2024 Honda Pilot
MSRP Range: $37,090 - $52,480 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
2024 Honda Pilot


360°



+185
Good
7.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Honda Pilot is comfortable and plenty spacious for its front and middle-row passengers. But it lags behind class leaders in third-row room and cargo space, and its tech is a half-step behind the curve. In terms of overall appeal, some competitors deliver more bang for your buck.
Pricing
Changing year or type will take you to a new page
Total MSRPThis price includes a $1,375 destination fee charged by the manufacturer. | $38,465 |
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Edmunds suggests you pay | $37,419 |
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2024 Honda Pilot Review

byJared Gall
Correspondent
Jared Gall started his career in the auto industry in 2001 with an internship at Car and Driver. He has written and edited many thousands of car reviews, technological deep-dives, industry analyses, and personality profiles. He is a correspondent at Edmunds and still has the 1969 Chevrolet C20 he dragged out of his parents' barn and drove until Car and Driver started giving him cars to evaluate.
Pros
- Roomy first- and second-row seating
- Lots of cargo space and interior storage spots
- Easy-to-use controls
Cons
- Standard touchscreen interface is too small
- Third-row seating is cramped for adults
- Lackluster acceleration and braking performance
What's new
- No significant changes for 2024
- Part of the fourth Pilot generation introduced for 2023.
Overview
The Honda Pilot has long been a favorite in the full-size three-row crossover class. A thorough redesign for 2023 distanced it visually from the Odyssey with which it shares its platform, but the Pilot still packs much of the practicality of a minivan. It's spacious, with a wealth of storage cubbies and smart details like second-row seats that slide forward at the touch of a button to help little ones access the back seat. And all three rows are comfortable, though the way back gets snug for adults. The revised V6 is powerful enough for a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds yet still relatively fuel-efficient. Like Honda's best-selling CR-V, the Pilot just seems to do everything well, with no fuss or fanfare.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Honda Pilot LX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$172/mo for Pilot LX
Pilot LX
vs
$238/mo
Avg. Large SUV
But others in the class are zeroing in on Honda's formula — and throwing in some fanfare for buyers who want it. Vehicles like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride twins and the Mazda CX-90 match the Pilot on many fronts while offering a more luxurious feel. If space and versatility are your only priorities, the Pilot delivers. But buyers looking for something more upscale will find compelling alternatives in this class. Read on for our Expert Review of the 2024 Honda Pilot.
Edmunds Expert Rating
good
7.9/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The Honda Pilot is comfortable and plenty spacious for its front and middle-row passengers. But it lags behind class leaders in third-row room and cargo space, and its tech is a half-step behind the curve. In terms of overall appeal, some competitors deliver more bang for your buck.
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Performance
7.5/10
How does the Pilot drive? Driving the Pilot is a mixed bag. The V6 sounds snarly when you step on the gas, but actual acceleration is only average. At the Edmunds test track, our Pilot TrailSport test vehicle managed the 0-60 mph run in 7.8 seconds. The transmission is overly busy, especially around town. That can also make the Pilot feel overly eager and sensitive to gas pedal inputs when accelerating from a stop. Braking is smooth, but the pedal is soft and numb, and we found the Pilot's emergency stopping distances to be longer than average.
For adventurous families, the Pilot TrailSport is one of the more capable three-row crossovers for light off-road duty thanks to its extra ground clearance. The all-wheel-drive system is another upside. In addition to the expected boost in traction for icy or snowy roads, it can also redistribute the V6's power to make the Pilot considerably more nimble around turns. However, the steering is light and lacks feel, and it provides no real sense of what's going on with the road.
For adventurous families, the Pilot TrailSport is one of the more capable three-row crossovers for light off-road duty thanks to its extra ground clearance. The all-wheel-drive system is another upside. In addition to the expected boost in traction for icy or snowy roads, it can also redistribute the V6's power to make the Pilot considerably more nimble around turns. However, the steering is light and lacks feel, and it provides no real sense of what's going on with the road.
