3,500 lb of Towing Capacity: What It Means for 2026 Lexus RX Owners Hauling Gear to Winter Storage

Fall is moving season for a lot of gear. Patio furniture, bikes, kayaks and summer toys all need a place to spend the winter, and the trip to storage often takes more than one load in the cargo area. That is when a trailer and a capable tow vehicle start to look very appealing.

Every 2026 Lexus RX is rated to tow up to 3,500 lbs (1,585 kg). That rating applies across the lineup, from the RX 350 to the RX 500h. Here is what that number means in practice, how the RX powertrains compare and how to tow safely when you head to storage.

2026 Lexus RX Towing Capacity at a Glance

What 3,500 lbs (1,585 kg) Means for Your Gear

Towing capacity is the maximum weight your RX is rated to pull. That number includes the trailer itself plus everything loaded on it. So if your trailer weighs 450 kg empty, you have the rest of the rating left for your gear.

For seasonal storage runs, 3,500 lbs (1,585 kg) covers a lot of common jobs. A small utility trailer packed with patio furniture, bikes and yard equipment usually fits well within that range. So does a light trailer carrying recreational gear you want to store for the season. The key is to know the loaded weight of your trailer and stay at or below the rating.

Because every RX shares the same rating, you can pick your powertrain based on how you drive the rest of the year. Your towing plans will not limit your choice.

How Each RX Powertrain Feels With a Trailer

The RX 500h offers the most muscle. Its 2.4 L turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid system makes 367 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. That strong torque helps when you pull a loaded trailer up a hill or merge onto a busy highway.

The RX 350 uses a 2.4 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. It delivers confident gas power for drivers who tow a few times a year and want a familiar feel.

The RX 350h pairs a 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine with Lexus hybrid power for 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. It suits drivers who spend most of their time commuting and want efficiency, with the same towing rating ready when storage season arrives.

The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid also carries the full 3,500 lbs (1,585 kg) rating. It lets you drive on electric power for shorter daily trips and still handle the occasional tow.

All-wheel drive is standard on every 2026 RX. That extra traction helps on gravel storage lots, wet grass and the first slushy days of late fall.

Before You Hook Up: A Quick Towing Checklist

A little preparation makes the trip to storage smoother and safer. Run through these steps before you leave:

• Weigh your load: Make sure the loaded trailer stays at or below 3,500 lbs (1,585 kg).
• Check the hitch and wiring: Confirm the hitch is secure and the trailer lights work.
• Balance the trailer: Place heavier items low and slightly ahead of the trailer axle.
• Check tire pressure: Set both the RX and trailer tires to the recommended pressure.

Leave extra distance for braking, take corners a little wider and allow more time for lane changes. A loaded trailer changes how any vehicle feels, so a few practice laps in an empty lot can help if you are new to towing.

Which 2026 RX Is Right for Your Towing Needs?

If you tow often, carry heavier loads close to the limit or deal with steep grades, the RX 500h is the strongest choice with 406 lb-ft of torque. If you tow a few times a year and want gas power, the RX 350 handles the job with ease. If most of your driving is commuting, the RX 350h or the plug-in RX 450h+ gives you efficiency every day and the same 3,500 lbs (1,585 kg) towing rating when you need it.

Every option gives you a luxury SUV that can take your gear to storage in one trip and look sharp doing it.

Experience the RX at Lexus of Lakeridge

Ready to see which RX fits your hauling plans? Book your test drive today at Lexus of Lakeridge in Ajax, and our team will help you match the right RX powertrain to your gear and your driving.