What can a Honda Passport tow?
The Honda Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the Honda Tow Package. This ceiling applies to many recent model years, and with the right hitch, wiring, and trailer brakes, owners commonly pull lightweight travel trailers, boats, and utility trailers within that limit.
Official towing capacity and what affects it
The Passport’s maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds when equipped with the factory Tow Package. Without that package, the tow rating is lower and can vary by model year and trim. Both front‑wheel drive (FWD) and all‑wheel drive (AWD) configurations can reach the 5,000‑pound cap when properly equipped. Always verify the exact rating for your specific vehicle and year in the owner's manual and on the window sticker.
Factors that influence the actual towing capability include the presence of the Tow Package, hitch and wiring compatibility, trailer brakes, tongue weight, and overall vehicle payload. The rating is the maximum safe limit; never exceed it and account for passengers, cargo, and fuel in the vehicle when calculating what you can tow.
Below is a concise guide to the components and conditions that determine whether you can reach the 5,000‑pound figure on your Passport.
- Tow Package: The 5,000‑pound rating is available when the vehicle is equipped with Honda’s Tow Package, which typically includes a stronger hitch/wiring and related towing hardware.
- Drivetrain: Both FWD and AWD Passports can achieve the 5,000‑pound rating with the Tow Package, but the exact figure can vary by year and trim.
- Hitch and wiring: A proper two‑inch hitch and a compatible wiring harness (often a 7‑pin connector) are required to tow up to 5,000 pounds.
- Tongue weight: Plan for roughly 10–15% of the trailer’s gross weight to sit on the hitch, which affects stability and handling.
- Trailer brakes and safety: Trailers at or near the 5,000‑pound limit usually require trailer brakes; check local regulations and consider a brake controller if recommended for your setup.
In practice, the official 5,000‑pound limit is a strong towing figure for a mid‑size SUV, but the actual usable capacity depends on your exact configuration and how you load the trailer.
What you can tow in practice
Below are common trailer types and loads that typically fit within the Passport’s 5,000‑pound ceiling, assuming you have the Tow Package and the correct hitch and wiring. This helps translate the rating into real‑world uses.
- Small travel trailers and campers with a gross trailer weight up to about 5,000 pounds (varying by trailer construction and load).
- Mid‑size boat trailers carrying boats roughly in the 2,000–4,000+ pound range, depending on boat and trailer weight.
- Utility trailers or cargo trailers carrying gear or equipment up to a combined weight near the 5,000‑pound limit.
- Light car trailers or other towing configurations that stay within the overall 5,000‑pound limit and respect tongue weight guidelines.
Real‑world towing also depends on factors such as road grade, altitude, wind, and how evenly you distribute load on the trailer. Always verify the trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and ensure the combined weight stays within the Passport’s rated capacity.
Safety, setup, and best practices
To tow safely with a Honda Passport, keep these guidelines in mind. Always consult your specific model year’s manual for exact numbers and recommendations.
Key considerations when towing with a Passport
Plan ahead by confirming you have the Tow Package and the appropriate hitch and wiring. Ensure the trailer has its own brakes if required, and be mindful of tongue weight and gross combined weight limits. When towing near the 5,000‑pound ceiling, drive conservatively, allow extra stopping distance, and perform routine maintenance on both the vehicle and trailer to maintain safe performance.
Summary
In sum, a Honda Passport can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the Tow Package, making it capable of pulling many light travel trailers, mid‑size boats, and utility trailers. The exact usable capacity depends on the year, trim, and equipment, so verify the rating for your specific vehicle, install the required hitch and wiring, and follow safety guidelines to ensure a secure and stable towing experience.
