Don Johnson's Hayward Motors Dodge - Which SUV tows more, the 2026 Dodge Durango or the 2026 Honda Pilot, around Superior, WI?
Short answer: the Dodge. If you are sizing up weekend plans around Lake Superior, Chequamegon Bay, or cabin country west of town, maximum towing is often the deciding factor between these two three-row SUVs. The 2026 Dodge Durango offers up to 8,700 pounds of available towing when properly equipped—specifically on HEMI® V8 models with the Tow ‘n Go Package and on SRT® Hellcat models—while the 2026 Honda Pilot tops out at up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. That gap matters when the trailer behind you is more than just a couple of jet skis. Below, we unpack what those numbers mean on real roads, what hardware each SUV brings to the job, and how to choose the right configuration for your needs around Superior, WI.
The numbers behind the badges
On paper, towing looks simple—bigger number wins. In practice, the towing story includes powertrain layout, axle ratios, cooling, hitch and wiring, brake control, and the way an SUV manages shifts and stability under load. The Durango gives you three engines to match your trailer and terrain: the 3.6L Pentastar® V6 (up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped), the 5.7L HEMI® V8 (up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped), and the Supercharged 6.2L HEMI® V8 in SRT® Hellcat models (up to 8,700 pounds when properly equipped). Beyond raw power, the Tow ‘n Go Package layers in a performance suspension and driveline pieces that keep the rig settled when crosswinds whip off the lake or when you need to brake firmly coming down into town.
The Pilot’s single 285-hp V-6 paired to a 10-speed automatic is well tuned for daily use and light towing, and its available i-VTM4® AWD system uses torque vectoring to help maintain traction. If your trailer weight lives comfortably under 5,000 pounds—think a midsize boat, a small pop-up, or a pair of ATVs—the Honda makes a composed, quiet tow vehicle. Move beyond that weight class, though, and the Dodge’s broader torque curve and trailer-calibrated hardware become the difference between “can tow” and “tows with ease.”
Hardware that helps on Superior’s backroads
Capability is software and hardware. The Durango’s Tow ‘n Go Package on HEMI® V8 trims adds Bilstein® Active Damping High-Performance Suspension, an electronic limited slip rear axle, performance exhaust, SRT® Satin Carbon 20x10-inch wheels, widebody flares with 295-width Pirelli® run-flats, a class IV receiver hitch, seven- and four-pin wiring, and an integrated trailer brake controller. It also brings configurable drive modes—Sport, Track, Tow, and Snow—so you can tailor power delivery and shift logic to current conditions. That integrated brake controller plus Trailer Sway Control and available Blind Spot Monitoring with Trailer Tow Detection make a big difference when you are passing a semi on US-2 or threading a side wind on WI-13.
The Pilot’s towing kit (trim-dependent) includes a hitch receiver and wiring, and its standard Honda Sensing® suite delivers Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Lane Keeping Assist. TrailSport and higher trims add a multiview camera system for low-speed visibility. Those are great features for daily driving and campground maneuvering, but Honda does not add a factory-integrated brake controller or a trailer-specific blind-spot system. For many families that tow just a few weekends a year within the SUV’s weight envelope, that is fine. If you are pulling heavier or more often, the Dodge’s built-in trailer tech pays off every trip.
Common follow-up questions we hear
Shoppers tend to ask the same layered questions as they research, so here are concise answers that cover the details that matter most when comparing these two SUVs for towing.
- What if my trailer is 6,000 pounds dry: Plan for cargo, fuel, and gear—your real-world weight will be higher. This is comfortable territory for Durango HEMI® V8 models and above the Pilot’s rated maximum.
- Does AWD help when towing: Yes. The Durango’s available AWD and the Pilot’s i-VTM4® systems both enhance traction, especially on gravel launches or steep driveways; a robust rear-drive-biased setup in the Dodge adds composure under load.
- Do I need a brake controller: If your trailer has electric brakes, yes. The Durango can be equipped with an integrated controller from the factory; the Pilot will require an aftermarket solution.
- What about stability in crosswinds: The Durango’s wider tire footprint with Tow ‘n Go, Bilstein® damping, Trailer Sway Control, and available Brembo® brakes provide a planted, predictable feel on gusty days near the lake.
We are often asked how the drivability compares on long grades or rolling two-lanes. With more torque and tighter shift programming in Tow mode, the Durango holds gears confidently and makes fewer downshifts mid-corner, which keeps the trailer from “pushing” the SUV. The Pilot is smooth and consistent under lighter loads, but the 5,000-pound ceiling and tuning aimed at comfort rather than performance mean it will downshift more frequently when asked to work hard.
Choosing the right configuration
If your towing is occasional and light—kayaks, a utility trailer, or a compact camper—the Pilot’s 5,000-pound capacity may be all you need, and you will enjoy a quiet ride with excellent standard driver assistance. If your plans include a fiberglass fishing boat, a mid-size camper, or a car hauler, the Durango’s available HEMI® V8 powertrains and Tow ‘n Go Package are purpose-built to handle those tasks confidently, and the SRT® Hellcat sits at the apex for power and control. Either way, pay attention to payload, tongue weight, and how much gear you bring aboard; your dealer can walk you through how those details change with passengers and options.
When you are ready to drive them back-to-back and feel the difference for yourself, Don Johnson's Hayward Motors Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram—serving Ashland, Superior, and Bayfield—can set up a route that includes the stop-and-go, highway merges, and two-lane sections that mirror real towing around Superior, WI. Bring your questions and your use case. We will help you match the right trim and equipment to your trailer so your next weekend out is less about white knuckles and more about making memories.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can the 2026 Honda Pilot tow a 23-foot fiberglass fishing boat?
Many 23-foot fiberglass rigs exceed 5,000 pounds with fuel and gear, which is at or beyond the Pilot’s maximum when properly equipped. The Durango HEMI® V8 or SRT® Hellcat, properly equipped, is a better fit.
Is the Durango’s Tow ‘n Go Package only about towing?
No. It adds a performance suspension, upgraded wheels and tires, an electronic limited slip rear axle, and configurable drive modes. Those upgrades improve control and stability whether you are towing or driving unhitched.
Do both SUVs support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. The Durango’s Uconnect® 5 and the Pilot’s 12.3-inch system support wireless smartphone integration on applicable trims, so you can navigate and stream without plugging in.
