How Much Can the 2023 Honda Pilot Tow?

The Honda Pilot is a rugged and versatile SUV that emits an air of adventure. The appeal of SUVs generally varies depending on the driver. Some SUV drivers love the extra cargo space that provides ample room for storing shopping bags and large purchases. Others enjoy the extra space it offers for themselves and their passengers. Many think the most considerable appeal is SUVs’ sporty aesthetic and can-do attitude.

If you’re generally interested in only one of the qualities mentioned above, chances are you’ll be able to find an SUV explicitly geared toward your desires. But if you’re looking for a well-rounded SUV that checks all these boxes and more, the 2023 Honda Pilot has you covered. The Pilot is prepared to help you tackle all your outdoor endeavors, even if that includes towing something as you go. Ike Honda is here to help drivers in the Marion, Illinois, area understand more about what the Pilot can do.

What’s the Towing Capacity of the 2023 Honda Pilot?

The 2023 Honda Pilot’s towing capacity is 3,500 pounds for the front-wheel-drive versions and 5,000 pounds for all-wheel-drive variants. Whether you plan to use your SUV to go boating on Crab Orchard Lake or if you want to haul a camper to Garden of the Gods for some scenic camping, the Pilot has you covered.

If your Pilot is equipped with a smaller towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, here are some of the things you can tow:

• Two motorcycles.
• Pop-up camper.
• Utility trailer.
• Fiberglass fishing boat.
• 20-foot aluminum fishing boat.
• Two ATVs.
• Small camper trailer.
• Trailer with jet skis or snowmobiles.
• Tow dolly with a small vehicle.

If your Pilot has a higher tow rating of 5,000 pounds, you can tow everything listed above in addition to the following:

• Campers ranging from 20 to 30 feet.
• A 20-foot toy hauler.
• Four horses in a horse trailer.

The Honda Pilot is more than capable of handling your towing needs. If you plan on towing with your SUV, know the steps to tow safely. This includes:

• Checking tire pressure of both your SUV and tow trailer.
• Staying up to date on maintenance.
• Matching the tow hitch ball size with the trailer.
• Carrying a spare tire always.
• Using trailer safety chains.

What Are the Trim Levels of the 2023 Honda Pilot?

The 2023 Honda Pilot offers six trim levels, all equipped with the same 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine. This engine is paired with an all-new 10-speed automatic transmission that allows for smooth shifting and a seamless ride. Since all Honda Pilot trim levels have the same engine, differences in towing capacity come down to whether or not the Pilot of your choice has front-wheel or all-wheel drive. See below for information on which drivetrain options are available on each trim level.

Honda Pilot LX

This base trim level includes many features that make this entry-level Pilot seem anything but basic. This trim level includes Honda Sensing, Honda’s driver-assistance suite. Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition. Smart Entry is also standard here, which means all you have to do is have your key fob close to your car to unlock the doors and tailgate.

The LX comes standard with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is optional.

Honda Pilot Sport

The Sport trim level adds a few extra driver assistance features to the mix, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection. Integrated Drive Mode also adds a Sport mode to the roster, adding to the standard Normal, Econ, Snow, and Tow modes. Drivers and passengers are also treated to such luxuries as a power driver’s seat and tri-zone climate control, so passengers in all three rows of seating can be comfortable.

The Sport trim level also comes standard with front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive.

Honda Pilot EX-L

The EX-L trim level continues to add more opulent touches, including leather seats and a programmable power tailgate. You’ll also find a few additional safety features, such as front and rear parking sensors with low-speed brake control, which can bring your SUV to a complete stop if you get too close to the cars around you. Trail and Sand drive modes are added for enhanced control on all types of terrain.

The EX-L continues the pattern of standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive.

Honda Pilot TrailSport

The TrailSport trim level comes packed with features making it ready for off-road adventures. This trim level is best suited for hitting the trails and embarking on outdoorsy adventures. The TrailSport has an off-road suspension system that increases ground clearance by 1 inch and skid plates to protect the engine and fuel tank from damage. This trim level is also equipped with the TrailWatch camera system, providing the driver with live views of the SUV’s surrounding areas.

The TrailSport comes standard with all-wheel drive; front-wheel drive isn’t even an option here. This is also the only trim level that includes an integrated Class III trailer hitch, making it the best choice if you use your SUV for towing.

Honda Pilot Touring

The Touring trim level adds to the EX-L’s features by including a panoramic glass moonroof, a hands-free power tailgate, Smart Entry at all four doors, ambient LED interior lighting, and a removable second-row center seat to allow easier access to the third row.

The Touring trim level comes with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive.

Honda Pilot Elite

If you’re looking for the most luxurious driving experience, the Elite is the trim level for you. It takes the already-loaded Touring trim level and adds perforated leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, LED door trim lighting, ventilated front seats, and heated second-row outboard seats. It also includes the TrailWatch camera system, auto-dimming side mirrors, heated wiper zone, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The Elite trim level is only available in all-wheel drive.

Purchase Your 2023 Honda Pilot Today

At Ike Honda in Marion, we’re ready to help you purchase your new Honda Pilot today. Check our online inventory to see what we currently have, then stop by for a test drive. Our sales team is ready to answer your questions and help get you on the road in your new Pilot.