2024 Honda Pilot

Following the launch of an all-new generation last year, the Pilot moves into 2024 with many attributes that continue to impress. These include abundant space for occupants and cargo, an array of standard safety features, and a refined yet forceful engine.

Comfort is prioritized in both seat design and suspension tuning, and the impressively capable TrailSport allows the Pilot-owning family to have some off-roading adventures. Meanwhile, the usual Honda traits of reliability, build quality and reassuring resale values are also part of the Pilot package. We even like the bold styling of this latest generation.

With this fourth generation of Pilot arriving just a year ago, there are no significant changes for the 2024 lineup.

Rivals like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-90, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, Volkswagen Atlas, Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet Traverse all begin in the mid-to-high-30s. The Subaru and Mazda both have all-wheel drive as standard, while the Toyota Highlander offers a hybrid version, plus a forthcoming Grand Highlander variant with extra cargo space. If anyone is seeking family-friendly transport that’s not an SUV, the excellent Honda Odyssey minivan starts in the same kind of region.

Before buying a new Pilot 3-row SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Yet another positive attribute of the Pilot is above-average resale values.

A refined 3.5-liter V6 propels the Honda Pilot with a pleasantly muscular 285 horsepower. Progress is smooth and quiet, with enough punch to get up to freeway speeds easily while transporting a family and luggage. We’ve also found the standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping function to be accurate and responsive — among the best in this class, and great for long drives and stop/go traffic alike.

Around town, we like the compact turning circle (one of the tightest among midsize SUVs). It makes maneuvering easy, especially in tandem with the light-yet-precise steering and the ideal brake feel. The Pilot’s ride quality is also set up to provide comfort over bumpy city streets, while still retaining its composure on the freeway.

The TrailSport can tackle mildly challenging terrain. It has its own special suspension setup for greater axle articulation and wheel travel than a regular tarmac-spec Pilot, and sits an inch higher. This results in a comfortable ride even over rough surfaces.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating the current collection of midsize 3-row SUVs, including the Honda Pilot.

This is one of the roomiest interiors in the entire 3-row midsize SUV class. Most versions of the Pilot have seating for eight, although the optional second-row captain’s chairs available in the EX-L and TrailSport models brings that down to seven. In addition to raising comfort levels for second-row passengers, the resulting pass-through eases access to the third row.

The Pilot has 14 cup holders, eight of which can handle 32-ounce bottles. And the storage space in the center console can take an iPad or other type of tablet. Naturally, the top Elite version has fine materials such as perforated leather seating surfaces, as well as plenty of tech. The mid-pack TrailSport model is also well appointed, though.

The front seats feel nicely shaped and supportive, definitely comfortable enough for long trips. Plentiful legroom in the second row measures 40.8 inches, which is a little more than the also-spacious Kia Telluride. We’ve found that kids can be absolute champs at finding reasons to gripe, but they can’t complain about 32.5 inches of legroom in the third row. Only the Chevrolet Traverse and Dodge Durango can do better here, each with 33.5 inches.

From a cargo space perspective, the Pilot has 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87 cubic feet with rows two and three folded down. That’s definitely roomy, but similar to rivals.

Finger rest
The trouble with touchscreens is that you have to touch them. You could drive over a bump and suddenly end up with Liszt when you wanted Lizzo (or the other way around). The touchscreens in the new Pilot (7-inch in the Sport, 9-inch in the rest of the range) are recessed into the dashboard by almost an inch, giving users a spot to secure their hands while making inputs. It’s the little things.

Traffic Jam Assist
Under the right conditions, the Honda Pilot can pretty well drive itself through slower-moving highway traffic. Just keep a hand on the steering wheel to let it know you’re paying attention, and it’ll go, stop, and steer for miles at a time. It works very well and it’s standard across the lineup.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Only the base LX and Sport trims require a cable; the rest of the Pilot range has wireless smartphone integration as standard. We just love the convenience.

Wireless phone charging
Fitted as standard in the four upper trims. It’s great to see features like this making their way out of expensive vehicles and into more affordable rides.

Removable/storable seat
The Touring and Elite models have a removable center seat in the second row. The resulting gap makes access to the third row easier. The seat can then fit under the cargo space floor, in readiness for when the Pilot needs to be an 8-seater again. We lifted it; it’s not too heavy — about 35 pounds.

Walk Away Close
A powered tailgate is standard throughout, along with an automatic lock function. But Touring and Elite trims also have a Walk Away Close feature for their tailgates.

The Pilot 3-row midsize SUV employs a naturally aspirated (no turbos or superchargers) 3.5-liter V6, just like its predecessors. But this one makes more power than any Pilot has enjoyed before, while retaining the smoothness and refinement for which Honda’s V6 engines are renowned.

Output is 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. But some rivals have more. The Kia Telluride, for example, makes 291 horsepower and the Chevy Traverse brings 310 ponies to the races.

A 10-speed automatic transmission feeds power to the front wheels (FWD) in basic form, or to an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that’s standard in the TrailSport and Elite trims, optional elsewhere.

Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds — easily enough for a trailer with an ATV or a couple of dirt bikes.

3.5-liter V6
285 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
262 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA combined fuel economy (2023): 22 mpg (FWD), 21 mpg (AWD), 20 mpg (TrailSport)

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Honda’s new-vehicle warranty lasts three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. This is all typical for the class. Honda also includes free scheduled maintenance over two years or 24,000 miles.

Test Vehicle

We’ve tested several examples of the fourth-generation Pilot, including this AWD Elite in Modern Steel Metallic with an all-in sticker price of $53,375 (view window sticker).