Next-Gen 2024 Honda Pilot Exclusive Review

2024 Honda Pilot has earned its place among the elite 3-row midsize SUVs due to its attractive and comprehensive design. We anticipate a base price of the 2024 model at around $37,000.

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Following the introduction of the new generation last year, Pilot continues to impress in 2024 with a variety of features. This includes ample space for passengers and cargo, a standard set of safety features, and a smooth and powerful engine.

Comfort is prioritized in seat design and suspension adjustments, and the TrailSport’s off-road prowess allows families with Pilots to enjoy off-roading. Additionally, the Pilot showcases Honda’s signature attributes of reliability, build quality, and reassuring resale value. We also appreciate the bold design of this iteration.

With the fourth iteration of the Pilot debuting less than a year ago, we don’t anticipate any major changes to the 2024 lineup.

Rugged exterior design
TrailSport’s legitimate off-road prowess
Expansive interior
Spacious front and rear row seating
Numerous cargo capacity and interior stowage locations
User-friendly controls
Refined drivetrain
Present-day technology
Huge house
Luxo-grade V-6
Effortless 10-speed automatic
Plush seating
Captivating TrailSport

2024 Honda Pilot Review

The latest Honda Pilot offers front and second-row passengers ample comfort and space. However, it trails behind competitors in third-row space and cargo capacity, and its technology is a half-step behind the competition. In terms of overall allure, certain competitors offer greater value.

The Honda Pilot is a longtime darling in the category of full-size, three-row crossovers. The 2023 redesign visually separated it from the Odyssey, with which it shares a platform, but the Pilot retains much of the utility of a minivan. It is roomy, with an abundance of storage compartments and clever features such as second-row seats that slide forward at the touch of a button to assist children access the rear seat.

And all three rows are comfortable, though adults may find the rear row to be a bit cramped. The redesigned V6 is capable of transporting up to 5,000 pounds while remaining relatively fuel-efficient. Like Honda’s best-selling CR-V, the Pilot appears to do everything well and without bother.

Others in the class, however, are focusing on Honda’s formula and adding fanfare for consumers who desire it. Several vehicles, including the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride twins and the Mazda CX-90, offer a more opulent experience than the Pilot. If space and adaptability are your only concerns, the Pilot is an excellent option. However, purchasers seeking something of a higher caliber will find compelling alternatives in this category. The following is our Professional Review of the 2024 Honda Pilot.

2024 Honda Pilot Specs

A refined 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 285 horsepower to propel the Honda Pilot. The vehicle’s acceleration is smooth and silent, and it can reach freeway speeds with ease while carrying a family and luggage. In addition, we discovered the standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping function to be accurate and responsive among the best in this class, and excellent for both long drives and stop-and-go traffic.

We appreciate the compact turning circle, which is one of the smallest among midsize SUVs. It facilitates maneuverability in conjunction with the light-yet-precise steering and the optimal brake feel. The Pilot’s ride quality is also designed to be comfortable over rough city streets while retaining its composure on the highway.

The TrailSport can traverse moderately difficult terrain. It has a unique suspension setup that allows for greater axle articulation and wheel travel than a standard road-spec Pilot, and it rests an inch higher. This results in a ride that is pleasant even over rough terrain.

2024 Honda Pilot Redesign

2024 Honda Pilot Changes has a new set of products launched in the next year or two, including the recently peeped 2024 Accord. That list also includes the 2024 Honda Pilot, which will undergo a redesign for the first time since 2016, though the crossover received a reinvigoration in 2019.

Now, Ford Authority spies have seen the 2024 Honda Pilot prototype go around, giving us a great look. what can we expect from its rival Ford Explorer, which happens to look like the same Blue Oval crossover?

At least, that’s true on the front, which has a large oval-shaped grille flanked by sleek headlights, similar to the current-generation Explorer and perhaps even more similar to the recently updated Chinese version. To be fair, it’s a fairly conventional look that many vehicles have these days, especially in the hot world of crossovers and SUVs.

