The 2019 Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, and its tongue weight (the downward force the trailer tong gets on the hitch) tops out around 525 pounds in that configuration. If the vehicle isn’t equipped for the higher tow rating, the limits are lower, typically around 3,500 pounds of trailer weight with a proportionally smaller tongue load.
Tow ratings and tongue weight: the basics you need to know
Understanding tongue weight requires looking at both the trailer’s total load and the Pilot’s hitch setup. The official figures vary depending on whether the vehicle has Honda’s Tow Package and on drivetrain configuration, so it’s important to differentiate between the higher-tow and standard configurations.
- Max towing capacity with the Honda Tow Package: up to 5,000 pounds. This applies to models equipped with the required hitch and accessory package, available on both front- and all-wheel-drive versions.
- Maximum tongue weight for the 5,000-pound tow setup: about 525 pounds (roughly 10.5% of the trailer’s weight).
- Standard or non-Tow Package towing capacity: typically 3,500 pounds, which implies a lower tongue weight—approximately 350 pounds—depending on the exact configuration and hitch.
- Important caveat: tongue weight is a percentage of the trailer’s gross weight and is influenced by load distribution, hitch hardware, and axle loading. Always confirm the exact specs in the owner’s manual and with the dealer for your trim and equipment.
In practice, most owners towing near the higher limit should plan for a tongue weight near 525 pounds if they’ve added the Tow Package and are towing a 5,000-pound trailer. If you’re towing lighter loads or without the Tow Package, expect a lighter tongue weight consistent with the lower trailer weight rating.
Towing configuration and handling: what changes based on setup
Choosing the right configuration affects how the Pilot handles a trailer, especially at highway speeds and on uneven surfaces. The Tongue Weight figure is just one piece of the equation; overall stability also depends on how weight is distributed on the trailer, braking, and hitch quality.
Tow package specifics
The Honda Tow Package typically includes the hitch receiver, wiring harness, and other components needed to safely tow up to 5,000 pounds. It is the key enabler for reaching the higher tongue weight rating and requires proper installation and adherence to payload limits.
Load distribution and hitch options
Distributing weight correctly in the trailer (front-to-back and side-to-side) helps maintain stability and keeps tongue weight within the recommended range. If you’re using a weight-distribution hitch, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and Honda’s recommendations for the Pilot’s payload and hitch class.
Practical guidance for Pilot owners planning to tow
Before you tow, verify equipment and plan your load. The following steps can help ensure you stay within safe limits and maintain control on the road.
- Check your specific vehicle’s tow rating and tongue weight in the owner's manual, including whether the Tow Package is installed.
- Confirm the hitch class and maximum tongue weight your receiver is rated to handle.
- Distribute the trailer load so that the tongue weight stays within the recommended range (about 10–12% of trailer weight for many setups of the higher-tow configuration).
- Use a properly rated weight-distribution hitch if your loading approaches the upper end of the recommended tongue weight.
- Ensure trailer brakes and lighting are functioning correctly, and account for braking distance and wind resistance.
- Test-tow in a safe area before highway use to get a feel for the Pilot’s handling with the trailer attached.
Again, always cross-check with Honda’s official documentation and your dealer to confirm exact numbers for your year, trim, and installed equipment.
Summary
For the 2019 Honda Pilot, the tongue weight capacity is greatest when the vehicle is equipped with the Honda Tow Package, allowing up to 5,000 pounds of trailer weight and about 525 pounds of tongue weight. Without that package, the towing limit drops to about 3,500 pounds with a proportionally lower tongue weight. Always verify your specific configuration and follow the owner’s manual guidance to tow safely.