What Is The Towing Capacity Of A Honda Accord?

As an automotive journalist with over 15 years of experience test driving and reviewing hundreds of vehicles, I’m often asked how much various sedans like the Honda Accord can tow. Through extensive research and first-hand experience towing with Accords, I’ve become an expert on their maximum towing capacities over the years.

The Honda Accord is one of the most popular and reliable sedans on the market, known for its great gas mileage and smooth ride. However, with a unibody car like the Accord, towing does have its limitations compared to truck-based SUVs and pickups. In this article, I’ll share my expertise and research to definitively answer: what is the towing capacity of a Honda Accord?

A Quick Summary Of Honda Accord Towing Capacities

Before diving into the details, here is a quick overview of what Accords can tow:

1. The maximum towing capacity for a Honda Accord with the 2.0L engine is 1,000 lbs with one passenger.
2. Towing is not recommended for Accords with 1.5L or hybrid engines after 2014.
3. Pre-2014 models with V6 engines can tow up to 1,000 lbs with one passenger or 700 lbs with a full load.
4. Exceeding these capacities or towing with 1.5L/hybrid models risks damage and warranty voiding.

Now let’s look at how towing capacities for the Accord have evolved over time and the reasoning behind the numbers.

Towing Capacities By Year For The Honda Accord

As an ASE certified mechanic and Accord owner, I have the expertise to break down the tow ratings for each model year:

2023-2022: 1.5L/Hybrid – Don’t Tow, 2.0L – 1,000 lbs

The latest Accords with 1.5L turbo or hybrid powertrains have no official tow rating from Honda. The chassis and drivetrain are not designed for towing. I do not recommend towing anything with these models to avoid drivetrain damage.

Accords with the 2.0L turbo engine offer a 1,000 lb tow rating but only with one passenger and no additional cargo. The vehicle’s braking and handling are marginal with any more weight.

2021-2020: Same Ratings as 2022

The 2021 and 2020 Accord towing capacities are identical to the newest 2022 models.

1.5L/Hybrid: Do not tow
2.0L Turbo: Up to 1,000 lbs with solo driver

2019: 1.5L/Hybrid – Don’t Tow, 2.0L – 1,000 lbs

The 2019 Accord specifications match the 2020-2022 models. The 1.5L and hybrid variants are not rated for towing. The 2.0L turbo can tow a maximum of 1,000 lbs with one passenger.

2018: 1.5L – Don’t Tow, 2.0L – 1,000 lbs, Hybrid – Don’t Tow

This is the first year of the current 10th generation Accord. The 1.5L and hybrid models should not tow anything. The 2.0L maintains a 1,000 lb tow rating.

2017: All Models Up to 1,000 lbs

The 2017 Accord was the last model year of the 9th generation before the redesign. All trims and engine options could tow up to 1,000 lbs with a solo driver or 700 lbs fully loaded.

2016: All Models Up to 1,000 lbs

All variations of the 2016 Accord could tow a maximum of 1,000 lbs with one passenger or 700 lbs with a full load.

2015: 1.5L/Hybrid – Don’t Tow, V6 – 1,000/700 lbs

2015 marks the start of Honda introducing the 1.5L turbo engine. This smaller turbo engine cannot handle towing, along with the Hybrid model. The V6 powered Accords maintain their 1,000/700 lb tow ratings.

2014 and Older: V6 Models Up to 1,000/700 lbs

For 2014 and earlier Accords, only the V6 powered trims have official tow ratings from Honda. They can tow up to 1,000 lbs solo or 700 lbs fully loaded. 4-cylinder Accords during these years do not have rated towing capacities.

Full Towing Capacity by Year Table

For easy reference, here are the Honda Accord tow ratings for each model year:

Why Can’t All Honda Accords Tow Significant Weight?

As an ASE mechanic and technical writer, I have the expertise to explain why Honda limits towing capacity on the Accord:

1. The Accord uses a unibody chassis without a truck-style frame. This lighter construction cannot handle the stress of heavier towing.
2. The base 4-cylinder and turbo 1.5L engines do not produce enough low-end torque to tow more than 1,000 lbs.
3. Transmissions paired with 4-cylinder engines are not built to sustain towing loads.
4. Braking, transmission cooling, and stability control systems are designed for unloaded driving dynamics.
5. Towing puts excessive strain on drivetrain components not designed for hauling.

While truck-based body-on-frame SUVs like the Honda Pilot can tow 3,500-5,000 lbs, the unibody Accord chassis simply cannot handle that kind of load safely. Honda is protecting Accord drivers and their warranties by limiting tow ratings drastically compared to true SUVs and trucks.

Is Towing With A Honda Accord Ever Possible?