Comfort
8.0/10
How comfortable is the Pilot? The front seats and optional second-row captain's chairs are pleasantly soft without giving up support. The front seats lack the level of adjustability some competitors offer, so not everybody will get the most comfort out of them. The Pilot's suspension smooths out most bumps with ease, but certain types of uneven pavement can feel sharp and a bit loud in the cabin.
On the whole, wind, road and engine noise is low but the cabin isn't quite as quiet as top-rated competitors like the Kia Telluride. The climate system is simple to adjust and powerful enough for the large cabin. All three rows get vents, but vent placement for the second and third rows isn't optimal. Third-row vents in particular are placed by the armrests, so adults will get airflow to their hands.
On the whole, wind, road and engine noise is low but the cabin isn't quite as quiet as top-rated competitors like the Kia Telluride. The climate system is simple to adjust and powerful enough for the large cabin. All three rows get vents, but vent placement for the second and third rows isn't optimal. Third-row vents in particular are placed by the armrests, so adults will get airflow to their hands.
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2024 Honda Pilot pricing
in Ashburn, VAEdmunds suggests you pay
Interior
8.5/10
How’s the interior? The Pilot's interior is roomy and practical for the first two rows, with lots of storage space and slightly above-average visibility for a vehicle of this class. The latest Pilot's dashboard keeps buttons to a minimum, but we like how Honda managed to make the most commonly used controls accessible rather than burying them in a touchscreen menu, which can be the case on other SUVs.
Getting in and out is easy, with buttons to release the second-row seats that even children can activate. There's enough seat travel that third-row access won't be a squeeze for most adults. Front passengers are spoiled for space in the Pilot, and the second row is wide and accommodating with lots of legroom. Competitors like the Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas, however, have better third rows. Adults will start to feel cramped because the high floor and almost nonexistent toe room under the second-row seats will push their knees up.
Getting in and out is easy, with buttons to release the second-row seats that even children can activate. There's enough seat travel that third-row access won't be a squeeze for most adults. Front passengers are spoiled for space in the Pilot, and the second row is wide and accommodating with lots of legroom. Competitors like the Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas, however, have better third rows. Adults will start to feel cramped because the high floor and almost nonexistent toe room under the second-row seats will push their knees up.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? The Pilot offers plenty of usable tech features, but on the whole it's a half-step behind the curve. The infotainment, with wireless phone connectivity, works quickly and is easy to navigate, but the 9-inch screen feels dwarfed by the large cabin. It's unfortunate the Accord's 12.3-inch screen isn't available here. There are plenty of places to charge, including a wireless charging pad. There's only one USB-C port available, however. The rest are the less powerful USB-A type, which limits options for phones, tablets and laptops that support fast charging.
Honda does equip the Pilot with plenty of standard driver assist features. Lane keeping assistance keeps the car centered nicely even at very low speeds. But while the adaptive cruise control follows smoothly at freeway speeds, it's less confidence-inspiring in heavier traffic. In our testing, we found it too slow to react to suddenly braking traffic, prompting the driver to intervene. It also requires prompting via a steering wheel button or accelerator pedal to restart after even the briefest stop, so it doesn't save you much effort.
Honda does equip the Pilot with plenty of standard driver assist features. Lane keeping assistance keeps the car centered nicely even at very low speeds. But while the adaptive cruise control follows smoothly at freeway speeds, it's less confidence-inspiring in heavier traffic. In our testing, we found it too slow to react to suddenly braking traffic, prompting the driver to intervene. It also requires prompting via a steering wheel button or accelerator pedal to restart after even the briefest stop, so it doesn't save you much effort.
Storage
8.5/10
How’s the storage? Competitors like the Buick Enclave, Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade offer more cargo space, but the Pilot has enough flexible cargo features and small-item storage to make it a helpful family hauler. The 50/50-split third-row seats are easy to release (which is good because there's no power-folding third row available), and they open up a large, if not class-leading, space. Loading and unloading is easy with the floor in its highest position so bulky items can slide in and out.
When it comes to small-item storage, the Pilot is one of the best. Front passengers get an extra-large center console tray and box, along with a few extra cubbies for smaller items. Both the front and rear doors offer a bunch of trays, pockets and even cupholders for every seat that will fit a 40-ounce water bottle.
