The short answer is that the Honda HR-V is not designed to tow, and Honda does not publish a towing rating for the latest HR-V. For any towing needs, consider a vehicle that has an official tow specification, such as a CR-V, Pilot, or Ridgeline.
What the official guidance says
The following points summarize how Honda frames towing for the HR-V and what that means for owners and potential buyers.
- No published towing capacity: Honda’s official specifications for the current HR-V do not include a towing rating.
- Manuals and guidance: The HR-V owner’s manuals and official materials generally do not endorse towing with this model, and some documents emphasize using vehicles designed for towing when needed.
- Drivetrain and warranty considerations: The HR-V uses a unibody chassis and a CVT; towing can place stresses not accounted for in normal operation, and warranty coverage may be affected if towing is attempted against manufacturer guidance.
- Alternatives for towing: For customers who need towing capability, Honda directs attention to models with published tow ratings, such as the CR-V, Pilot, or Ridgeline.
In practice, this means you should not rely on the HR-V for towing. If you anticipate regular or heavier towing tasks, choosing a Honda model with an official towing specification is the prudent path.
Practical considerations if you still plan to tow with an HR-V
If you absolutely need to tow something with an HR-V, here are general safety and planning guidelines. This is not a recommendation or a substitute for official towing specifications.
- hitching and wiring: Use a hitch that matches the vehicle’s design and install proper trailer wiring. Verify that the connector and electronics are correct for the trailer’s lights and braking system.
- braking and trailer safety: Heavier trailers should have their own braking system where required by law; ensure the trailer’s braking setup is compliant with local regulations.
- driving on-road performance: Towing will affect acceleration, braking distance, steering feel, and heat management. Drive conservatively, especially on grades or in hot weather, and plan shorter trips with lighter loads.
These guidelines emphasize caution rather than endorsement. They reflect general safe-towing practices and should not be interpreted as an HR-V towing endorsement or a substitute for official specifications.
Summary
The Honda HR-V does not carry an official towing rating from Honda, and towing with this model is generally not advised. For anyone with towing needs, opting for a Honda model with a published tow capacity—such as the CR-V, Pilot, or Ridgeline—is the safer and more suitable option. If you rarely need to haul something, understand the vehicle’s payload limits and proceed with caution, but prioritize a purpose-built towing vehicle for regular or heavier loads.
What year to stay away from Honda HR-V?
What are the worst Honda HR-V years? Early cars from 2016 and 2017 are best avoided, as consumers have complained about sluggish acceleration and outdated infotainment systems—issues that were fixed from 2018 onwards.
How much weight can an HR-V pull?
But if you're towing an ATV, which can weigh between 200 and 1,170 pounds plus the trailer, you might need a vehicle that can tow at least 1,500 pounds. Here are the Honda models with a 1,000-pound tow rating: 2024 Honda HR-V: Max Towing Capacity of 1,000 pounds.
Is the Honda HR-V good for towing?
It has an average rating of 7 out of 10. Read all the reviews here. The towing capacity of the 2021 Honda HR-V supports up to 800kg. This is a braked figure, while the maximum load for any vehicle without using trailer brakes is 750kg, if rated to tow that much in the first place.
Which is better, RAV4 or HR-V?
In our testing, the RAV4 AWD reached 60 mph in 7.1 seconds—2.3 seconds quicker than the HR-V's 9.4 seconds. The RAV4 AWD achieved 42 mpg combined versus the HR-V AWD's 27 mpg combined. The RAV4 holds 38 cu ft of cargo behind the rear seats; the HR-V holds 24 cu ft.