2025 Honda Passport Towing Capacity: What You Should Know
If you’re planning to buy a midsize SUV that can confidently handle family trips and weekend towing duties, the 2025 Honda Passport towing capacity deserves a closer look. Honda has built the Passport’s reputation on strength, reliability, and all-weather confidence — but just how much can this rugged SUV really haul, and what setup do you need to unlock its full potential?
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down everything you should know — from official towing ratings and equipment requirements to payload, tongue weight, and real-world tips. You’ll also see how the 2025 Passport compares with its rivals and previous model year, helping you decide whether it’s the right SUV for your towing needs or not.
Below is a quick spec snapshot for context:
Quick Overview
| Specification | 2025 Honda Passport (All Trims / Properly Equipped) |
| Engine & Transmission | 3.5 L V6, 280 hp, 262 lb-ft torque; 9-speed automatic |
| Drive System | i-VTM4® AWD torque-vectoring standard |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped |
| Payload / Load / Curb Weight | ~4,236 lbs curb for EX-L example |
| Fuel Economy (EPA, U.S.) | ~19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / ~21 mpg combined |
| Trim Variants | EX-L, TrailSport, Black Edition (all share drivetrain) |
| Key Towing Features | Class III hitch, trailer wiring, Tow Mode, Trailer Stability Assist |
Understanding the 5,000-lb Towing Claim
Why Honda Rates the Passport at 5,000 lbs
Honda officially lists the towing capacity of the 2025 Passport as 5,000 pounds, across all trim levels — provided the vehicle is properly equipped. Car & Driver verifies this figure in its review section.
According to Car and Driver’s 2025 Honda Passport review, the SUV maintains this 5,000-lb rating when properly equipped, confirming Honda’s claim.
This figure places the Passport on par with many midsize SUVs and makes it competitive for light to medium towing tasks, such as boats, trailers, and smaller campers.
Note: Honda’s spec assumes you have the standard or accessory Class III hitch, proper wiring, and any recommended cooling or towing hardware. Without those, you won’t safely reach the maximum rating.
What “Properly Equipped” Means
Even though Honda’s spec is 5,000 lbs, that doesn’t mean every Passport rolls off the lot ready to tow 5,000 lbs. To hit that number, several components must be in place:
- Class III trailer hitch mounted to the frame
- 7-pin or 4-pin wiring harness for tail lights and electric brakes
- Possibly a transmission cooler if towing frequently or in hot climates
- Tow Mode and Trailer Stability Assist systems engaged (if available)
- Ensuring your tongue weight, payload, and GCWR are not exceeded
Honda’s Genuine Accessories brochure indicates that for 2025, there is a “tongue weight” spec referenced in the towing section. Many dealer guides state that all trims are rated 5,000 lbs when properly equipped.
Importantly, one forum thread notes that while the hitch itself may be rated conservatively (e.g. 3,500 lbs), the manufacturer’s rating may be higher — always check the hitch tag and vehicle’s placards.
Real-World Constraints: GCWR, Payload & Tongue Weight
Payload Limits and Tongue Weight
Even if your Passport is rated to tow 5,000 lbs, its payload and tongue weight limits can restrict how much you can safely hook up.
One user in the Honda Passport forums cited the vehicle’s maximum load as about 948 pounds (including occupants, cargo, and tongue load). That means if your trailer’s tongue weight is 10 % (a typical rule of thumb), then 500 lbs of that goes toward your payload budget.
So let’s say you have 5 people and gear inside your Passport that totals 600 lbs; then your remaining load capacity might only allow ~348 lbs of tongue weight — which limits your trailer size despite a 5,000-lb rating.
Rule of thumb: Stick to trailers whose tongue weight fits comfortably within the leftover payload margin after accounting for passengers and cargo.
GCWR and GVWR: The Big Picture
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is how much your Passport can weigh fully loaded (curb + passengers + cargo + tongue weight).
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) is the combined weight of the Passport plus trailer.
Honda’s documentation doesn’t always publicize GCWR for the Passport. But you must ensure that vehicle curb + payload + trailer weight remains under GCWR for safe, legal operation.
If you overload the GCWR, you risk stress on drivetrain components, overheating, braking loss, or safety issues.
2025 vs 2024: Any Changes?
Towing Numbers Carried Over
The 2024 Passport already carried a 5,000-lb towing rating (when properly equipped) in its specs sheet. Honda’s 2025 model continues that rating without A/B differentiation for trims.
Thus, for 2025, Honda appears to have retained the same towing ceiling. Any changes are likely cosmetic, technology, interior, or styling—not to the core towing setup.
Trim-Level Differences: TrailSport, Black Edition, EX-L
Do Some Trims Tow Better or Worse?
One thing to clarify: all 2025 Passport trims use the same 3.5L V6 + 9-speed automatics + AWD drivetrain, so in terms of raw power, they’re homogeneous.
The difference is in the off-road tuning (TrailSport, Black Edition) which might include tires, suspension tweaks, and underbody protection. Those might affect towing behavior (e.g. more body roll on knobby tires). But the published spec of 5,000 lbs applies across all trims.
So there’s no separate tow rating by trim — the limitation is not trim-based but equipment-based.
AWD, 2WD, and Realistic Limits (Myth vs Reality)
Does a 2WD Tesla or FWD Variant Have a Lower Tow Limit?
Unlike some SUVs that offer front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive base variants, the 2025 Passport is AWD-only with torque-vectoring i-VTM4 standard. That simplifies matters somewhat: you don’t need to consider a lower tow rating for a FWD variant.
