A Honda Pilot can tow a small travel trailer up to 5,000 lb, depending on its trim level and whether you've got the right towing package installed.
Can you pull a trailer with a Honda Pilot?
Yes, you can pull a trailer with a Honda Pilot, as long as you stay within its rated towing capacity.
Honda actually equips the Pilot with a factory-ready hitch and wiring harness. That said, you'll still need to install the correct hitch (part # 08V71‑SDA‑A01) and double-check the trailer’s GVWR. Make sure to set your torque wrench to 80 Nm for the hitch bolt; that'll prevent it from loosening while you're driving. Before you hit the road, always review your owner's manual and follow the NHTSA safety checklist.
How much trailer weight can a Honda Pilot pull?
The Honda Pilot can pull between 3,500 lb and 5,000 lb of trailer weight, which really depends on its drivetrain and specific equipment.
All-wheel-drive (AWD) models with the factory towing package can hit that 5,000-lb limit. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) versions, on the other hand, are generally capped at 3,500 lb. You'll want to confirm the exact rating on your door-jamb sticker and match it to your trailer’s GVWR. For loads that are close to the limit, it's a good idea to install a weight-distributing hitch and a brake controller. This helps keep sway under control, which is super important for safety.
What kind of trailer can a Honda Pilot pull?
A Honda Pilot can pull small pop-up campers and utility trailers, provided they're under 5,000 lb.
Things like lightweight pop-ups, say a Jayco Hummingbird (around 2,200 lb GVWR), or compact utility trailers (about 1,500 lb) are perfect for FWD models. If you've got an AWD Pilot, you can typically handle slightly larger travel trailers that have basic amenities, as long as the total weight stays under 5,000 lb. Don't forget to verify the tongue weight (it's usually 10-15% of the gross vehicle weight) and make sure your hitch ball is rated for that specific load.
How much weight can a 2021 Honda Pilot tow?
A 2021 Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 lb if it's an AWD model and has the official towing package.
FWD 2021 Pilots are limited to 3,500 lb, so keep that in mind. Before you start towing, install the OEM towing kit (part # 08V71‑SDA‑A01) and double-check that your hitch ball is rated for the load you're planning to carry. Honestly, adding a dealer-installed ATF cooler is a smart move; it helps keep transmission temperatures in check, especially during those long climbs.
How do I increase the towing capacity of my Honda Pilot?
You can't actually raise the factory-specified towing capacity, but you can definitely improve safety and performance when you're towing at the rated limit.
First off, fit the Honda ATF cooler (part # 08V71‑SDA‑A01). Then, add a weight-distributing hitch that has a 2-point sway control system. Use a digital torque wrench to tighten the hitch bolt to 80 Nm, and install a brake controller for your trailer brakes. It's also a good idea to regularly inspect your cooling system and suspension components for any wear and tear.
How much is a Honda Pilot tow package?
A Honda Pilot tow package typically costs between $275 and $385, as of 2026.
Pricing can vary quite a bit by dealer and region, so it's always best to call ahead and confirm availability. OEM components are designed to integrate seamlessly with your vehicle’s VSA and transmission control, while aftermarket parts might need some extra wiring work.
How much weight can a 2019 Honda Pilot tow?
The 2019 Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 lb, but that's only with AWD and the factory towing package.
FWD 2019 models are limited to 3,500 lb. Make sure to verify the exact rating on your door-jamb label and ensure the trailer’s GVWR doesn't go over that limit. Adding a heavy-duty hitch and a brake controller really helps with stability, especially when you're tackling steep grades.
What is the towing capacity of a 2020 Honda Pilot?
The 2020 Honda Pilot’s maximum towing capacity is 5,000 lb for AWD models, and 3,500 lb for FWD versions.
This rating assumes you've got the OEM towing kit installed and that your vehicle is in good mechanical shape. Before each trip, it's smart to check your tire pressure, brake wear, and fluid levels. The 2020 model actually includes a "Tow/Haul" mode in its transmission software, which optimizes shift points for those heavier loads.
How much can a 2022 Honda Pilot tow?
