Does the 2015 Honda Pilot come with a hitch?
In 2015, Honda offered towing capability on the Pilot as an option, not as standard equipment. Whether a given vehicle has a hitch depends on factory configuration or dealer installation. This article explains how hitch availability works for the 2015 Pilot and how to verify it on a specific vehicle.
Short answer: the 2015 Honda Pilot does not include a hitch by default. A hitch is available only if the vehicle is equipped with the optional Tow Package (which adds a 2-inch Class III hitch receiver and trailer wiring). If your Pilot lacks this package, you would need to add an aftermarket hitch for towing.
Tow package availability and hitch ownership
Honda offered an optional Tow Package on the 2015 Pilot to enable towing capability. Vehicles equipped with this package typically feature a rear hitch receiver and the necessary trailer wiring to connect to trailers. Without the Tow Package, the Pilot does not come with a hitch installed from the factory.
What the Tow Package typically includes
To understand what to look for, here is a concise overview of components commonly associated with the Tow Package. The following list helps identify whether a vehicle is equipped for towing.
- 2-inch Class III hitch receiver mounted to the rear of the vehicle
- Trailer wiring harness to support trailer lights
- Confirmation of towing capability in official documentation or window sticker
If you find a Pilot with these components, it is equipped for towing. If not, you may still tow with an aftermarket hitch or by adding the factory Tow Package later, depending on the vehicle’s compatibility and warranty considerations.
How to confirm the hitch status on a specific vehicle
Use the following steps to verify whether a particular 2015 Pilot has a hitch installed or available through the Tow Package.
- Check the window sticker or Monroney label for a Tow Package option and trailer wiring authorization.
- Inspect the rear of the vehicle for a 2-inch hitch receiver and any wiring connectors (4-point or trailer harness).
- Ask the seller or dealer for the vehicle’s build sheet or VIN-based equipment list to confirm towing hardware.
- Confirm towing capacity in the owner’s manual if the Tow Package is present; confirm maximum trailer weight.
If none of these indicators are present, the hitch is not installed from the factory. You can discuss aftermarket hitch installation with a qualified shop, keeping in mind potential warranty implications and towing capacity limits.
Towing capacity and practical notes
When properly equipped with the Tow Package, the 2015 Pilot is generally rated for a towing capacity up to about 3,500 pounds. Always verify the exact rating for your specific vehicle using the owner’s manual and the vehicle’s documentation, as trim level and equipment can affect the official figure.
Summary
The 2015 Honda Pilot does not come with a hitch by default. A hitch is available only if the Tow Package is installed, either at the factory or by a dealer. If you’re buying a used 2015 Pilot, check for the Tow Package indicators (hitch receiver and trailer wiring) or obtain the build sheet to confirm towing capabilities. If towing is not currently equipped, a compatible aftermarket hitch can be added, with attention to warranty and safety considerations. In all cases, verify the exact towing capacity for your vehicle before pulling a trailer.
Does the 2015 Honda Pilot have a hitch?
The 2015 Honda Pilot does come with a trailer hitch that gives you a maximum trailering capacity of up to 4,500 pounds, which is a good amount for most medium to small sized boats or trailers, making this a perfect camping vehicle.
Do all Honda Pilots have a towing package?
All new Honda Pilot trim levels come with a standard tow hitch and can be built with an available Honda Pilot with tow package for access to the SUV's full towing capacity. The 2025 tow package includes a trailer hitch, harness, hitch ball mount, hitch panel, and professional installation.
Do Honda Pilots come with a trailer hitch?
Yes, a Honda Pilot can have a hitch, but whether it comes with one depends on the model year and trim level. Some models, like the TrailSport, have a standard factory-installed hitch, while others may require an optional tow package or aftermarket installation.
Factory-installed hitch
- Available on certain trims: Some trims, especially higher-end or off-road-focused ones like the TrailSport, come standard with a trailer hitch.
- Available as an option: A factory-installed tow package, which includes a hitch, is often available as an option on other trims.
Aftermarket options
- Widespread availability: If your model doesn't have a factory hitch, you can easily get one installed after purchase.
- Different sizes: You can choose between a 1.25-inch or 2-inch hitch receiver, depending on your needs.
- Various brands: Many aftermarket brands like Curt, Draw-Tite, and others offer hitches for the Pilot that can be installed with no drilling required.
- Installation: Installation can be a DIY project for those with the right tools and knowledge, or it can be done by a professional.
Which Honda Pilot years to stay away from?
The Honda Pilot years to avoid include 2003, 2004, 2005, 2011, 2016, and 2017 due to common issues like transmission failures, airbag problems (especially the 2003 model), electrical glitches, and premature brake/suspension issues. The 2016 model is also frequently cited as one to avoid as it was the first year of a new generation and had many initial problems.
This video discusses the best and worst years for the Honda Pilot: 52sCar ComfyYouTube · Sep 26, 2025
Model years to avoid
- 2003: Suffered from a significant number of complaints and recalls, including a major airbag defect that led to a "Do Not Drive" advisory in some cases.
- 2004 and 2005: Faced recurring transmission issues, leading to costly repairs.
- 2011: Had a high number of owner complaints and a range of issues, including transmission problems.
- 2016: This model year was the first for the third generation and had numerous problems, including transmission failures and electrical system issues.
- 2017: Continued to have many of the issues from the 2016 model, as Honda was still working to fix them.
Common problems across multiple years
- Transmission: Problems were particularly prevalent in the 2003-2005 and 2016-2017 model years. Older models may have issues with the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which can be addressed with a disabler device.
- Brakes: Owners of 2003-2017 models reported problems with warped brake rotors, leading to vibrations while braking.
- Electrical: Some models, especially the 2016 and 2019, experienced issues with the infotainment system, including frozen screens and loss of connectivity.
- Airbags: The 2003 model was affected by the Takata airbag defect, leading to safety concerns and recalls.
