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2020 Honda Pilot

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Expert Rating
3.3 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2020 LX 4dr Front-Wheel Drive
most popular
Price:   -  From $31,650
2020 LX 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $33,650
2020 EX 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $34,530
2020 EX 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $36,530
2020 EX-L 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $37,960
2020 EX-L 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $39,960
2020 EX-L w/Navi & RES 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $39,960
2020 EX-L w/Navi & RES 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $41,960
2020 Touring 8 Passenger 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $42,720
2020 Touring 7 Passenger 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $43,020
2020 Touring 8 Passenger 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $44,720
2020 Touring 7 Passenger 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $45,020
2020 Elite 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $48,220
2020 Black Edition 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $49,720

Overview

Coming off of a 2019 update, the 2020 Honda Pilot sees only one major change. That’s the debut of a new special-edition trim, the aptly named Black Edition. Based on the range-topping Elite trim, the Black Edition is about styling more than anything mechanical.

Honda Pilot

Choosing Your Honda Pilot

The new trim brings the Pilot family up to an overwhelming six trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. Prices start at $32,645 including destination for a base LX and climb to $50,715 for a Black Edition.

Engine Choices

Despite the plethora of trims, the Honda Pilot comes with only a single engine. Luckily, it’s a good one: a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.

It’s the transmissions that separate the trims. The lower three all get a six-speed automatic, while the top three use a button-operated nine-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard on all except the Elite and Black Edition trims. Those get all-wheel drive, which is a $2,000 addition elsewhere.

Fuel economy checks in at 19 miles per gallon city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 combined for six-speed models with FWD, or 18/26/21 mpg (city/highway/combined) with AWD. Fuel economy increases slightly with the nine-speed transmission to 20/27/23 mpg with FWD, or or 19/26/22 mpg with AWD.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The Pilot can seat either seven or eight passengers, depending on whether the second row is a bench or captain’s chairs. The latter are available only on Touring trims and above.

Cargo space starts at 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row. Folding the rear seats expands capacity to 46.8 cubic feet, and most trims get 83.9 cubic feet with everything folded.

Honda Pilot

Safety Features

The Pilot has a strong safety record, as befits a family-hauler. As of last year, active safety features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keeping assist are standard on all trims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on EX trims and above.

Connectivity

The base Pilot LX is a little behind the times with a 5-inch screen running audio duties. The EX trim and above add an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is much more modern. The system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility along with USB charging.

Touring trims and above add navigation, a Blu-ray rear entertainment system, and a wi-fi hot spot capability, while Elite trims and above get wireless charging.

Honda Pilot

LX - From $32,645

Other than the active safety tech and 18-inch alloy wheels, the Pilot LX doesn’t get much in the way of luxuries. Still, it has push-button start, Bluetooth connectivity, power features, and all the essentials for family duty.

There isn’t much for options, either. Gray cloth seats are the only choice, and the exterior only comes in black, silver, or white. Buyers can add backup sensors for $500 or a CD player for $310, but that’s about it outside of wheel choice.

EX - From $35,525

Most buyers will bump up to at least the Pilot EX trim. EX Pilots and above get the 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, blind-spot monitoring, heated seats, a power-adjustable front seat, and Honda’s “One-Touch” adjustable second row.

Gray cloth remains the only upholstery choice, but at least EX buyers get more exterior color choices. A wireless phone charger can be added for $225, but otherwise options remain minimal.

EX-L - From $38,955

Pushing close to the $40,000 mark, the EX-L trim adds leather upholstery and a moonroof. A power liftgate and power-adjustable passenger’s seat are also included.

Navigation is available, but it requires the $2,000 Advanced Navi and RES package, which also includes a rear seat entertainment system.

Touring - From $43,715

Starting at the Touring trim, all Pilots use the nine-speed automatic transmission. LED headlights are also standard at this trim, along with premium sound, navigation, the rear entertainment system, 20-inch wheels, and a hands-free liftgate. The second row is heated, too.

A very notable option opens up at this trim: second-row captain’s chairs. They come perforated and heated for $300.

Elite - From $49,215

The Elite trim adds all the luxury features Honda can muster. This means perforated leather, ventilated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a panoramic moonroof, wireless charging, auto-folding side mirrors, and illuminated cup holders. On this trim, all-wheel drive comes standard.

Black Edition - From $50,715

New for 2020, the Pilot Black Edition is a fashion-focused trim based on the Pilot Elite. Mechanically, it has all the same features. The extra $1,500 buys black exterior trim, a black leather interior, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and red LED ambient lighting.

Compare Pilot Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

Many 2020 Honda Pilot trims offer solid value, but we would opt for the EX or EX-L. Unless you want the captain’s chairs, that is, in which case you’ll need to bump up to the Touring (or shop elsewhere).

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Pros
  • Stylish exterior
  • Strong safety features
  • Usable performance
  • Comfortable, spacious seats
Cons
  • Top trims lack luxury
  • Bare base model
  • A little conservative
  • 9-speed transmission doesn't boost efficiency
Expert Rating
3.3 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Comfortable seating for all. Midsize SUVs like the 2020 Honda Pilot aren’t exactly rare; there are tons of options on the market these days. The Pilot offers seating for up to eight, or seven if you go with the second-row captain’s chairs. Unlike a lot of options, adults can sit comfortably in all three rows.

