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Can a Honda Pilot tow 5 000 lbs?


The Honda Pilot is a popular midsize SUV known for its reliability, spacious interior, and versatility. One of the most common questions among potential buyers and owners is whether the Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds. In this article, we’ll explore the towing capabilities of the Honda Pilot and what you need to know to safely tow with this vehicle.


Understanding the Honda Pilot's Towing Capacity


The towing capacity of a Honda Pilot depends on the model year and the specific trim level. Generally, the Honda Pilot is designed to handle towing tasks with ease, but there are a few key factors to consider:



  • All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Models: Most AWD Honda Pilot models are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. This makes them suitable for towing small boats, trailers, or campers.

  • Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Models: FWD models typically have a lower towing capacity, often capped at 3,500 pounds. This is important to note if you’re considering towing heavier loads.

  • Proper Equipment: To achieve the maximum towing capacity, the vehicle must be equipped with the Honda factory-installed towing package, which includes a heavy-duty transmission cooler, a trailer hitch, and wiring harness.


What Can You Tow with 5,000 lbs Capacity?


If your Honda Pilot is equipped to tow 5,000 pounds, here are some examples of what you can safely tow:



  • Small to medium-sized travel trailers

  • Pop-up campers

  • Fishing boats or small speedboats

  • Utility trailers loaded with equipment or supplies


Always check the weight of your trailer and its contents to ensure it falls within the towing capacity of your vehicle.


Tips for Safe Towing with a Honda Pilot


Towing can put additional strain on your vehicle, so it’s important to follow these tips for a safe and efficient towing experience:



  • Check Your Owner’s Manual: Always refer to the Honda Pilot owner’s manual for specific towing guidelines and recommendations.

  • Distribute Weight Evenly: Ensure the load is evenly distributed to maintain stability while driving.

  • Use the Right Hitch: Make sure you’re using the correct hitch and towing equipment for your trailer.

  • Drive Cautiously: Towing reduces acceleration and braking performance, so drive at moderate speeds and maintain a safe following distance.

  • Inspect Your Vehicle: Before towing, check your tires, brakes, and lights to ensure everything is in good working condition.


Conclusion


The Honda Pilot is a capable SUV that can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with AWD and the factory towing package. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip or need to haul equipment, the Pilot offers the versatility and power to get the job done. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and practice safe towing habits to protect your vehicle and ensure a smooth journey.


Frequently Asked Questions

What Honda can tow 5000 pounds?


Rugged and adventurous, the Honda Passport is engineered to help you get out and explore the path less traveled. Thanks to its standard all-wheel drive system, the Passport – like the Ridgeline – can tow up to 5,000 pounds with its direct-injection i-VTEC® V6 engine.



Which Honda Pilot can tow 5000 lb?


Honda Pilot Towing Capacity By Year and Trim

Honda Pilot TrimsTowing Capacity
2021 Honda Pilot LX3,500 lbs. / 5,000 lbs. (FWD / AWD)
2021 Honda Pilot EX3,500 lbs. / 5,000 lbs. (FWD / AWD)
2021 Honda Pilot EX-L3,500 lbs. / 5,000 lbs. (FWD / AWD)
2021 Honda Pilot Special Edition3,500 lbs. / 5,000 lbs. (FWD / AWD)



Can a Honda pull a small trailer?


The Pilot offers an impressive towing capacity of 3,500 lbs on 2-Wheel-Drive models and 5,000 lbs on All-Wheel-Drive models. A perfect sidekick to haul a small boat or RV. Plus you can drive with confidence knowing your Pilot is backed by the standard collection of Honda Sensing™ driver assist technologies.



Which small SUV can tow the most weight?


Best Small SUVs for Towing

  • Jeep Cherokee: 4,000 lbs.
  • Toyota RAV4: 3,500 lbs.
  • Subaru Outback: 3,500 lbs.
  • Ford Escape: 3,500 lbs.
  • Mazda CX-50: 3,500 lbs.



How big of a trailer can I tow with a Honda Pilot?


The 5,000-pound maximum Honda Pilot towing capacity is impressive, sure but even the minimum Pilot towing capacity is pretty awesome. Why is that? Well, as you can see below, when equipped with 2WD, even entry-level Pilot models can tow up to 3,500 pounds!



What is the tow mode on a Honda Pilot?


Tow Mode is your go-to setting when hauling heavy loads. Designed to enhance towing performance, this mode optimizes the transmission and cooling systems, ensuring the Pilot delivers maximum power and control while pulling trailers or boats around Torrance and Gardena.



Do Honda pilots have a tow mode?


Utilizing the 2024 Pilot Tow Mode
To enhance the 2024 Honda Pilot's towing performance, the vehicle is equipped with a dedicated Tow Mode.



Is a Honda Pilot a good tow vehicle?


With this much power, you can easily tow a 24-foot camper, a trailer with two side-by-sides, or a 22-foot boat! Besides the Pilot's impressive towing capabilities, it has a cabin fully equipped with inventive storage solutions, providing ample cargo space for your next expedition.



Does the Honda Pilot have a tow mode?


Tow Mode is your go-to setting when hauling heavy loads. Designed to enhance towing performance, this mode optimizes the transmission and cooling systems, ensuring the Pilot delivers maximum power and control while pulling trailers or boats around Torrance and Gardena.



What year can a Highlander tow 5000 lbs?


Toyota Highlander Towing Capacity by Year

Toyota Highlander Max Towing
20215,000 lbs1
20205,000 lbs1
20195,000 lbs1
20185,000 lbs1


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.