How good is the Honda Pilot for towing?
The Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the Tow Package, making it a solid choice for many family towing needs without venturing into heavy-haul territory.
In practice, towing with the Pilot hinges on its 3.5-liter V6 and a nine-speed automatic transmission, plus the optional Tow Package that adds cooling upfits, a hitch, and trailer wiring. Real-world results depend on drivetrain (2WD vs. AWD), how the trailer is loaded, and adherence to payload and tongue-weight limits. The sections below lay out the official specs, practical considerations, and safety features to help you decide if the Pilot fits your towing plans.
Towing capacity and how it's defined
Here are the official numbers and what equipment makes them possible.
- Max towing capacity: up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) when equipped with the Honda Tow Package.
- Tow package required: The 5,000-pound rating applies only with the factory Tow Package installed.
- Cooling upgrades: The Tow Package includes enhanced cooling for the engine and transmission to manage heat during towing.
- Hitch and wiring: A 2-inch receiver hitch and dedicated trailer wiring are part of the package, enabling safe towing.
- Tongue weight guideline: Expect roughly 10–12% of the trailer’s weight resting on the hitch for stability.
With the Tow Package, the Pilot is equipped to handle the added demands of towing, but the official rating remains a ceiling. Always verify your specific configuration and consult the owner’s manual for limits based on drivetrain and equipment.
What to expect in practice
The Pilot’s V6 power and nine-speed transmission deliver smooth highway acceleration when towing, with adequate passing power and highway stability. The gearing is tuned to provide usable torque for pulling away and maintaining speed under load. Heavier trailers will affect acceleration and fuel economy, and longer downgrades can generate heat in the brakes and drivetrain. Real-world payload must be considered, since total weight includes passengers, cargo, and the trailer tongue load.
Engine, drivetrain, and braking considerations
Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 producing roughly 280–285 horsepower and about 262 lb-ft of torque in recent models, paired with a nine-speed automatic. The available front- or all-wheel drive setup does not change the 5,000-pound rating when the Tow Package is installed. Braking systems are designed to handle trailer loads, and some trims offer trailer-related assist features to help with stability on the highway.
Safety tech and driver aids
Honda’s Sensing safety suite and optional towing-focused aids help with lane keeping, collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and other features that support towing safety. Availability varies by trim and model year. When towing, these technologies contribute to safer highway behavior and easier trailer maneuvering.
Towing equipment and setup
To reach the full 5,000-pound rating, you’ll typically need the factory Tow Package. This setup includes a 2-inch hitch receiver, trailer wiring, and cooling enhancements designed for towing. Proper installation and adherence to guidelines are important for reliability and warranty considerations.
- Tow Package essentials: 2-inch hitch receiver, trailer wiring, and cooling upgrades.
- Load management: Ensure tongue weight stays within recommended limits and distribute weight appropriately.
- Safety aids: Trailer sway control and related safety features help stabilize light-to-moderate trailers in gusty conditions.
- Documentation: Verify your exact towing rating for your model year and configuration using the VIN and options list.
In short, the Tow Package is the key to unlocking the Pilot’s full 5,000-pound capability, and it’s advisable if you plan to tow regularly within that limit.
Safety and driving tips for towing with the Pilot
Whether you tow occasionally or frequently, following best practices improves safety and reduces stress on the vehicle. Consider these practical tips when towing with a Pilot.
- Stay within the GCWR (gross combined weight rating) and tongue-weight guidelines to avoid overloading the vehicle.
- Use proper weight distribution and ensure the trailer is balanced to minimize sway and improve steering control.
- Inspect tires, hitch connections, lighting, and brakes before every trip.
- Allow extra stopping distance, moderate acceleration, and cautious braking on grades or windy roads.
Adhering to these practices helps maintain control, reduces wear, and keeps occupants comfortable on longer trips.
Summary
The Honda Pilot offers a capable 5,000-pound towing capacity when equipped with the Tow Package, making it a strong option for family trips, small campers, and light-to-moderate boating setups. It combines a smooth V6 powertrain, a comfortable ride, and robust safety features, but it isn’t a class-leader for heavy-tow tasks. For frequent or higher-capacity towing, buyers may compare rivals with higher ratings. Always verify the exact specs for your year and configuration, and follow official guidance for safe towing.
