear ends that are available make a difference.

Though maybe engine characteristics have more to do with it. Just thinking thinking weight could be part of it.

That's a good question. Knowing the JSAE tow certification tests, I don't think that one could point to one of those tests and say with some certainty, "that test would be tough for a hybrid". I wonder if the hybrid technology is perceived as not durable enough for heavier loads. Pulling, say, 8000lbs is a tall order for what is essentially a Camry. So maybe Toyota downrated it's towing capacity and it wasn't a matter of the standardized test.

---

Books @ Amazon
"If only he had used his genius for niceness, instead of Evil." M. Smart