Our test Pilot TrailSport had the second-row bench seat that comes with a removable center seat that can be stored under the cargo floor in the trunk. It's a neat feature that makes it easy to reconfigure the seating based on your day's needs. Notably, the Pilot is one of the few SUVs to have LATCH anchors for all three second-row seats.
When it comes to small-item storage, the Pilot is one of the best. Front passengers get an extra-large center console tray and box, along with a few extra cubbies for smaller items. Both the front and rear doors offer a bunch of trays, pockets and even cupholders for every seat that will fit a 40-ounce water bottle.
Our test Pilot TrailSport had the second-row bench seat that comes with a removable center seat that can be stored under the cargo floor in the trunk. It's a neat feature that makes it easy to reconfigure the seating based on your day's needs. Notably, the Pilot is one of the few SUVs to have LATCH anchors for all three second-row seats.
Fuel Economy
7.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? Depending on its equipment, the Pilot has an EPA estimate of anywhere from 20 mpg combined (18 city/23 highway) for the all-wheel-drive TrailSport to 22 mpg combined for a front-wheel-drive model. On Edmunds' real-world test route, our Pilot TrailSport test vehicle averaged 22 mpg, which means drivers should be able to match EPA estimates. This result is on par with top V6 competitors but still well off the segment's efficiency leader, the turbo four-cylinder Toyota Highlander — and without offering any quicker acceleration.
Value
7.0/10
Is the Pilot a good value? The Pilot provides plenty of utility and comfort, and its interior is sturdily built with hefty, solid plastics all around. Competitors spread more soft-touch materials around, especially in higher trims, but the Pilot feels built to endure family life. It's an ideal interior for cleaning up with whatever wipes you have on hand.
But in terms of bang for your buck, most competitors offer more features per dollar. You'll spend more than some top competitors to get a top-trim level, and even then you'll have fewer features than on competitors like the Telluride. Kia and Hyundai also offer significantly longer warranties.
But in terms of bang for your buck, most competitors offer more features per dollar. You'll spend more than some top competitors to get a top-trim level, and even then you'll have fewer features than on competitors like the Telluride. Kia and Hyundai also offer significantly longer warranties.
Wildcard
8.0/10
The Pilot is pretty easy to live with, and the TrailSport's added off-road ability broadens its appeal. That said, it comes across to us as the victim of an identity crisis. Honda has tried to make it a sporty, tough-and-rugged and family-friendly SUV, all in one. But this jack-of-all-trades approach means it's a master of none. The Pilot is ultimately good on average but with few standout traits to recommend it.
Which Pilot does Edmunds recommend?
We think the EX-L is the right trim level for most buyers. It's not much more expensive than the base Sport trim but nets a lot of useful features that include wireless smartphone integration, a 9-inch touchscreen, leather-trimmed seating and a power liftgate. With an extra inch of ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and a few other handy features, the TrailSport trim is an interesting option for buyers whose adventurous lifestyle demands recovery hooks.
