The Honda Crosstour is a mid-size crossover wagon produced by Honda from the 2010 model year through the 2015 model year.
It was built on the Honda Accord platform and offered two powertrain configurations: a 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine (available from 2012 onward in FWD only) and a 3.5-liter V6 engine (available in FWD and AWD across all model years).
This guide provides year-by-year towing specifications for the Honda Crosstour, including maximum trailer weight, payload capacity, tongue weight limits, and hitch class details.
Towing capacity varies based on engine choice and drivetrain configuration.
Following manufacturer-rated limits helps protect the engine, transmission, and braking systems from overload-related damage.
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2015 Honda Crosstour Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.4L i-VTEC I4 (192 hp); 3.5L i-VTEC V6 (278 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (I4 and V6); AWD (V6 only) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) – V6; 1,000 lbs (454 kg) – I4 |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) – V6; 1,000 lbs (454 kg) – I4 |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Not published by manufacturer; verify in owner’s manual |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 150 lbs (68 kg) – V6; 100 lbs (45 kg) – I4 |
| Hitch Class | Class I (1.25 in. receiver) |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional (Honda-accessory hitch) |
The 2015 Honda Crosstour offers a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs (680 kg) when equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 engine. Four-cylinder models are limited to 1,000 lbs (454 kg) due to the lower output of the 2.4-liter I4 engine.
Staying within manufacturer-rated towing limits preserves braking control and drivetrain reliability.
2014 Honda Crosstour Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.4L i-VTEC I4 (192 hp); 3.5L i-VTEC V6 (278 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (I4 and V6); AWD (V6 only) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) – V6; 1,000 lbs (454 kg) – I4 |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) – V6; 1,000 lbs (454 kg) – I4 |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Not published by manufacturer; verify in owner’s manual |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 150 lbs (68 kg) – V6; 100 lbs (45 kg) – I4 |
| Hitch Class | Class I (1.25 in. receiver) |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional (Honda-accessory hitch) |
The 2014 Honda Crosstour carries identical towing specifications to the 2015 model year, as no changes were made to the powertrain or towing ratings.
V6-equipped trims rated at 1,500 lbs (680 kg) represent the maximum trailer weight for this vehicle.
The Honda-accessory Class I hitch supports this capacity when properly installed per the owner’s manual.
2013 Honda Crosstour Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.4L i-VTEC I4 (192 hp); 3.5L i-VTEC J35Y1 V6 (278 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (I4 and V6); AWD (V6 only) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) – V6; 1,000 lbs (454 kg) – I4 |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) – V6; 1,000 lbs (454 kg) – I4 |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Not published by manufacturer; verify in owner’s manual |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 150 lbs (68 kg) – V6; 100 lbs (45 kg) – I4 |
| Hitch Class | Class I (1.25 in. receiver) |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional (Honda-accessory hitch) |
The 2013 model year introduced a redesigned J35Y1 V6 engine with improved fuel efficiency compared to the previous J35Z2 unit, while towing capacity remained at 1,500 lbs (680 kg) for V6 configurations.
The 2013 model also marked the introduction of the 6-speed automatic transmission paired with the V6.
The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine continued in front-wheel-drive configuration with a 1,000-lb (454 kg) trailer weight limit.
2012 Honda Crosstour Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.4L i-VTEC I4 (192 hp); 3.5L i-VTEC J35Z2 V6 (271 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (I4 and V6); AWD (V6 only) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) – V6; 1,000 lbs (454 kg) – I4 |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) – V6; 1,000 lbs (454 kg) – I4 |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Not published by manufacturer; verify in owner’s manual |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 150 lbs (68 kg) – V6; 100 lbs (45 kg) – I4 |
| Hitch Class | Class I (1.25 in. receiver) |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional (Honda-accessory hitch) |
The 2012 model year was the first to offer the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine as an alternative powertrain option alongside the 3.5-liter V6. Maximum towing capacity for the 2012 Honda Crosstour with the V6 engine is 1,500 lbs (680 kg). The 5-speed automatic transmission was standard on all 2012 trims including both engine options.
2011 Honda Crosstour Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 3.5L i-VTEC J35Z2 V6 (271 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD; AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Not published by manufacturer; verify in owner’s manual |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class I (1.25 in. receiver) |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional (Honda-accessory hitch) |
The 2011 Honda Crosstour was available exclusively with the 3.5-liter V6 engine, making the 1,500-lb (680 kg) maximum towing capacity consistent across all trims. Curb weight for the 2011 FWD model was approximately 3,852 lbs (1,747 kg), and the AWD variant weighed slightly more. The 5-speed automatic transmission and Class I hitch system applied to all 2011 configurations.
