When you are shopping for a midsize SUV, one important question comes up quickly. Can it tow what you need it to? The Honda Pilot towing capacity is one of the key factors to consider if you plan to haul a trailer, boat, or camper. Whether you are headed out for a weekend adventure or need reliable power for work, knowing exactly what this SUV can handle will help you make a smarter buying decision.
The Honda Pilot is often praised for its roomy interior, family-friendly features, and smooth ride. But is it also up for the task of serious towing? In this guide, you will find out everything you need to know about how much the Honda Pilot can tow, how it performs in real-world conditions, and how it compares to similar SUVs in its class.
Understanding Honda Pilot Towing Capacity and Why It Matters
What Does Honda Pilot Towing Capacity Really Mean?
Towing capacity is the maximum amount of weight a vehicle can pull safely. This includes the weight of the trailer and everything loaded onto it. Car manufacturers calculate this limit based on several factors, such as engine strength, transmission performance, braking power, and suspension design.
Why Honda Pilot Towing Capacity Should Matter to You
Trying to tow more than your vehicle can handle is risky. It puts a heavy strain on your SUV’s engine and brakes. It can also make steering and stopping harder, putting you and others on the road in danger. When you stay within your towing capacity, you drive more safely and protect the long-term health of your vehicle.
Honda Pilot Towing Capacity Overview
Maximum Honda Pilot Towing Capacity by Drivetrain and Trim
The towing capacity of the Honda Pilot depends on the drivetrain you choose. If you go with the front-wheel drive version, the maximum towing capacity is 3,500 lbs. If you upgrade to all-wheel drive and include the factory towing package, your Honda Pilot can tow up to five thousand pounds.
Honda Pilot Towing Capacity by Trim Level
Here is a general guide to towing capacity based on trim level, assuming proper equipment is included:
- Sport with front-wheel drive can tow up to thirty-five hundred pounds
- Sport with all-wheel drive can tow up to five thousand pounds
- EX-L with front-wheel drive can tow up to thirty-five hundred pounds
- EX-L with all-wheel drive can tow up to five thousand pounds
- Touring and Elite trims come standard with all-wheel drive and offer five thousand pounds of towing
- The TrailSport trim is designed for off-road adventures and also tows up to five thousand pounds
For more details on what’s included with each trim, you can check out Honda’s official towing guide.
Honda Pilot Towing Capacity: Front-Wheel Drive vs All-Wheel Drive
If you choose front-wheel drive, you get better fuel economy and a lower price. But you sacrifice serious towing capability. All-wheel drive offers more power, more traction, and a much higher towing capacity. For towing anything above thirty-five hundred pounds, all-wheel drive is the way to go.
Key Features That Impact Honda Pilot’s Towing Ability
Three Point Five Liter V6 Engine
The Honda Pilot is powered by a three-point-five-liter V6 engine that produces two hundred eighty-five horsepower and two hundred sixty-two pound-feet of torque. That’s enough strength to tow boats, campers, or gear up hills and highways without breaking a sweat.
If you are comparing engine technologies, the GMC TurboMax engine performance is worth a look, especially if you’re thinking about power versus efficiency.
Ten-Speed Automatic Transmission
A ten-speed automatic transmission is paired with the V6 engine to deliver smooth shifts and efficient power. It adjusts well under load and keeps the engine from overworking when pulling a heavy trailer.
All-Wheel Drive System
The available intelligent variable torque management all-wheel drive system helps the Pilot maintain control on rough terrain, wet roads, or when towing uphill. It adjusts power between the front and rear wheels, improving grip and reducing trailer sway.
Factory Tow Package
To access the full five thousand pound towing capability, you need the Honda Towing Package. This includes a Class Three trailer hitch, a transmission cooler, a hitch receiver, and a wiring harness. These features help improve towing safety and overall performance.
Towing-Ready Tech and Safety Features That Support Honda Pilot Towing Capacity
How the Honda Sensing Safety Suite Enhances Honda Pilot Towing Capacity
When towing, safety features become even more important. The Honda Pilot comes equipped with the Honda Sensing Suite, which includes features such as a collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation, and lane keeping assist. These tools help you stay in control even when your vehicle is carrying extra weight.
