What’s The Honda CR-V Towing Capacity For The Sixth Generation (2023–2026)

When shopping for a compact SUV, versatility ranks high on most people’s list. You want space, comfort, fuel efficiency—and yes, enough power to haul your stuff when the moment calls for it. That’s where the Honda CR-V towing capacity becomes a key consideration.

Whether you’re a weekend adventurer, a road tripper with gear in tow, or someone eyeing a small trailer for your side hustle, knowing how much a Honda CR-V can pull will help you figure out if it fits your lifestyle. Let’s break it down.

What Is the Honda CR-V Towing Capacity?

The towing capacity of a Honda CR-V varies by engine and drivetrain. The following chart explains the difference.

Model Year	Powertrain	Max Towing Capacity
2023–2025	1.5L Turbo (Gas)	1,500 lbs
2023–2025	2.0L Hybrid (Sport Models)	1,000 lbs

The towing performance for these compact SUVs has remained consistent in the past generations, and the sixth generation is no different. When analyzing the Honda CR-V towing capacity, we see that it’s nothing to write home about.

These figures are maximum capacities. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t tow some things. Before diving into what this compact SUV can tow, we’ll explain what factors affect its towing performance.

What Affects Towing Capacity in the CR-V?

1. Powertrain Choice
Gas-powered trims (like EX and EX-L) come with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 190 horsepower. This version offers the highest Honda CR-V towing capacity—1,500 pounds—enough for a small trailer, kayak rig, or lightweight utility setup.

Hybrid trims (Sport and Sport Touring) use a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with two electric motors. While they’re efficient (up to 43 mpg city), they’re slightly less capable when it comes to towing, maxing out at 1,000 pounds​.

Regardless of the engine you choose, it’s important to note that Honda doesn’t offer a tow package. Instead, you can opt for a Honda tow hitch, or aftermarket part, to ensure safe towing.

2. Drivetrain
The Real Time All-Wheel Drive™ system is available on all trims and standard on the Sport Touring. It helps with traction but doesn’t increase the CR-V’s towing capacity. Still, AWD is a great add-on if you’re towing in rougher weather or heading off pavement.

Interestingly, as opposed to other vehicles, performance doesn’t change regardless if you have AWD or FWD. This is comforting to know, as you know you’re getting the most out of your CR-V, regardless of the version.

3. Hardware & Tech
All CR-Vs come with Hill Descent Control and advanced safety tech, which help when maneuvering with a trailer in tow. Since there are no factory towing packages or heavy-duty cooling systems offered, it means that the Honda CR-V towing capacity isn’t designed for heavy towing.

What Can You Tow with a Honda CR-V?

Here’s a real-world look at what each setup can manage:

• 1.5L Turbo (1,500 lbs)
  • Small open utility trailer
  • Jet ski or small fishing boat
  • Lightweight pop-up camper
  • Two dirt bikes or a compact ATV
• 2.0L Hybrid (1,000 lbs)
  • Cargo carrier trailer
  • Kayak or paddleboard trailer
  • One lightweight motorcycle
  • Small garden or farm trailer

If you’re thinking about larger trailers or frequent heavy hauls, a midsize SUV or truck may be more appropriate. But for everyday versatility with occasional towing, CR-V holds its own.

Another critical aspect of your Honda CR-V towing capacity is that, while the trailer might be under the SUV’s capacity, the overall load might not be. It’s often the most frustrating thing about towing: knowing how much you can actually load into your vehicle.

Here are some examples of realistic loads in light trailer weights:

Trailer Type	Empty Trailer Weight (lbs)	Load Weight (lbs)	Total Weight (lbs)
Canoe/Kayak Trailer	200	200	400
Jet Ski Trailer	300	850	1,150
Motorcycle Trailer	500	800	1,200

As you can see, the options are limited. Plus, you must consider the extra load you’re taking. For example, if you’re taking a jet ski, you might have to take extra equipment for when using it.

Tips for Safe Towing in a CR-V

As we’ve seen, even though the CR-V isn’t necessarily ideal for towing, you must still do so safely. So, when towing with a CR-V, what do you need to do?

• Stay under the max limit. Your towing weight includes cargo and passengers.
• Use a Class I hitch. This matches CR-V’s capabilities without overkill.
• Watch your tongue weight. Honda recommends no more than 10% of the trailer’s weight on the hitch.
• Brake early. Added weight = longer stopping distances.
• Check your tire pressure. Even a small load can change handling.

It’s also important to remember that if you’re towing and you’re driving with a loaded vehicle, all the internal components suffer additional stress. So, you have to be more cautious when braking, accelerating, and going across irregular terrain.

In fact, the Honda CR-V comes with a CVT transmission. Because of how they are designed, CVT transmissions aren’t ideal for towing. So, if you’re doing so frequently, you have to be extra careful with maintenance.

Final Take On The Honda CR-V towing Capacity

If your towing needs are light—think recreational or utility-based—the Honda CR-V towing capacity delivers exactly what you’d expect from a compact SUV known for balance and practicality.

It’s not a workhorse, but it is a smart choice for weekend warriors who value comfort, safety, and efficiency with a side of utility. Prepare your CR-V with the right tools for towing, regardless of how heavy, or light, the load will be, and you should be set for good trips.

Want more expert takes on Honda models or comparisons with similar SUVs? Stick with us—we drive, research, and report so you can feel confident on the road.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just what your SUV can tow. It’s whether you trust it to handle the journey.