Towing capacity for a Honda CR-V

Honda CR-V towing capacity : the practical guide

The Honda CR-V belongs to the SUV family, a body style that combines a raised driving position with the structural rigidity needed for towing. Its higher ground clearance and longer wheelbase typically give a more stable behaviour with a caravan than a compact saloon. Across the 3 listed engines, figures vary depending on transmission and gearbox.

Honda CR-V towing capacity in one line

Across the 3 engines listed, built 2023, towing capacity is 750 kg (1,653 lb) to 1,500 kg (3,307 lb), with a manufacturer maximum braked towing weight of 750 kg (1,653 lb) to 1,500 kg (3,307 lb). Take the lower of those two figures and you have the real limit, before factoring in your gross train weight.

The line-up includes full hybrid, plug-in hybrid. Plug-in hybrid versions often have a lower towing capacity than their non-hybrid counterparts, because the battery weight is counted in the kerbweight and the gross train weight is unchanged.

What you can actually tow with this Honda CR-V

1,500 kg of towing capacity is the reference threshold for a four- to five-berth caravan empty, a family caravan whose loaded weight stays under 1,500 kg, or a single-axle car transporter with a light vehicle. It is the most-searched threshold in the database: most family SUVs and diesel estates clear it.

Best fit: Ideal for holidays with a standard caravan, without having to count every kilogram at the end of the season.

Watch out: At this level, the key rule is the 85 % guideline: a less experienced driver should keep the loaded caravan weight below 85 % of the car's kerbweight, for motorway stability and crosswind safety.

Gross vehicle weight, gross train weight and payload

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the maximum laden weight of the car alone : 2,260 kg (4,982 lb) to 2,430 kg (5,357 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 439 kg (968 lb) to 475 kg (1,047 lb), the share you can use for passengers, luggage and the towbar noseweight.

What to check on the V5C of your own Honda CR-V

• 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 CR-V?

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 CR-V?
The gross vehicle weight of the Honda CR-V is 2,260 kg (4,982 lb) to 2,430 kg (5,357 lb).

How much can the Honda CR-V tow?
The Honda CR-V can tow up to 750 kg (1,653 lb) to 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) depending on the engine.

Can you tow a caravan with a Honda CR-V?
Yes, within its towing capacity of 750 kg (1,653 lb) to 1,500 kg (3,307 lb). Compare it with your caravan loaded weight (MTPLM) before buying.

What licence do you need to tow with a Honda CR-V?
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.