Some Honda sources and offhand commentary refer to a notion that under non-AWD conditions, towing capacity might drop to 3,500 lbs, but I found no evidence that Honda publishes a 3,500-lb rating for the 2025 Passport.
Because Passport is AWD-only, you don’t need to worry about that distinction for 2025.
Towing Accessories & Setup (What You’ll Need)
Class III Hitch, Wiring & More
To safely realize the 5,000-lb towing capacity, here’s what you’ll want or need:
- Class III Trailer Hitch — Preferably OEM or heavy-duty aftermarket, bolted to the frame.
- Wiring Harness — 7-pin preferred (for trailer brakes), 4-pin may suffice for lighter loads.
- Transmission Cooler / Auxiliary Cooling — Especially if towing often or in hot climates.
- Tow Mode / Trailer Stability Assist — Activate these systems if available to help with shifting and sway control.
- Brake Controller — Required for trailers over a certain threshold; matches your wiring to trailer brakes.
- Weight Distribution & Sway Control — Use the correct hitch setup and sway bars for safer towing.
Honda’s Genuine Accessories brochure mentions “towing capacity” and “tongue weight” reminders, and instructs consulting the Owner’s Manual for load limits. Many towing guides for the Passport note the availability of Class III hitches and wiring modules.
One forum user pointed out that even though the hitch itself might be rated conservatively (3,500 lbs), the manufacturer’s spec can exceed that — but always verify your hitch rating.
Do You Need a Transmission Cooler?
Yes, for heavier or frequent towing, a transmission cooler is strongly recommended. It helps dissipate heat generated by shifting under load. Overheated transmission fluid can degrade shifting quality or cause damage.
While Honda doesn’t explicitly mandate a cooler in all cases, many enthusiasts and towing guides treat it as essential for sustained towing use beyond occasional light loads.
Hookup & Before-You-Go Checklist
- Test trailer lights, turn signals, brakes
- Verify hitch pin/clip is in place
- Check tire pressures (vehicle and trailer)
- Confirm correct ball size and torque
- Balance cargo, maintain proper tongue weight (~10 %)
- Engage Tow Mode / Stability features
- Drive gently on first few miles to test
- Monitor engine and transmission temps
Real-World Experience & Caveats
What Owners Are Saying
Some real owners report the 5,000-lb spec is accurate under ideal conditions, but heavy loads or poor trailer balance introduce handling challenges.
A forum user tried towing a 6′ × 12′ trailer (empty ~1,730 lbs plus cargo) and described it as a “nightmare at highway speeds,” indicating how critical trailer balance and aerodynamics are.
Another observed that the hitch rating posted on the hitch itself was 3,500 lbs, despite the Passport’s 5,000-lb spec — highlighting the need to verify your hardware.
Also, one user noted that the interior’s posted “maximum load” (for cargo + passengers + tongue weight) was quite limited (~948 lbs). This emphasizes that high towing capacity doesn’t absolve you from payload management.
Comparison: Passport vs Rivals & Honda Brothers
Passport vs Pilot vs Others
- Honda Pilot (2025) also lists 5,000 lbs for its AWD / fully equipped configuration.
- But in some default forms, the Pilot is rated 3,500 lbs (2WD or base) and 5,000 lbs (AWD)
- Many other midsize SUVs struggle to hit 5,000 lbs — the Passport’s figure helps it stand out in class.
Thus, the Passport delivers excellent towing competitiveness in its category.
Best Practices & Tips for Safe Towing
How to Get the Most (Safely) from Your Passport
- Stay well under the max — don’t push 100% to 5,000 lbs for regular use.
- Mind the payload/tongue weight — balance cargo and trailer weight carefully.
- Drive conservatively — acceleration, braking, and curves become more critical.
- Use supplementary cooling systems if towing often, in heat, or up steep grades.
- Regular maintenance — check fluid levels, transmission, tires, brakes.
- Break-in period — avoid towing heavily for first few thousand miles to let drivetrain components settle.
Conclusion
The 2025 Honda Passport towing capacity is officially 5,000 pounds when the vehicle is properly equipped. That makes it a standout among midsize SUVs, offering generous hauling potential without sacrificing everyday usability. However, capacity alone doesn’t guarantee real-world success — you must manage payload, tongue weight, quality of hardware (hitch, wiring, cooling), and safe driving practices.
If you frequently plan to tow—like boats, trailers, or campers—the Passport offers a capable platform. But always leave a safety buffer under the limits, and consider cooling and suspension upgrades to ensure durability and control.
Discover expert car tips, towing guides, and vehicle insights at CarFact.online.
FAQs (2025 Honda Passport Towing Capacity)
Q: Can a 2025 Honda Passport tow a camper?
A: Yes—if the total weight (camper + gear) remains under 5,000 lbs and the tongue weight fits your payload capacity.
Q: Is the Honda Passport good for towing?
A: With its V6 engine, standard AWD, and 5,000-lb rating (properly equipped), the 2025 Passport is a strong performer in midsize SUV towing.
Q: Do I need a transmission cooler for Passport towing?
A: For frequent or heavy towing, a transmission cooler is recommended to manage heat, even if not strictly required by the manufacturer.
Q: Does the Passport AWD vs non-AWD affect towing limits?
A: The 2025 Passport is AWD-only; there is no lower FWD variant, so there’s no separate “lower” tow rating for non-AWD versions.
Q: How does the 2025 Passport towing capacity compare to 2024?
A: The 2025 model retains the same 5,000-lb towing capability (when properly equipped) as its 2024 predecessor, with no change in published figures.
Have questions about the 2025 Honda Passport Towing Capacity? Contact us—we’re here to help you find the right answers.