
The 2024 Honda Passport is a versatile midsize SUV that strikes a balance between daily commute utility and occasional heavy-duty tasks, making it the perfect family hauler that can take you, the family, and your camper along for your next weekend adventure. If you're wondering just how much this SUV can tow, at Ciocca Honda of York, we have you covered. Keep reading to learn about the different aspects of this SUV's towing capacity.
Powertrain Specifications
The vehicle's powertrain has everything to do with how much it can tow. Powerful engines can handle heavier loads, making them ideal for pulling larger trailers. While the official powertrain for the 2024 Honda Passport has yet to be announced, it may be similar to last year's model, which was a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that generated 280 horsepower. There is some speculation that the 2024 model may get a more powerful V-6 engine, which would make for an even greater towing capacity.
Vehicle Stability and Control Systems
The 2024 Honda Passport has many built-in vehicle systems to help you tow safely. With electronic stability control and traction control, you can tow your trailers or campers with ease knowing that your vehicle is more stable on the road.
Manufacturer's RecommendationsÂ
Following the manufacturer's recommendations when it comes to towing is vital for keeping your vehicle operating as expected and keeping you and your loved ones safe on the road. Towing over the recommended weight limit, or not using the proper towing equipment places additional strain on your vehicle, increasing both the wear and tear on your engine and the chances of a major breakdown. Exceeding the weight recommendations when it comes to towing capacity also affects your stability on the road and your stopping power, putting you and other drivers on the road at risk.
Understanding Towing Capacity
Knowing the towing capacity of your 2024 Honda Passport is one thing, but other factors go into being able to tow the vehicle's weight limit safely. While the weight limit is likely to remain the same as last year's model, at 5,000 pounds, there are specific things you'll need to be able to reach that towing capacity.
For example, getting the towing package is more than just having the manufacturer or dealer install the towing hitch and wiring harness. It also can involve an upgraded transmission or different power ratios to help you safely tow the maximum weight behind the vehicle. Without the towing package, your Passport might only be able to safely tow a fraction of the maximum towing capacity.
If you want to exceed that recommended weight limit, you're risking more than just additional wear on your vehicle and decreased stopping power. Some other dangers of exceeding this max weight limit include accelerated brake wear and damage to your tires, resulting in more frequent trips to your auto body shop or mechanic to replace these parts. In some cases, exceeding the weight limit can also warp the vehicle's chassis, which affects the integrity of the vehicle, especially if it's in a collision.
Vehicle Preparation
Before hauling your trailer on your next camping trip, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your Passport is up for the task, improve towing safety, and even enhance your fuel efficiency. First, be sure to check your tire pressure. If you need to top off your tires or even replace them, do so to prevent any unexpected tire blowouts. Towing heavy payloads puts additional wear on your tires because of the added weight and strain placed on your vehicle.
Another important thing to check is your brakes. If you notice squeaking as you're driving and applying your brakes, that can be an indicator they need replacing. Visually, if you notice ridges on your brakes, that's another indicator they may need replacing. Stopping power is crucial when it comes to towing and having reliable brakes ensures they can stop you quickly and safely.
When you hook up your trailer, there are other important checks to make before hitting the road. Here's a helpful checklist that you can use before hopping in the driver's seat and starting your adventure:
- Ensure the wiring harness is fully and correctly connected.
- Verify that the safety chains from your trailer to your vehicle are connected.
- Check that the tow hitch and trailer are secured with their safety pins or locks in place.
- Test all trailer lights, including brake lights and turn indicators, to verify they work.
Driving Dynamics
As you're traversing the highway or city streets, there are some things to keep in mind while driving with a trailer. Since your total combined weight is heavier than normal, it's important to allow for more stopping room. This means more distance between you and other vehicles while driving and beginning to stop further from that looming red light. This guarantees that you stop in time and can respond to anything unexpected happening on the road.
Another consideration is turning. Depending on the length of your trailer, you may need to take wider turns to avoid hopping on the curb or damaging other vehicles. Speaking of turning, you will have more turning inertia as you take those sweeping turns around mountain bends. To keep all your tires safely on the road, you must slow down to a safe speed before the turn. This safe or recommended speed is often posted before the turns, giving you plenty of time to slow down.
Ready To Find Your Own 2024 Honda Passport?
With its expected 5,000-pound towing capacity, the 2024 Honda Passport is the perfect family SUV to take you on your next adventure. Staying to recommended speed limits and safety protocols can make your towing experience enjoyable and hassle-free. If you're ready to find your own 2024 Honda Passport, be sure to check out our new vehicle inventory so you can capitalize on this SUV's blend of comfort, capability, and practicality. Our team at Ciocca Honda of York, Pennsylvania, is here to help. Call or come and visit us today.