How Much Can a Honda Pilot Tow? (Towing Capacity Year to Year)

The Honda Pilot is known to pack a lot of power in its wheels and engine. It has become one of the country’s go-to vehicles for handling the big jobs smaller vehicle can’t.

But if you intend to use your Pilot as a tow vehicle, then you might want to know its capability before making your choice.

So, what is the towing capacity of a Honda Pilot?

The towing capacity of your Honda Pilot depends on its drivetrain. If your Pilot is equipped with a standard 2-Wheel Drive system, it can tow a maximum of 3,500 pounds. But if it is fitted with an All-Wheel Drive system, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Depending on the trim level and drivetrain of your Pilot, you can use the Honda Pilot’s towing capacity in various ways.

In this article, I will discuss Honda Pilot’s towing capacity and highlight the capacity of the different Pilot trims from 2020-2022. Let’s dig in!

Honda Pilot’s towing capacity

The Honda Pilot has a lot of power thanks to its 3.5 liter 24 valve V6 engine. Its engine produces up to 280 horsepower and 262 lbs of torque. However, the towing ability of the Honda Pilot varies depending on the trim level and drivetrain.

With standard 2WD, the Honda Pilot LX, EX, EX-L, Special Edition, and Touring trim levels have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. But when equipped with the Intelligent Variable Torque Management AWD System, their towing capacity can be increased to 5,000 pounds.

The Black Edition and Elite trims, on the other hand, come with AWD and have a maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds.

Honda Pilot also has strong towing features that improve its towing performance. The Honda Pilot tow hitch, commonly known as a “trailer hitch,” is one of its towing features. It is a requirement for towing and contributes to the Honda Pilot’s towing capacity.

While the Honda Pilot has good towing capabilities, it is not as good as other SUVs powered by V8 engines. So, you may want to play it safe when using your Pilot as a tow vehicle.

Here’s a rundown of the Honda Pilot trim levels from 2020 to 2022, as well as their drivetrain systems and towing capacities.

How much a Honda Pilot 2022 can tow?

Trim	2WD Drivetrain	4WD Drivetrain	Towing capacity 2WD/4WD
Sport	Standard	Available	3500 lbs/5000 lbs
EX-L	Standard	Available	3500 lbs/5000 lbs
Special edition	Standard	Available	3500 lbs/5000 lbs
Trail sports	Standard	Available	3500 lbs/5000 lbs
Touring	Standard	Available	3500 lbs/5000 lbs
Elite	N/A	Standard	N/A/5000 lbs
Black edition	N/A	Standard	N/A/5000 lbs

Towing capacity of Honda Pilot 2022

How much can a Honda Pilot 2021 tow?

Trim	2WD Drivetrain	4WD Drivetrain	Towing capacity 2WD/4WD
LX	Standard	Available	3500 lbs/5000 lbs
EX	Standard	Available	3500 lbs/5000 lbs
EX-L	Standard	Available	3500 lbs/5000 lbs
Special edition	Standard	Available	3500 lbs/5000 lbs
Touring	Standard	Available	3500 lbs/5000 lbs
Elite	N/A	Standard	N/A/5000 lbs
Black edition	N/A	Standard	N/A/5000 lbs

Towing capacity of Honda Pilot 2021

How much a Honda Pilot 2020 can tow?

Trim	2WD Drivetrain	4WD Drivetrain	Towing capacity 2WD/4WD
L	Standard	Available	3500 lbs/5000 lbs
EX	Standard	Available	3500 lbs/5000 lbs
EX-L	Standard	Available	3500 lbs/5000 lbs
Touring	Standard	Available	3500 lbs/5000 lbs
Elite	N/A	Standard	N/A/5000 lbs

Towing capacity of Honda Pilot 2020

Other Honda Pilot years towing capacities

Honda Pilots from 2016 to 2019 have a towing capacity of 3,500 to 5,000 pounds. The 2WD has a towing capacity of 3500 pounds, while the AWD has a towing capacity of 5000 pounds.

However, Honda Pilots from 2012 to 2015 have a towing capacity ranging from 2,000 to 4,500 pounds. The capacity of the 2WD is 2,000 pounds, while the AWD is 4,500 pounds.

Honda Pilots made between 2009 and 2011 have a towing capacity of 3500 pounds to 4500 pounds on the 2WD and AWD, respectively. For Honda Pilots manufactured between 2003 and 2008, they have a towing capacity of 3500-4500 pounds on the 2WD and AWD, respectively.

Honda Pilot’s safety towing features

Towing heavy loads might impair the handling and stability of your Pilot. This might happen when driving around sharp turns or on hilly terrain.

The Honda Pilot has a performance and driver-assist technology that ensure safe towing. When towing, you can take advantage of these features.

Here are some of the Honda Pilot’s towing safety features.

Multi-Angle Rearview Camera

The Honda Pilot has a multi-angle rearview camera that allows you to keep an eye on any cargo you’re towing. Parking is also made easy and safer with the camera.

Hill Start Assist

The Honda Pilot has a hill start assist feature to keep you safe when driving up a hill. The hill start assist activates when it detects that you’re on a hill or an incline.

It automatically applies the brakes for a few seconds when you move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator. This prevents your Pilot from sliding back when you’re towing heavy cargo.

Intelligent Variable Torque Management AWD System (I-VTM)

The Pilot’s towing capacity is increased thanks to the Intelligent Variable Torque Management AWD System.

The I-VTM assists the engine in delivering the appropriate amount of torque to each axle. It can also monitor each wheel’s traction and redistribute power to increase traction and stability on slippery roads and rough terrain.

Tow Package

The tow package enables your pilot to haul large and heavy cargo efficiently and safely. With the tow package, your cargo is firmly secured to the vehicle whether you’re driving fast, making a sudden curve, or navigating uneven terrain.

The tow package comprises a trailer hitch receiver, a trailer hitch locking pin, a hitch harness with a seven-pin connector, and a trailer hitch ball.

Conclusion

Compared to similar sized vehicles, the towing capacity of Honda Pilot stacks up pretty good. You can expect your Honda Pilot to tow between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds.

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