I suppose I should address this issue since folks are concerned about our tow vehicle. Firstly, I want to say that we insist on a hybrid vehicle since so much of our driving is done without towing; we had a Prius as our toad with our Navion and got unbelievable gas mileage. We only upsized to a Highlander Hybrid for the Escape. I'd love to just have a little electric car! (No doubt gas prices will be escalating after Harvey!)
So, here's what my hubby tells me (and I trust him.....we have built houses and a 19 ton steel boat and hauled many trailers.....he's never steered us wrong.

)........
The Highlander Hybrid actually has 10hp more than the regular Highlander so power is not the issue. The electric motor with its superior torque curve allows the HH to out accelerate the lighter standard H. So torque is not a problem.
The H is rated at 5000lbs towing capacity. The payload difference between the H and the HH is only 148lbs. Therefore, if the standard H can tow 5000lbs, it stands to reason that the HH can approach that number at least within 150lbs.
No one rates their vehicles with a towing capacity of 4850lbs. It's either 1500, 3500, 5000 or more. Toyota has deemed to rate the HH at the 3500 mark. The numbers suggest that it is in reality well above that level.
We have experience with towing a Casita 17 (300lbs dryweight less than the Escape 21) with a Toyota Sienna and an HH. The drive train of the Sienna compares almost identically to the standard H and HH. Towing the Casita with the HH was a breeze compared to the Sienna because of the benefits of the electric motor and CV transmission.
The TWO of us only weigh 270lbs! LOL We are omitting the stovetop, oven, and range hood and we use only 1 propane tank. We never travel with full tanks and pack very minimally. We WILL weigh the Escape before we take a trip.
So, at this point, we don't share everyone's concerns.
