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What Honda SUV can tow 5000 lbs?

Honda’s two main SUVs capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds are the Pilot and the Passport, provided they’re equipped with the manufacturer’s towing package. The Ridgeline can also tow 5,000 pounds, but it’s classified as a pickup, not a traditional SUV.


This explainer outlines which Honda models reach the 5,000-pound mark as of model years 2024–2025, what equipment is required, and how ratings can vary by year and configuration. It also offers guidance on verifying the exact capacity for your specific build and trailer.


Honda SUVs capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds


To reach the 5,000-pound rating, vehicles typically must be ordered with Honda’s factory towing package (usually including a Class III hitch and wiring). Ratings can vary by year and drivetrain, and braking requirements or payload limits may apply for heavier trailers.



  • Honda Pilot — Up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the factory towing package (Class III hitch and wiring). Uses a 3.5-liter V6 and a nine-speed automatic; available with front- or all-wheel drive, with the peak rating tied to proper equipment.

  • Honda Passport — Up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the factory towing package. Also powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with a nine-speed automatic; all-wheel drive is available, and the tow rating depends on being properly outfitted.


In practice, Pilot and Passport are the two true Honda SUVs that reach the 5,000-pound threshold with the right towing hardware. For completeness, buyers should be aware of Ridgeline, which is a pickup, not a traditional SUV, but shares the same powertrain and can tow 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.


Ridgeline: a truck-based option with the same towing ceiling


Although not an SUV, Honda’s Ridgeline is rated to tow up to about 5,000 pounds when equipped with the appropriate towing package and braking provisions. If your priority is a strict SUV body style, the Pilot or Passport remains the recommended choices for a 5,000-pound tow rating.


Summary


For Honda, the primary SUV models that can tow 5,000 pounds are the Pilot and Passport, each requiring the factory towing package and proper hitch setup. The Ridgeline offers the same maximum capacity but sits outside the SUV category as a pickup. Always confirm the exact towing rating for your chosen year and trim with a Honda dealer or the official specifications, and ensure you have the correct towing gear and safety measures in place before pulling a heavy trailer.

Which SUV has 5000 lb towing capacity?


Many SUVs can tow 5,000 lbs, including the Ford Explorer, Chevy Tahoe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, and Honda Pilot. Other options include the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Subaru Ascent, and Volkswagen Atlas. 
Examples of SUVs with a 5,000+ lb towing capacity

  • Ford Explorer: Up to 5,600 lbs, depending on the engine.
  • Chevrolet Tahoe: Up to 8,400 lbs for some models.
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee: Up to 6,200 lbs for some models.
  • Nissan Pathfinder: Up to 6,000 lbs.
  • Toyota 4Runner: Up to 5,000 lbs.
  • Honda Pilot: Up to 5,000 lbs.
  • Kia Telluride: Up to 5,500 lbs on some trims.
  • Hyundai Palisade: Up to 5,000 lbs.
  • Subaru Ascent: Up to 5,000 lbs.
  • Volkswagen Atlas: Up to 5,000 lbs.
  • Dodge Durango: Up to 8,700 lbs on some models.
  • Chevrolet Traverse: Up to 5,000 lbs. 



Which Honda SUV has the best towing capacity?


The Pilot offers an impressive towing capacity of 3,500 lbs on 2-Wheel-Drive models and 5,000 lbs on All-Wheel-Drive models. A perfect sidekick to haul a small boat or RV. Plus you can drive with confidence knowing your Pilot is backed by the standard collection of Honda Sensing™ driver assist technologies.



What Honda has 5000 lb towing capacity?


Honda Ridgeline
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. The Honda Ridgeline towing specs garners a maximum capacity of 5,000 lbs.



Can a Honda Odyssey tow 5000 lbs?


No, a Honda Odyssey cannot tow 5,000 lbs; its maximum towing capacity is 3,500 lbs when properly equipped. While models like the Honda Pilot and Ridgeline have a 5,000-pound towing capacity, the Odyssey is limited to 3,500 lbs across all its trim levels. 

  • Maximum towing capacity: 3,500 lbs. 
  • Required equipment: The vehicle must be properly equipped to reach this capacity, which can include a dealer-installed towing package. 
  • Similar models: Other Honda vehicles, such as the Pilot and Ridgeline, are rated for up to 5,000 lbs, which may be a better option if you need to tow a heavier load. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.