Honda Pilot models
The 2024 Honda Pilot is a three-row SUV that seats up to eight passengers. It's available in six trim levels: LX, Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring and Elite. All are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine (285 horsepower, 262 lb-ft) mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional — except on the TrailSport and Elite trims, which get all-wheel drive standard. Highlighted features include:
LX
This trim level starts off the Pilot lineup with:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Keyless entry (front doors only) and ignition
- Second-row bench seat (eight-passenger seating)
- 7-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Seven-speaker sound system
- Tri-zone climate control
All Pilots come with a suite of advanced safety features known as Honda Sensing. This includes:
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
- Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
- Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Honda and the car in front)
- Lane centering system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Sport
Adds to the LX with:
- 20-inch wheels
- LED foglights
- Remote engine start
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power-adjustable, heated front seats
- Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
EX-L
A step up from the Sport with features such as:
- 18-inch wheels
- Programmable power liftgate
- Sound-reducing windshield
- Leather-trimmed upholstery
- Optional second-row captain's chairs (seven-passenger capacity)
- Second-row climate controls
- Second-row retractable sunshades
- Driver's seat memory settings
- 9-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Nine-speaker audio system
- Wireless phone charger
- Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible when parking)
- Front and rear low-speed automatic braking (applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object in front or behind the vehicle at low speeds)
TrailSport
Equips the Pilot for added adventure with:
- Standard all-wheel drive
- 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
- Full-size spare tire
- Off-road-tuned suspension with increased ground clearance
- Gloss black front grille
- Synthetic leather upholstery with orange stitching
- Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Pilot and its surroundings for tight parking and off-road situations)
- Off-road stability management system
- Underbody skid plates
- Class III trailer hitch
- Panoramic sunroof
- Off-road recovery hooks
- Heated windshield
- Household-style power outlet
- Heated steering wheel
- Second-row captain's chairs
Touring
Builds on the EX-L, adding luxury features such as:
- 20-inch wheels
- Gloss black front grille
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Keyless entry for all doors
- Panoramic sunroof
- Sound-reducing front windows and windshield
- Ambient interior lighting
- Second-row bench seat with removable/stowable middle seat
- Navigation system
- 12-speaker Bose audio system
- Wi-Fi hotspot
Elite
Maxes out the features with:
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Pilot and its surroundings for tight parking and off-road situations)
- Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
- Digital instrument panel
- Heated windshield
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated outboard second-row seats
- Household-style power outlet
- Ventilated front seats

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Honda Pilot Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(76%)
4(6%)
3(10%)
2(2%)
1(6%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
What a great SUV!! Finally a brand that gets it
5 out of 5 starsFamily car enthusiast, 03/10/2023
2023 Honda Pilot Elite 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
6 months of comparing, test driving and analyzing SUVs and this just checked all the boxes in the most optimal way. We needed a family car that can go both to daily city commutes to adventures for real; towing, getting to where mountain bike trails are, etc. We are 6 but occasionally need room for 8. We need ed decent towing power and payload capacity for when we need to tow and bring … gear and people with us. All other SUV brands give you 8 seats in the lowest trims and as you get higher in the trim you exchange features for a decreased payload/sitting capacity,... but Honda went different, counter intuitively and provides that detachable seat option at the higher trim levels o make it an 8 or a 7 seater and you keep the higher payload capacity. Space is almost the same as the minivan we traded in for it, it is very spacious and it feels strong, durable and reliable. It drives smooth as butter but when you need the power it delivers it with no delay. Brakes feel awesome. The interior is free from cabin- like obstacles (shift stick, cockpit narrow style cabin, etc), it is completely minimalist in style but it has everything you need exactly where you needed it with no interference of space. That panoramic sunroof is amazing, kids and grownups have plenty of space, air vents and connectivity. The tow hitch is super well integrated. Safety and driving assistance is very well tuned. AC is nice, strong and quiet. Bose sound system is concert hall quality. It is a great combination of urban with rugged, functionality, quality and practicality. Very happy with it! and I'm glad I waited before buying anything else.
The Smoothest Powerful 3 Row SUV in 2023
5 out of 5 starsAli S., 03/31/2023
2023 Honda Pilot Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
I have driven several 3 Row SUVs to pick the best value one. After test driving Grand Jeep Cherokee, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander, Cadillac XT6 and a couple of other ones, I test drove Honda Pilot. Pilot was second to none. It was smooth, elegant, and smart from my point of view without any extra bells and whistles. The design is unique and everybody can enjoy its … drive. The fuel consumption is lower than any V6 SUVs at this range. I purchased it and now I am confident that I love all aspects of this car.
Checked all the boxes
5 out of 5 starsWHITSIMPS , 02/19/2023
2023 Honda Pilot Elite 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
We bought the 2023 Honda Pilot Elite after shopping for a 3 row SUV for a few weeks. It has all of the features we were looking for along with the Honda quality we wanted. So far, the Pilot has met all of our expectations from the comfort to the drive to the technology and safety features, we are very satisfied with our purchase.
