Last year, Honda introduced a new generation of the Pilot, including the rugged Trail Sport trim. This year, we’re examining the touring trim, which sits near the top of the luxury spectrum. Thanks to our friends at Rust Dero Honda, we’ve had the opportunity to thoroughly compare the Pilot against its competitors. Let’s explore the best and worst features of the 2024 Honda Pilot.
3 Cons of 2024 Honda Pilot
The technology in the 2024 Honda Pilot is a mixed bag. While it’s not objectively bad, it does fall short compared to some rivals. The head-up display, for instance, is only available on the top Elite trim. The digital cluster measures 10.25 inches and doesn’t change much but is a welcome feature compared to the CRV.
The center screen options are either a base 7-inch or an upgraded 9-inch screen, which is smaller than the cluster and the smallest among competitors.
A 360 camera is available only on the Elite and Trail Sport trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay is present on the 9-inch screen models, though some rivals offer it as standard.
Features like cabin talk for easier communication with third-row passengers and Honda Sensing for safety are included, but they don’t quite match the offerings from Hyundai.
1. Powertrain
The Pilot comes with only one engine option: Honda’s 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
While this engine delivers a decent 0-60 time of around 7 seconds, its 21 MPG combined fuel efficiency is on the lower end of the segment. Competitors like the VW Atlas and Subaru Ascent offer turbocharged engines, and new models like the Grand Highlander and CX-90 include hybrid options.
2. Missing Luxuries
The 2024 Honda Pilot lacks a few luxuries found in competitors. Features like cooled second-row seats and heated third-row seats are notably absent, though these are mainly available in the Hyundai Palisade.
A power-folding third row is also missing, except in the Palisade. Additionally, cooled front seats and a head-up display are limited to the Elite trim, whereas competitors like the VW Atlas offer these features more broadly.
3. Drivetrain
The Pilot’s standard front-wheel drive is becoming less common as rivals like Mazda, Subaru, and Toyota with the Grand Highlander are offering all-wheel drive as standard.
The third row in the Pilot is decent but smaller compared to competitors like the Grand Highlander and Atlas. It can comfortably fit two six-footers, with cup holders, vents, and USB-C chargers on both sides, but it doesn’t lead the segment in space.
8 Best Features of the 2024 Honda Pilot
1. Driving Experience
Surprisingly, the 2024 Honda Pilot delivers an excellent driving experience. Alongside the Mazda CX-90, it’s one of the best driver’s vehicles in the segment.
The V6 engine is fun to rev, the steering is precise, and the all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring adds to its playful, engaging nature.
2. Utility
The Pilot offers impressive utility. The middle seat in the second row can be removed and stored in the floor, providing easy access to the third row or converting the setup to captain’s chairs.
There’s ample storage throughout the vehicle, including a dash cubby up front, making it highly practical for families.
3. Cargo Space
In terms of cargo space, the Pilot is near the top of its class. With the third row up, it offers 18.6 cubic feet of space, nearly 49 cubic feet with the third row down, and 87 cubic feet with all rows down. These figures are competitive, only slightly behind the Atlas and Grand Highlander.
4. Styling
The Pilot boasts a classic SUV boxy shape with LED headlights, chrome grill accents, and LED fog lights. Its design maximizes headroom and cargo space, offering a handsome, straightforward aesthetic that stands out for its simplicity and functionality.
5. Price and Value
Priced at $37,900, the 2024 Honda Pilot is on the cheaper end of the segment, especially compared to newer hybrid offerings. Only a few older models like the Subaru Ascent, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride are slightly cheaper, making the Pilot a great value for its features and newness.
6. Towing Capacity
The Pilot offers a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs for front-wheel-drive models and 5,000 lbs for all-wheel-drive models, which is competitive within the segment.
7. Second Row Comfort
Despite slightly less space than some competitors, the second row of the Pilot is comfortable and well-equipped. Features include sliding and reclining seats, heating (though not cooling), an available bench or captain’s chairs, climate controls, plenty of storage pockets, window shades, and a panoramic roof.
8. Interior Build and Design
The interior of the Pilot feels a step above many competitors, with high-end materials, features like two-person memory seating, heated and cooled seats (on elite trims), a heated steering wheel, and intuitive physical climate controls.
Conclusion
In summary, the 2024 Honda Pilot offers a balanced mix of strengths and weaknesses. While it falls short in areas like fuel efficiency and certain luxury features, it excels in driving experience, utility, cargo space, styling, value, and overall interior quality.
It remains a top contender in the three-row SUV segment.
