2024 Honda Pilot: Towing Capacity & Payload

The 2024 Honda Pilot can tow between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the drivetrain and trim level.

Quick answer

• Max Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs (2WD), 5,000 lbs (AWD)
• Max Payload Capacity: 1,327–1,597 lbs
• GVWR: 5,820 lbs
• GCWR: 9,259 lbs (2WD), 10,500 lbs (AWD)
• Curb Weight: 4,321–4,685 lbs
• Hitch Class: Class III

Tow ratings by engine & trim

The 2024 Honda Pilot comes with a single engine option across all trims: a 3.5L V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Note: Payload capacity varies slightly by trim level and optional equipment. Always consult your vehicle's door jamb sticker for the most accurate payload information.

Tow package contents

The 2024 Honda Pilot does not offer a standalone "tow package" as some other manufacturers do, but several features enhance its towing capabilities, especially with the AWD models that achieve the 5,000-pound rating. The AWD system includes a heavy-duty automatic transmission cooler, which is crucial for maintaining transmission health during towing. An integrated trailer brake controller is not included as a factory option and would need to be installed aftermarket for trailers with electric brakes. Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) is a standard feature that helps mitigate trailer sway by applying braking to individual wheels and/or reducing engine power.

5th-wheel & gooseneck

The 2024 Honda Pilot is not designed for 5th-wheel or gooseneck towing. These types of hitches are typically reserved for heavy-duty trucks and require a much more robust frame and suspension system than a mid-size SUV can offer. Attempting to tow a 5th-wheel or gooseneck trailer with a Honda Pilot would be unsafe and could lead to serious damage to the vehicle and potentially hazardous driving conditions.

Weight distribution & WDH requirements

For trailers weighing over 2,000 pounds, Honda strongly recommends using a weight-distributing hitch (WDH) with the 2024 Pilot. A WDH helps to distribute the tongue weight of the trailer more evenly across all axles of both the tow vehicle and the trailer, improving stability, handling, and braking performance. It's important to ensure your WDH is properly adjusted to prevent excessive stress on the vehicle's frame and suspension components. Tongue weight should generally be between 10% and 15% of the total trailer weight.

Real-world towing tips for this vehicle

1. Check your tires: Ensure your Pilot's tires (and the trailer's tires) are properly inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressures for towing. This is usually listed on a sticker inside the driver's side doorjamb.
2. Distribute the load: Load your trailer correctly, with about 60% of the cargo weight in the front half of the trailer, to maintain proper tongue weight and prevent sway.
3. Drive cautiously: When towing, accelerate and brake more gradually. Allow for increased stopping distances and avoid sudden maneuvers. Maintain a slower speed, especially in adverse weather or on winding roads.
4. Monitor temperatures: Pay attention to your engine and transmission temperature gauges. If you notice them getting too high, pull over and allow the vehicle to cool down. The heavy-duty transmission cooler in AWD models helps, but vigilance is still key.
5. Practice: If you're new to towing, practice in a safe, open area before heading out on the road. Practice turns, backing up, and braking.
6. Regular maintenance: Ensure your Pilot is well-maintained, especially the brakes, tires, and cooling system, before any towing adventure.

Common towing-related issues

Owners of the Honda Pilot, like any SUV used for towing, might encounter certain issues if they push the limits of their vehicle or neglect proper towing practices:

• Overheating: While the AWD models include a transmission cooler, towing heavy loads up steep grades in hot weather can still lead to overheating of the engine or transmission. This can be mitigated by driving in a lower gear to reduce strain.
• Excessive wear on brakes: The added weight of a trailer puts more stress on the braking system, leading to faster wear of brake pads and rotors. Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial.
• Reduced fuel economy: Towing significantly increases aerodynamic drag and engine load, leading to a noticeable drop in fuel efficiency.
• Suspension sag: Without a weight-distributing hitch, heavy tongue weight can cause the rear of the Pilot to sag, affecting handling and potentially impacting headlight aim. Proper WDH setup is essential to prevent this.
• Trailer sway: Improper weight distribution on the trailer, high winds, or sudden maneuvers can induce trailer sway. The Pilot's Trailer Stability Assist helps, but correct trailer loading is the first line of defense.

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