The Honda Pilot Touring can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This maximum rating applies to most recent model years with the factory Tow Package; older or less-equipped versions may be limited to roughly 3,500–4,500 pounds. Always check your vehicle’s door jamb label and the owner’s manual for your exact configuration.
Understanding the towing rating and what affects it
The posted towing capacity reflects what the vehicle can safely pull under ideal conditions. It depends on the engine cooling, frame and suspension strength, braking capability, hitch design, and whether the Tow Package is installed. For the Pilot, the 3.5-liter V6 provides the necessary power, while the Tow Package adds components to support heavier loads. The number shown on the window sticker or owner's manual is the maximum you should tow, not a target for every trip.
What the Tow Package typically includes
In most recent Pilots, reaching the 5,000-pound rating requires the factory Tow Package, which adds a heavy-duty cooling system for the transmission, an upgraded hitch, and the wiring harness. This package also includes the standard 7-pin trailer connector. Always verify your specific year’s components on the window sticker or in the owner's manual.
The following notes summarize typical capacities by generation when the Tow Package is installed.
Before listing the commonly cited figures, it’s important to know that actual towing capacity varies by year and equipment. The numbers below assume the factory Tow Package is present and that you stay within overall vehicle limits.
- 2009–2015 Pilot: up to 4,500 pounds with Tow Package
- 2016–2022 Pilot: up to 5,000 pounds with Tow Package
- 2023–present Pilot: up to 5,000 pounds with Tow Package
In short, the Touring’s maximum tow rating has remained at 4,500–5,000 pounds depending on the generation, with the higher 5,000-pound figure becoming standard for the newer models equipped with the Tow Package.
How to tow safely with a Pilot Touring
To tow safely and within the vehicle’s limits, you should prepare and tow with the correct equipment and know-how. The following guidelines help ensure you stay within safe operating parameters.
- Ensure the trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) does not exceed 5,000 pounds when using the Tow Package, and always include tongue weight in your calculations.
- Install and use the factory Tow Package, including the correct hitch and wiring harness; an appropriate 2-inch hitch is standard for many Pilot configurations.
- For heavier loads, use a weight-distribution hitch to improve stability and steering control.
- Calculate tongue weight (about 10–15% of the trailer’s gross weight) and keep it within the recommended range for stable towing.
- Check trailer brakes, lighting, and hitch connections before every trip; be mindful of local towing regulations and required braking systems for trailers above certain weights.
Following these steps helps ensure safe and compliant towing within the Pilot’s rated limits.
Summary
The Honda Pilot Touring can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the factory Tow Package, a rating that applies to most recent generations. Earlier or non-equipped models may be limited to around 3,500–4,500 pounds. Always confirm the exact rating for your year, verify the equipment installed, and adhere to the owner’s manual guidelines. Proper towing also requires correct hitching, weight distribution, and awareness of tongue weight and trailer braking requirements.
What size trailer can you pull with a Honda Pilot?
The new Honda Pilot swaps its 4WD setup for all-wheel drive, increasing the Honda Pilot tow rating to 5,000 pounds. With this much power, the Pilot – and the Honda Passport towing capacity, too – can easily tow a 24-foot camper, a trailer with two side-by-sides, or a 22-foot boat.
What is the maximum tow capacity of a Honda Pilot Touring Edition?
5,000 pounds
Honda Pilot Touring Towing Capacity (2WD/AWD): 3,500 pounds/5,000 pounds. Honda Pilot Elite Towing Capacity (AWD): 5,000 pounds.
Which Honda Pilots can tow 5000 lbs?
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.
What is the weakness of the Honda Pilot?
Transmission Problems
Many Honda Pilot owners have reported experiencing unsettling transmission issues. Symptoms often include rough shifting, hesitation during acceleration, unexpected jerking, or even complete transmission failure.