The Honda Pilot and Honda Passport are the models in Honda’s lineup that can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the official Tow Package. Without that option, most Pilots top out at about 3,500 pounds.
This article examines which Honda models—specifically the Pilot SUV and its sibling, the Passport—offer a 5,000-pound towing capacity, what equipment is required, and how to tow safely.
Tow capacity basics for Honda SUVs
Understanding how Honda rates towing helps buyers determine whether they can haul heavy trailers. The 5,000-pound rating applies only when the vehicle is equipped with the Tow Package and used with properly loaded trailers that stay within payload and hitch limits.
Models that can tow 5,000 lbs
Below are the Honda models that reach 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the Tow Package.
- Honda Pilot (2016–present) with the Tow Package — up to 5,000 lbs
- Honda Passport (2019–present) with the Tow Package — up to 5,000 lbs
Conclusion: Always verify your exact trim, year, drivetrain, and the presence of the Tow Package with a dealer or in the owner's manual, as specifications can vary by year and market.
Honda Pilot specifics
The Pilot's 3.5-liter V6 and 9-speed automatic transmission underpin its towing capability. With the Tow Package, which commonly includes a heavier-duty cooling system, an integrated trailer hitch, wiring, and related upgrades, the Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This capacity applies to both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, though payload and efficiency vary by drivetrain and trim.
Honda Passport specifics
The Passport shares its engine and platform with the Pilot and likewise reaches 5,000 pounds when equipped with the Tow Package. The two-row SUV has a similar towing setup, with payload and curb weight factors influencing real-world capability and handling.
What you need to tow 5,000 lbs safely
To achieve the 5,000-pound rating, a few baseline items are typically required besides the Tow Package.
- Tow Package installed on the vehicle
- Class III trailer hitch and 2-inch receiver
- Trailer wiring harness and electrical connections
- Engine and transmission cooling upgrades
- Appropriate trailer brakes for heavier trailers (per local law and the manual)
The Tow Package is essential for the 5,000-pound rating; ensure the trailer’s weight, tongue weight, payload, and braking requirements align with the vehicle’s specifications.
Safety considerations and real-world towing tips
Heavy towing changes vehicle dynamics. Plan ahead with proper hitching, speed management, and trip planning. Ensure the trailer’s brakes are functional and inspected, and be mindful of payload limits and adjustments needed for wind, hills, and long-distance towing.
Always verify the exact year, trim, and drivetrain, and consult Honda’s official specifications or a dealer for precise numbers and required equipment.
Summary
In Honda’s lineup, the Pilot and Passport are the primary models capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the Tow Package. Without the Tow Package, towing capacity typically sits around 3,500 pounds. Confirm year, trim, and equipment with a dealer, and ensure you have the proper hitch, wiring, and braking setup to tow near the 5,000-pound limit.