Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is offered in seven different trim levels: the Sport, and EX-L are available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive while the TrailSport, Touring, Touring S, Elite, and Black Edition trims are only available on the all-wheel drive. The key difference between these models is the range of convenience features and luxury appointments offered.
All Pilots are powered by a 285-horsepower 3.5L V6 engine that utilizes Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). To save fuel, the engine runs on fewer cylinders when cruising or coasting. This V6 is the workhorse of Honda's lineup and allows smooth, strong acceleration, even with a heavy load. All-wheel drive is delivered through the Intelligent Variable Torque Management (iVTM-4) AWD System. It automatically sends more power to the rear wheels when needed.
The Pilot is laid out more like a car than a truck, and that is shown with smoother handling, as well as a better on-road ride than might be expected from a big SUV. This is promoted through the rear multi-link, front-strut suspension layout close to what's offered in Honda's car lineup along with the Unit-Body Construction of the vehicle.
Inside, the Pilot's three rows of seating are laid out well enough to accommodate adults in all three rows, although the tallest passengers are best in the front two rows. One-touch flat-folding 2nd-row seats are standard on all but the TrailSport trim which receives upgraded Captain's Chairs. The Touring, Touring S, Elite, and Blackout Editions come with a stowable middle section on the 2nd row for added versatility. Cargo volume expands to 87 cubic feet behind the front seats if everything's folded down.
Standard equipment on the Pilot includes LED headlights and daytime running lights, LED front fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, an 8-way power driver's seat with power 2-way lumbar, a 4-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, automatic dual zone front air conditioning, separate rear HVAC controls, a 12.3-inch touchscreen interface, voice-activated navigation system, wireless Apple CarPlay\Android Auto connectivity, a 9-speaker audio system, 4 USB ports, adaptive cruise control, a rear camera with washer, a power lift tailgate, and remote keyless entry.
EX-L models also include cloth and leather front seats with driver seat memory, front and rear parking sensors, reverse tilt mirrors, wireless device charging, and 6 USB ports.
The TrailSport, the off-road focused trim, adds all terrain tires, a full-size spare, an aerial view camera, a front camera with washer, the Homelink Remote System, leatherette trim, and a panoramic moonroof.
Touring and Touring S models get upgraded to 20-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seats, a Bose Premium Sound System with 12 speakers, CabinTalk intercom system, HondaLink internet access and emergency SOS, illuminated beverage holders, and proximity cargo access. The Touring S also receives the Blackout Package from the factory which includes black alloy wheels, and gloss black emblems.
The Elite and The Black Edition are the premium level trims for the Pilot with the The Black Edition receiving a special 'blackout' aesthetic to differentiate. Both trims add rain-sensing wipers, perforated leather-trimmed seats with quilted Alcantara accents, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, puddle lights, and a head-up display.
The Honda Sensing systems package, which is standard across all trims, has a suite of safety-oriented systems that includes lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, forward collision mitigation, rear collision warning, pedestrian detection prevention, a driver attention alert, and traffic sign information system with automatic speed limit assist.