Which Honda Pilot can tow 5000 lbs?
The Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds, but only when it is equipped with Honda’s factory Tow Package and the proper drivetrain. Not every Pilot qualifies, so check your year, trim, and options to confirm the exact rating.
Understanding the 5,000-pound towing limit
The 5,000-pound rating is the maximum towing capacity Honda assigns to Pilots that are properly equipped with the Tow Package. This package typically includes a heavier-duty hitch setup, engine and transmission coolers, wiring, and associated hardware designed to support heavier trailers. The rating can vary by year and configuration, so always verify the capacity for your specific vehicle in the owner's manual or on the Monroney sticker.
Key components and requirements to achieve the 5,000-pound capability include:
- 3.5-liter V6 engine, which is the standard powerplant for Pilots that offer higher towing figures.
- Factory Tow Package, which adds trailer hitch hardware, cooling upgrades, and trailer wiring.
- Proper transmission and cooling support to manage extended trailer towing.
- Confirmation that your drivetrain configuration (2WD or AWD) is eligible for the 5,000-pound rating with the Tow Package.
- Adherence to the published GVWR, tongue weight, and gross trailer weight limits for your specific model year and trim.
In practice, the Tow Package is the gating factor. Without it, the Pilot’s towing capacity is typically lower, often around 3,500 pounds depending on the year and configuration.
Which model years and trims are commonly associated with 5,000 pounds
For the current generation and recent model years, Honda lists a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity when the Tow Package is installed. This applies across multiple trims where the option is available, such as EX-L, Touring, and Elite variants that are equipped with the Tow Package.
Notes on confirming your vehicle
Before assuming a Pilot can tow 5,000 pounds, verify the following:
- Ownership documents or window sticker show the Tow Package as part of the vehicle’s equipment.
- The vehicle’s engine is the 3.5-liter V6 commonly paired with the 9-speed automatic transmission in the relevant model year.
- The Tow Package is listed in the vehicle’s features, and the owner’s manual provides the 5,000-pound rating for that specific configuration.
- Your trailer’s weight, tongue weight, and the combined weight with passengers and cargo do not exceed the Pilot’s GVWR or the trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating.
For exact model-year applicability, always refer to Honda’s official specs for your vehicle. Tires, aftermarket modifications, and non-factory parts can also affect towing capacity.
Practical tips for towing near the limit
Following proper guidelines helps ensure safe and reliable towing at the 5,000-pound level:
- Use the Tow Package-equipped configuration if you plan to tow near the maximum rating.
- Ensure the trailer hitch, wiring, and brakes meet applicable standards and are properly installed.
- Distribute weight correctly on the trailer, aiming for about 10–15% tongue weight depending on the trailer design.
- Check the vehicle’s GVWR and payload capacity to avoid overloading the chassis and suspension.
- Regularly inspect towing hardware, cooling systems, and brake performance, and follow Honda’s maintenance schedule for towing.
With the right equipment and adherence to ratings, a Honda Pilot equipped with the Tow Package can responsibly tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Summary
In short, the Honda Pilot that can tow up to 5,000 pounds is the Tow Package-equipped Pilot with the 3.5-liter V6 engine. This rating is not universal across all Pilots; it depends on the year, trim, and whether the Tow Package is installed. If you anticipate towing heavy loads, verify the configuration for your exact vehicle, follow the owner’s manual guidance, and ensure compliance with all weight limits and safety recommendations.
What is the difference between a Honda Pilot and a Honda Pilot Elite?
The main difference is that the Elite trim is a higher-end, more luxurious version of the Pilot, built on top of the Touring trim. While both share the same engine and many core features, the Elite adds premium amenities like standard all-wheel drive (AWD), a head-up display, ventilated front seats, and a larger digital instrument cluster. The Elite also includes features like heated second-row captain's chairs and a premium Bose audio system.
| Feature | Honda Pilot (standard trims, e.g., Touring) | Honda Pilot Elite |
|---|---|---|
| All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Optional | Standard |
| Front Seats | Heated | Heated and ventilated |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | Standard displays | Larger 10.2-inch display |
| Head-Up Display (HUD) | No | Standard |
| Second-Row Seats | Varies (e.g., captain's chairs) | Heated captain's chairs |
| Audio System | Standard | Premium Bose audio system |
| Wheel Size | Typically 18-inch | Typically 20-inch |
| Exterior | Standard | Roof rails and rain-sensing wipers |
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This video compares the Honda Pilot Elite and TrailSport trims: 58sThe Fast Lane CarYouTube · Jan 21, 2023
Which one should you choose?
- Choose the standard Pilot (like Touring) if: You want a well-equipped SUV with many of the same luxury features but don't need the absolute top-of-the-line items, or you prefer to have the flexibility to choose AWD as an option rather than having it be mandatory.
- Choose the Pilot Elite if: You want the most luxurious version of the Pilot with all the premium comforts and technology. It's ideal for those who want a fully loaded vehicle with features like heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and a higher-end audio system, along with the added traction of standard AWD.
You can watch this video to see a detailed comparison of the Honda Pilot EX-L and Elite trims: 59sWalser HondaYouTube · Feb 16, 2024
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.
Which Honda Pilot can tow 5000 lb?
Honda Pilot Towing Capacity By Year and Trim
| Honda Pilot Trims | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2022 Honda Pilot EX-L | 3,500 lbs. / 5,000 lbs. (FWD / AWD) |
| 2022 Honda Pilot Special Edition | 3,500 lbs. / 5,000 lbs. (FWD / AWD) |
| 2022 Honda Pilot Touring | 3,500 lbs. / 5,000 lbs. (FWD / AWD) |
| 2022 Honda Pilot Elite | N/A / 5,000 lbs. (FWD / AWD) |
Which Honda Pilot is best for towing?
Which Honda Pilot trim has the highest towing capacity? The 2025 Honda Pilot Sport, EX-L, and Touring can all achieve a max towing capability of 5,000 pounds1 when equipped with the available AWD system.
