Honda Pilot Towing Capacity
When it's time for another adventure, you can bring your camping gear, an ATV, or other equipment along for the ride thanks to the reliable Honda Pilot towing capacity. The Pilot is more than an SUV – it's a weekend warrior ready to take your excursions to the next level.
While other articles outline the interior design and intuitive technology of the new Honda Pilot, this one will focus on the Pilot's critical towing specs and how this SUV can generate such incredible power.
Exactly How Much Can a Honda Pilot Tow?
All six trims of the rugged 2024 Honda Pilot are equipped with a Tow drive mode, so right from the start, you know this SUV is ready for action. The LX, Sport, EX-L, and Touring trim levels offer a choice of 2WD or AWD configurations, giving you respective tow ratings of 3,500 pounds1 and 5,000 pounds.1 Choose the TrailSport or Elite trims for standard AWD and a 5,000-pound towing capacity.1
To compare Honda Pilot towing specs across model years, take a glance at our comparison chart below. The chart will help you see just how much recent pre-owned models can tow as well so you can better determine whether you'd prefer to buy a brand-new SUV or save some money with an older vehicle.
Honda Pilot Towing Capacity Chart |
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|---|---|---|
| Year | Honda Pilot 2WD | Honda Pilot AWD |
| 2016 - 2024 | 3,500 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| 2012 - 2015 | 2,000 lbs1 | 4,500 lbs1 |
| 2009 - 2011 | 3,500 lbs1 | 4,500 lbs1 |
| 2003 - 2008 | 3,500 lbs1 (for all trailer types) | 4,500 lbs1 (for boat trailers) |
How Can the Honda Pilot Tow That Much?
Since its inception in 2003, this SUV has made big waves. While the Pilot is not a big truck (or a truck at all), its engine and drivetrain let it tow like one. A 2015 refresh introduced the streamlined i-VTM4 All-Wheel Drive System to the Pilot's capabilities and increased its towing power substantially for every model year thereafter. This i-VTM4 System harnesses a torque-vectoring, electronically controlled, and hydraulically actuated rear differential that distributes optimized torque between the front and rear axles.
Moving ahead to the present day, the 2024 Honda Pilot is equipped with a 285-horsepower V-6 engine that outputs 262 pound-feet of torque, and its 24-valve DOHC with dual VTC fills each cylinder more efficiently to improve performance at higher engine speeds.
Precision-built trailer hitch accessories also allow this rugged sport ute to deliver outstanding tow strength within the midsize SUV segment. When properly installed alongside an ATF cooler component, the accessories enable Pilot AWD models to reach their maximum tow strength of 5,000 pounds.1
In real-world terms, these numbers mean that your midsize Pilot could tow the weight of a large meteor – and there's nothing midsize about that! Learn more about trailer hitches, other accessories, and genuine Honda parts that can maximize your SUV's performance by browsing our online Honda parts department catalog or talking with our experts.
The new Honda Pilot is also just as comfortable on the road as it is off, so if you're wondering how this powerful vehicle would perform on weekday errand runs with the family, you're in the right place. Learn more about the new model year's capabilities and features by perusing all of the 2024 Honda Pilot specs online or at our dealership. The benefits of this off-road SUV are endless, so feel free to take your time exploring!
Towing Capacity Calculations & How They Work
If towing calculations pique your interest, we're here to give you the details. First, let's define "towing capacity": This term refers to the maximum amount of mass your SUV can tow when pulling things like ATVs, trailers, and more.
There are multiple ways to measure towing capacity. For the Honda Pilot specifically, the manufacturers calculated its towing capacity by subtracting the vehicle's curb weight from its Gross Combined Weight Rating, or GCWR. The GCWR is the total weight of a loaded Honda Pilot SUV along with the weight of an attached trailer.
Learn More About Honda SUVs at Muller Honda Highland Park
The experts at Muller Honda Highland Park are here to make sure you have access to a great selection of premium Honda SUVs for sale. Whether you're most interested in a new Honda Pilot or you have your eye on another reliable model, our dedicated staff is on hand to support you.
With the help of our knowledgeable sales associates and competitive rates from our finance team, you can slide behind the wheel of a bold new or pre-owned vehicle that delivers excellent payload ratings, versatile cargo space, and luxury interior amenities. Go ahead and plan your next adventure! Our Honda vehicles are up to the challenge, especially those that can tow thousands of pounds in weekend getaway equipment.
1Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.