The Pilot can tow a trailer, but only when equipped with Honda’s Trailer Tow Package, which adds a hitch and the necessary towing hardware. With that package, the vehicle is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds; without it, towing capacity is limited to about 3,500 pounds.
This article explains whether the 2020 Pilot ships with a hitch, what the Trailer Tow Package includes, and how towing capacity varies by drivetrain and trim. It also covers how to verify equipment on a used Pilot and practical considerations for towing.
Trailer Tow Package and Hitch Availability
Not every 2020 Honda Pilot comes with a trailer hitch by default. A factory 2-inch hitch receiver is included only when the Trailer Tow Package is installed, along with other towing hardware.
What the Trailer Tow Package Includes
The following components are typically included with Honda’s Trailer Tow Package for the 2020 Pilot:
- 2-inch hitch receiver
- 7-pin wiring harness
- Engine and transmission cooling enhancements (coolers)
- Tow/Haul mode or related towing software adjustments
With these components installed, the Pilot is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped and used within the limits described in the owner's manual.
Towing Capacity and Practical Considerations
How much you can tow depends on whether the trailer tow package is installed and on drivetrain configuration. Here are the general expectations for the 2020 Pilot:
- With the Trailer Tow Package: up to 5,000 pounds
- Without the Trailer Tow Package: up to 3,500 pounds (or less, depending on equipment and configuration)
- Drivetrain variations (2WD vs. AWD): both can reach the 5,000-pound rating when equipped with the package
Always confirm the exact towing capacity in your vehicle’s owner’s manual and on the tow rating label in your door jamb. Proper hitch installation, weight distribution, and trailer braking requirements must be followed for safe towing.
Do Any Trims Come with a Hitch Standard?
No. For the 2020 model year, no Pilot trim shipped with a factory tow hitch as standard equipment. The 2-inch hitch and the 5,000-pound towing capability require the optional Trailer Tow Package, which Honda offered as an upgrade. If you’re evaluating a used Pilot, check whether the Trailer Tow Package was included or if aftermarket hitch hardware has been installed.
Summary
In short, the 2020 Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds, but only when equipped with Honda’s Trailer Tow Package, which includes a 2-inch hitch receiver and the necessary towing hardware. The hitch is not standard on any trim and relies on the optional package to achieve full towing capability. If you don’t have the trailer tow package, the Pilot’s towing limit drops to about 3,500 pounds. Always verify the exact equipment on your vehicle and consult the owner’s manual for safe towing practices.
Editorial Note
For current buyers or those checking a specific VIN, confirm the presence of the Trailer Tow Package with a dealer or by inspecting the vehicle’s window sticker and under-hood equipment, as configurations can vary by market and production date.