Check out some of our Toyota Avensis Trustpilot reviews...
More about the Toyota Avensis
Is the Toyota Avensis Approved to Tow?
Yes — the Avensis is approved for towing, and all our towbars are manufactured and fitted to full European standards, including 94/20/EC type approval. The Avensis was discontinued in 2018 with no direct replacement in the UK range, so this page covers existing owners rather than new-car buyers — always check the exact rating on your car's VIN plate, as this varies considerably by generation and engine.
What Can the Toyota Avensis Tow?
With a solid range of petrol and diesel engines across its three generations, the Avensis is a capable tow car, particularly in estate form. It's well suited to:
- Caravans and touring trailers
- Horse boxes (within rated limits)
- Box trailers and utility trailers
- Boat and jet ski trailers
- Towbar-mounted bike racks
Toyota Avensis Towing Capacity
Exact figures depend heavily on your specific generation, engine and body style, and the details on your car's VIN plate, but approximate braked towing weights are:
- 1997–2003 generation: approx 1,400 kg
- 2003–2009 generation: approx 1,400–1,550 kg
- 2009–2018 generation (hatchback): approx up to 2,000 kg
- 2009–2018 generation (estate): approx 1,800–2,000 kg
- Unbraked trailer: approx 750 kg
Because this varies so much by generation, it's especially important to confirm the exact rated capacity for your specific Avensis before towing.
Which Towbar Suits My Avensis?
We offer fixed flange, fixed swan neck, and detachable swan neck towbars for the Avensis (worth confirming this matches current fitment before publishing, as I haven't had this specifically confirmed for this model).
A fixed flange towbar has a flat mounting plate with the tow ball bolted on separately. It's the most versatile option for bike racks, since almost all towbar-mounted cycle carriers are designed to clamp onto a flange plate, and it's generally the more affordable choice.
A fixed swan neck towbar is a single moulded piece with no separate plate, giving a neater, more streamlined look and a narrower profile that's less likely to trigger the Avensis's rear parking sensors. It suits owners who tow or carry bikes regularly and want a permanent fitting.
A detachable swan neck towbar offers the same neat look, but the towball unclips and stores away when not in use, keeping the rear of the car looking completely standard day to day.
Electrics for Your Toyota Avensis Towbar
We fit a dedicated, vehicle-specific wiring loom — not a universal bypass relay — so your towbar electrics integrate correctly with the Avensis's onboard safety and lighting systems. A 13-pin electrics kit is recommended for towing a caravan, while a 7-pin kit covers basic trailer or bike rack lighting.
