Honda Pilot has been in production for nearly 20 years, leaving options open for interested buyers with varying budgets.
The Honda Pilot is a great option for those in the market for a family-hauling SUV. Though the design and specifications have changed over the years, a few key elements have remained consistent. From the beginning, the eight-person capacity has led the Pilot to stand out in Honda’s SUV lineup.
Additionally, available all-wheel-drive made the Pilot the perfect middle ground for those with a lot of people to bring with them in the case that they’re looking to go off the beaten path a bit.
Additionally, well-equipped pilots have a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. That’s more than enough to pull a couple of jet skis or a small camper. The Pilot is a certified family adventure machine, but which one is the one for you?
First available for the model year 2003, the Pilot has come a long way in its 18 years. Since the start of its production, the Honda Pilot has undergone three generational changes.
The first-generation runs from 2003 to 2008, and the second generation runs from 2009 to 2015. Finally, the third and most recent generation started with the model year 2016 and continues on today.
Making a decision when buying a car can be tough, even when you’ve decided on what model you’re after. If you are in the market for a Honda Pilot, which one is for you?
Most Affordable Honda Pilot Models (2003-2008)
The first generation Honda Pilot stood to make a point right from the get-go. As if the size and capabilities of the Pilot weren’t enough to draw you to what the Pilot was best suited for, Honda spelled it out with their advertising campaign dubbing it “The Ultimate Family Adventure Vehicle.” It came with an all-wheel-drive drivetrain as standard, with a front-wheel-drive variant becoming available from the 2006 model year.
All first-generation Pilot models are equipped with a Honda J series 3.5-liter V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. Horsepower output ranges from 240 horsepower to 255 horsepower, depending on the model year.
Fuel economy ratings from the EPA put the first-gen. Honda Pilot at 17 mpg combined for all-wheel-drive models and 18 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models. Front-wheel-drive models receive a rating of 22 mpg highway, while all-wheel-drive variants get 20 mpg highway. While the first-gen. pilot isn’t a stunner in fuel economy by today’s standards, it wasn’t at all bad for the time.
The first generation has a handful of recalls. Like many Hondas from this generation, there is a handful of open recalls regarding faulty and improperly installed airbags.
Additionally, first-gen. Pilots have an open recall for sticky accelerator pedals. Early models have a recall for faulty headlight wiring, as well. While these issues should be taken seriously, they should not deter you from potentially purchasing a first-generation Pilot so long as they have been taken care of. As always, it’s important to look up the history of any used vehicle before buying.
First-generation Perks & Features
The Pilot came out swinging with some pretty cutting-edge technology available. Satellite-linked navigation and a rear entertainment system consisting of a DVD player for rear seat occupants were available from the very beginning, which is pretty impressive technology for the time, considering it isn’t a high-end luxury vehicle.
Additionally, things like four 12v power outlets, nine cupholders, and an abundance of storage cubbies really do make the Pilot the ultimate option for a family adventure.
First-generation Honda Pilots have an impressive eight inches of ground clearance. Additionally, first-gen. models have a towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds. While you’re not likely to be pulling a car around with a Pilot, you definitely could pull a small travel trailer or boat with ease.
Prices for these model years vary greatly depending on mileage and condition. Given their age, mileage and condition are both all over the map, too. You’ll likely see prices starting around the $1,500 range and climbing nearly to $10,000 for low mileage later examples. However, a budget of $5,000 is likely to land you in a well-maintained model with decent mileage and options.
Second-gen. Honda Pilot: Major Tech Advances (2009-2015)
The second-generation Pilot’s production run spanned from 2009 to 2015 and saw some pretty monumental modern amenities become available throughout. Though the style remained similar to the first generation in terms of overall size and shape, the newer models got sleeker and more modern body lines.
Second-gen. models still feature a 3.5-liter engine. However, Honda added cylinder deactivating technology to increase fuel economy. This means that the engine deactivates two or three cylinders at cruising speeds, depending on the power needed. Reducing cylinders used increases fuel savings. Thanks to this technology, the second-gen. Pilot has substantially higher EPA fuel economy ratings.
Both front and all-wheel-drive models see a combined rating of 20 mpg. Highway ratings come in at 24 mpg for all-wheel-drive models and 25 mpg for front-wheel-drive models. This is an impressive increase from first-gen. models, especially considering the second-gen. models still output 250 horsepower.
As with the first generation, the entire run of the second-gen. Pilot is plagued with airbag-related recalls. Early models up to 2011 have a recall for faulty or incomplete seatbelt stitching that can result in seatbelt detaching from the chassis in the event of a crash.