2010 Honda Crosstour Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 3.5L i-VTEC J35Z2 V6 (271 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD; AWD |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs (680 kg) |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 850 lbs (386 kg) |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Not published by manufacturer; verify in owner’s manual |
| Tongue Weight Limit | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Hitch Class | Class I (1.25 in. receiver) |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional (Honda-accessory hitch) |
The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour, as it was marketed in its debut year, was powered solely by the 3.5-liter V6 engine in both FWD and AWD configurations. The maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs (680 kg) applied uniformly to all 2010 trims. The payload capacity of 850 lbs (386 kg) remained consistent with subsequent model years across the entire production run.
Towing Equipment and Setup Tips
Proper towing equipment is essential for any trailer operation within the Honda Crosstour’s rated limits. The vehicle’s Class I hitch uses a 1.25-inch receiver and is rated by Honda’s accessory program for up to 1,500 lbs gross trailer weight on V6 trims. Using aftermarket hitches rated above the vehicle’s own towing specification does not increase the legal or safe trailer weight limit.
Normal Towing vs. Heavy Towing Setup
| Component | Light Towing (under 500 lbs) | Near-Maximum Towing (1,000-1,500 lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Hitch Class | Class I (1.25 in.) | Class I (1.25 in.) – maximum supported |
| Trailer Brake Controller | Not required | Recommended for trailers over 1,000 lbs |
| Weight-Distributing Hitch | Not needed | Not applicable at this towing class |
| Transmission Cooler | Not required | Recommended for sustained towing |
| Tire Inflation | Standard PSI | Adjust to maximum sidewall rating |
| Trailer Sway Control | Not required | Recommended for enclosed trailers |
The tongue weight limit of 150 lbs (68 kg) for V6 models must not be exceeded regardless of the trailer type used. Tongue weight should remain between 10 and 15 percent of gross trailer weight for standard trailers. Boat trailers may use a slightly different range of 5 to 15 percent, as noted in Honda’s towing guidance documentation.
The transmission cooler is a practical addition for owners who tow near maximum limits frequently or in hot climates. The Crosstour’s automatic transmission generates additional heat under sustained towing loads, and the factory unit may not provide sufficient cooling under repeated heavy-trailer conditions. Tire load ratings should be verified against the combined vehicle and tongue weight before any towing operation.
Trailer sway control is not a factory-integrated feature on the Crosstour. Owners towing enclosed trailers or box trailers near the 1,500-lb limit should consider an aftermarket sway-control bar compatible with a Class I hitch receiver.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Honda Crosstour?
The maximum towing capacity of a Honda Crosstour is 1,500 lbs (680 kg). This rating applies only to trims equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 engine. Four-cylinder models are limited to 1,000 lbs (454 kg) due to lower engine output.
How much can a Honda Crosstour tow with a tow package?
With the factory Honda-accessory tow package, the V6 Crosstour is rated to tow up to 1,500 lbs (680 kg). The hitch package includes a Class I receiver hitch and basic wiring harness. Towing above this figure is not recommended even with a higher-rated aftermarket hitch, as the vehicle’s drivetrain and braking limits remain fixed by the manufacturer.
Does AWD affect Honda Crosstour towing capacity?
AWD does not increase the Honda Crosstour’s maximum towing capacity above the FWD V6 rating. Both FWD and AWD V6 configurations share the same 1,500-lb (680 kg) towing specification. AWD availability is limited to V6 trims only; four-cylinder models were offered in FWD configuration exclusively.
What trailer weight is safe for a Honda Crosstour?
A trailer with a gross weight at or below 1,500 lbs (680 kg) is within the safe towing range for V6 models. Tongue weight must not exceed 150 lbs (68 kg) regardless of total trailer weight. Loading the trailer so that 10 to 15 percent of its weight rests on the hitch ball ensures proper front axle contact and stable steering.
Do I need a weight-distributing hitch for a Honda Crosstour?
A weight-distributing hitch is not applicable or recommended for the Honda Crosstour. Weight-distributing systems are designed for Class III, IV, and V hitch applications with trailer weights well above 3,500 lbs. The Crosstour’s Class I hitch and towing limits fall below the threshold where weight distribution equipment provides any benefit.
Which Honda Crosstour model year has the best towing capacity?
All Honda Crosstour model years from 2010 through 2015 share the same maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs (680 kg) for V6 configurations. No model year produced a higher-rated towing specification. The 2013 through 2015 model years benefit from the revised J35Y1 V6 engine and 6-speed automatic, which offer modest improvements in drivetrain refinement without changing the rated towing limit.
Conclusion
The Honda Crosstour towing capacity ranges from 1,000 lbs (454 kg) for four-cylinder models to 1,500 lbs (680 kg) for V6-equipped trims across all six model years from 2010 to 2015. Engine selection is the primary factor determining the trailer weight limit, as drivetrain choice (FWD vs. AWD) does not alter the maximum towing rating for V6 models. The Class I hitch, 150-lb tongue weight limit, and 850-lb payload capacity define the practical towing boundaries for every year of Crosstour production. Exceeding any of these manufacturer-defined limits creates risk of transmission overload, brake fade, and trailer instability. Always verify specifications using the owner’s manual before towing heavy loads.