In addition, the 2024 Honda Pilot is also expected to take inspiration from the Passport and Ridgeline in terms of updated styling, providing a more square and upright look that has been trending these days. Similarly, the next-generation Pilot is also expected to move from the current platform – which is used in conjunction with the Odyssey minivan – to a fairly new foundation that is in the Acura MDX.

In the first quarter of 2022, Pilot trailed the Explorer in terms of sales, as Honda sold only 23,989 units – good for a nine percent share of the three-lane crossover segment in the U.S. – while Ford moved 42,736 Explorers, which had a 16 percent market share. However, both crossovers follow in the footsteps of the Toyota Highlander which leads the segment and holds a 25 percent market share after enjoying sales of 66,026 units in Q1.

Currently, the Explorer 2023 order bank is scheduled to open on August 11, 2022, while production is scheduled to begin at the Chicago Assembly plant on November 7, 2022, the Ford Authority reported earlier this month. It is currently unclear whether the North American version of 2023 Explorer will receive any kind of refresh, but it may be due to the latest updates applied to the Chinese version.

2024 Honda TrailSport Pilot

Honda equips the Pilot TrailSport with legitimate equipment for traversing difficult terrain. The TrailSport rides on 18-inch rims with all-terrain tires and has a one-inch lift and steel underbody skid plates.

Honda also adjusts the anti-roll bars, springs, and dampers for the Pilot model that is most off-road capable. Trail Torque Logic technology allows a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system to transmit up to 70 percent of the torque to the rear axle. In our testing, this variant of the manufacturer’s three-row SUV demonstrated formidable off-road capabilities.

2024 Honda Grand Pilot (XXL)

The mid-sized Honda Pilot has a smaller overall length (200.2 in/5,085 mm compared to 201.4 in/5,116 mm) and a larger 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood. But it also comes with lower power 285 hp better compared to the Grand Highlander 2024’s base 2.4-liter turbo option that produces 265 hp than with the Hybrid Max variant.

AutoYa design imagines a CGI look of the Honda ‘Grand’ Pilot with the extra-long Honda concept naturally set to receive a full-size third row and the rendering not only includes the ubiquitous unofficial color roll, but also a glimpse of the new interior setup.

2024 Honda Pilot Feature

Finger Support

The issue with touchscreens is that they must be touched. It is possible to drive over a bump and wind up with Liszt when you wanted Lizzo (or vice versa). The new Pilot’s touchscreens (7 inches in the Sport and 9 inches in the rest of the lineup) are recessed into the dashboard by nearly an inch, giving users a place to rest their palms while inputting data. It’s all about the details.

Traffic Congestion Aid

Under optimal conditions, the Honda Pilot can autonomously navigate slower-moving highway traffic. Just maintain your hand on the steering wheel to indicate that you’re paying attention, and the vehicle will drive itself for miles. It functions exceptionally well and is standard across the board.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Only the base LX and Sport variants require a cable; the remainder of the Pilot lineup comes standard with wireless smartphone integration. We absolutely adore the convenience.

Bluetooth Phone Charge

Standard equipment for the four upper versions. It’s wonderful to see such features making their way from expensive vehicles to more affordable ones.

A seat that is removable/storable

The Touring and Elite models have a second-row central seat that can be removed. The resultant space facilitates access to the third row. The seat can then fit under the cargo compartment floor, ready for when the Pilot needs to accommodate eight passengers once more. We lifted it; it weighs about 35 pounds and is not too weighty.

Walk Away Close

Standard equipment includes a hydraulic tailgate and an automatic locking function. However, Touring and Elite models also have Walk Away Close for their tailgates.

2024 Honda Pilot Interior

This is one of the most spacious interiors of all 3-row midsize SUVs. The seating capacity of the majority of Pilot models is eight, but the second-row captain’s chairs available on the EX-L and TrailSport models reduce that to seven. In addition to improving second-row passenger comfort, the resultant pass-through facilitates access to the third row.

The first two rows of the Pilot’s cabin are spacious and functional, with ample stowage space and slightly above-average visibility for a vehicle of this class. The latest Pilot’s dashboard has few knobs, but we appreciate how Honda made the most frequently used controls easily accessible as opposed to burying them in a touchscreen menu as in some other SUVs.