Other early models have a recall for loose bolts on the front suspension components that may result in loss of steering. Certain model year 2013 Honda Pilots may suffer from premature piston wear that can cause engine failure, as well.
Second-gen. Honda Pilot Gets Offroad Spirit
Like the first-gen. models, Honda was on the ball for the second-gen. Pilots when it comes to available tech. Satellite Navigation with voice controls became available, leveling up the Pilot’s GPS game.
Furthermore, a backup camera became standard equipment on all Pilots with the release of the 2013 model year. Some second-gen. models came with XM radio, and, of course, the rear-seat DVD system remained available.
Family amenities continued to become more prevalent, as well. The second-gen. Pilot has an impressive twelve cupholders. However, it did lose one of its 12-volt power outlets, dropping the total down to three.
Though, a 115-volt power outlet with a standard household style plug did become an available option, meaning things like wall chargers for phones or small gaming systems could hit the road with the family. Like the first generation, second-gen. Pilots had a towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds.
Though shoppers can find earlier examples of second-gen. Pilots under $10,000, you’ll likely be north of the five-figure mark if you want one with all the bells and whistles. 2013 and newer models are most desirable in terms of tech.
However, if you can live without a standard backup camera and a few other small changes, you can save a good bit by buying a pre-2013 model. Overall, a budget of $15,000 is plenty to land yourself in a great second-gen. Pilot.
Third-gen. Honda Pilot: Major Overhaul for Modern Times (2016-present)
The third and current generation of the Honda Pilot started with the model year 2016 and brought the most modern amenities, as you might expect. Though its style blends in a bit more when compared to the first-gen. models, it is still a capable and exciting adventuring machine. More trim levels and options take the newest Pilot more toward the luxury side of the spectrum than the utilitarian outlook. However, it still features a world-class all-wheel-drive system.
Perhaps the biggest shift for the newest Pilot is the availability of a nine-speed automatic transmission for both front and all-wheel-drive variants. The 3.5-liter V6 remains under the hood but now packs a punchy 280 horsepower.
Don’t think that the additional power is a drawback on fuel economy, though. The third-gen. pilot is the most efficient ever, with a combined fuel economy rating of 23 mpg. With the nine-speed transmission, EPA ratings climb as high as 27 mpg highway. That’s pretty impressive for this large of an SUV.
Despite being so new, the third-gen. models are not exempt from a handful of recalls. As you might have come to expect by now, some of them are related to airbags.
However, it isn’t quite the same as previous models. Some have been recalled for improperly installed interior panels that will not allow side-curtain airbags to deploy as they should. Additionally, earlier examples may be under a recall regarding faulty welds near the fuel tank that can cause a leak.
Further recalls include things like failing rearview cameras and improperly installed software. Perhaps the most imperative recall to watch out for started with 2018 model year examples wherein failing timing belt teeth can cause complete engine failure.
Modern Safety and Comfort
Third-gen. Pilots are undoubtedly the most heavily packed with safety and luxurious technology. The addition of higher trim levels like Elite and Black Edition steps the game up with classy leather interiors with heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and an entertainment system with multiple available monitors and in-dash Bluray functionality.
Safety advances like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, cross-traffic detection, and collision prevention make the third-gen. stand well above its predecessors.
Adventure usage is still alive and well with the third-gen. pilot. Front-wheel-drive models have a tow rating of up to 3,500 pounds, while all-wheel-drive models are rated up to 5,000 pounds. All the previously mentioned technologies make road trips more comfortable than ever for both drivers and passengers.
The low end of a third-gen. pilot will set you back just short of $20,000. However, if you’re after all of the features and fun, don’t be surprised to see prices creeping up on $30,000 even for earlier used examples.
If you’re looking to buy new, the cheapest trim level (LX) starts at $32,550. Starting MSRP climbs as high as $50,220 for the all-wheel-drive Black Edition.
Which Honda Pilot is the Best Overall?
When shopping used, it’s obvious to shoot for the most for your money. With that in mind, it’s hard not to recommend the third-gen. Pilot. Even if you can’t splurge out completely on a higher trim level, a budget of $20,000 can land you in a decent 2016 or 2017 model year example. Though, they may be a bit high mileage.
As with any Honda, though, higher mileage doesn’t necessarily have to be a big concern. If the vehicle has adequate records and maintenance, it will do you good for years to come. Additionally, certified pre-owned models are available with Honda warranties, though a budget of $25,000 or higher is generally required to land yourself in a decent CPO example.
Overall, even if you aren’t in the market for the latest and greatest, a Honda Pilot is a great choice in the world of a three-row SUV. No matter your budget, as long as you land yourself in a decently cared-for one, you won’t be disappointed.
Photos: Honda