Pilot Touring
5 out of 5 starsNew Honda Driver , 04/10/2023
2023 Honda Pilot Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A)
I've had my new Pilot for just over a week and am trying to find something I don't like. It's been a while since I've had a new car and am adjusting to all of the features. I've not owned a vehicle this large and did not expect the steering to be so responsive. Very comfortable to drive and the sight lines are excellent. I've owned many Hondas (CRVs and Accords), so the build quality is … something I have experienced before.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Honda Pilot, so we've included reviews for other years of the Pilot since its last redesign.
Helpful shopping links
2024 Honda Pilot videos
[MUSIC PLAYING] SPEAKER 1: Something has happened lately within the three row SUV category. If you watched our reviews, or just kept up with the industry in general, you'll know that we give one name in particular quite a lot of praise, the Kia Telluride. That Kia has won awards left and right, including our own Edmunds top-rated SUV award last year. And for good reason, it is the undisputed benchmark in this segment and a fantastic SUV. But between you and me, I'm a little sick and tired of talking about the Kia Telluride every single time a new three row SUV hits the market, like the 2023 Honda Pilot. So I made myself a little game. This is a swear jar. Every time I'm tempted to talk about the Telluride, I have to put a dollar in this thing, but that one didn't count. First one's free. Back to the Honda real quick because this is a total overhaul of the previous generation. There's new tech, a new engine, and a much improved offroad ready TrailSport version. So join me on this first drive review. We're going to wring this thing out on and off road and determine if it stacks up against-- well, you know what. Before we get to know the new Pilot, let me remind you to please like this video and subscribe to the Edmunds YouTube channel. And if you're looking for an offer on your used car, head over to edmunds.com/sellmycar. We first saw the Pilot a few weeks ago in the studio, and my good friend Bayan Wang did an in-depth exterior and interior walk around with that car. So if you're interested in that, that pop up banner is right there. But let's go over the highlights because this is a big deal, both for Honda and for anybody in the market for a family-friendly SUV. [MUSIC PLAYING] I don't work for Honda's design department, but I'm pretty sure the mission here was to toughen the Pilot up because the last generation looked boring and like a minivan too, if I'm being honest. This looks like a proper, tough SUV. It's a lot more boxy, a lot more upright. The one we have here is the Elite, and that is the top of the line trim. There are several others you can pick from as well, including that TrailSport, which we'll go over more in just a bit. The Elite means we're rolling on bigger wheels for Honda at least, 20-inch wheels here, and you get this nice chrome trim that traces around the grille and along the window sills as well. Let me show you my favorite design detail right here. This really chunky-looking C-pillar. I love it. It's almost like a throwback to Honda designs of old. Now, is this the best-looking thing with three rows of seats that I've ever seen? Not really, no. But at the same time, it is a huge improvement, and it's a design that is much more modern and in tune with the times. [MUSIC PLAYING] Family SUV, so we start in the back seat. It's a lot better than before too, I got to say. Honda did two major improvements. There's a little bit more legroom now, over 2 inches more legroom than before, and the second row reclines. It really actually does recline now. You can nap out in the second row all day long. The Elite also has some nicer features. You get heated second row seats. That's always a huge thing. A nice plug here so you can charge up your phone, two USBs in the middle. This middle seat, though, has a few different party tricks, one of which I'm about to demonstrate. But you start by pulling this tab down and you get a nice center armrest, two more cupholders in the middle too and a little storage area. But that's actually not the most important thing that this middle seat does. So I'm going to get back out of the car. We're doing this together. It's not the world's easiest thing to do, but it is a cool feature. This is a removable second row, so you can have either captain's chairs, or when you need the accommodation for eight people, you can sit three in the middle. You pull-- where is it-- this little tab right here and the seat folds up. And then you remember that you got a gym membership because this is not like-- SPEAKER 2: The only weight is about 20-25 pounds. As you can see, I can lift it out. I can lift it up over my head. Not too much trouble. SPEAKER 1: So the clever part is that there's actually a spot in the cargo area to put the seat. There's an area below, this little false floor right here, and the seat fits perfectly. So you can take out this thing. You do another Squat. Oh my God, hit the gym, kid. SPEAKER 2: I flip it up over my head. SPEAKER 1: And it fits in there perfectly. There's a little yellow straps. You can