How much can a Honda Accord haul?

The Honda Accord can haul roughly 1,000 pounds of combined passengers and cargo, and Honda does not publish a towing rating for this sedan. In practical terms, you can carry two adults with luggage or several grocery trips within that payload, but towing is not officially supported for this model.

Payload capacity explained

Payload is the maximum weight the vehicle can carry in people, cargo, and optional equipment. For the Accord, the typical payload sits around 1,000 pounds, though exact figures vary by trim and installed options. The exact payload is determined by the vehicle’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) minus its curb weight, and you should verify the door placard on your specific car for precise numbers.

What counts toward payload

Payload includes all occupants plus cargo inside the vehicle, plus any aftermarket accessories that add weight. Individual models can shift within a small range depending on equipment and seating configuration.

• Approximate payload capacity: about 1,000 pounds (roughly 450 kilograms).


• Variations by trim and equipment: typically ranges from about 900 to 1,100 pounds.


• How to calculate payload: subtract the curb weight from the GVWR; the door placard shows the GVWR and curb weight for your specific car.

In practice, most daily loads—two adults with luggage, several grocery runs, or a weekend’s worth of gear—fit within the ~1,000-pound payload, but exceeding it can affect handling and safety.

Cargo space and everyday hauling

Beyond weight, how much you can haul also depends on cargo volume. The Accord provides about 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space with the rear seats up, and the total available space grows significantly when the rear seats are folded to expand cargo area. This makes it suitable for a range of everyday hauling tasks, from shopping to road trips, though it won’t match larger wagons or SUVs for bulky gear.

Volume you can rely on

Trunk capacity and folded-seat cargo space give a practical sense of what fits inside. For most daily uses, the trunk alone handles the groceries and small luggage, while folding seats opens room for longer items when needed.

• Trunk capacity: about 16.7 cubic feet with rear seats up.


• Maximum cargo volume with rear seats folded: roughly 60 cubic feet.


• Practical packing notes: floor height, wheel wells, and intrusions can affect usable space; organizers and nets help maximize efficiency.

Viewed together, payload and cargo space give a clear picture of how much the Accord can haul in routine life. It excels at everyday hauling but isn’t designed to replace a larger cargo vehicle for heavy or oversized loads.

Towing: can an Accord tow anything?

Officially, the Honda Accord is not rated for towing. Honda does not publish a towing capacity for the sedan, and attempting to tow with an Accord is not recommended. This is due to the vehicle’s suspension, braking, and GVWR design, which aren’t intended to support trailer loads. If towing is a frequent need, consumers are advised to consider a dedicated towing-capable vehicle such as an SUV or pickup.

Safety and practical considerations

Without an official towing rating, there is no safe, standardized guideline for trailers. Exceeding the vehicle’s payload or any assumed towing load can compromise braking distance, steering control, and overall safety. Always consult the owner’s manual and the door placard for precise numbers, and opt for a vehicle that’s explicitly rated for towing if your workload requires it.

Alternatives to towing with an Accord include renting or purchasing a vehicle designed for towing, or using a hitch-equipped vehicle that has a published trailer-tow rating from the manufacturer.

Summary

The Honda Accord is well-suited for everyday hauling, offering roughly 1,000 pounds of payload capacity and about 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space (up to ~60 cubic feet with rear seats folded). However, it does not carry an official towing rating, and Honda advises against towing with this sedan. For frequent towing or heavier loads, a purpose-built towing vehicle is a safer and more reliable choice. Always verify your specific car’s GVWR, curb weight, and payload on the door placard for the most accurate figures.

What is the 80% towing rule?

Many RVers are strict followers of the 80% or 80/20 rule of towing, and it's a great rule to live by if you want to ensure you don't overload your tow vehicle. The 80% towing rule is less of a “rule” and more of an idea: don't pull a trailer with a GVWR that is more than 80% of your vehicle's maximum towing capacity.

How much can a 2017 Honda Accord tow?

The 2017 Honda Accord generally has no towing capacity for the 1.5L models and a limited capacity for the V6 models, which is typically around 1600 kg (3527 lbs) for braked towing in some markets. However, towing is not recommended for most models, as the Accord is a sedan not designed for it. Check your owner's manual for your specific model's capabilities before attempting any towing. 
Model-specific information

• 1.5L models: Are not designed for towing and should not be used for this purpose. 
• V6 models: Some V6 models in certain regions are rated for up to 1600kg (3527 lbs) of braked towing capacity, but this is a limited capacity for light-duty tasks. 
• Always check your owner's manual: The official towing capacity can vary by region and specific model. Always consult your owner's manual to ensure your vehicle is rated to tow and to check the exact capacity. 

Important considerations

• Towing is not the Accord's purpose: The Accord is a midsize sedan, not a truck or SUV, and is not built for heavy-duty towing. 
• Stress on the vehicle: Towing near the maximum capacity can put significant stress on the engine and transmission, so it is best to stay well within the recommended limits. 
• Use appropriate equipment: If you must tow, use a trailer hitch specifically designed for the 2017 Honda Accord and ensure all other towing equipment is rated for the intended load. 

Can a Honda Accord haul a trailer?

Yes, a Honda Accord can pull a trailer, but its towing capacity is limited, typically ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds. It is best suited for lightweight loads like small utility trailers, light campers, or watercraft, and you must ensure the trailer's total weight is within the specific Accord model's limit, which is often noted in the owner's manual. 
You can watch this video to learn how to install a trailer hitch on a Honda Accord: 1mU-Haul Trailer Hitches And TowingYouTube · May 17, 2024
Key considerations for towing with a Honda Accord:

• Check your owner's manual: The specific towing capacity varies by model year and engine. For example, 2.0L models can often tow up to 1,000 pounds, while some 1.5L models are not rated for towing at all. 
• Towing packages: Some models or trims may require a specific towing package or hitch to be installed for towing. 
• Trailer weight: Always be mindful of the trailer's total weight, including any cargo inside it, and make sure it doesn't exceed your car's capacity. Exceeding the limit can strain the transmission and other components. 
• Consider a professional: If you are unsure about your car's towing capacity or need help with a hitch and wiring installation, consider consulting with a professional. 
• Drive safely: Remember that towing can affect your vehicle's handling and braking. Drive more cautiously, allow for more stopping distance, and downshift on hills to keep your RPMs in a safe range. 

How much weight can a Honda Accord carry?

The Honda Accord's weight capacity depends on the model year and is generally referred to as payload capacity, not a traditional towing capacity. For recent models, the maximum load limit (payload) is typically 850 lbs (385 kg), which includes the weight of all occupants and cargo. You should always check the specific vehicle's "Tire and Loading Information" label, found on the driver's side doorjamb, for the most accurate number. 
Payload vs. towing

• Payload capacity: This is the total weight of passengers and cargo your vehicle can carry. For a 2023 Accord Hybrid, this is 850 lbs. 
• Towing capacity: Honda Accords are not designed for heavy towing. While some sources suggest they can handle lightweight trailers up to 1,000-1,500 lbs depending on the model, exceeding recommended limits can damage the transmission and suspension. 

How to calculate your specific payload

1. Find the "Maximum Load Limit" on the vehicle's doorjamb label.
2. Calculate the combined weight of all passengers who will be in the vehicle.
3. Subtract the passenger weight from the "Maximum Load Limit".
4. The result is the maximum amount of cargo you can safely load into the vehicle.