Honda CR-V Towing Capacity: All Model Years
Whether you’re shopping for a Honda CR-V or already own one, knowing how much weight your CR-V can tow with a trailer is essential.
I’ll provide a handy chart with the towing capacity for various CR-V models and share some helpful tips for towing safely.
Overall, the Honda CR-V is a solid family vehicle for towing smaller loads like jet skis, motorcycles, mini campers, and more. It also has safety features to give you peace of mind when towing a trailer.
In this guide, you’ll find everything about the CR-V’s towing capacity, how to install a hitch, competitor comparisons, alternative vehicles to consider, and more.
Towing Capacity Chart
Below, you’ll find the towing capacity for each model year of the Honda CR-V, both non-hybrid and hybrid.
Please remember that these figures represent the trailer weight rating (TWR), the standard measurement for towing capacity.
TWR refers to the maximum allowable weight of a loaded trailer, which includes both the trailer’s weight and the weight of its load.
Unbraked Trailers
You’ll notice important details about the Honda CR-V’s towing capacity as you go through the manual.
Honda strongly recommends using a trailer with brakes if you tow a load of 1,000 lbs or more.
This means that, regardless of the model year or engine type, the CR-V can tow no more than 1,000 lbs if you use an unbraked trailer.
It’s also important to note that Honda recommends not towing more than 1,000 lbs during the CR-V’s break-in period. For more information, check out our article on the Honda CR-V Break-in Period.
Many overlook this, but towing heavier loads without brakes increases the risk of accidents.
Braked Trailers
The towing capacities listed below apply to trailers equipped with brakes. When your trailer has brakes, the CR-V’s towing capacity increases significantly.
While the towing capacity can vary slightly depending on the engine and transmission, the Honda CR-V generally has consistent capabilities across model years. However, certain model years with specific engines come with special towing warnings. Keep reading, and I’ll go into more detail about those.
Check out the towing capacity of the Honda CR-V by model year below.
We verified this information by reviewing the Honda CR-V Owner’s Manuals.
Honda CR-V Gas (Non-Hybrid)
| Model Year | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2024 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2023 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2022 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2021 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2020 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2019 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2018 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2017 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2016 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2015 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2014 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2013 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2012 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2011 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2010 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2009 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2008 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2007 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2006 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2005 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2004 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2003 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2002 | 1,500 lbs. (680 kg.) |
| 2001 | 1,000 lbs. (450 kg.) |
| 2000 | 1,000 lbs. (450 kg.) |
| 1999 | 1,000 lbs. (450 kg.) |
Honda CR-V Hybrid
| Model Year | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,000 lbs. (450 kg.) |
| 2024 | 1,000 lbs. (450 kg.) |
| 2023 | 1,000 lbs. (450 kg.) |
| 2022 | NA |
| 2021 | NA |
| 2020 | NA |
As you may notice in the chart above, the 2020–2022 Honda CR-V hybrid models do not list a towing capacity.
According to the user manual, these hybrid models are not designed for towing. In fact, Honda includes a warning stating that attempting to tow a trailer could void the warranty.
Starting with the 2023 hybrid model, users can tow trailers with a maximum capacity of 1,000 lbs. Honda also offers an optional hitch accessory, though it comes at an additional cost.
Competitors
Curious how the Honda CR-V stacks up against its competitors when it comes to towing capacity? Well, it’s nothing too impressive.
The CR-V is designed with family comfort and fuel efficiency, so towing isn’t its strong suit. Just take a look at the chart below.
- Toyota RAV4 (3,500 lbs. max.)
- Subaru Forester (3,000 lbs. max.)
- Hyundai Tucson (2,000 lbs. max.)
- Mazda CX-5 (2,000 lbs. max.
- Kia Sportage (1,632 lbs. max.)
- Honda CR-V (1,500 lbs. max.)
- Nissan Rouge (1,350 lbs. max.)
As you can see, the Honda CR-V ranks among the lowest in towing capacity, while its top rival, the Toyota RAV4, boasts an impressive 3,500 lbs of towing capacity when properly equipped.