With controls that even children can use to release the second-row seats, entering and exiting the vehicle is simple. There is sufficient seat travel for most adults to access the third row without difficulty. The Pilot provides ample space for front passengers, and the second row is spacious and accommodating with ample legroom. However, rivals such as the Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas have superior third rows. The high floor and almost nonexistent toe room under the second-row seats will cause adults’ legs to rise, causing them to feel cramped.

Eight of the Pilot’s fourteen cup holders can accommodate 32-ounce beverages. In addition, the stowage space in the center console can accommodate an iPad or other tablet device. Naturally, the top-tier Elite model features premium materials, such as perforated leather seating surfaces, and an abundance of technology. The middle-of-the-road TrailSport model is also well-appointed.

The front seats are well-shaped and supportive, making them suitable for extended journeys. The second-row legroom measures 40,8 inches, which is slightly more than the similarly capacious Kia Telluride. We have discovered that children are experts at finding reasons to grumble, but they cannot complain about the 32.5 inches of legroom in the third row. With 33.5 inches, only the Chevrolet Traverse and Dodge Durango surpass it.

The Pilot has 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet when rows two and three are folded down. Certainly spacious, but comparable to competitors.

Comfort

The front seats and available second-row captain’s chairs are comfortable without sacrificing support. The front seats lack the adjustability offered by some competitors, so not everyone will find them comfortable. The Pilot’s suspension absorbs most bumps with ease, but certain types of uneven pavement can make the interior feel sharp and somewhat noisy.

Wind, road, and engine noise are generally minimal, but the cabin isn’t quite as quiet as top-rated competitors like the Kia Telluride. The climate control system is easy to adjust and has sufficient capacity for the spacious cabin. The placement of the vents in the second and third tiers is less than optimal. Particularly, third-row vents are situated by the armrests so that adults’ hands receive airflow.

Technology

The Pilot has many useful technological features, but overall it’s a half-step behind the competition. With wireless phone connectivity, the infotainment system is fast and simple to use, but the 9-inch screen appears small in comparison to the spacious cabin. It is unfortunate that the 12.3-inch screen of the Accord is not available here. There are numerous charging locations, including a wireless charging pad. However, there is only one USB-C port accessible. The remainder are of the less powerful USB-A variety, limiting options for devices that support rapid charging, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

The Pilot is equipped with numerous standard driver assistance features by Honda. Even at modest speeds, the vehicle’s center of gravity is well-maintained by the lane-keeping assist system. However, while the adaptive cruise control follows effortlessly at highway speeds, it inspires less confidence in heavy traffic. In our testing, we discovered that it was too sluggish to respond to sudden traffic stops, necessitating driver intervention. Restarting after even a brief stop requires a button on the steering wheel or the accelerator lever, so it does not save much effort.

Storage

The Buick Enclave, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade offer more cargo space than the Honda Pilot, but the Pilot’s cargo flexibility and small-item storage make it a useful family vehicle. The 50/50-split third-row seats are easy to release (which is fortunate because a power-folding third row is not available) and they create a spacious if not class-leading area. With the floor in its highest position, it is simple to load and discharge bulky items because they can slide in and out.

Regarding small-item storage, the Pilot is among the finest. Front passengers have access to an extra-large center console tray and box, as well as several additional compartments for smaller objects. Both the front and rear doors feature numerous trays, pockets, and cupholders that can accommodate a 40-ounce water container for each seat.

Our prototype Pilot TrailSport was equipped with a second-row bench seat with a detachable, trunk-stowable center seat. It’s a cool feature that makes it simple to reconfigure the seating according to the day’s requirements. The Pilot is notable for being one of the few SUVs with LATCH attachments for all three second-row seats.

2024 Honda Pilot Engine & Drivetrain

Similar to its progenitors, the Pilot 3-row midsize SUV employs a naturally aspirated (no turbos or superchargers) 3.5-liter V6 engine. But this one produces more power than any Pilot before it while retaining the renowned precision and refinement of Honda’s V6 engines.

