There is no single Honda Pilot tongue-weight limit that applies to every load. On the 2026 Pilot, Honda lists a maximum tongue load of 500 lb for an AWD model with two occupants and 350 lb for a 2WD model with two occupants. Those limits drop as more people and cargo are added.
2026 Honda Pilot tongue-load examples
| Occupants | AWD | 2WD |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 500 lb | 350 lb |
| 3 | 475 lb | 325 lb |
| 4 | 450 lb | 300 lb |
| 5 | 375 lb | 275 lb |
| 6 | 250 lb | 240 lb |
| 7 | 125 lb | 115 lb |
| 8 | Honda says towing is not recommended in the listed eight-occupant condition | |
Extra cargo and accessories also reduce the available trailer weight and tongue load. A 500-lb maximum in one configuration is not permission to put 500 lb on the hitch under every loading condition.
How much trailer weight should be on the tongue?
Honda says the current Pilot should carry approximately 5–15% of total trailer weight on the tongue for boat trailers and 10–15% for other trailers, while remaining below the applicable vehicle tongue-load limit.
What is the Pilot’s trailer-weight limit?
For a 2026 Pilot with two occupants, Honda lists up to 5,000 lb for AWD and 3,500 lb for 2WD. Those limits also decrease as passenger count rises.
Do these numbers apply to every Pilot?
No. Use the towing section of the owner’s manual for the exact model year and drivetrain. Older generations can have different ratings and equipment requirements.
Before towing, verify the hitch, trailer brakes where required, gross weight ratings, passenger and cargo load, and tongue load for the specific vehicle.
Sources
- Honda — 2026 Pilot Owner’s Manual, Towing Preparation
- Honda — 2023 Pilot Owner’s Manual, Towing Preparation
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