Items You Can Tow with Your Honda CR-V
Now that you know your CR-V’s towing capacity is generally around 1,500 lbs, you might wonder what you can tow with that.
While 1,500 lbs might sound like a lot, it’s not as much as it seems. That figure includes the total weight of the trailer, cargo, and passengers—not just what you’re hauling.
For example, if you’re using a U-Haul 5’x8′ Utility Trailer, which has an empty weight of 1,000 lbs, you’ll have only 500 lbs for cargo—assuming no passengers.
Here are a few things you can tow with your CR-V:
- Bikes
- A few sheets of plywood
- Motorcycles
- Kayaks with a boat carrier
- Small watercraft
- And similar light loads
It’s crucial to know the weight of your cargo so you don’t exceed the limit.
(U-Haul)
High-Capacity Alternatives
If you need a larger towing capacity, compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V may not meet your requirements.
For higher towing capabilities, you’ll want to look beyond the compact SUV market. Below, we’ll explore vehicle models from various classes that offer significant towing capacities.
Midsize SUVs:
- Nissan Pathfinder (6,000 lbs)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (6,200 lbs)
- Dodge Durango (6,200 lbs)
- Ford Explorer (5,600 lbs)
Full-Size SUVs:
- Jeep Wagoneer (10,000 lbs)
- Toyota Sequoia (9,520 lbs)
- Ford Expedition (9,300 lbs)
- Chevrolet Tahoe (8,400 lbs)
Trucks:
- Ford F-150 (14,000 lbs)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (13,300 lbs)
- Toyota Tundra (12,000 lbs)
- Toyota Tacoma (6,800 lbs)
Getting a Tow Hitch
You’ve decided the CR-V’s towing capacity meets your needs, and now you’re ready to take the next step. First, you’ll need to install a tow hitch receiver, a square hole located at the back of your CR-V. It looks something like this:
The hitch receiver allows you to connect a trailer using a ball mount or other coupling points.
If you’re buying a new Honda CR-V, you can add the hitch as an optional accessory for $388.
But if you already own a CR-V without a factory-installed hitch, no worries — you can easily purchase an aftermarket option and install it yourself, often at a lower cost.
Here’s what the installation process looks like:
If you’re installing your CR-V’s hitch, here are the steps you can follow:
- Gather Tools: Pry bar, socket set (17mm & 19mm), torque wrench, fish wire, carriage bolts, washers, spacers.
- Lower Exhaust: Remove two exhaust hanger brackets (passenger side), then repeat on the driver’s side. Support the exhaust with a strap and remove the center rubber isolator.
- Install Carriage Bolts: Fish carriage bolts through access holes to attachment points.
- Raise Hitch: Use a hitch strap or get help to lift the hitch into place. Feed the fish wire through the hitch to secure bolts.
- Secure Hardware: Attach bolts through the hitch and tow hook using provided spacers, lock washers, and nuts. Repeat on both sides.
- Torque Bolts: Tighten all bolts with a torque wrench to the manufacturer’s specs (17mm and 19mm sockets).
- Reinstall Exhaust: Use soapy water to slide rubber hangers back on easily. Repeat on both sides.
(U-Haul)
Frequently Asked Questions
Recap
I hope the chart above helped you find the towing capacity information you were searching for.
As mentioned earlier, the Honda CR-V has a relatively limited towing capacity of about 1,500 lbs, which may not be sufficient for everyone.
However, if you only need to tow small trailers with light loads, the Honda CR-V should suit your needs just fine.
On the other hand, if you require a vehicle for towing heavier loads, I recommend considering alternatives such as a midsize SUV, full-size SUV, or even a pickup truck.
If you decide the Honda CR-V meets your requirements, the next step is to install a trailer hitch receiver if you don’t already have one.
My advice: always stick to the manufacturer’s towing guidelines. Overloading can be dangerous and may lead to quicker wear and tear on your vehicle.
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