Honda SUV Towing Capacity: What Each Model Can Handle
So you’re planning a camping trip and wondering if your Honda can actually pull that small trailer, or maybe you’re looking at a used Pilot and want to know if it can handle your boat.
Here’s the thing about towing—every Honda SUV has a limit, and pushing past it is a recipe for transmission trouble, brake failure, or worse. The good news is that Honda’s SUV lineup offers a range of towing abilities, from the light-duty HR-V to the heavy-hauling Pilot and Passport.
Let’s break down exactly what each model can handle.
At a Glance: Honda SUV Towing Capacities
| Model | Max Towing Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HR-V | 1,000 lbs | Most years (2016–2025) |
| CR-V (Gas) | 1,500 lbs | All 2025 gas models, 2WD and AWD |
| CR-V (Hybrid) | 1,000 lbs | All 2025 hybrid trims |
| Passport | 5,000 lbs | 2025–2026 models, requires accessory equipment |
| Pilot (2WD) | 3,500 lbs | Base capacity for 2026 models |
| Pilot (AWD) | 5,000 lbs | All 2026 AWD models, including TrailSport |
The Lightweights: HR-V and CR-V
Honda HR-V: 1,000 lbs
The HR-V is a subcompact SUV built for city driving and fuel efficiency, not towing heavy loads . For the 2019 model year, every trim and drivetrain combination is rated at exactly 1,000 lbs—LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L, both 2WD and AWD . The tongue weight limit is just 100 lbs, meaning that’s the maximum downward force your trailer can put on the hitch.
Older HR-Vs follow a similar pattern. Models from 2016 to 2022 are rated for 800 kg (roughly 1,760 lbs) with a braked trailer, but those numbers often vary by market and year . Newer HR-Vs (2023–2025) show 0 kg braked capacity on some listings, which likely means Honda recommends against towing with those models altogether . If you have a newer HR-V, definitely check your owner’s manual before hitching anything up.
Honda CR-V: 1,000–1,500 lbs
The CR-V offers a bit more muscle. For 2025 gas models with the 1.5-liter turbo engine, towing capacity is 1,500 lbs for both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions .
But if you’re looking at a CR-V hybrid, the capacity drops to 1,000 lbs . The hybrid system prioritizes fuel economy over towing strength, so the 204-horsepower powertrain isn’t rated to pull as much as the gas engine.
Here’s the catch: towing with any CR-V requires the correct accessory equipment, including a trailer hitch . And while 1,500 lbs sounds decent, that’s really only enough for a small utility trailer, a couple of jet skis, or a lightweight camper. If you need to tow a boat or a full-sized trailer, the CR-V probably won’t cut it.
The Heavy Hitters: Passport and Pilot
Honda Passport: 5,000 lbs
The Passport is Honda’s two-row midsize SUV, and it’s built for capability. Both the 2025 and 2026 models are rated at 5,000 lbs maximum towing capacity .
That’s enough to pull a 24-foot camper or a 22-foot boat, according to Honda . The Passport’s 285-horsepower V6 provides the muscle, and towing requires accessory equipment available at your dealership . The TrailSport Elite trim pushes the Passport’s curb weight up to about 4,707 lbs, but the towing capacity remains the same .
Honda Pilot: 3,500–5,000 lbs
The Pilot is Honda’s largest SUV, and its towing capacity depends on the drivetrain.
2WD models are rated at 3,500 lbs . That’s the standard capacity for front-wheel-drive Pilots.
AWD models (including all TrailSport trims) can handle 5,000 lbs . Honda says that’s enough for a 24-foot camper or a 22-foot boat . The TrailSport comes with an integrated Class III trailer hitch as standard equipment, so you won’t need to add it yourself .
When towing more than 3,500 lbs, Honda recommends premium unleaded fuel for the Pilot’s 285-horsepower V6 .
Important Towing Tips
1. Check Your Owner’s Manual
These numbers are general guidelines. Always verify your specific vehicle’s capacity in the owner’s manual. Towing capacity can vary by model year, trim, and optional equipment.
2. Don’t Forget the Tongue Weight
Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer puts on your hitch. For the HR-V, it’s just 100 lbs . For the CR-V and heavier models, you’ll find the limit in your manual. Exceeding tongue weight can affect steering and braking.
3. You Need the Right Equipment
A trailer hitch, wiring harness, and potentially a transmission cooler and brake controller are all part of the equation . Towing a trailer that weighs more than half the vehicle’s curb weight usually requires trailer brakes on the trailer itself.
What kind of load are you planning to tow with your Honda? Drop a comment below and share what you’ve hauled or plan to haul.
