“It's roomy, comfortable and versatile. The shifter-less transmission is odd; the space would be best used for storage than push buttons. Tall passengers, like myself, will be uncomfortable with their left leg. Utilizing the roof rack will be very difficult due to the height of the vehicle. Using the available hitch with a cargo carrier platform would be easier.”
2020 Honda Pilot: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Honda Pilot is mostly a carryover, with the new Black Edition as its main change. This line-topping trim builds on the Elite with blacked-out exterior details and a red-accented cabin.
About the 2020 Honda Pilot
3rd generation Pilot (2016-2022), second model year after the 2019 styling and technology update.
Honda positions the Pilot as a family-first three-row SUV built around everyday convenience, road-trip comfort, and flexible space. Official Pilot materials stress comfort for all rows, easy access to the third row, useful cargo solutions, and family tech such as CabinTalk and rear-seat entertainment on upper trims. Its core draw is a roomy cabin, strong V6 power, standard driver-assistance features, and an easy-to-live-with layout for hauling people, gear, or both.
The 2020 Pilot ranges from the practical eight-passenger LX to upper trims focused on comfort and family travel. The EX adds an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Touring brings navigation and rear-seat entertainment. At the top, the Elite and new Black Edition have AWD, second-row captain’s chairs, a panoramic roof, and heated and ventilated front seats.
What changed, by category
Styling
Honda added the Black Edition as the new top trim. Based on the Elite, it has black exterior trim, black 20-inch wheels, black-and-red leather seating, and red ambient lighting.
2020 Honda Pilot specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter | V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter | V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter | V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter | V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter | V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter | V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 20 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 26 mpg | 27 mpg | 26 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 280 hp | 280 hp | 280 hp | 280 hp | 280 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 83.8 cu-ft | 83.9 cu-ft | 83.8 cu-ft | 82.1 cu-ft | 83.8 cu-ft | 82.1 cu-ft | 83.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.9 in | 31.9 in | 31.9 in | 31.9 in | 31.9 in | 31.9 in | 31.9 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | ||
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||
| Power Mirrors | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2020 Honda Pilot?
The main change for the 2020 Honda Pilot is the addition of the Black Edition at the top of the trim range. Otherwise, the Pilot carries over with no major changes to its engines, transmissions, cabin layout, or standard safety setup.
What is the 2020 Honda Pilot Black Edition?
The 2020 Honda Pilot Black Edition is a new appearance-focused top trim based on the Elite. It combines black exterior details and black 20-inch wheels with black-and-red leather seats and red ambient lighting.
How is the 2020 Honda Pilot Black Edition different from the Elite?
The 2020 Black Edition mainly differs from the Elite in appearance. It keeps Elite features such as AWD, a panoramic roof, second-row captain’s chairs, a wireless phone charger, and heated and ventilated front seats, then adds blacked-out exterior details and red cabin accents.
Is the 2020 Honda Pilot significantly different from the 2019 model?
No, the 2020 Honda Pilot is not significantly different from the 2019 model. The Black Edition is the key addition, while the rest of the lineup changes very little after the 2019 styling and technology update.
Did the 2020 Honda Pilot get a new engine or safety system?
No, the 2020 Honda Pilot did not receive a lineup-wide engine or safety-system change. Its main powertrains and standard safety setup largely carry over from 2019.
2020 Honda Pilot Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Honda Pilot.
4.0
2020 Honda Pilot
(1,317 reviews)
“Honda Pilot is a great family car. I feel confident in. My only concern is the third line of seats, the space is not comfortable for tall people.”
“Looks great, drives smooth. No separate AC control for the front and the passenger side. No area to place phone”