285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque are produced. But some competitors have more. For example, the Kia Telluride has 291 horsepower and the Chevrolet Traverse has 310 horsepower.

A 10-speed automatic transmission supplies power to the front wheels (FWD) or to an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which is standard on the TrailSport and Elite models but optional on other grades.

Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, which is sufficient for an ATV or two dirt motorcycles on a trailer.

3.5-liter V6
285 horses at 6,100 revs
262 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm.
EPA combined fuel economy (2023): 22 mpg (FWD), 21 mpg (AWD), and 20 mpg (TrailSport) for FWD, AWD, and RWD respectively.

Three-Year/36,000-Mile Limited Warranty

Honda’s warranty on new vehicles is valid for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The warranty period for powertrains is five years or 60,000 miles. This is typical of the cohort as a whole. In addition, Honda includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles.

Performance

The Pilot is a mixed instrument to operate. The V6 engine sounds aggressive when the accelerator is pressed, but acceleration is only average. Our Pilot TrailSport test vehicle completed the 0-60 mph dash in 7.8 seconds on the Edmunds test track. T

he transmission is excessively busy, particularly in urban areas. When accelerating from a halt, this can also make the Pilot feel overly eager and sensitive to gas pedal inputs. The pedal is spongy and numb, and we discovered that the Pilot’s emergency stopping distances were longer than average.

Due to its increased ground clearance, the Pilot TrailSport is one of the more capable three-row crossovers for mild off-road duty for families with an adventurous spirit. The all-wheel-drive system is an additional benefit. In addition to the anticipated improvement in traction on icy or snowy roadways, it can redistribute the V6’s power to make the Pilot significantly more agile in turns. However, the steering is light and lacks feel, and it conveys no true sense of road conditions.

2024 Honda Pilot MPG

Depending on its equipment, the Pilot’s EPA-estimated combined fuel economy ranges from 20 mpg for the all-wheel-drive TrailSport (18 city/23 highway) to 22 mpg for the front-wheel-drive model. Our Pilot TrailSport test vehicle averaged 22 mpg on Edmunds’ real-world test route, so drivers should be able to match EPA estimates.

This result is comparable to that of leading V6 competitors, but it trails the segment’s efficiency leader, the turbocharged four-cylinder Toyota Highlander — and it does not offer faster acceleration.

2024 Honda Pilot Models

As of this writing, Honda has not released official information about the 2024 Pilot. We will revise our recommendation if anything changes, but based on the Pilot from the previous model year, we believe that the EX-L is the optimal trim level for most purchasers. It is not significantly more expensive than the base Sport trim, but it adds a number of useful features, such as wireless smartphone integration, a 9-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, and a power liftgate.

With an additional inch of ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive, and a few other useful features, the TrailSport trim is an intriguing option for purchasers who require recovery hooks due to their adventurous lifestyle.

The Honda Pilot is a three-row SUV with seating for up to eight people. Six specification levels are available: LX, Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite. All models are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (285 hp, 262 lb-ft) and a 10-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard on the TrailSport and Elite trims, whereas front-wheel drive is standard on all other trims. Featured characteristics include:

LX

This trim commences the Pilot lineup with:

18-inch aluminum rims
LED headlamp
Keyless entrance for driver’s door
Push-button starter
Eight-seat settee seat in the second row.
7-inch interactive display
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
Seven-speaker stereo system
Remote engine ignition
Tri-zone climate regulation

Honda Sensing is a suite of sophisticated safety features standard on all Pilots. This consists of:

Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking (warns if a collision is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver does not respond).
Lane-keeping assistance (redirects the Pilot back into its lane if it begins to meander outside of it)
Driver alert system (issues a warning if sensors detect that the driver is becoming fatigued).
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a distance between the Honda and the vehicle in front as specified by the driver)

Sport

Complements the LX with:

20-inch rims
LED fog lamps
Entry and ignition without a key
Steering mechanism covered in leather
Heated, power-adjustable front chairs
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during lane changes or when you are in reverse).