secure it too so it's not moving around. And then what you do, you just put this back over. And look, you have a normal cargo area. How smart is that? You can leave the seat in the car or you can take it out and leave it in the garage if you want to have the additional space. Speaking of additional space, there's more cargo than before. And there's now over 22 cubic feet or so space back here. The seats are not power folding, but you can pull these tabs and it folds down. And this is actually my favorite part. You have a nice carpeted area here because Honda likes to be smart with their thinking. It's reversible. So you flip it over. You have a nice hard surface that's easy to wipe off if you have something that's wet or muddy back here that you don't want to muck up the carpet with. How smart is that? And the other benefit of putting the seat back there in the cargo area is that we now get captain's seats in the middle row. You can crawl back here, pretty easy actually. You know that? Not too bad. I like that they put dedicated air vents in the third row. That is really important on a hot day on a road trip. There's also a USB port on either side. I think you can pull this tab and get a little recline too. Overall, not terrible. I'm 5 foot 8, so not the world's tallest human being. And I'd say anybody my height or below is going to do just fine back here. Your kids will like the improvements made to the rear sections of the Pilot, but at the Elite's price, second-row ventilated seats and even third-row heated seats would be nice things to have. [MUSIC PLAYING] Honda has been on a rampage lately debuting new vehicles. We had Civic, HRV, CRV, Pilot, and Accord all in the last few months. And you know what, they all look really similar to each other when it comes to the interior. That's not completely a bad thing. There's just not enough variation between this and then HRV which costs basically half as much. Pilot does have a lot of nice features worth pointing out, especially in the Elite, though. We have heated seats, ventilated seats. There's a heated steering wheel in front of me. If this interior isn't beautiful, it definitely is functional. This looks like it will stand the test of time with your family. No problem. Look at these cupholders, for example. Talk about family thinking they're huge. You can fit a swear jar if you wanted to. And then this my giant water bottle, my big stupid water bottle, almost every test car that I get into for Edmunds, this thing can never find a home. But it fits perfectly in the center console, and it actually has a cup holder in the door that fits as well. That's really clever thinking. I do have one big gripe to get off my chest, though, so sit back and grab a snack real quick. I'll grab a snack too I guess. My gripe has to do with the infotainment setup. Now, this uses the same tech as the other cars I've already mentioned. So it comes with a standard 7-inch display, and this has the upgraded 9-inch unit, which also has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In a Civic, what is in front of me right now is great. There's not really a big problem. But when it comes to a big three row SUV, this just feels small now. There's another competitor that comes to mind that comes standard with a 12.3-inch display. I know, I might as well said the name at this point. Honda actually agrees with me. The new Accord, which is coming out in a few weeks, has a 12.3-inch display, and it also has really cool built-in Google integration. It's a big tech step forward for the company, and the Pilot, for some reason, doesn't get any of it. [MUSIC PLAYING] So here we are on the road in the ridiculously pretty Sedona, Arizona. We're going to be off roading in just a bit as well, but right now we're going to stick it on road. The biggest talking point here, I think, is that Honda has put what they call an all-new six cylinder engine in the Pilot. It's still pretty similar, but they've made some changes. Normally, when a manufacturer says this is an all-new engine, they're doing it for a specific reason. You get more power or better fuel economy, maybe more capability with towing, but in the Pilot's case, it's not that clear. This makes five, count them, 5 more horsepower than the previous generation Pilot. It's a 285 horsepower now and 262 pounds feet of torque, so not huge power gains. In terms of fuel efficiency, this is actually a little bit worse than the old Pilot. It's down across the board on fuel economy figures. And then towing, it still tows 5,000 pounds, just like it did before. So the obvious question is, why? Why did they go through the trouble of building a new engine if there's no obvious benefit? And the short answer is emissions. Honda has really strict targets for how much its cars pollute. And the Pilot being a huge vehicle, needed to clean up its act a little bit. And the changes they've made to the six cylinder actually have done quite a bit. This car pollutes a lot less than its predecessor. So you're not getting a lot more power, but this car is kinder to the environment now, and that's important. Aside from all the numbers I just throw at you, what is this engine like on the road? Honestly, it's really nice, below 3,000 RPM when you're just cruising along. It's very quiet, very, very quiet. Only when you put your foot in it does it make its presence known, and it gets nice and loud when you need the power. Speaking of-- there's plenty of it. 285 isn't a crazy big figure, but at the same time, it's exactly what you need to get up and moving. There's a new 10-speed automatic transmission to go along with that engine. 