Rearview Camera with Multiple Angles
The multi-angle rearview camera provides wide, normal, and top-down views. It makes it easier to back up with a trailer or line up your hitch, especially in tight spots or busy areas.
Trailer Stability Assist
This system automatically senses trailer sway and helps correct it by adjusting braking and engine power. It gives you peace of mind while towing at highway speeds or during strong wind conditions.
You can explore the latest NHTSA safety ratings for the Honda Pilot to see how it performs under federal safety standards.
What Can You Tow with a Honda Pilot
If you are wondering what five thousand pounds looks like in real-world towing, here are some examples of what you can haul with an all-wheel-drive Honda Pilot that includes the towing package:
- A small- to mid-size boat
- A pop-up camper
- A small travel trailer
- A utility trailer with work equipment
- Two jet skis
- An empty horse trailer
Tongue Weight and Payload Limits
The tongue weight, or the downward force at the hitch, should not exceed five hundred pounds. Make sure to factor in passengers and cargo inside your vehicle, as they count toward the overall load.
Honda Pilot Versus Competitors in Towing
Compared to Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander can also tow up to five thousand pounds when properly equipped. It offers a hybrid version, which the Honda Pilot does not, but has slightly less interior space and cargo room.
Need more power than the Pilot offers? You might want to explore our breakdown of the Toyota Tundra towing capacity by year to compare full-size truck capabilities.
Compared to Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer has a higher maximum towing capacity of around fifty-six hundred pounds. It offers more powerful engine options but sacrifices fuel efficiency and interior comfort.
Compared to Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee leads in towing with a capacity of up to sixty-two hundred pounds. It is built more for off-road and towing strength but comes at a higher price and with lower gas mileage.
If you are curious about another Honda vehicle with solid towing performance, check out our full guide on the Honda Ridgeline towing capacity.
Tips for Safe and Efficient Towing
Use the Right Hitch and Accessories
Install a hitch that matches your towing needs. A Class Three hitch is recommended for the Honda Pilot. Always double-check that your ball mount, trailer, and towing equipment are properly rated.
Balance the Load
Evenly distribute weight across your trailer to avoid sway and maintain braking control. An unbalanced trailer can make steering unpredictable.
Check Tire Pressure
Low tire pressure on your vehicle or trailer can lead to overheating and tire failure. Check all tires before every towing trip.
Drive with Extra Caution
When towing, give yourself extra room to brake, ease into acceleration, and take corners with a wider turn. Use towing mode if your trim includes it to protect your engine and transmission.
Can the Honda Pilot Handle Your Towing Plans?
In most everyday situations, yes, it is.
What You Will Like
- Strong V6 engine with excellent towing power
- Available all-wheel drive and towing package
- Comfortable and quiet interior for long drives
- Useful safety and driver assist features
- Capable of towing boats, trailers, and campers
Where It Falls Short
- Front-wheel drive Honda Pilot models have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
- Towing package is not included in all trims
- Other SUVs can tow more if you need higher capacity
Best Fit for Your Needs
If you tow occasionally for family trips or weekend fun, the Honda Pilot is an excellent choice. It is reliable, safe, and offers enough power for most towing needs without going overboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Honda Pilot tow a camper
Yes, the all-wheel-drive model with the towing package can tow many types of campers up to five thousand pounds.
Does every Pilot come with a hitch
No, the factory towing package is not standard on every trim. Make sure to add it or request installation if you plan to tow.
What is the tongue weight limit
The tongue weight should not exceed five hundred pounds, but always check your specific model and trailer setup.
Your Next Move
Now that you know what the Honda Pilot towing capacity allows you to do, it is time to make a decision. If your needs fit within the five thousand pound limit, this SUV can serve you well both on the highway and at the campsite.
Before buying, double-check that the model you are considering includes the right drivetrain and towing gear. You can also ask the dealer to install the tow package if needed.
Still deciding? Bookmark this guide and compare trims with confidence. Or leave a comment if you’ve towed with the Pilot yourself. Real insights help everyone drive smarter.
Looking for something larger with even more capacity? Take a look at the 2024 GMC Yukon updates to see what this full-size SUV brings to the table.