Towing capacity for a Honda Civic

Honda Civic towing capacity : the practical guide

The Honda Civic is a saloon. Its low centre of gravity tends to give a precise behaviour while towing, provided gross train weight and 85 % stability ratio are respected. Engine and gearbox have a large impact on the figures listed below.

Honda Civic towing capacity in one line

Across the 1 engine listed, built 2022, towing capacity is 750 kg (1,653 lb), with a manufacturer maximum braked towing weight of 750 kg (1,653 lb). Take the lower of those two figures and you have the real limit, before factoring in your gross train weight.

The engines listed cover full hybrid. Pick the one whose maximum braked towing weight clears your loaded trailer by a real margin, not just on paper.

Gross vehicle weight, gross train weight and payload

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the maximum laden weight of the car alone : 1,865 kg (4,112 lb). Gross train weight (GTW) is the maximum laden weight of the whole outfit : not disclosed for the listed versions, check the V5C logbook. Payload (GVW minus kerbweight) sits at 348 kg (767 lb), the share you can use for passengers, luggage and the towbar noseweight.

What to check on the V5C of your own Honda Civic

• Field F.1 / F.2 : maximum laden weight (GVW). The figure on your logbook is the only one that legally applies to your car.
• Field F.3 : gross train weight (GTW). Compare it to the published values above to spot a discrepancy.
• Field O.1 : maximum braked towing weight. Sometimes lower than the manufacturer brochure if your car was originally fitted without a towbar.
• Field O.2 : maximum unbraked towing weight. Capped at 750 kg in most cases.

What licence do you need to tow with a Honda Civic?

If you passed the UK car driving test on or after 1 January 1997, you can now tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM with a standard category B licence: the rules changed in December 2021 and the separate car-and-trailer (B+E) test was scrapped. Drivers who passed earlier usually keep grandfather rights. As a stability rule, less experienced drivers should keep the loaded caravan weight to no more than about 85 % of the car kerbweight, especially on motorways and in crosswinds. Always check the V5C logbook and the manufacturer plate before hitching up.

FAQ

What is the gross vehicle weight of the Honda Civic?
The gross vehicle weight of the Honda Civic is 1,865 kg (4,112 lb).

How much can the Honda Civic tow?
The Honda Civic can tow up to 750 kg (1,653 lb) depending on the engine.

Can you tow a caravan with a Honda Civic?
Yes, within its towing capacity of 750 kg (1,653 lb). Compare it with your caravan loaded weight (MTPLM) before buying.

What licence do you need to tow with a Honda Civic?
In the UK, drivers who passed the car test on or after 1 January 1997 can tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM on a standard category B licence (the rules changed in December 2021 and the separate car-and-trailer test was scrapped). Drivers who passed before then usually keep larger entitlements. Always check the V5C logbook and the manufacturer plate.