Towing Snowmobiles and Trailers: The Impressive Capability of the 2026 Honda Pilot

For families in Lachenaie who love winter activities in the beautiful Lanaudière region or who regularly transport recreational equipment, towing capacity is not just a number on a spec sheet. It is the freedom to head out for the weekend with your snowmobiles, travel trailer, or boat trailer without worrying about your vehicle's limits.

The 2026 Honda Pilot offers a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) with the required towing package. This solid capacity meets the needs of owners of double snowmobiles, compact campers, and utility trailers. Here is what you need to know to get the most out of this capacity on local roads.

Capacity Adapted for Quebec Winter Leisure

With 2,268 kg of towing capacity, the 2026 Pilot can easily transport two snowmobiles on an enclosed or open trailer. A standard double trailer with two snowmobiles generally weighs between 1,360 kg and 1,814 kg, leaving a comfortable margin for additional gear, extra fuel tanks, and winter equipment.

For those who prefer campers, the Pilot can tow a lightweight travel trailer or a hybrid. Most compact trailers weighing between 1,134 kg and 2,041 kg fall within the Pilot's limits, making the vehicle an excellent choice for winter camping trips in the Laurentians or Mauricie.

Second-Generation i-VTM4 System: Confidence on Highway 640

The 2026 Pilot is equipped with the second-generation i-VTM4 (Intelligent Variable Torque Management) all-wheel-drive system. This system intelligently distributes power to the wheels that need it, improving stability when towing on the highway.

The i-VTM4 system offers 40% more torque to the rear drive unit and a response time 30% faster than the previous generation. On the icy or snow-covered roads typical of Quebec winters, this technology offers improved traction during standing starts, sharp turns, and climbs.

Drive Modes for Different Conditions

The 2026 Pilot features seven dynamic drive modes, three of which are particularly useful for towing:

• Tow Mode: Optimizes gear shifts and engine management for stable driving when hauling heavy loads.

• Snow Mode: Adjusts throttle response and torque distribution to improve traction on slippery surfaces.

• Sport Mode: Offers a sharper response when passing on Highway 25 with a trailer attached.

The Trailer Stability Assist system monitors the trailer's lateral movement and applies brakes individually to reduce sway—an important safety factor during crosswinds on open highways.

Power and Transmission Adapted for Towing

The 2026 Pilot is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. The ten-speed automatic transmission optimizes fuel consumption and offers smooth gear shifts, even under load.

For manual control, paddle shifters allow you to maintain lower gears during descents, reducing brake wear and improving safety when transporting heavy loads on the hilly roads of the Lanaudière region.

Towing Aid Systems

The 2026 Honda Pilot also benefits from several technologies that make towing easier:

• Multi-angle rearview camera: Displays dynamic guidelines to align your hitch with precision.

• Hill Start Assist: Keeps the vehicle stationary for two seconds during hill starts, eliminating rollback when hitching a trailer.

• Hill Descent Control: Helps maintain a constant speed during steep descents with a loaded trailer.

Fuel Consumption While Towing

Although the official fuel consumption ratings of the 2026 Pilot are excellent, you can expect an increase in fuel usage when towing heavy loads. However, this is not dramatic thanks to the efficiency of the engine. Furthermore, the Pilot's fuel tank allows for long trips before needing to refuel, reducing stops on long journeys to snowmobile trails.

Maintenance for Frequent Towing

For those who must tow regularly under difficult conditions, Honda recommends specific maintenance intervals. If you tow a trailer in steep mountainous regions like the Laurentians, the transmission fluid should be replaced every 40,000 km rather than according to the standard maintenance minder. The rear differential fluid also requires more frequent changes for heavy towing use.

Ready for Your Winter Adventures

The 2026 Honda Pilot comes to offer you solid towing capacity, advanced traction technology, and comprehensive safety features to meet your family's needs. With all its capabilities, this three-row SUV can transport your recreational gear to your favorite winter destinations while keeping your family comfortable and safe.

Discover the 2026 Honda Pilot at Lallier Honda 640 in Lachenaie and discuss your towing needs with our team. We can guide you to the appropriate model and the towing package that matches your recreational activities.