The Honda Pilot has consistently been one of the most formidable entries in the mid-size SUV segment. Its supple handling, roomy cabin, large cargo space, and generous standard safety features make it a hugely popular option among family vehicle buyers. Besides being an excellent everyday family hauler, this SUV is also a great choice for families who enjoy outdoor adventures, thanks to its high tow and payload ratings. Let’s take a detailed look at the towing and hauling capabilities of the 2021 Honda Pilot.
How Much Can the 2021 Honda Pilot Tow?
The towing capacity of the 2021 Honda Pilot may vary depending on which trim level and drivetrain you choose. This SUV is available in seven trim levels, including the base LX, EX, EX-L, Special Edition, Touring, Elite, and the range-topping Black Edition.
The five lower trims of the Pilot, from the LX to the Touring, come standard with front-wheel drive, which enables them to tow up to 3,500 pounds. However, if they’re equipped with the available all-wheel drive, they can deliver an impressive tow rating of 5,000 pounds. The Elite and Black Edition are only available with all-wheel drive, meaning they can pull up to 5,000 pounds with their standard drivetrain.
How Much Can the 2021 Honda Pilot Haul?
Along with strong towing capability, the 2021 Honda Pilot also has a solid payload rating of 1,625 pounds. With its great hauling capacity and generous cargo room, it’s able to carry a lot of stuff, including bulky and heavy objects. This Honda SUV offers 18.5 cubic feet of storage space with the rearmost seats upright, 55.9 cubic feet with those seats folded, and 109.2 cubic feet with both the second-row and rearmost seats folded. These numbers are above average in the mid-size SUV segment.
Why Does the Honda Pilot Have Such a High Towing Capacity?
One of the main reasons why the 2021 Honda Pilot has a higher tow rating than many of its competitors is because of its potent powertrain. Under the hood of this Honda SUV, you’ll find a punchy 3.5-liter V-6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, this engine provides smooth and quick acceleration, propelling the Pilot to 60 mph from a standstill in just six seconds. It’s also brawny enough to handle strenuous driving tasks such as climbing up steep slopes and towing or hauling heavy loads.
Another feature of the Honda Pilot that plays a vital role in its towing capacity is its advanced all-wheel-drive system. This system comes with a new technology called Intelligent Variable Torque Management, which allows it to deliver the right amount of torque to each axle. Additionally, it’s able to monitor the level of traction for each wheel and redistribute power to improve road grip and stability on slippery roads or adverse terrain. With all four wheels sharing the work and enhanced traction, an all-wheel-drive Pilot delivers a significantly higher tow rating than a front-wheel-drive model.
What Can the 2021 Honda Pilot Tow and Haul?
If you’re planning to use your 2021 Honda Pilot for towing on a regular basis, it’s recommended that you get the available tow package. This package consists of a trailer hitch receiver, trailer hitch locking pin, trailer hitch harness with a seven-pin connector, and a trailer hitch ball. When it’s equipped with these towing features, the SUV is able to tow large and heavy objects effectively and safely in almost any situation. Your load will remain securely attached to the vehicle even when you’re driving at a high speed, making a sharp turn, or negotiating rough terrain.
Now that you know a front-wheel-drive Honda Pilot has a tow rating of 3,500 pounds, you may be wondering what types of objects you can tow. With this towing capacity, you’ll be able to transport a couple of dirt bikes or ATVs, a pair of jet skis, a lightweight boat, or a pop-up camper. If you’re planning to tow a heavy object such as a larger boat, a mid-size camping trailer, or another vehicle on a flat-bed trailer, you should opt for an all-wheel-drive model.
Besides having plenty of pulling power at your disposal, you can also store a lot of cargo inside the Honda Pilot. Behind the third-row seats, there’s enough space for six carry-on bags, a pair of large golf bags, or a stroller. If you fold down the second- and third-row seats, you’ll be able to store more than three dozen carry-on bags or even a pile of 4×8 plywood sheets. In addition, this SUV has many other practical storage solutions, including a hidden storage well, a large storage bin in the center console, a lockable glove compartment, and 15 cup-holders.
Does the Honda Pilot Have Any Features to Ensure Safe Towing?
Towing a heavy load can compromise the handling and stability of your SUV, especially when you’re negotiating sharp corners or winding roads, cruising at highway speeds, or driving in a hilly area. This can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and increase your risk of accidents. Also, you may endanger the lives of the motorists and pedestrians around you if the object you’re towing comes loose from the hitch.
Fortunately, the 2021 Honda Pilot is equipped with a multi-angle rearview camera that enables you to keep an eye on your trailer while you’re driving. The camera also makes parking easier and safer. Additionally, the Pilot comes with hill start assist to keep you safe when you’re driving on a hill. When you’re starting your vehicle on an incline, this system automatically applies the brakes for a few seconds as you move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator. By doing so, it prevents the SUV from rolling back, which can sometimes happen when you’re towing a heavy object.
If you want to know whether the 2021 Honda Pilot is right for you, consider dropping by Rydell Honda of Grand Forks for a test drive. Contact us today to arrange an appointment.
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