Honda Pilot Towing Capacity By Trim & Engine
The Honda Pilot towing capacity makes it an excellent choice for those who need both versatility and power in their three-row SUV. With the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds,1 the 2026 Honda Pilot is ideal for hauling boats, trailers, or recreational vehicles like ATVs and Jet Skis. When adventure calls, the tow capacity of Honda Pilot SUVs answers.
The team DARCARS Honda gives you a detailed look at the Honda Pilot towing capacity – from the latest models to the earlier editions.
Honda Pilot Towing Capacity at a Glance
- Maximum Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 pounds1 with the available AWD system and towing package on model years 2016 to 2026.
- Towing Features: Includes available factory-installed trailer hitch, wiring harness, and safety systems like Hill Descent Control and Vehicle Stability Assist for enhanced control.
- Ideal Towing Loads: Suitable for trailers, boats, ATVs, dirt bikes, small campers, and lightweight RVs.
- Towing Safety: Always check the weight of your load to stay within the vehicle's towing capacity for optimal performance and safety.
Honda Pilot Towing Capacity by Model Year
The Pilot has evolved over the years, with 2016 to the 2026 Honda Pilot towing capacity hitting the highest at a 5,000-pound max rating.1 The towing ability on this full-size SUV is determined by the drivetrain, as you'll choose between 2WD and AWD.
The maximum standard towing capacity with a 2WD configuration is 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
| 2026 Honda Pilot 2WD | 2026 Honda Pilot AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3,500 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| 2025 | 3,500 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| 2024 | 3,500 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| 2023 | 3,500 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| 2022 | 3,500 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| 2021 | 3,500 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| 2020 | 3,500 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| 2019 | 3,500 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| 2018 | 3,500 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| 2017 | 3,500 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| 2016 | 3,500 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| 2015 | 2,000 lbs1 | 4,500 lbs1 |
| 2014 | 2,000 lbs1 | 4,500 lbs1 |
| 2013 | 2,000 lbs1 | 4,500 lbs1 |
| 2012 | 2,000 lbs1 | 4,500 lbs1 |
| 2011 | 3,500 lbs1 | 4,500 lbs1 |
| 2010 | 3,500 lbs1 | 4,500 lbs1 |
| 2009 | 3,500 lbs1 | 4,500 lbs1 |
| 2008 | 3,500 lbs1 | 4,500 lbs1 |
2026 Honda Pilot Towing Capacity by Trim
The 2026 Honda Pilot comes in seven robust trims, including the adventure-ready TrailSport that features standard off-road suspension and a TrailWatch Camera System, as well as the top-of-the-line Black Edition, which oozes with premium luxury. Every Pilot SUV is equipped with the same 285-horsepower V-6 engine that kicks out 262 pound-feet of torque. Depending on your configuration, you'll be able to hit a 5,000-pound tow capacity.1
Here's a look at the towing capacity of the 2026 Honda Pilot trims.
| 2026 Honda Pilot 2WD | 2026 Honda Pilot AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | 3,500 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| EX-L | 3,500 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| TrailSport | N / A | 5,000 lbs1 |
| Touring | N / A | 5,000 lbs1 |
| Touring Blackout | N / A | 5,000 lbs1 |
| Elite | N / A | 5,000 lbs1 |
| Black Edition | N / A | 5,000 lbs1 |
For drivers wanting to achieve the 5,000-pound max towing capacity1 in the new Honda Pilot, you'll need a trim equipped with the i-VTM4 AWD System and the necessary towing equipment, such as a trailer hitch, which we can set you up with at DARCARS Honda.
Honda Pilot Tow Capacity: What Can You Tow?
Now that we've taken a look at the towing capacity of the Honda Pilot throughout the years, as well as the current trim options, let's talk about what you can actually haul with this three-row SUV:
- Trailers: Whether it's a camping trailer, utility trailer, or small horse trailer, the Pilot can easily handle hauls up to 5,000 pounds.1
- Boats: The Pilot is an excellent choice for towing boats, including medium-sized fishing boats, Jet Skis, or even small recreational motor boats.
- ATVs and Dirt Bikes: If you're heading to off-road trails, the Pilot can tow your ATVs, dirt bikes, or other vehicles for a fun-filled trip.
- RVs: While larger RVs may exceed the Pilot's towing capacity, smaller pop-up campers, teardrop campers, or lightweight travel trailers are well within its range.
- Large Equipment: For those who need to move heavy gear or equipment, the Pilot can tow large lawnmowers, construction tools, or other bulky items that don't exceed the tow weight.
No matter what you're hauling across town or on the open road, always refer to the owner's manual for towing guidelines, and check the weight of your trailer or cargo to ensure it doesn't exceed the weight limit. Overloading can strain the vehicle's tires and cause a blowout, compromise the suspension, or even cause mechanical failure to the engine or transmission.
Instead, properly loading your trailer helps ensure better stability and control on the road. Try to distribute weight as evenly as possible to help you steer and handle the vehicle better when driving.
Of course, when you're ready to take advantage of our revolving Honda Pilot lease offers, we can help you weigh your options. Check out our pros and cons list below for a quick handy guide, and then call our dealership to schedule a test-drive today.
Pros & Cons of the Honda Pilot Towing Capacity
Pros
- 5,000-pound1 maximum tow rating
- Excellent capability for hefty items
- Ideal for adventure equipment
- Tow Mode comes standard across all trims
Cons
- Standard towing capacity is 3,500 pounds when properly equipped
- Requires additional accessories or packages for maximum towing
- Maximum rating often requires AWD
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Honda Pilot require a towing package?
To achieve the 5,000-pound1 maximum towing on the 2026 Honda Pilot, it will need to be configured with the i-VTM4 All-Wheel-Drive System and an available towing package that comes with a factory-installed trailer hitch and wiring harness. This precision-built trailer hitch is designed to ensure maximum towing performance and stability, allowing you to tow with confidence.
Which Honda Pilot trim has the highest towing capacity?
The 2026 Honda Pilot Sport and EX-L can achieve a max towing capability of 5,000 pounds1 when equipped with the available AWD system. The Touring, TrailSport, Touring Blackout Elite, and Black Edition trims come standard with all-wheel drive and can hit the same 5,000-pound max tow rating.1 All trims require the available towing package that features a factory-installed trailer hitch.
What safety features help when towing with a Honda Pilot?
Available and standard safety and performance features in the new Honda Pilot include Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, a Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines, Low-Speed Braking Control, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Monitor, and Blind Spot Information System. With safety at the forefront, you can enjoy this ride comfortably.
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1Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.