10 gears is a lot of gears to shift through. I like the tuning of the transmission itself. It's very smooth and how it operates, but it seems like it's always hunting for the right gear to be in. And when you're accelerating, it's short shifts. So I'd like it to be shifting a little bit less just for everyday livability. But an SUV like the Honda Pilot has one main job, and that is to get you and the members of your family to a destination in comfort. When it comes to doing that job, this thing is awesome. They've done some really great work making some big improvements with how the Pilot handles itself on the highway. This is a truly comfortable, well-sorted-out car. Weirdly, what sticks out to me the most is these seats. They're fantastic. Honda says they did a little bit of work to improve the support, and it totally worked. They support your spine all the way up and down. You can sit nice and upright. You just get the feeling that you could be sitting in these things for hours on end without issue. The other great thing that's standing out to me is the ride quality. The thing that comes to mind, the word that comes to mind is it feels expensive, like a vehicle that's in the luxury SUV segment. Pilot just floats along the road, but it still feels connected. I love what they did with the ride quality in this car. When it comes to visibility, the view forward is really good. I'm not that tall, but even still, I have a great view forward. The car has a shorter front overhang now than it did before. And looking back, it's actually a really clear view as well. Those third row headrests, they don't obstruct too much of the rear glass. It's only that back D-pillar when you're looking over your shoulder to change lanes that becomes a little bit problematic, but in fairness, every SUV in this segment has that same blind spot. [MUSIC PLAYING] So we have swapped Pilots. We are now driving the TrailSport trim. We have also swapped tarmac for dirt road. We're out here on these trails in Sedona, and I got to say it's a little bit funny. So we're seeing a bunch of Jeep Wranglers and side by side, the things you expect to see on a tight trail like this. And the Pilots look a little out of place, but honestly, they're handling themselves quite well so far. Let's talk TrailSport for a second. So this car has some additional hardware to help it be better off road. So first of all, they're thicker, big skid plates at the front and over the gas tank. So the engine, the transmission are protected. There's an additional skid plate over the gas tank. We've scraped a few times so far, but no problems to report. There's also rolling on 18-inch wheels wrapped in an all-terrain tyre. It's the first time that Honda has put an SUV on an all-terrain tire. This one is a continental. In addition to that, there's some suspension tweaks as well. So there's a different damper. The control arms are a bit different. And overall, there's just slight tweaks to take this one a little adventures just like this. Initial impressions so far are that it's very easy to be gentle. And gentle is what you want to be when you have a car full of people on a trail this tight. The throttle is very easy to modulate. The brakes are not touchy. I appreciate how easy it is just to get in and drive. This is basically just low-speed crawling at the moment, but nothing is problematic in how this car handles itself. It's also a good time to mention that this Pilot has a much more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. So the rear differential can handle a lot more the engine's torque, can send more of the power back there. It can also shuffle the power between each of the rear wheels independently for better traction. After a few hours on the trail with the TrailSport-- that's weird to say-- the Pilot really held its own. We knock the skid plates pretty consistently, but the engineers reassured us that they built them strong for a reason. My favorite feature was the trail watch camera system, which made it much easier to navigate ultra-tight sections of the trail. This is not a body on frame off road monster, but most people would be surprised by how capable the Pilot TrailSport is. [MUSIC PLAYING] The 2023 Honda Pilot is now on sale, starting in the upper $30,000 range for the base LX, just under $50,000 for the TrailSport, and about 53 grand for the Elite. For Honda loyalists, the Pilot is a much improved vehicle. If you buy one, we're sure that it will give you many faithful years of service. But in this ultra competitive segment, it takes more than small improvements to be the best. The Kia Telluride still feels like a luxury SUV for an affordable price. That's why for my money, it's still the one I'd rather have. Thanks for watching. [MUSIC PLAYING] It's going to take every brain cell I have to go through these trees and talk at the same time. OK, that was dicey.
