2024 Honda Pilot

The interior of the Pilot doesn’t work any retro cues, but it works well anyway. The statement piece on most models is a 9.0-inch touchscreen (it’s a measly but functional 7.0-inch unit on the base version). Honda avoided the stripped-down austerity of some SUVs that bury functions in the touchscreen interface. The Pilot still has a fair amount of switches and buttons, as well as a real shift lever. The dash sits high, too, and the overall effect of the interior is to seem more expansive without being too much larger.

How fast is the Honda Pilot?

With its 285-hp V-6, 262 lb-ft of torque, and a 10-speed automatic, the Pilot puts out pretty much the same acceleration as it did in its last generation—only now, it also has up to seven drive modes that toggle through traction settings to extract more control over the power delivery. It’s still quick enough to pick up a point here—and much of that credit goes to the 10-speed automatic, which has been programmed for imperceptible low-end shifts and the ability to toggle down four gears at a time when the driver calls for power during a difficult pass. 

The paddle shift controls might seem like overkill, but the drive modes make them more useful—while they also tailor the shift timing, throttle response, and steering weight. We could do without the Sport mode’s amplified engine sounds. But the Trail mode isn’t a gimmick: it feathers the controls at very low speeds to enable smoother rock crawling. It’s a moderately capable off-roader, so keep that in mind when trail-sporting—and in case it should need it, the Trail mode’s backed up by a standard hitch and a front skid plate.

It can house as many people as a minivan, but the Pilot eschews minivan-style light-touch steering for a moderately firm feel that helps when towing a trailer, for example. The Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds. And even on the big 20-inch or knobby 18-inch all-terrain tires, it still rides quietly, with a trace of wind noise that doesn’t disturb the calm cabin vibe.

In the second row, a 40:20:40 split bench has a fold-down middle section that converts to an armrest with cupholders. That bench can be upgraded to twin captain’s chairs on the Pilot EX-L; the duo come standard on upper trim levels, cutting ultimate seating capacity from eight to seven people. On the top two Pilot trims, a removable middle seat pulls out of the floor mount and tucks into the cargo-area floor (or can be stowed in your garage). It weighs just 25 pounds and takes under a minute to yank out. In all configurations, 40.8 inches of legroom bests the prior Pilot and pairs with excellent headroom.

A pushbutton mechanism grants slide-away access to the third-row seat, where two 6-foot-tall people can sit in reasonable comfort. Most of the time, those seats will be folded down to boost the Pilot’s 22.4 cubic feet of cargo room to 60.1 cubic feet—or with the second row folded, more than 112 cubic feet.

We approve of the Pilot’s generally nicer materials and good fit and finish, but it’s still a practical crossover SUV with a wash-and-wear appeal.

All Pilots have automatic emergency braking, active lane control, adaptive cruise control down to a stop, a driver attention monitor, and automatic high beams. All but the LX have blind-spot monitors, and all except the LX and Sport get front and rear parking sensors. We’d spend up to get those features and the available surround-view camera system, since the Pilot’s angled rear pillars cut into the view. 

Which Honda Pilot should I buy?

We’d pick the $40,975 Pilot Sport model, which gains power heated front seats and three-zone climate control—but most people pick the $42,400 Pilot EX-L ($42,700 with a pair of captain’s chairs instead of a second-row bench). It has a 9.0-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, and a power tailgate. 

How much is a fully loaded Honda Pilot?

The $50,275 TrailSport gets off-road upgrades and a panoramic sunroof. But to spend as much as you can, step into a $53,855 Honda Pilot Elite, which has 20-inch wheels, a removable middle seat, navigation, 12-speaker Bose audio, digital gauges, a surround-view camera system, and a head-up display.