The Honda Civic is a popular and versatile compact car that is known for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and practicality.
While it’s not typically considered a towing vehicle, many Civic owners may need to tow small loads such as a trailer, small boat, or jet ski.
The question then arises: how much can a Honda Civic tow?
The answer depends on several factors.
In this topic, I will explore the various factors that affect the towing capacity of a Honda Civic, as well as safety considerations and guidelines for towing with this vehicle.
How Much Can A Honda Civic Tow?
The towing capacity of a Honda Civic varies depending on the vehicle’s year, make, and model. Yet, this Honda line’s tow rating will be from 1750 lbs to 3300 lbs.
Let’s find out more about each year’s model in this section.
2022 Honda Civic Towing Capacity
The 2022 Civic towing capacity is 1750 lbs in all trim levels.
| Model (Trim level) | Towing Capacity |
| Sport 4dr Sedan | 1750 |
| LX 4dr Sedan | 1750 |
| Touring Sedan | 1750 |
| EX 4dr Sedan | 1750 |
2021 Honda Civic
Although the 2021 model has the same towing capacity as the above, the curb weight is more varied!
| Model (Trim level) | Towing Capacity | Curb Weight |
| LX 4dr Hatchback | 1750 | 2906 |
| LX 4dr Sedan | 1750 | 2771 |
| Sport 4dr Sedan | 1750 | 2847 |
| Sport 4dr Hatchback | 1750 | 2881 |
| EX 4dr Hatchback | 1750 | 2955 |
| EX 4dr Sedan | 1750 | 2917 |
| EX-L 4dr Sedan | 1750 | 2928 |
| Sport 4dr Touring Hatchback | 1750 | 2945 |
| Touring 4dr Sedan | 1750 | 2963 |
2020 Honda Civic
All 6 trim levels of the 2020 Honda Civic have the same capacity as the 2 newest: 1750 lbs.
| Model (Trim level) | Towing Capacity |
| Sport 4dr Hatchback | 1750 |
| Sport 4dr Hatchback | 1750 |
| 4dr LX Hatchback | 1750 |
| EX-L 4dr Hatchback | 1750 |
| EX 4dr Hatchback | 1750 |
| Sport Touring 4dr Hatchback | 1750 |
2019 Honda Civic
| Model (Trim level) | Towing Capacity |
| LX 2dr Coupe | 1750 |
| LX 4dr Sedan | 1750 |
| LX 4dr Hatchback | 1750 |
| Sport 2dr Coupe | 1750 |
| Sport 4dr Sedan | 1750 |
| Sport 4dr Hatchback | 1750 |
| EX 2dr Coupe | 1750 |
| EX 4dr Sedan | 1750 |
| EX 4dr Hatchback | 1750 |
| w/Navi EX-L 4dr Hatchback | 1750 |
| EX-L 4dr Sedan | 1750 |
| Touring 4dr Sedan | 1750 |
| Touring 2dr Coupe | 1750 |
| Sport Touring 4dr Hatchback | 1750 |
2018 Honda Civic
| Model (Trim level) | Towing Capacity | Curb Weight |
| LX 2dr Coupe | 1750 | 2739 |
| LX 4dr Sedan | 1750 | 2742 |
| LX 4dr Hatchback | 1750 | 2822 |
| LX-P 2dr Coupe | 1750 | 2775 |
| EX 4dr Hatchback | 1750 | 2950 |
| EX 4dr Sedan | 1750 | 2795 |
| EX-T 2dr Coupe | 1750 | 2830 |
| EX-T 4dr Sedan | 1750 | 2849 |
| EX-L 2dr Coupe | 1750 | 2900 |
| EX-L 4dr Sedan | 1750 | 2910 |
| Sport 4dr Hatchback | 1750 | 2871 |
| Sport Touring 4dr Hatchback | 1750 | 3010 |
| w/Navi EX-L 4dr Hatchback | 1750 | 2972 |
| Si 2dr Coupe | 1750 | 2889 |
| Si 4dr Sedan | 1750 | 2906 |
| Touring 2dr Coupe | 1750 | 2888 |
| Touring 4dr Sedan | 1750 | 2923 |
2017 Honda Civic
From 2018-2022, its towing capacity is only about 1750 lbs. Yet, the 2017 Honda Civic towing capacity has a greater value 3080 lbs.
| Model (Trim level) | Towing Capacity |
| EX-L Navi 4dr Hatchback | 3080 |
| Sport 4dr Hatchback | 3080 |
| LX 4dr Hatchback | 3080 |
| EX 4dr Hatchback | 3080 |
2016 Honda Civic
The towing of the 2016 version is also similar to the 2017 one.
| Model (Trim level) | Towing Capacity | Curb Weight |
| EX-T 4dr Sedan | 3080 | 2899 |
| LX 4dr Sedan | 3080 | 2742 |
| EX-L 4dr Sedan | 3080 | 2910 |
| EX 4dr Sedan | 3080 | 2795 |
2015 Honda Civic
The 2015 model provides the best tow rating of 3300 lbs.
| Model (Trim level) | Towing Capacity | Curb Weight |
| LX 2dr Coupe | 3300 | 2754 |
| LX 4dr Sedan | 3300 | 2754 |
| SE 4dr Sedan | 3300 | 2811 |
| HF 4dr Sedan | 3300 | 2749 |
| EX-L 4dr Sedan | 3300 | 2921 |
| EX-L 2dr Coupe | 3300 | 2914 |
| EX 2dr Coupe | 3300 | 2805 |
| EX 4dr Sedan | 3300 | 2868 |
Factors Affecting Honda Civic Towing Capacity
Weight Of Vehicle
The weight of the Honda Civic itself can affect its towing capacity. The maximum towing capacity of a vehicle is determined by its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
This is the maximum weight that a vehicle is designed to carry, including the mass of the vehicle itself, passengers, cargo, and any added towing weight.