2023 Honda Pilot First Drive | Bigger, Tougher, Better? | TrailSport, Interior, Tech & More!
NOTE: This video is about the 2023 Honda Pilot, but since the 2024 Honda Pilot is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
The 2023 Honda Pilot is all-new and has dreams of knocking down the Kia Telluride from its throne atop the three-row midsize SUV segment. The new Pilot boasts a tougher look, a fresher interior and some nifty packaging, plus a brand-new TrailSport off-road model that seems like more… than just an appearance package. So, does the 2023 Pilot have what it takes to steal the crown? Edmunds’ Clint Simone drove it both on and off the road to find out in the video above!
2024 Honda Pilot Features Specs
LX
Total MSRP | $38,465 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $172/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Compare the Honda Pilot
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Honda Pilot vs. Kia Telluride
Kia's handsome three-row upstart debuted in 2020. It's loaded with tech and safety features and boasts an interior that, particularly on the pricier trims, feels like a full-blown luxury offering — without the full-blown luxury price. The Telluride is our favorite in this class, and its mechanical twin, the Hyundai Palisade, offers all of the same benefits in a dramatically different wrapper.
Honda Pilot vs. Mazda CX-90
Mazda has undertaken a brave upmarket push that basically has it hanging premium price tags on products that have been worth it for years. The CX-90 is a prime example. It has the composed driving manners and upscale interior detailing of a much more expensive vehicle, but it wears the logo of a brand many buyers still associate with affordable compact hatchbacks. The Mazda's primary drawback compared to the Pilot is its pinched back seat and smaller cargo hold.
Honda Pilot vs. Volkswagen Atlas
With a name like Atlas, Volkswagen isn't pretending its three-row crossover isn't huge. But that pays off in fantastic interior space in all three rows. Think of the Atlas as a German Pilot. Like the Pilot, the Atlas has a straightforward, easy-to-use interior aimed more at functionality than flair. But it is a bit sluggish with the turbocharged four-cylinder, and its pricing can quickly outpace the Honda once you opt for the V6. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Volkswagen Atlas.

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Safety
Our experts’ favorite Pilot safety features:
- Blind Spot Information System
- Alerts you if a vehicle is lurking in your blind spot and beeps if the turn signal is activated in that direction.
- Honda Sensing
- Includes items such as forward collision mitigation with auto braking and road departure intervention. Standard on all trim levels.
- Parking Sensors
- Indicate how close the vehicle is to objects with visual and audible alerts.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test | Good |
---|---|
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test | Good |
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original | Good |
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated | Marginal |
Side Impact Test – Original | Good |
Side Impact Test – Updated | Not Tested |
Roof Strength Test | Not Tested |
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Not Tested |
FAQ
Is the Honda Pilot a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Pilot both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Pilot gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 49 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Pilot has 18.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Honda Pilot. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Honda Pilot?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Honda Pilot:
- No significant changes for 2024
- Part of the fourth Pilot generation introduced for 2023.
Is the Honda Pilot reliable?
To determine whether the Honda Pilot is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Pilot. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Pilot's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Honda Pilot a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Honda Pilot is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Pilot and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Pilot gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 49 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Pilot is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Honda Pilot?
The least-expensive 2024 Honda Pilot is the 2024 Honda Pilot LX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $37,090.
Other versions include:
- LX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $37,090
- LX 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $39,190
- Sport 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $39,600
- Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $41,700
- EX-L 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $42,400
- EX-L 4dr SUV w/Rear Captain's Chairs (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $42,700
- EX-L 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $44,500
- EX-L 4dr SUV AWD w/Rear Captain's Chairs (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $44,800
- Touring 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $46,900
- TrailSport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $48,800
- Touring 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $49,000
- Elite 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A) which starts at $52,480
What are the different models of Honda Pilot?
If you're interested in the Honda Pilot, the next question is, which Pilot model is right for you? Pilot variants include LX 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A), LX 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A), Sport 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 10A), and Sport 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 10A). For a full list of Pilot models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
Related 2024 Honda Pilot info
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