Honda HR-V Towing Capacity (by Engine & Year)
TL;DR
The Honda HR-V has no factory towing rating in North America; Honda's manual says not to tow trailers with it, so there is no tongue-weight or hitch-class figure to quote for this model.
Does the Honda HR-V have a towing capacity?
For the North American market, Honda has never issued an official maximum towing capacity for the HR-V, in either the first-generation model (2016-2022, built on the Fit/Jazz platform) or the current second-generation model (2023-present, built on the Civic platform). The owner's manual for both generations explicitly advises against using the HR-V to tow a trailer of any kind. This is a real limitation of the vehicle's chassis, brakes and cooling system sizing, not a marketing omission - Honda reserves towing duty for the CR-V (rated up to 1,500 lb / 680 kg) and larger models like the Pilot.
Generation-by-generation summary
| Generation / years | Engine / configuration | Max towing (factory rated) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st gen (2016-2022) | 1.8L I4, FWD/AWD, CVT | Not rated - towing not recommended by Honda |
| 2nd gen (2023-present) | 2.0L I4, FWD/AWD, CVT | Not rated - towing not recommended by Honda |
Tongue weight and hitch class
Because there is no approved towing capacity, Honda does not publish a tongue-weight limit or a recommended hitch class for the HR-V. Aftermarket hitch makers do sell light-duty Class I receivers for this model, mainly intended for bike racks or cargo carriers, but the specific weight rating comes from the hitch maker, not from Honda, and fitting one does not change what Honda approves in the owner's manual - it can also affect the factory warranty on the rear structure if installed incorrectly.
Payload, GCWR and why this matters
Even without a tow rating, the HR-V still has a payload capacity (passengers plus cargo) printed on the door-jamb placard, and that number does not go up just because a light trailer is attached. In plain terms, gross combined weight (vehicle plus trailer plus everything inside both) is what matters for safety and handling, and Honda has decided the HR-V's brakes and structure are not sized for towing loads on top of a full payload. If your household needs to tow a boat, camper or heavier utility trailer regularly, a CR-V, Passport or Pilot is the safer factory-supported choice.
Trailer brakes and local law
Since the HR-V is not intended to tow, trailer-brake wiring and brake-controller requirements are not part of any factory tow package for this model. If you still plan to tow something very light with an aftermarket hitch, check your state or provincial law - trailer-brake requirements and weight thresholds vary by jurisdiction, and towing without a manufacturer rating can also affect insurance coverage in a crash.
What a factory tow package would normally add
Honda does not offer a factory tow package for the HR-V, unlike the CR-V which gets a Honda Genuine Accessories hitch, wiring harness and trailer-hitch ball mount as an official option. For the HR-V, any hitch, wiring or cooling upgrade comes exclusively from the aftermarket, so check the specific kit's own rating rather than assuming it matches another Honda model.
Summary
| 1st gen (2016-2022) max towing | Not rated by Honda - towing not recommended |
|---|---|
| 2nd gen (2023-present) max towing | Not rated by Honda - towing not recommended |
| Tongue weight limit | Not published (no factory tow rating) |
| Factory hitch/tow package | Not offered for HR-V |
| Typical aftermarket hitch class | Class I (light-duty, e.g. bike racks) |
| Comparable Honda model that does tow | CR-V - rated up to 1,500 lb (680 kg) |
| Where to verify | Owner's manual towing section and door-jamb payload placard |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Honda HR-V: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the towing capacity of the Honda HR-V?
Honda has not published an official towing capacity for the HR-V in North America for either the 2016-2022 first generation or the 2023-present second generation. The owner's manual advises against towing a trailer with this vehicle, unlike the larger CR-V, which Honda does rate for towing (up to 1,500 lb / 680 kg).
Can you put a hitch on a Honda HR-V?
Aftermarket companies sell light-duty Class I hitch receivers for the Honda HR-V, generally intended for bike racks or cargo carriers rather than trailer towing, since Honda does not rate the HR-V to tow. Installing one does not create an official towing capacity, and buyers should confirm the hitch maker's own weight limits before use.
Why doesn't the Honda HR-V have a towing rating?
The HR-V shares its underpinnings with smaller Honda models (the Fit-based first generation and Civic-based second generation) and its brakes, structure and cooling system were not engineered or validated by Honda for towing loads, so the company does not certify any towing capacity and instead directs buyers who need to tow to the CR-V or Pilot.
Is it safe to tow a small trailer with a Honda HR-V?
Since Honda gives the HR-V no towing rating at all, any towing with this model falls outside the manufacturer's tested limits; owners who tow anyway should use only very light loads, check state or provincial trailer-brake laws, and understand that insurance and warranty coverage may be affected since it is towing not approved by Honda.