Can the 2026 Honda Pilot Handle Your Boat, Camper, or Trailer?
The 2026 Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds when you go with an all-wheel-drive model. That puts it right in the thick of the three-row SUV towing conversation, alongside competitors like the Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer. But the number you’ll actually get depends on which drivetrain and trim you pick, so let’s break it all down.
- AWD models of the 2026 Pilot tow up to 5,000 pounds, while 2WD models top out at 3,500 pounds.
- Every trim runs on the same 3.5-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic.
- A dedicated Tow Mode and Trailer Stability Assist come standard across the lineup to keep things steady on the road.
Towing Capacity Honda Pilot by Drivetrain
The towing capacity Honda Pilot buyers should focus on comes down to one big choice: all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive? Pick AWD, and you’re looking at a full 5,000-pound tow rating. Stick with 2WD, and you’ll max out at 3,500 pounds.
For weekend trips towing a jet ski, a small utility trailer, or a couple of dirt bikes, the 2WD rating handles those jobs easily. But if you’ve got your eye on a 20-foot boat or a mid-size camper, you’ll want the AWD setup to reach that 5,000-pound ceiling.
What’s Under the Hood?
Every 2026 Pilot trim shares the same 3.5-liter V6 engine, which cranks out 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. That torque figure matters when you’re pulling a loaded trailer up a highway on-ramp or climbing through hilly terrain. Paired with a 10-speed automatic, the engine stays in the right gear whether you’re cruising at highway speed or accelerating from a stop with a trailer behind you.
AWD models use Honda’s i-VTM4 system, which shifts torque side-to-side and front-to-rear depending on traction conditions. The TrailSport, Touring, Touring Blackout, Elite, and Black Edition trims all come with AWD standard, so you’re automatically getting the 5,000-pound rating. If you go with the Sport or EX-L, AWD is available as an upgrade.
Towing Features That Actually Help
Honda put some real thought into the towing setup here. The 2026 Pilot includes a dedicated Tow Mode you can activate from the center console toggle. This adjusts shift behavior and throttle response to work better under load, which makes a real difference when you’re pulling uphill or merging onto the interstate.
Trailer Stability Assist monitors for sway and can apply individual brakes to straighten things out before the situation gets dicey. Hill Descent Control is available on AWD models, and the TrailSport goes a step further with a standard Class III trailer hitch receiver built right in.
2026 Honda Pilot Towing by Trim Level
| Trim | Drivetrain | Max Towing (lbs.) | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | 2WD / AWD | 3,500 / 5,000 | $42,195 |
| EX-L | 2WD / AWD | 3,500 / 5,000 | $44,495 |
| TrailSport | AWD | 5,000 | $50,395 |
| Touring | AWD | 5,000 | $51,095 |
| Touring Blackout | AWD | 5,000 | $52,295 |
| Elite | AWD | 5,000 | $53,495 |
| Black Edition | AWD | 5,000 | $54,995 |
MSRP excludes $1,495 destination charge. Towing requires accessory towing equipment on most trims. TrailSport includes a standard Class III trailer hitch.
How Does the Pilot Stack Up Against Competitors?
If you’re cross-shopping three-row SUVs, towing numbers across this segment are pretty close. At 5,000 pounds with AWD, the Pilot matches the Chevy Traverse, Ford Explorer, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Hyundai Palisade pound-for-pound. Only the Kia Telluride edges slightly ahead with 5,500 pounds on its X-Pro trim, though most Telluride trims still sit at 5,000.
Where the Pilot separates itself is Honda’s long track record of reliability and a proven V6 that’s been refined over multiple generations. You also get up to 113.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, so you can load gear inside while towing your toys.
What Can You Actually Tow with 5,000 Pounds?
Five thousand pounds opens the door to a solid range of recreational toys. A typical 20 to 22-foot boat with trailer falls within that range. Most pop-up campers and smaller travel trailers work, depending on their loaded weight. A pair of ATVs on a flatbed trailer? No problem.
A good rule of thumb is the 80% guideline. Try to keep your loaded trailer weight at or below 4,000 pounds for the most comfortable experience. That gives you a buffer for hills, headwinds, and altitude changes while putting less strain on the engine and brakes over long hauls.
Explore the 2026 Pilot Lineup at Gates Honda
If you’re looking for a three-row SUV that handles weekend towing and still feels great on your Monday commute, the 2026 Pilot checks those boxes. At Gates Honda in Richmond, KY, we carry the full Pilot lineup and can walk you through which trim and drivetrain configuration best fit how you plan to use it. Whether you need the TrailSport’s standard hitch or you’re drawn to the Touring’s panoramic moonroof, our team can help match you with the right Pilot. Stop by our showroom or browse our inventory online at www.gateshonda.net to see what’s available.
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