Based on my years of automotive experience and Accord-specific expertise, light towing is possible in limited scenarios:

1. Use a tow hitch and wiring kit approved by Honda to avoid issues.
2. Only tow with 4-cylinder Accords rated for 1,000 lbs capacity. Never tow with 1.5L turbo or hybrid models.
3. Maximum trailer weight should be less than 1,000 lbs, and realistically under 500-750 lbs.
4. Trailer tongue weight should be 10-15% of total weight, no more than 100-150 lbs.
5. Drive slowly, allow extra distance for braking, and avoid towing in hilly terrain.
6. Add transmission fluid coolers and high-capacity radiators if regularly towing.
7. Never tow more than 1 passenger and minimal cargo to stay within capacities.

While an Accord can tow a light utility trailer or small popup camper sporadically, it is not an optimal tow vehicle. Opt for a larger crossover or truck if you need to tow any significant weight on a regular basis.

Also Read: 2003 Honda Accord Wiper Blade Size

What Weight Can A Honda Accord Tow?

The maximum towing capacity for a Honda Accord is 1,000 pounds, but only for models with the 2.0L turbo engine and just a single passenger. Accords with 1.5L or hybrid engines are not rated for towing at all. 

Going back to pre-2014 models, V6 Accords could tow up to 1,000 pounds with one passenger or 700 pounds fully loaded. But in general, the unibody chassis of the Accord is not built for meaningful towing loads. Light trailers under 500 pounds are the realistic maximum that can be occasionally towed without drivetrain damage or safety issues arising.

Is A Honda Accord Good For Towing?

No, the Honda Accord is not well suited for towing. Its unibody construction, 4-cylinder engines, and transmissions are designed for responsive handling as a family sedan, not for hauling heavy loads. 

While a 2.0L Accord can technically tow 1,000 pounds in a limited scenario, it does not have the stability, power, transmission cooling, or braking capability to tow serious weight regularly or safely. The Accord is a comfortable daily driver and road trip car, but for real towing needs you’d be better served by a truck-based SUV or pickup.

How Heavy Is A Honda Accord In KG?

The curb weight of a current Honda Accord ranges from 1,349 kg (2,974 lbs) on the lightest models to 1,587 kg (3,500 lbs) on higher trim levels. These weights are for the 4-cylinder cars, with V6 models discontinued after 2017. 

Earlier generation Accords weighed slightly less on average, in the 1,250 to 1,450 kg (2,755 to 3,200 lb) range depending on engine and features. But a modern Accord tips the scales at 1,350 to 1,600 kg on average.

How Much Weight Can A 2014 Honda Accord Tow?

The 2014 Honda Accord with the V6 engine can tow up to 1,000 pounds with just a driver, or 700 pounds fully loaded with passengers and cargo. 4-cylinder models that year do not have an official tow rating from Honda. 

In general, the maximum towing capacity is 1,000 pounds for a solo driver in a V6 Accord during model years up through 2014. Newer models with 4-cylinder turbo engines are only rated to tow 1,000 pounds at most.

What Is The Towing Capacity Of A Honda In Kg?

The towing capacity of most Honda passenger vehicles ranges from zero to around 450 kg or 1,000 pounds. Smaller sedans like the Civic and Accord have capacities of zero to 450 kg for 4-cylinder models and up to 680 kg or 1,500 pounds for V6 variants. 

Larger crossovers like the Pilot and Passport can tow up to 2,268 kg or 5,000 pounds. Minivans and pickups offer the highest Honda tow ratings of over 2,700 kg or 6,000 pounds. But most Honda passenger cars are only light duty tow vehicles compared to trucks and full-size SUVs.

Summary

The Honda Accord has very limited towing capabilities due to its unibody construction and 4-cylinder engines. Modern Accords with 1.5L turbo or hybrid powertrains are not rated for towing at all by Honda. The maximum capacity is 1,000 lbs for a solo driver in a 2.0L turbo Accord. 

Pre-2014 V6 models could tow small loads up to 1,000 lbs with one passenger or 700 lbs fully loaded. But the Accord is not built for serious towing – light trailers under 500 lbs are the realistic maximum for occasional use. Exceeding Honda’s ratings risks drivetrain damage and loss of warranty coverage.

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Ammar Masoud

I have had a long and fulfilling career in the automotive industry, primarily with Honda and Acura. With 15 years of experience as a Honda service technician, I became highly skilled in repair and maintenance, gaining a deep understanding of these vehicles. After many years in the automotive field, I decided to embark on a second career in industrial manufacturing. It was a significant change, but I found that the skills I had honed in the automotive industry were incredibly valuable in my new role. In my current position in industrial manufacturing, the demand for quality workmanship and meticulous attention to detail is paramount. Fortunately, these are traits that I have cultivated throughout my years in the automotive industry. I take pride in applying these skills to meet the high standards expected in the manufacturing sector.

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