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What is the towing capacity of the Honda Civic Si?

There is no official towing capacity listed for the Honda Civic Si; Honda does not support towing trailers with this model. For any towing needs, a different vehicle designed for towing should be used.


Official stance on towing with the Civic Si


The Civic Si is engineered as a performance-focused variant of Honda’s compact sedan/hatch lineup. Honda’s published specifications and owner resources do not provide a trailer-towing rating for the Si. In practice, Honda and many dealers advise against towing with the Civic Si, citing considerations such as suspension tuning, braking loads, and warranty implications.


Is there a published number?


Unlike some larger or more utility-focused vehicles, the Civic Si does not carry an official towing capacity in Honda’s current consumer literature or the official owner’s manual.


Why a towing rating is not provided


The Si’s sport-oriented suspension, brakes, and engine tuning are optimized for agility and performance rather than the stress and stability requirements of trailer towing. Providing a towing rating could give drivers a misleading sense of capability, and towing could raise safety and warranty concerns if the vehicle is operated beyond its intended use.


Key considerations that support the lack of a towing rating:



  • Suspension and steering geometry are tuned for sporty handling, which can be compromised by towing loads.

  • Braking systems are calibrated for light-to-medium loads typical of everyday driving, not trailer dynamics.

  • Trailer towing may void portions of the warranty if damage occurs from towing, depending on the terms.

  • The manual and official communications do not authorize trailer towing with the Si.


In summary, the official position is that there is no endorsed towing capacity for the Civic Si, and towing is not recommended by Honda.


Practical alternatives for moving items without towing


If you need to transport equipment or belongings, consider options that do not involve trailer towing with the Civic Si. Below are safe and common alternatives used by owners and rental professionals.



  • Use a roof rack or hitch-mounted cargo carrier to transport light loads that fit within vehicle weight limits (and within legal height/length restrictions).

  • Rent a pickup truck, cargo van, or a small trailer-equipped vehicle from a rental agency for one-off moves or heavier loads.

  • Hire a moving service or transportation company for larger items or long-distance hauls.

  • For bicycle or motorcycle transport, use appropriate racks or carriers designed for the Civic rather than attempting trailer towing.


These alternatives help avoid the risks associated with towing a trailer with a performance-oriented vehicle like the Civic Si.


Summary


The Honda Civic Si does not carry an official trailer towing capacity, and towing with this model is generally not recommended. If you anticipate needing to move trailers or heavy loads, choose a vehicle specifically rated for towing or rely on professional services. For everyday use, the Si delivers performance and efficiency without towing capabilities being a factor.

Which is faster, WRX or Civic SI?


Cons

2022 Honda Civic Si Specifications2022 Subaru WRX Specifications
ACCELERATION TO MPH
0-302.3 sec1.7 sec
0-403.83.2
0-505.14.3



What is the towing capacity of a Honda Civic SI?


Curb Weight: 2889 lbs. Wheelbase: 106.3 in. Overall Length: 177.3 in. Tow Capacity: 6600 lbs.



What year civic si to stay away from?


The Honda Civic years to avoid include 2001–2005, 2006–2009, 2012, 2016, and 2022. These models are known for significant problems such as cracked engine blocks, steering rack failures, faulty air conditioning systems, and unreliable airbag deployment.



What weight can a Honda Civic tow?


The towing capacity for a Honda Civic varies significantly by model year and region, with many North American models rated for very little or no towing at all. However, some models, particularly those sold in Europe or Australia, have a rated braked towing capacity between 600 kg and 1500 kg (approximately 1,300 to 3,300 lbs). For North American models, it's best to assume a very low capacity (around 1,000 lbs) for light trailers, or to check the owner's manual as many newer models are specifically stated as not being designed for towing.
 
North American models

  • Not designed for towing: Many newer Civic models in the North American market are explicitly stated in the owner's manual as not being designed for towing. 
  • Light towing only: If your Civic is rated for towing, the capacity is generally very low, often around 1,000 lbs for light trailers like a small utility trailer or a bike rack. 
  • Check the owner's manual: It is crucial to consult your specific owner's manual to confirm whether your model is rated for any towing and, if so, what the specific capacity is. 

International models (e.g., Europe, Australia)
  • Varying capacities: Depending on the model year and engine, the braked towing capacity can be between 600 kg (approx. 1,300 lbs) and 1500 kg (approx. 3,300 lbs).
  • Example: For instance, the 2013-2015 models had a capacity of up to 1500kg (3,300 lbs), while the 2018 model had a capacity of 800kg (approx. 1,760 lbs). 

Important considerations for any towing with a Civic
  • Towing with brakes: Using a trailer with its own braking system can sometimes allow for a slightly higher capacity. 
  • Tongue weight: Pay attention to the tongue weight, which is the weight the trailer exerts on the hitch. 
  • Gross vehicle weight: Never exceed the gross vehicle weight limits for your car, which includes the weight of the trailer's tongue and the weight you've loaded in the car's trunk and seats. 
  • Wear and tear: Towing puts extra strain on your vehicle's components, especially the engine, clutch, and brakes. 
  • Safety: When in doubt, it is safer to rent a vehicle that is more appropriate for the towing job, such as a truck. 


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.