“Looks great, drives smooth. No separate AC control for the front and the passenger side. No area to place phone”
Honda Pilot: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Honda Pilot is a three-row family SUV known for roomy seating, flexible cargo space, strong V6 power, and everyday comfort. It is built mainly for family hauling and road trips, while TrailSport versions add genuine light-trail ability.
The Pilot has long focused on making three-row family travel simple, with useful passenger space, flexible cargo room, and steady V6 power. Its styling has shifted between boxy and more rounded designs, but practicality and comfort have remained central. Recent versions have returned to a tougher look, with TrailSport giving the adventure theme more substance.
Strengths
- Its three-row cabin is made for family duty, with seating for seven or eight people in the 2026 lineup.
- The flexible interior provides plenty of cargo room when the rear seats are folded.
- V6 power has been a consistent part of the Pilot’s character, and the 2026 model is rated at 285 horsepower.
- TrailSport models from the 2023 redesign onward have meaningful off-pavement upgrades rather than appearance changes alone.
- The 2026 Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
- Safety and phone-friendly technology became widely available over time, including standard Honda safety features from 2019 and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from 2023.
Who it's for
The Pilot suits families who need a roomy vehicle for school runs, carpools, vacations, and regular cargo duty. It also makes sense for shoppers who want one SUV that feels comfortable in daily use but can handle towing or occasional travel beyond paved roads.
Honda Pilot lineup
Sport is the straightforward entry point in recent lineups, while EX-L is the step up for shoppers seeking a more upscale family SUV. Touring has traditionally added the range’s more premium technology and convenience features, and Elite sits above it as the fuller luxury-oriented version. TrailSport, introduced for 2022 and made more capable with the 2023 redesign, is the one to seek for added off-pavement hardware and a tougher character. Black Edition and the newer Touring S focus mainly on darker styling and a more distinctive appearance rather than changing the Pilot’s basic mission.
Honda Pilot generations
From 2009 to 2026, the Pilot spans three generations. The current 4th Generation arrived for 2023, following the 3rd Generation (2016–2022).
4th Generation (2023–Present)
The fourth-generation Pilot has a boxier, tougher look, a stronger body, a 285-hp V6, and a 10-speed automatic. It also gives the TrailSport more serious off-road hardware than before.
82 In Stock
2026Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument display, added cabin insulation, and retuned steering arrive across the lineup. A new Touring Blackout/Touring S trim also joins.
2025Trim changes
The Black Edition joins as the top trim. The LX leaves, making Sport the new base trim.
2024Trim changes
The redesigned Pilot carries over with no significant lineup-wide changes.
2023New generation
Full redesign with boxier styling, a new 285-hp V6, a 10-speed automatic, a stronger body, and a more capable TrailSport. The LX trim was added later in the model year.
3rd Generation (2016–2022)
The third-generation Pilot moved to smoother, more car-like styling with a roomier cabin and a stronger 280-hp V6. It added more family technology and safety equipment, then received updated styling and standard Honda Sensing for 2019.
295 In Stock
2022Trim changes
Sport replaces LX and EX as the entry trim, while the AWD-only TrailSport joins the lineup.
2021Trim changes
The Special Edition joins and the separate EX-L Navi/RES trim leaves. A 9-speed automatic also becomes standard across the lineup.
2020Trim changes
The blacked-out Black Edition joins as the new top trim.
2019Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, updated cabin controls, and standard Honda Sensing arrive across the lineup.
2018
Carryover aside from a paint-color change.
2017Trim changes
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are added to EX and higher trims with the 8-inch touchscreen.
2016New generation
Full redesign with smoother styling, a roomier cabin, a stronger 280-hp V6, more technology, and a new top Elite trim.
2nd Generation (2009–2015)
The second-generation Pilot became larger and boxier, with a more usable third row and a 250-hp V6. A 2012 refresh revised the front end, quieted the cabin, and improved fuel economy.
