The Honda Element was introduced into Honda’s lineup as a three-row crossover SUV in 2007 and remains popular today. Honda vehicles are known for their distinct styling and for having the features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Honda Element?
The Honda Element has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds for all years and trim levels.
There’s a bit more to know about Honda Element towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2011 Honda Element Towing Capacity
The 2011 Honda Element can tow 1,500 lbs across all trim levels.
| Honda ElementTrim Level | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg | 2.4L | 166 hp | 161 lb.-ft |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Here’s a video showing the Honda Element in a towing test:
Honda Element Braked Vs. Unbraked Tow Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Honda Element Braked Tow Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Honda Element Unbraked Tow Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Honda Element Towing Capacity Factors
There were literally no factors that affected the Honda Element tow capacity throughout its production, as the tow rating stayed the same for all trim levels and model years.
Number of Passengers
A big factor in calculating your vehicle’s towing capacity is how many passengers you’re carrying, which directly calculates into the vehicle’s GCWR.
This is true of all vehicles, not just the Honda Element, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.
Honda Element Engine Specs
There is one engine option for the most recent generation Honda Element.
Honda Element 2.4L V-6 Gas Engine
The Honda Element gas engine is a 2.4 Liter inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission
This engine produces 166 horsepower and 161 lb.-ft of torque.
Honda Element Tow Package Info
Does The Honda Element Have A Tow Package?
Honda offered an optional factory-installed Class II tow hitch on the Element during its production.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Honda Element?
If you plan on towing anything with your Honda Element, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Honda Element Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Honda Element uses a Class 2 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III Honda Element trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 350 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Honda Element
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Element:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Honda Element Trailer Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Element, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Honda Element trailer hitch installation:
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With a Honda Element?
The Honda Element does not allow for bumper towing, so you’ll need to use a frame mounted hitch.
How Do I Know If My Honda Element Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Element to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Element.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2010 Honda Element Towing Capacity
The 2010 Honda Element can tow 1,500 lbs across all trim levels.
| Honda ElementTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2009 Honda Element Towing Capacity
The 2009 Honda Element can tow 1,500 lbs across all trim levels.
| Honda ElementTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2008 Honda Element Towing Capacity
The 2008 Honda Element can tow 1,500 lbs across all trim levels.
| Honda ElementTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2007 Honda Element Towing Capacity
The 2007 Honda Element can tow 1,500 lbs across all trim levels.
| Honda ElementTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2006 Honda Element Towing Capacity
The 2006 Honda Element can tow 1,500 lbs across all trim levels.
| Honda ElementTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2005 Honda Element Towing Capacity
The 2005 Honda Element can tow 1,500 lbs across all trim levels.
| Honda ElementTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2004 Honda Element Towing Capacity
The 2004 Honda Element can tow 1,500 lbs across all trim levels.
| Honda ElementTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |
2003 Honda Element Towing Capacity
The 2003 Honda Element can tow 1,500 lbs across all trim levels.
| Honda ElementTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
| All | 1,500 lbs / 680 kg |