Toyota Prado towing capacity

How much payload does each Prado 250 have?

Toyota’s 26 June 2026 Prado specification sheet separates the five- and seven-seat GXL. The five-seat GX and GXL each have 2,490 kg kerb mass and 3,100 kg GVM, leaving 610 kg of nominal payload. The seven-seat GXL is 2,530 kg kerb with 3,150 kg GVM, leaving 620 kg.

The VX has 615 kg of payload, the five-seat Altitude 590 kg and the Kakadu 610 kg. With weight distribution inactive, a 350 kg measured ball load leaves 265, 240 and 260 kg respectively for other additions. The variant table keeps each kerb and GVM pair together; avoid combining a lighter trim’s kerb mass with another trim’s GVM.

These are standard vehicle figures from a dated sheet. Check the specification applicable to your build, especially when comparing a used 250 with the current range. Accessories fitted after the standard kerb basis reduce the room available to you. The Prado 150 Series guide covers the previous generation separately.

A family load can exceed GVM before it exceeds GCM

Take the current GX as an illustrative family example, with weight distribution inactive. Its 610 kg nominal payload has to cover 160 kg of adults, 90 kg of children and 180 kg of permanent equipment and trip gear. Those assumed additions total 430 kg, leaving 180 kg before the caravan is coupled.

Add a measured 300 kg ball load and the additions total 730 kg. The coupled GX would weigh 2,490 + 730 = 3,220 kg, which is 120 kg above its 3,100 kg GVM. The result follows from the stated example loads; it is not a claim about every family or caravan.

Making the trailer lighter does not automatically establish an acceptable ball load. Check the manufacturer’s loading requirements and measure the actual arrangement. If the people and equipment you need cannot fit the available vehicle allowance, review the setup before choosing the caravan.

The ATM guide distinguishes the trailer’s plated limit from its actual loaded mass. That distinction matters here: a caravan can sit below its own ATM rating while its measured ball load still takes the Prado over GVM.

Count the standard fuel once

Toyota’s payload policy includes fluids and a full standard fuel tank in kerb mass. The Prado’s listed fuel capacity is 110 L, but adding those litres again to a calculation starting at brochure kerb would count the standard fuel twice.

A larger aftermarket tank, its hardware and fuel beyond the standard baseline can add weight. Equally, if the wagon has already been weighed with that equipment and fuel aboard, the measured reading already includes them. Write down what was present at the weigh-in so later changes are clear.

Use a measured starting weight for a fitted vehicle where possible. Brochure kerb cannot describe every bullbar, drawer system, second battery or roof load installed since the vehicle was built.

The 6,600 kg combined limit and the two axle limits

The Prado owner’s manual specifies 6,600 kg GCM, a 350 kg ball maximum and axle limits of 1,605 kg front and 1,860 kg rear. GVM, GCM and the axle limits are separate checks. Being below one does not establish that the others are satisfied.

When adding measured weights, combine the front, rear and trailer axle readings taken with the whole rig in the same travel condition. Alternatively, add an unhitched loaded vehicle measurement to the complete loaded trailer mass when both measurements use a consistent load state. The GCM guide explains the accounting.

Do not add the complete trailer mass to a vehicle weight that already includes the ball load. With weight distribution inactive, a VX weighing 3,180 kg while coupled to a complete 3,500 kg trailer with 350 kg on the ball has a combined mass of 6,330 kg: 3,180 + 3,500 − 350. That is 270 kg below GCM, but it leaves no vehicle-side GVM allowance. Actual axle loads still need checking.

Keep the measured setup clear if a weight-distribution hitch is in use. Its redistribution changes axle readings; use the correctly configured travel condition for the axle and vehicle checks.

When does Toyota recommend a load distribution hitch?

The June 2026 sheet recommends a Load Distribution Hitch when towing above 2.2 tonnes, referring owners to the manual. The same note says some road conditions make a hitch unsuitable. Read the instructions that apply to the vehicle, towbar, trailer and hitch together before choosing or adjusting equipment.

A distribution hitch changes the way load is shared across the combination. It does not increase the Prado’s GVM, GCM or axle ratings. After setting it up as specified, confirm the actual axle readings rather than relying on a level stance or a guessed chain setting.

For the weighing distinction, see the front-axle restoration guide. The purpose is to understand what changed in the measurements, not to apply another vehicle’s setting to your Prado.

Plan the passenger list from the recorded setup

The drawers and bullbar may stay in place while the people and luggage change. In loadmate, keep the fitted Prado and caravan with their recorded weights, then update the loads for the trip you are planning. A school-holiday load and a trip for two can start from the same measured baseline.

Explore loadmate in the app to see how the recorded passenger and luggage changes affect the rig picture. Use the vehicle’s actual ratings and a suitable weigh-in; the brochure example is not carried across by that link.

Before departure, confirm the readings still represent the fitted vehicle, caravan and hitch arrangement. A different trailer, a major accessory change or an uncertain axle distribution warrants another weigh-in. Keep its load conditions with the result so it remains useful for the next trip.