The 2020 Honda Pilot lasts around 250,000 miles with minor stereo system and battery drain issues reported. At $26,998 to $42,998, it’s a good value for a spacious midsize SUV that’s perfect for a larger family.
Is the 2020 Honda Pilot a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Honda Pilot since it has enough room for a family while still being dependable. Owner reviews praise the smooth engine, advanced safety technology, along with the comfortable seats on longer drives.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are reasonably nice for an SUV in its price range, the seats are comfortable, cargo space is also great for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 Honda Pilot. Stay away from models from 2016 since they have transmission failures. Models from 2017–2022 are more reliable options.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is decent for a midsize SUV, although it’s still heavy, making it not very exciting to drive.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2020 Pilot is a safe midsize SUV earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, along with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 23 MPG, giving 448 miles of range from the 19.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $2 cheaper than average at $207 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Honda Pilot is similar in price to other midsize SUVs while having low ownership costs, giving it a high overall value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Honda Pilot?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Honda Pilot offers excellent functionality for large families, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Pilot at 3.5/5, praising the smooth suspension on rough roads, but doesn’t like the overly-sensitive collision warning system.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Pilot a 3.5/5, enjoying the comfortable cabin, but owners don’t like the weak brakes for its size.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Honda Pilot Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Honda Pilot include crackling noises from the stereo system, excessive electrical draw, along with a brake warning light on the dash. Overall, these problems are similar to other midsize SUVs with average repair costs as the Pilot ages.
Crackling noises from the stereo system are the most widespread complaints on the 2020 Honda Pilot from owners in the first 5,000 miles. There are software updates for the stereo system which improves the reliability of the amplifier. Some owners also report having their stereo replaced for free under warranty if there are physical problems with the unit.
Excessive electrical draw, leading to dead batteries, have also been reported by some owners at around 2,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the Honda Pilot which may drain the battery while it’s off. Diagnosing the source of the problem costs around $50, while fixing the issue can cost $20 to $250, depending on the source.
A brake warning light on the dash has also shown up on some 2020 Pilot models in the first 10,000 miles. Owners report the issue showing up with the automatic braking system. There are software updates which improve the braking system performance. Most dealerships will install this update for free, while some will charge around $50.
There are five recalls on the 2020 Honda Pilot, which is more than some other midsize SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall covers the instrument panel software, which needs to be updated to fix a display issue. The other recalls cover the rearview camera, tires, along with a certification sticker.
How Long Will the 2020 Honda Pilot Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Honda Pilot can last around 250,000 miles, which is only around 50,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other midsize SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal at $493 per year.
As a used 2020 Honda Pilot reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the variable valve timing control solenoid for $475, timing belt tensioner costing $550, along with the engine front cover gasket which costs $300.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is okay with a standard small 5-inch information display. Optional upgrades are better including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Standard safety technology is excellent for a midsize SUV offering features including:
- Road departure mitigation
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane keep assist
- Rearview camera
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Lane departure warning
Optional advanced driver assistance features include:
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Rear cross traffic alert
Is the 2020 Honda Pilot a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Honda Pilot is a good value since it offers decent reliability ratings with lower than average ownership costs. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $26,998 to $42,998, making it similar to the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Hyundai Palisade. When new, the price range was $31,650 to $49,720. Depreciation is similar to other midsize SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Honda Pilot?
There are six models of the 2020 Honda Pilot offered from the base LX model all the way through to the luxurious Elite and Black Edition models. The Pilot comes standard with front-wheel drive and offers optional all-wheel drive.
LX is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth Seats
- LED Headlights
- 60/40-Split Folding Third Row Seats
- 5-Inch Central Display Screen
- USB and AUX Ports
- 7-Speaker Audio System
EX is a step up, adding:
- Heated Mirrors
- Keyless Entry
- Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Heated Front Seats
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Slide-and-Fold Second Row Seats
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
EX-L is next in the lineup with:
- Sunroof
- Power Liftgate
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Leather Upholstery
- Power-Adjustable Front Passenger Seat
- Second Row USB Charging Ports
Touring adds features such as:
- Roof Rails
- Sound-Reducing Front Door Glass
- Parking Sensors
- Hands-Free Liftgate
- Heated Rear Seats
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- 10-Speaker Premium Audio System
Elite offers a lot of luxury with:
- Second Row Captain’s Chairs
- Premium Leather
- Power Folding Side Mirrors
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Wireless Charging Pad
Black Edition has minor changes including:
- Black Exterior Accents
- Red Interior Trim
What Engines Come In the Honda Pilot?
The engine found in the 2020 Honda Pilot is a reasonably strong 3.5L V6 which makes 280 horsepower while getting up to 23 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission or an optional nine-speed automatic transmission. Performance is good, taking 6.4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH. It’s also capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
What Colors Does the Honda Pilot Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Honda Pilot?
The 2020 Honda Pilot is a comfortable and spacious midsize SUV with seating for up to eight people, making it an ideal choice for families and those who prioritize comfort on long drives. The Pilot offers seating for up to eight passengers, with ample legroom and headroom in all three rows of seats. The front seats are well-cushioned and supportive, providing a comfortable driving position for drivers of all sizes.
The second-row seats are also quite comfortable and can slide and recline for added flexibility. The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, but they still offer enough space for short trips.
The Pilot also comes with standard tri-zone automatic climate control, allowing passengers in each row to set their preferred temperature. The ride quality is smooth and composed, with minimal road noise and vibrations entering the cabin.
How Much Storage Space Does the Honda Pilot Have?
The 2020 Honda Pilot has a generous amount of storage space for both passengers and cargo. With all three rows of seats in use, the cargo volume is 16.5 cubic feet, which is enough for a few suitcases or a small amount of groceries. However, when the second and third rows of seats are folded down, the Pilot offers a total cargo volume of 83.9 cubic feet, which is an impressive amount of space for larger items such as furniture or outdoor equipment.
In addition to the cargo area, the Pilot has several clever storage solutions throughout the cabin, including a large center console, a bin under the cargo floor, and various compartments and cup holders for smaller items. Overall, the Honda Pilot is a practical and versatile option for families and anyone who needs a spacious SUV.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Honda Pilot was launched in 2016, and will be replaced by the fourth generation for the 2023 model year.
2015: New SE Model added to the lineup which is between the EX and EX-L models.
2016: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new styling, technology, and engine.
2017: Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all models with the touchscreen stereo.
2018: No major changes.
2019: Standard Honda Sensing safety system, improved stereo system, minor exterior styling changes.
2020: Black edition model added to the lineup with unique exterior trim.
2021: Dual-zone climate control offered on base LX model, standard nine-speed automatic transmission.
How Does the Honda Pilot Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Honda Pilot is a very nice midsize SUV offering plenty of room for a family along with lower ownership costs than some of the competitors on the market.
The Toyota Highlander is another popular choice, which costs around $2,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Honda Pilot, while the Toyota Highlander has lower ownership costs as it ages. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since they last slightly longer, although both are good choices for the 2020 model year.
The Subaru Ascent is a competitor available for about $1,500 less. Off-road performance is better with the Subaru’s dedicated AWD system, while the Honda Pilot offers more passenger room. We recommend the Honda Pilot since the reliability ratings are higher, leading to lower ownership costs.