EX-L

A move up from the Sport with the following features:

18-inch rims
Programmable electric tailgate
acoustic front windows and windshield
Upholstery trimmed in leather
Optional second-row captain’s chairs (seating for seven).
Tri-zone climate regulation
Second-row temperature and humidity controls
Sunshade retractable for the second row
Configurable seat memory for the driver
9-inch LCD infotainment system
Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto wireless connectivity
Nine-speaker audio system
Wireless cellphone adapter
Front and rear parking sensors (warn of obstacles that may not be visible during parking)

TrailSport

Enhances the Pilot’s capacity for adventure with:

Automatic all-wheel propulsion
18-inch tires on all-terrain rims
Full-size spare tire
Enhanced terrain clearance
Synthetic leather seating
Provides a bird’s-eye view of the Pilot and its environs for tight parking and off-roading.
Off-road stability control
Underbody skid shields
Class III trailer coupling
Panorama skylight
auxiliary recovery connections
Warm windscreen
Domestic-style electrical receptacle
Steering column heat
Captain’s chairs for the second tier

Touring

Enhances the EX-L by adding luxury features including:

20-inch rims
No-touch electric tailgate
Keyless access to every entrance
Panorama skylight
Bench seat in the second row with a detachable, stowable middle seat
Navigation system
Twelve-speaker Bose sound system
Wi-Fi hotspot

Elite

Completing the feature set with:

Automatic all-wheel propulsion
Provides a bird’s-eye view of the Pilot and its environs for tight parking and off-roading.
Head-up display (displays vital information in the driver’s line of sight on the windshield).
Digital instrument panel
Warm windscreen
Steering column heat
Heated second-row outboard chairs
Domestic-style electrical receptacle
Ventilated leading seating

2024 Honda Pilot Price

We anticipate the 2024 Honda Pilot to begin at approximately $37,000. The base price for the 2023 model starts at $36,300. All-wheel drive is approximately a $2,100 option, and a fully-equipped Pilot will exceed the $50,000 mark.

2024 Honda Pilot LX $37,000 (estimate)
2024 Honda Pilot Sport $40,500 (estimate)
2024 Honda Pilot EX-L $43,000 (estimate)
2024 Honda Pilot Touring approximately $47,000.
2024 Honda Pilot TrailSport $50,000 (estimate)
2024 Honda Pilot Elite $53,000 (estimate)

These estimates reflect the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) and exclude factory-to-dealer delivery costs (destination charges). Last year’s destination charge was $1,345, for example.

Competitors such as the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-90, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, Volkswagen Atlas, Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet Traverse all start in the mid-to upper-thirties. The Subaru and Mazda both come standard with all-wheel drive, while the Toyota Highlander offers both a hybrid model and an upcoming Grand Highlander variant with additional cargo capacity. If someone is looking for family-friendly transportation that is not an SUV, the exceptional Honda Odyssey minivan is a good option.

Before purchasing a new 3-row Pilot SUV, consult the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to determine how much you should pay. A further advantage of the Pilot is its above-average resale value.

2024 Honda Pilot Release Date

We expect the 2024 Honda Pilot to arrive this winter in December in Lincoln, Alabama.

2024 Honda Pilot Safety

We anticipate that the Pilot’s array of standard safety features will transfer over into the 2024 model year. The Honda Sensing driver assistance package includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, recognition of traffic signs, and lane keeping assist. Sport and higher specification levels include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

All Pilots are equipped with standard hill descent control. TrailSport and Elite models are outfitted with a 360-degree camera and TrailWatch off-road camera view technology.

Verdict

We anticipate the EX-L to remain the lineup’s value play. It goes above and beyond with a public address system and a passenger-facing mirror while maintaining segment standards such as USB connections for all rows. Check the box for all-wheel drive to maximize the Pilot’s performance. For a more in-depth examination of the Honda Pilot’s trim structure, see our trim guide here.

All right, we will update the latest Honda information as soon as possible. Make sure you bookmark the Car US Release website to stay updated with the latest comprehensive 2024 Honda Pilot information.

2024 Honda Pilot: Next Generation Honda Pilot SUV Exclusive Review