1 / 4Illustrative AI renders — not manufacturer photographs.
Honda Pilot
Honda's three-row family hauler, refreshingly rugged
Honda Pilot review
The Honda Pilot is a three-row, eight-seat midsize SUV aimed squarely at growing families. Now in its fourth generation, it trades the previous model's rounded look for boxier, more SUV-like styling and adds a genuinely capable TrailSport trim for light off-roading. Under the hood sits a naturally aspirated V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic. It prioritizes space, comfort, and dependable practicality over flashy tech or outright thrills.
The fourth-generation Pilot leans hard into the things families actually use. Interior space is the headline: three usable rows, a removable second-row middle seat on higher trims that lives in a hidden under-floor cubby, and a flat, square cargo area that swallows luggage and gear without fuss. Materials feel sturdy rather than plush, and the dashboard layout is refreshingly simple, with real buttons for climate and volume instead of buried touchscreen menus.
The 3.5-liter V6 is smooth and predictable, producing 285 hp and enough low-end pull for daily driving and merging. It isn't quick by modern turbocharged standards, and the 10-speed automatic occasionally hunts for gears under light throttle, but the powertrain's biggest virtue is that it feels unstressed and durable. Ride quality is composed and the steering is light and easy, making the Pilot an effortless commuter and a relaxed highway cruiser. The TrailSport adds an inch of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a more serious all-wheel-drive setup for buyers who venture off pavement.
The trade-offs are familiar for the class. Fuel economy is merely okay at roughly 21 mpg combined, with no hybrid option to close the gap on rivals that offer one. The base 9-inch touchscreen is functional but feels small and a little dated next to newer competitors, and a fully loaded Elite or Black Edition climbs past $50,000, where the value argument gets tougher. Wind and road noise are well suppressed, though, and visibility is excellent thanks to the upright greenhouse.
Overall the Pilot is a deeply sensible choice. It doesn't chase trends, and it won't dazzle anyone with screens or acceleration, but it nails the fundamentals of a family SUV: room, comfort, ease of use, and Honda's reputation for going the distance.
Pros & cons
What we like
- Spacious, flexible three-row cabin
- Clever removable middle seat
- Smooth, dependable V6
- Simple, button-rich controls
- Capable TrailSport off-road trim
What could be better
- No hybrid option
- Average fuel economy
- Base touchscreen feels small
- Top trims get pricey
Honda Pilot price & variants
| Variant | Fuel / Transmission | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Sport Best value | PetrolAutomatic | $40,200 |
| EX-L | PetrolAutomatic | $43,500 |
| TrailSport | PetrolAutomatic | $49,100 |
| Touring | PetrolAutomatic | $49,800 |
| Elite | PetrolAutomatic | $53,400 |
| Black Edition | PetrolAutomatic | $55,300 |
Key specifications
Model Overview
Engine & Transmission
Dimensions & Capacity
Fuel & Performance
Comfort & Convenience
Safety
Honda Pilot colours
Platinum White PearlExpert rating breakdown
Owner reviews
Perfect for our family of five
We swapped a minivan for the Pilot and haven't looked back. The third row actually fits my teenagers, and the removable middle seat makes loading the dog's crate easy. Gas mileage is just okay, but everything else has been flawless.
Comfortable but thirsty
It's an incredibly easy car to live with and the controls are refreshingly simple. My only real gripe is fuel economy on the highway road trips. I wish Honda offered a hybrid version like Toyota does.
TrailSport earns its name
I take mine on forest service roads most weekends and the all-terrain tires plus extra clearance handle it without drama. On the pavement it's quiet and smooth too. Couldn't be happier with the purchase.
Alternatives to the Honda Pilot
Hyundai Palisade
4.4$37,000 – $54,000Starting MSRP
Rivian R2
4.3$45,000 – $68,000Starting MSRP
Audi Q5
4.2$45,000 – $58,000Starting MSRP
BMW X3
4.4$50,000 – $65,000Starting MSRP
Honda Pilot — frequently asked questions
Does the Honda Pilot come as a hybrid?
No. The current Pilot is offered only with a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine. If you want a hybrid three-row Honda, the smaller CR-V Hybrid or rivals like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid are the alternatives.
How many people can the Pilot seat?
Most trims seat eight, using a removable second-row bench. Some upper trims like the Touring and Elite swap in second-row captain's chairs, reducing capacity to seven.
Is the Pilot good for towing?
Yes, within its class. Properly equipped all-wheel-drive models are rated to tow up to about 5,000 pounds, enough for a small boat, camper, or utility trailer.
What's the difference with the TrailSport trim?
The TrailSport adds roughly an inch of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, a more advanced all-wheel-drive system with a dedicated trail mode, and rugged styling for buyers who go off-pavement.
What kind of fuel economy should I expect?
Expect around 21 mpg combined, with roughly 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel drive and the TrailSport return slightly lower numbers.
Does the Pilot have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. All trims include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity standard on higher trims and wired support on the base models.
Image is an AI-generated illustration. Specifications and prices are indicative and may vary by variant and city — please confirm with an authorized dealer. Last updated 2026-06-25.