towing with highlander - hybrid vs regular highlander

The website says the Hybrid model only has the option of the of the 4cyl's towing package, not the normal V6's. However they don't list any differences in the suspension.

The 6 cyl AWD hybrid comes standard with the towing package. Since it has two fairly powerful electric motors (front and rear) in addition to the 3.3 l engine it seems like it would pull as much as the 3.5 l gasoline model. I wonder if they're just being conservative with the high tech hybrid model.

It could be something to do with the CVT transmission used in the Hybrids.

Hi Larry. Yeah - I guess it is a different transmission from the other models. Sounds plausible..Thanks.

Your welcome, sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

I would agree with "Larry" in regards to the CVT transmission and also add, maybe the extra "towing" load put on the electric motors could be detrimental to the motors or the hybrid electrical system due to the heat build up while towing . Limit the load and you limit the strain on the system overall.

The Hydbrid weighs a lot more than the non-electric. It's at least 1,000 pounds heavier. That reduces the available capacity on the suspension and drive train for towing.