Passengers in the front seats are treated to seats that provide all-day comfort. In the second row, occupants get approximately 40 inches of leg room, which is impressive for the segment.

A one-touch button allows passengers to tumble down the second row for easier access to the rear seats. In the very back, riders get roughly 32 inches of leg room, making it comfortable for adults and tall teenagers.

Cargo space in the Pilot is impressive, too, but not class-leading. Behind the third row, there’s 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space. In total, it can hold up to 83.9 cubic feet of cargo.

One of the safer midsize SUVs. The Pilot comes with a lengthy list of standard safety features. Honda Sensing, which is the automaker’s suite active safety aids, is standard on every trim.

It includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, road departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Other standard safety features include forward collision warning and automatic high beams.

In crash tests, the Pilot also earned high marks. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick, and the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating.

Handsome, conservative styling. While other automakers are going down the route of trying to make SUVs sporty and more dramatic, Honda’s stuck to its guns by penning a design that should appeal to the majority of consumers.

Clean, round lines mean the Pilot will age well. On the inside, its design is straightforward and uncluttered, putting ease of use before everything else.


Honda Pilot

Dependable performance. Performance for the Pilot won’t blow drivers away, but it’s enough to get the job done. It's equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 280 horsepower. The majority of Pilots come with a six-speed automatic transmission, while Touring, Elite, and Black Edition get a nine-speed automatic.

Unlike some of its competitors, the Pilot comes with front-wheel drive as standard and is offered with all-wheel drive as an option. The engine makes good power and is a refined unit, capable of handling daily tasks with ease. Its towing capacity of 5,000 pounds is good for the class,s too.

When properly equipped, the Pilot keeps up with the segment when it comes to fuel economy. It's rated at up to an EPA-estimated 23 miles per gallon combined.

Final thoughts. For consumers in need of an SUV with seating for up to eight or seven, the 2020 Honda Pilot should do the trick. It features a spacious cabin, comfortable seating in all three rows, an excellent list of safety features, and a capable V6 engine. Even against newer competitors, the Pilot can hold its own ground.

The Pilot isn’t the most enjoyable or athletic vehicle. If you’re looking for something that’s fun to drive, you’ll have to look elsewhere. The current Pilot dates back to 2016, which makes it one of the older ones in the segment. Some options in the segment have newer, modern interiors. The six-speed automatic can be clunky at times, while the nine-speed automatic doesn’t bring a huge uptick in fuel economy.

There’s a whole bunch of competition out there. The Kia Telluride is one of the new models on the road, but has quickly risen to the top. It has a more upscale design on the inside and outside, high-end features, and comfortable road manners.

For drivers that want something that’s more athletic, the Mazda CX-9 is a great choice. While the CX-9’s interior isn’t as spacious as the Pilot’s, it's much more enjoyable to drive, feels like a luxury vehicle in higher trims, and has a much more striking design.

Check prices for the 2020 Honda Pilot »

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.5L V-6 / 280 HP / 262 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd auto w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
19 / 27 / 23 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
8
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.5L V-6 / 280 HP / 262 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
19 / 27 / 23 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
19.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$75
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
83.9 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
153 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
196.5 "
Exterior Width
78.6 "
Exterior Height
70.6 "
Front Headroom
40.1 "
Rear Headroom
40.2 "
Front Legroom
40.9 "
Rear Legroom
38.4 "
Front Shoulder Room
62.0 "
Rear Shoulder Room
62.0 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,036 Lbs.
Wheel Base
111 "
Turning Radius
19.7 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Silver Aluminum / 20.0 " Black Aluminum / 20.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote / Power Remote Convex Spotter Driver
Bumpers
Body-colored / Body-colored With Chrome Insert / Body-colored With Black Insert
Grille Moldings
Chrome / Black
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
8
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm Stereo, Clock, Seek-scan / Am/fm Stereo, Seek-scan
Speakers
7
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Smartvent Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Smartvent Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Collision Mitigation Braking System (cmbs) + Fcw Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keeping Assist System (lkas) Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Collision Mitigation Braking System (cmbs) Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Rear
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2020 Honda Pilot for Sale

6 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Honda
EX-L
Color: Gray
Price

$27,569

Mileage

27,997 mi

Map location icon

STG Auto Group of Montclair (42 mi)

Phone: (855) 404-2728
Honda
2WD EX
Price

$28,490

Mileage

38,936 mi

Map location icon

Sierra Honda (28 mi)

Phone: (626) 879-2934
Honda
AWD EX
Color: Silver
Price

$28,990

Mileage

21,967 mi

Map location icon

Sierra Honda (28 mi)

Phone: (626) 879-2934
Honda
EX-L
Color: Crystal Black Pearl
Price

$28,995

Mileage

21,979 mi

Map location icon

New Century Honda (17 mi)

Phone: (818) 839-9762
See All Used Car Listings

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