The quick map of Honda tow vehicles
For 2026, three Honda models tow 5,000 lb - the maximum tow capacity for any Honda sold in Canada: the Pilot (3-row midsize SUV, V6, 7/8 passenger), the Passport (2-row midsize SUV, V6, TrailSport trim in Canada), and the Ridgeline (midsize unibody pickup, V6, 5 passenger + bed). All three use the same 3.5L i-VTEC V6 engine family, all three have i-VTM4 true AWD standard, all three are built at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln, Alabama USA. The differences are body style, passenger count, and whether you want a truck bed or not. Below: the tow spec table, then 5 Ontario cottage routes with Henry's recommended Honda per route, then 12 FAQs covering trailer brake controllers, fuel economy penalty, oil requirements, and tow-package details.
Honda tow ratings FAQs
Which Honda tows the most for Ontario cottage trips?
Honda Pilot, Honda Passport (TrailSport), and Honda Ridgeline all tow 5,000 lb with the accessory tow package. The Honda Pilot is the most popular choice for Ontario cottage buyers because it combines 5,000 lb tow with 7/8 passenger seating and i-VTM4 true AWD for cottage-road snow performance. The Passport TrailSport is the lighter, more efficient option (5 passenger, same V6, same tow rating). The Ridgeline is the only Honda pickup - 5,000 lb tow plus a 1,625 mm bed for hauling gear.
Does the Honda Pilot need an accessory tow package to tow 5,000 lb?
Yes - Honda Pilot's maximum 5,000 lb tow rating requires the accessory tow package (honda.ca/en/pilot/specs confirms this). The tow package includes the hitch receiver, wiring harness, and (on Touring / TrailSport / Black Edition trims) the trailer-brake controller. Without the tow package, Pilot tow capacity drops to 1,500 lb - enough for a small utility trailer but not a camper or boat. Henry can confirm the exact tow-package contents for your specific trim at Maple Honda.
Can the Honda CR-V tow a small camper?
The Honda CR-V (gas) tows up to 1,500 lb per honda.ca/en/cr-v. That's enough for a small utility trailer, a small popup camper (under 1,500 lb dry weight), a motorcycle trailer, or a small boat on a light trailer. The CR-V Hybrid tows the same 1,500 lb. For a full-size camper or a 20+ ft boat, you need the Pilot, Passport, or Ridgeline (all 5,000 lb).
Can the Honda Odyssey tow a small camper?
Honda Odyssey is rated for 1,500 lb towing per honda.ca. The Odyssey is a minivan - it can tow a small popup camper or a small utility trailer with a few ATVs, but it is NOT rated for a full-size camper or a boat trailer. If you have an Odyssey and want to tow a larger camper, you'd need to switch to a Pilot or Ridgeline.
What's the most popular Honda tow vehicle in Ontario?
The Honda Pilot is the most popular Honda tow vehicle in Ontario - it combines 5,000 lb tow rating with 7/8 passenger seating, i-VTM4 true AWD, and a comfortable highway ride. The Pilot is Henry's most-sold tow vehicle at Maple Honda. The Ridgeline is the second most popular for buyers who want a truck bed for hauling gear in addition to towing.
Do Honda Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline all use the same 3.5L V6?
Yes - the Honda Pilot, Honda Passport, and Honda Ridgeline all use the same 3.5L i-VTEC V6 engine family. The Pilot and Passport make 285 hp @ 6,100 rpm and 262 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm. The Ridgeline makes 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm - slightly different state of tune due to the Ridgeline's 9-speed automatic (Pilot and Passport use a 10-speed). All three use regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). All three are built at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln, Alabama USA.
What's the difference between i-VTM4 AWD and Real Time AWD?
Honda i-VTM4 is the true AWD system on Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline - it has a rear differential that can actively vector torque between the left and right rear wheels. This is better than Real Time AWD (on CR-V and HR-V) for deep snow, dirt roads, and cottage-road conditions. Real Time AWD sends torque to the rear wheels when front-wheel slip is detected, but does not have a left/right rear differential. For Ontario cottage buyers who drive on unplowed roads in winter, i-VTM4 is the better choice.
Do I need to put different oil in my Honda for towing?
Yes - Honda recommends checking the owner's manual for tow-specific oil and fluid specs. For Pilot, Passport, and Ridgeline towing 5,000 lb, Honda typically recommends: 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil (Honda Ultimate Full Synthetic or equivalent), Honda ATF DW-1 automatic transmission fluid (no substitution), and DOT-3 brake fluid. Henry recommends a pre-tow fluid check at Maple Honda before any cottage trip with a loaded trailer. The cost is typically $80-$120 for the inspection.
What is the trailer brake controller and do I need it?
A trailer brake controller is an electronic device that controls the electric brakes on a trailer. It's required by Ontario law for any trailer over 1,400 kg (3,086 lb) GVWR - so for any camper or boat trailer over that weight, you need one. Honda Pilot Touring / TrailSport / Black Edition trims include an integrated trailer brake controller as part of the accessory tow package. Honda Pilot Sport / EX-L trims and the Passport / Ridgeline don't include an integrated unit - Henry can install an aftermarket Tekonsha P3 or similar unit at Maple Honda for $250-$400 installed.
How does cottage-towing affect my fuel economy?
Towing a 4,000 lb camper with a Honda Pilot typically drops fuel economy from 10.8 L/100 km combined (no tow) to 14-16 L/100 km combined (towing). For a 200 km cottage trip each way, that's an extra $25-$35 in fuel per direction at Ontario gas prices. The Ridgeline has the same tow-rating fuel penalty. The Passport is the most efficient Honda tow vehicle - slightly lower tow penalty because of its lighter weight.
Should I get the Pilot TrailSport or Pilot Black Edition for towing?
Both trims tow 5,000 lb identically. The differences are cosmetic + features, not tow capability: Pilot TrailSport has standard all-terrain tires (better for unpaved cottage roads), orange accents, and roof rails. Pilot Black Edition has black wheels, black badges, and premium audio. For towing, the TrailSport's all-terrain tires are a small advantage on gravel roads. For mostly-paved cottage access, the Black Edition is identical for tow duty.
Does Honda offer a factory trailer brake controller on the Ridgeline?
No - the Honda Ridgeline does not include a factory-integrated trailer brake controller. You need to add an aftermarket unit (Tekonsha P3 or similar) for any trailer over 1,400 kg. Henry can install one at Maple Honda for $250-$400 installed. The Ridgeline's Class III hitch receiver is standard on all trims (Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Black Edition).
