[Administrator]

The new 2019 Honda Passport will be coming with a 9 speed automatic transmission and a i-Vtec V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 foot pounds of torque with a 3,500lb tow capacity.

 

[Administrator]

If you opt for all-wheel drive, you're able to tow up to 5,000 pounds.

 

[Sherwin81]

Fantastic towing capability for a midsize crossover and obviously far more than any other vehicle in this segment. Was not expecting it to match that of the Pilot.

 

[Morky]

The Highlander can tow 5000 lbs. As can the Chevy Equinox. The Grand Cherokee put them all to shame at 7200 lbs.

 

[Mark]

The Highlander can tow 5000 lbs. As can the Chevy Equinox. The Grand Cherokee put them all to shame at 7200 lbs.

I like the looks of the Cherokee but concerned about reliability.

 

[Morky]

Consumer Reports rate the Pilot and Grand Cherokee the same, with fair reliability. The Passport is new, but Honda/Accura SUV quality ratings have really declined the past few years.

 

[Passporter]

Thought I read somewhere when equipped it can tow 5K?

 

[ASIMO]

To tow 5000 pounds a Passport (or Pilot) must be equipped with all-wheel-drive and have the Honda automatic transmission fluid (ATF) cooler installed.

 

[Passporter]

To tow 5000 pounds a Passport (or Pilot) must be equipped with all-wheel-drive and have the Honda automatic transmission fluid (ATF) cooler installed.

Gotcha, thank you. Does the cooler need to be ordered or is that a dealer add on. 3500 would most likely work for me but the couple times a year I haul gravel would have to make extra trips

 

[ASIMO]

The ATF cooler, trailer hitch, and wiring harness can be purchased from and installed by the dealer. They can also be ordered from discounters (dealers who sell parts and accessories online) and installed DIY.

But the ATF cooler install is a bit tricky and requires a transmission control module software update (for the ZF 9-speed). I've read on the Pilot forum that most owners with the ZF transmission opt to have the dealer install their ATF cooler, even if they install the hitch and wiring harness themselves.

 

[Passporter]

The ATF cooler, trailer hitch, and wiring harness can be purchased from and installed by the dealer. They can also be ordered from discounters (dealers who sell parts and accessories online) and installed DIY.

But the ATF cooler install is a bit tricky and requires a transmission control module software update (for the ZF 9-speed). I've read on the Pilot forum that most owners with the ZF transmission opt to have the dealer install their ATF cooler, even if they install the hitch and wiring harness themselves.

Thanks for the tip

 

[brettp]

The service department at Honda told me that the Fluid for the 9-speed would cost
30 dollars more than than the 6-speed Pilot. And yes, its more of an issue to have it installed
on the ZF 9-speed. As of 2016, this ATF cooler comes standard on all V6 Highlanders.
If Honda really cared about their costumers, They would make this part of a package
since they brag about the 5000 lbs towing. Its all separate parts, (ATF, Hitch, Wire harness,) with separate dealer installation prices. Costly, for what it is, and compared to other Brands.
What Honda saves on the production line, They screw the person buying their new product.
Honda should have a set price that includes installation when buying a new car from them,
but instead each dealer can set their own price on Accessories. Toyota does it at a port factory
that is on the actual factory window sticker for Accessories like a trailer hitch. Not just a
Dealer added window sticker.

 

[Red Suns]

But the ATF cooler install is a bit tricky and requires a transmission control module software update (for the ZF 9-speed). I've read on the Pilot forum that most owners with the ZF transmission opt to have the dealer install their ATF cooler, even if they install the hitch and wiring harness themselves.

Can you elaborate a little more on needing an AT control module flash for just the ATF cooler install?

No where in the installation instructions does it mentioning needing this.

 

[ASIMO]

Can you elaborate a little more on needing an AT control module flash for just the ATF cooler install?

No where in the installation instructions does it mentioning needing this.

You're right! At the time of that post I was referencing the ATF cooler installation instructions for a 2016 9-speed Pilot. (2016 Pilot Elite/Touring 9-Speed ATF Cooler Installation Instructions)

The ATF cooler for the Passport has since become available and there is no requirement for a TCM software update noted in the installation procedure. That's good news for anyone capable of doing the install themselves. (2019 Passport ATF Cooler Installation Instructions)

EDIT: After a little more research, I found that the TCM update was only a requirement for 2016 Pilots with the 9-speed. That step was eliminated on the instructions for 2017-2019 Pilots.

 

[Red Suns]

Thanks for clarifying! Would have hated to bump into a surprise like this one way or another.

 

[DudeCS]

Thanks for clarifying! Would have hated to bump into a surprise like this one way or another.

If or when you install your ATF cooler, I would be interested in your experience.

 

[ASIMO]

Thanks for clarifying! Would have hated to bump into a surprise like this one way or another.

Sure. I'm happy you prompted this discovery because I would have let the dealer install this and suffer their prices (and possible screw ups). I will install it myself when the time comes.

 

[Scooter Dude]

If or when you install your ATF cooler, I would be interested in your experience.

I’m having an ATF cooler on Wednesday (with my tailgate welcome lights) as I recently learned I will be pulling my bro-in-laws 4100 lbs boat / Elite definitely does not come with it - damn as they aren’t cheap ?

 

[ASIMO]

I’m having an ATF cooler on Wednesday (with my tailgate welcome lights) as I recently learned I will be pulling my bro-in-laws 4100 lbs boat / Elite definitely does not come with it - damn as they aren’t cheap ?

That's ok. You'll be getting the benefits of boat ownership without the other headaches.

 

[louierg]

If you opt for all-wheel drive, you're able to tow up to 5,000 pounds.

If properly equipped. Need a transmission cooler as I understand. The tow option packages do not come with a cooler.