How much can a Honda Prelude tow?
In general, Honda Prelude models are not designed for towing, and official towing ratings are not published for many years. If a rating exists for a specific year and market, it is typically around 1,000 pounds for a braked trailer, but you must verify your exact model and configuration before attempting to tow.
Understanding towing guidance for the Prelude
The Honda Prelude is a compact, front‑wheel‑drive sports coupe produced from the late 1970s through 2001. Because towing was not a primary selling point, many factory manuals and brochures do not publish a formal towing capacity for every year and region. When a capacity is listed, it is usually modest and intended for light-duty use. For most Prelude owners, if towing is allowed at all, it generally involves small, braked trailers and careful attention to vehicle limits. Always consult your specific year’s owner's manual and any official Honda documentation for the exact figure.
Below is a quick guide to help you determine what applies to your exact car and to understand the typical constraints associated with towing a Prelude.
Important considerations before you start towing include the trailer type, vehicle condition, and mandatory equipment. The following list outlines key factors to check and confirm before attempting to tow anything with a Prelude.
- Model-year and market: Official towing ratings, if published, vary by year and region. Some Prelude manuals do not list a towing capacity at all.
- Trailer type: If a capacity exists, it is usually specified for braked trailers. Unbraked trailer towing is typically not recommended or not permitted.
- Hitch and hardware: Use a factory-approved or OEM‑recommended hitch and wiring harness. Aftermarket hitches do not guarantee a rating unless specifically approved by Honda for your year.
- Trailer brakes: For heavier tows, trailers with brakes are often required. A braking system and controller may be necessary depending on trailer weight and local regulations.
- Vehicle condition: The engine, transmission, cooling system, suspension, and brakes should be in top condition before towing any load. Transmission coolers and proper maintenance are especially important for automatic models.
In short, always verify the exact capacity for your year and configuration. Relying on a generic number can lead to overloading and potential damage to the drivetrain and safety risks on the road.
Practical guidelines for safe towing with a Prelude
If you determine that towing is allowed for your Prelude, follow these practical guidelines to minimize risk and wear on the car while staying within safe limits.
- Check the exact towing rating for your model year in the owner’s manual or official Honda documentation.
- Use a properly rated hitch and wiring harness installed by a qualified technician, and ensure all components are compatible with your car’s GVWR and payload.
- For trailers above a light load, use trailer brakes and connect them properly to a brake controller if required by local laws.
- Observe tongue weight and trailer weight limits. Do not exceed the Prelude’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or any stated trailer weight limits.
- Drive conservatively: maintain extra braking distance, avoid high speeds, and monitor engine and transmission temperatures. Consider cooling upgrades if you plan frequent light towing.
Following these steps can help protect the drivetrain and braking system while towing with a Prelude, and it keeps you compliant with safety and legal requirements.
Summary
The Honda Prelude is not widely advertised as a towing vehicle. If towing is permissible for your specific model year, the capacity is typically around 1,000 pounds for braked trailers, and many years do not publish a formal rating. Always verify the exact specification for your car and use approved equipment. For anything beyond a very light load, reconsider towing with a Prelude and explore alternative options or a vehicle better suited to towing, to protect both safety and mechanical integrity.
What is the towing capacity of the Honda Prelude?
The towing capacity of the Honda Prelude supports up to 600kg.
Which Hondas can tow 5000 lbs?
Honda Ridgeline: 5,000 lbs.
This rugged truck model enjoys superb Honda towing specs with a potent 3.5L V6 engine under the hood that produces a mighty 280 horsepower and 262 lb. -ft. of torque.
Is the 2001 prelude a rare car?
The fifth-generation Honda Prelude only sold 58,000 cars from 1997 to 2001. Out of those 58,000, only 10,000 were 2001 models. This makes the 2001 Honda Prelude a very rare site to see out on the street.
How much will the 2026 Honda Prelude cost?
The 2026 Honda Prelude starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $43,195, which includes the destination charge. There is also a 2-Tone Coupe model that costs $44,350.
- Base Model: The starting price for the standard 2026 Honda Prelude Coupe is $43,195.
- 2-Tone Coupe Model: The 2-Tone Coupe is priced at $44,350.
