What's New
The 2021 Honda Pilot is available in a new trim level this year, the midrange Special Edition. The base LX gains dual-zone automatic climate control, and the previously optional nine-speed automatic transmission is now standard across the board.
Honda's three-row SUV received its last significant update in 2019.
Choosing Your Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot now comes in seven trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Special Edition, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. Pricing starts at $33,370 including destination and climbs all the way to $51,040 for the Black Edition.
Engine Choices
The Pilot carries 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. All models use a nine-speed automatic transmission.
All-wheel drive comes standard on the Elite and Black Edition, and costs $2,000 everywhere else in the lineup. The Pilot is capable of towing 3,500 pounds with front-wheel drive, and 5,000 pounds with AWD.
According to EPA estimates, the Pilot gets 20 miles per gallon city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 combined with FWD, or 19/26/22 mpg (city/highway/combined) with AWD.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Honda Pilot is one of the larger midsize SUVs on the market and can easily accommodate up to eight passengers. Passenger capacity dips to seven with second-row captain's chairs, which are optional on the Touring ($300) and standard on the Elite and Black Edition.
There's 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, and 46.8 cubic feet with it folded. With the second row folded as well, the Pilot can swallow 83.9 cubic feet of stuff.
Safety Features
The Pilot comes standard with active safety technology like lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning.
The EX and above also get blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Front and rear parking sensors become standard at the Touring trim level.
The Pilot has been an IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick Plus since the 2016 model year. The 2021 model also carries a five-star overall safety rating with the NHTSA.
Connectivity
The Pilot starts out with a 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, seven speakers, and a front USB port. Stepping up to the EX brings an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility – features that most buyers consider essential these days.
The EX-L adds a pair of rear USB ports, while wireless devices charging comes on the Special Edition, Elite, and Black Edition. Navigation, a 10-speaker audio system, wi-fi hot spot capability, and a 10.2-inch rear entertainment system become standard starting on the Touring
The Pilot LX comes with common features like dual-zone automatic climate control, push button start, rear privacy glass, LED headlights and taillights, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Buyers wishing to ditch the small touchscreen will have to spring for another trim.
Along with the 8-inch touchscreen and blind-spot monitoring, the EX adds a 10-way power driver seat, heated front seats, remote start, LED fog lights, heated side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, and a power-sliding and -folding second row.
The EX-L takes the Pilot upmarket with leather upholstery, a moonroof, memory for the driver seat and side mirrors, a four-way power passenger seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power liftgate, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Special Edition - From $40,080
The new Special Edition distinguishes itself with black 20-inch wheels and exterior trim. On the functional side, buyers get wireless device charging, roof rails, and a hands-free power tailgate.
The Touring adds heated outboard second-row seats, blue LED interior ambient lighting, chrome door handles, and 20-inch alloy wheels. All this comes in addition to the numerous connectivity upgrades. Wireless device charging isn't offered, but it reappears on the next trim.
The Elite comes standard with AWD, a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors. Interior luxury takes a leap forward with perforated leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, standard second-row captain's chairs with heating, a heated steering wheel, multi-zone audio, LED map lights, and illuminated cup holders in the first and second rows.
The Black Edition follows an all-black design theme inside and out, with contrasting red LED interior lighting. Functional equipment is shared with the Elite.
Compare Pilot Trims Side-By-Side
The 2021 Honda Pilot LX is too stingy on features for this class, which makes the EX the real base model in our view. The new Special Edition is worth a close look for its blend of style and luxury at an accessible price.