39 In Stock
2015Trim changes
The SE trim joins between EX and EX-L with a moonroof and rear DVD entertainment system.
2014
Carryover with the same trims, V6, 5-speed automatic, and three-row layout.
2013
A rearview camera, 8-inch display, Bluetooth, USB audio, music storage, and three-zone climate control become standard across the lineup.
2012Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling, added sound insulation, a revised dashboard, updated audio and navigation hardware, and better fuel economy.
2011
Mostly carryover. The Touring trim makes its rear DVD entertainment system standard.
2010
Carryover with only small equipment adjustments on individual trims.
2009New generation
Full redesign with larger dimensions, boxier styling, a more useful third row, a 250-hp V6, and a new Touring trim.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Honda Pilot.
Frequently asked questions
How many people does the Honda Pilot seat?
The Honda Pilot seats seven or eight people, depending on the year, trim, and second-row layout. It is a three-row SUV, and some newer versions use a removable or stowable second-row center seat for extra flexibility.
Does the Honda Pilot come as a hybrid?
No. The Honda Pilot is a gas-powered SUV. Across the used model years covered here, it uses a V6 rather than a hybrid system; models from the 2023 redesign onward have a 285-hp V6 and 10-speed automatic.
Can the Honda Pilot handle dirt roads and light trails?
Yes. The Pilot suits dirt roads and light off-pavement travel, especially in TrailSport form. Since the 2023 redesign, TrailSport has added ground clearance, protective skid plates, trail-focused AWD settings, and a camera view for obstacles.
Is the Honda Pilot a good fit for a family that regularly uses the third row?
Yes. The Pilot is built around three-row family use, with seating for seven or eight, one-touch second-row access on many trims, and flexible cargo space. It fits families that need passenger room for daily errands and longer trips.
How many generations of the Honda Pilot are covered here?
Three generations are covered: the boxy second generation from 2009–2015, the smoother third generation from 2016–2022, and the larger, more rugged-looking fourth generation introduced for 2023.
How much can a Honda Pilot tow?
The latest Pilot lineup is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Capacity can vary by model year, trim, and drivetrain, so check the specific vehicle and its equipment before towing.
Honda Pilot Reviews
What owners are saying about the Honda Pilot.
4.2
Honda Pilot
(17,084 reviews)
“Absolutely love the roomy interior and quiet engine/transmission. Also pick up on gas pedal is great so I love that.”
“It's comfortable and versatile. Has enough power for normal driving situations. Looks good, drives well and is built by a company with a reputation for quality and durability”
“The Honda Pilot is a good car it is dependable and smooth riding. It gets decent fuel mileage. The only thing I don't like about it is the cruise control, it don't work good.”
“Really give this car a chance. The Pilot is spacious family-friendly vehicle with plenty of power in addition to good towing capacity. The Black Edition has great features, both exterior and interior.”
“Great value for the money and great quality. Honda has an extremely well known reputation such as high mileage and good resale value. I love the room inside.”
Sources
- automobiles.honda.com — 2025 / Pilot
- automobiles.honda.com — 2025 / Pilot / Compare
- automobiles.honda.com — Future Vehicles / 2023 Pilot
- automobiles.honda.com — Pilot Brochures / V2 / MY17 Pilot Online Brochure
- automobiles.honda.com — Home / 2016 / Pilot
- global.honda — Newsroom / News / 2015
- automobiles.honda.com — Pilot / Pilot Brochures / Pilot 2016 Brochure
- automobiles.honda.com — Pilot / Shop / Pilot Specs full
- automobiles.honda.com — 2015 / Pilot / 2015 Pilot Brochure
- automobiles.honda.com — 2015 / Pilot / 2015 Pilot Factsheet
- automobiles.honda.com — 2014 / Pilot / 2014 Pilot Factsheet
- automobiles.honda.com — 2013 / Pilot / 2013 Pilot Factsheet