Engine
The engine of a Honda Civic can have a significant impact on its towing capacity.
Generally speaking, a vehicle with a larger and more powerful engine will have a higher towing capacity than one with a smaller and less powerful engine.
The engine’s torque output is particularly important for towing, as torque enables a vehicle to move heavy loads.
A higher torque output means the engine can produce more pulling power, which is necessary in case of a Honda Civic towing trailers.
In addition, engines with multiple cylinders are generally better for hauling, as they can deliver more power and torque than engines with fewer cylinders.
Axle Ratio
The axle ratio of a Honda Civic can impact its towing capacity. The axle ratio is the number of times the drive shaft rotates for every rotation of the wheels.
In general, a higher axle ratio implies that the engine can generate more torque, which can help boost the vehicle’s tow rating.
On the other hand, a lower axle ratio means that the engine is geared higher, which can ensure better fuel economy but may not be as effective for pulling heavy loads.
Cooling System
The cooling system of a Honda Civic is an important factor to consider when it comes to towing capacity. For a Honda Civic with trailer, the vehicle’s engine must work harder, generating more heat than normal.
The cooling system must be able to handle the increased heat brought by the engine and prevent it from overheating.
If the cooling system has excess pressure, it can lead to engine overheating, which can leave significant damage on the engine and other components.
Suspension
The suspension of a Honda Civic can determine its towing capacity in a few ways.
The system helps to absorb shocks and bumps from the road and maintains proper tire contact with the road surface.
When towing a trailer, the added weight can stress the suspension system, affecting the vehicle’s handling and stability.
If the suspension of the Honda Civic is too soft, it may not be able to handle the added weight of the trailer, which can cause the vehicle to sag and affect its ability to steer and brake properly.
On the other hand, when the suspension is too stiff, it forces the vehicle to bounce or sway, worsening its handling and stability.
Thus, it’s important to maintain and lubricate the suspension to maximize the tow rating.
Frame Strength
The frame strength of a Honda Civic can play a role in its towing capacity.
A stronger frame can grant better support for the weight of a trailer and its contents, which can enhance the vehicle’s towing capacity.
When pulling a heavy load, the vehicle’s frame can be stressed. A weaker frame may be unable to transport the additional weight, leading to potential safety issues and damage to the vehicle.
How To Determine The Weight Towing Capacity Of Your Honda Civic
Let’s follow these steps to know the proper load capacity:
- You must find a statement on the Honda label mentioning the maximum weight of cargo and occupants: XXX kg (XXX pounds).
- Determine the total weight of the passengers and driver who will sit in the vehicle.
- Do a calculation to minus the driver’s and passengers’ combined weight from XXX kg (equivalent XXX lbs).
- The figure obtained shows the baggage load capacity. For example, when the number “XXX” equals 635 kilograms (1,400 lbs) and 5 passengers of 68 kg (150 lb) will be in the car, the remaining load capacity for the luggage will be 295 kg (650 lbs).
- Calculation: 635 – 340 (5 x 68) = 295 kg.
- Determine the total weight of the vehicle’s luggage and cargo. The weight cannot exceed the calculated allowable load capacity in the above step.
- If the Honda Civic is towing a trailer, the trailer’s load is transferred to the car.
- Furthermore, the vehicle’s overall weight, including all passengers, luggage, accessories, and trailer tongue load, shall not be greater than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the axle (PNBE).
Both are clearly marked on the driver’s door pillar.
Safety Considerations When Towing
When towing with Honda Civic, it’s important to consider several safety considerations to ensure that you and other drivers on the road are safe.
- Know your towing capacity: Before towing anything with your Honda Civic, it’s important to know the maximum towing capacity for your specific model of the Honda Civic.
Towing a load that is too heavy can put you and other drivers on the road at risk.
- Properly distribute the weight: Proper weight distribution is critical when towing with a Honda Civic.
The weight of the trailer and its contents should be evenly distributed across the trailer and the vehicle to ensure that the load is stable and balanced.
- Use the correct equipment: Use a trailer hitch and other towing components that are properly rated for the towing weight.
Ensure that the trailer hitch and ball are securely attached to the Honda Civic and that all lights and brakes on the trailer are working properly.
- Check the brakes: Towing a load can put additional strain on the brakes of the Honda Civic. Ensure the brakes are in good working order before towing, and consider installing a brake controller on the trailer.
- Monitor the temperature: Monitor the temperature gauge on the Honda Civic while towing and take breaks as needed to allow the engine to cool down.
- Be aware of the road conditions: Towing a load can impact the handling and braking of the Honda Civic. Be aware of the road conditions, including steep hills, winding roads, and adverse weather conditions, and adjust your driving accordingly.
By considering these safety considerations, you can help ensure a safe and successful towing experience with your Honda Civic.
Conclusion
How much can a Honda Civic tow? The Honda Civic is a popular and reliable compact car capable of towing small loads of up to 3,300 pounds when properly equipped with a towing package.
However, it’s important to note that the towing capacity may vary depending on factors such as the engine and transmission, axle ratio, suspension, cooling system, and frame strength.
Remember to make sure to take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and successful towing experience.