A 2022 Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 lb when it's equipped with AWD and the official towing package.
FWD versions still have that 3,500-lb limit. Interestingly, the 2022 model introduced an updated rear-axle ratio (3.55:1), which actually improves low-speed torque for towing. Always use a hitch ball that's rated for your trailer’s weight, and definitely install a brake controller if your trailer weighs more than 1,500 lb.
How much weight can a 2007 Honda Pilot tow?
The 2007 Honda Pilot is rated to tow 3,500 lb, no matter what drivetrain it has.
This older generation simply doesn't have that AWD-specific 5,000-lb rating, so you'll need to stay within the 3,500-lb limit. Since the 2007 model doesn't come with a factory-integrated brake controller, you'll want to add an aftermarket one that mounts to the hitch. Before towing, inspect your suspension bushings and replace any worn components.
How much weight can a 2017 Honda Pilot tow?
A 2017 Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 lb, but only with AWD and the proper towing package.
FWD trims are limited to 3,500 lb. The 2017 model actually brought in a stronger rear axle and a revised transmission cooler, which really helps it handle those higher loads. Use a torque wrench set to 80 Nm for the hitch bolt, and always verify that your trailer’s brake system is working correctly.
How much weight can a 2013 Honda Pilot tow?
The 2013 Honda Pilot’s maximum towing capacity is 5,000 lb for AWD models, and 3,500 lb for FWD.
The 2013 generation added an optional "Towing Package" that included a heavy-duty hitch, wiring harness, and a transmission cooler. When you're towing close to the limit, engage the "Tow/Haul" mode in the infotainment system; it adjusts shift timing. And hey, always perform a pre-trip brake check on both your vehicle and the trailer!
How much weight can a 2008 Honda Pilot pull?
A 2008 Honda Pilot is rated for 3,500 lb of towing capacity.
This particular model year doesn't offer a 5,000-lb AWD rating, so you'll need to keep your trailer’s GVWR at or below 3,500 lb. Make sure to install the OEM hitch (part # 08V71‑SDA‑A01) and use a 2-inch ball that's rated for the load. Before long trips, check your cooling fan and transmission fluid.
Can a 2011 Honda Pilot pull a camper?
Yes, a 2011 Honda Pilot can pull a small camper, as long as the camper’s GVWR doesn't exceed the vehicle’s rating.
The 2011 Pilot’s AWD version can handle up to 5,000 lb, while FWD is limited to 3,500 lb. I'd suggest choosing a lightweight pop-up or teardrop camper under 4,500 lb to stay safely within those limits. Verify the tongue weight (again, 10-15% of GVWR) and use a weight-distributing hitch for some added stability.
Can a Honda Pilot tow a Honda Civic?
A Honda Pilot can technically tow a Honda Civic, but honestly, it's not recommended for regular use.
The Civic’s curb weight (around 2,800 lb) is well below the Pilot’s capacity. Still, towing a passenger car requires a special "car-towing" hitch and proper brake controller wiring. If you set it up improperly, you could actually damage the Pilot’s transmission and suspension. It's much better to use a flat-bed trailer or a dedicated tow dolly instead of trying to hitch-tow it directly.
What Honda can tow 5000 lbs?
The Honda Pilot (AWD), Honda Ridgeline, and the 2022‑2024 Honda Passport can all tow up to 5,000 lb.
All three of these models typically come with a factory-rated towing package that includes a heavy-duty hitch and wiring. The Ridgeline's 2023 refresh actually added a 5,000-lb rating thanks to a reinforced rear axle. Before you load up, always consult each model’s door-jamb label for the exact figure.
What size hitch is on a Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot uses a Class III 2‑inch receiver hitch when it's equipped with the factory towing package.
The standard ball size is 2-inch, and it's rated for up to 5,000 lb on AWD models. For lighter loads, you could use a Class II 1-½-inch hitch, but that will reduce your maximum capacity to 3,500 lb. Always torque those hitch bolts to 80 Nm and double-check the hitch’s pin and clip to make sure they're secure.
Sources: Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Consumer Reports, Wikipedia.
