Honda Pilot

Not to be confused with Ford Pilot.

This article is about the Honda SUV model. For the Honda ATV model, see Honda Pilot (ATV).

Honda Pilot
Pre-facelift third generation Pilot
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda
Production	2002–present
Model years	2003–present
Body and chassis
Class	Large CUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	FF (since 2006) / 4WD
Related	Honda Odyssey (North America) Acura MDX Honda Ridgeline
Powertrain
Engine	3.5-liter V6
Chronology
Predecessor	Honda Passport

The Honda Pilot is a Large CUV manufactured by Honda and introduced in 2002.

Primarily aimed at the North American market, the Pilot is the largest SUV from Honda and features three-row seating. Pilots are currently manufactured in LINCOLN, Alabama, and the Pilot was produced in Alliston, Ontario until April 2007. The first generation Pilot was released in April 2002 as a 2003 model.

The Pilot shares its platform with the Acura MDX, as well as the Odyssey minivan and the Accord sedan. The Pilot's unibody construction and independent suspension are designed to provide handling similar to that of a car, and it has integrated perimeter frame rails to allow towing and light off-road use.

Prior to the introduction of the Pilot, Honda marketed the compact crossover CR-V, and the Honda Passport, (a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo) that was a pickup truck-based design. The Pilot is Honda's largest SUV, although the 2010 Crosstour surpassed the Pilot in length.

The Pilot is sold in North America and the Middle East, while the Honda MDX (first generation Acura MDX) was marketed in Japan and Australia for several years. The second generation Pilot is also marketed in Russia, Ukraine, and in the Dominican Republic. The Pilot is also sold in the Philippines. As a result, the Philippine market Honda Pilot and Honda Legend was discontinued by the end of 2018 due to poor sales, in favor of the BR-V, CR-V and Civic.

First generation (2003–2008)

First generation
2003-2005 Honda Pilot
Overview
Production	April 2002—2008
Model years	2003–2008
Assembly	Alliston, Ontario, Canada (HCM) (2003-07) LINCOLN, Alabama, United States (HMA)
Designer	Ricky Hsu (1999)
Body and chassis
Related	Acura MDX Honda Odyssey
Powertrain
Transmission	5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	106.3 in (2,700 mm)
Length	188.0 in (4,775 mm)
Width	2003–05: 77.3 in (1,963 mm) 2003–05 LX: 76.3 in (1,938 mm) 2006–08: 77.5 in (1,968 mm)
Height	2003–05: 71.7 in (1,821 mm) 2003–05: 70.6 in (1,793 mm) 2006–08 2WD LX: 70.1 in (1,781 mm) 2006–08 4WD LX: 70.4 in (1,788 mm) 2006–08 2WD EX/EX-L: 71.3 in (1,811 mm) 2006–08 4WD EX/EX-L: 71.7 in (1,821 mm)

Rear view

Specifications

The 2003-2004 Pilots featured the J35A4 engine, an all-aluminum 3.5L V6 SOHC with VTEC, producing 240 hp (179 kW) and 242 lb⋅ft (328 N⋅m) of torque.

The 2005 Pilot received a new engine, the J35A6, which added drive-by-wire throttle and produced 255 hp (190 kW) and 250 lb⋅ft (339 N⋅m) of torque.  Other changes included the transmission with revised 4th and 5th gear ratios providing a smoother transition between gears, along with a new fuel tank design, increasing the Pilot's driving range by over 40 mi (64 km). All Pilots from 2003-2005 feature VTM-4, Honda's four-wheel drive system.

The Pilot received more updates starting with the 2006 model year, engines were either the J35Z1 (FWD) or the J35A9 (4WD). Both engines were rated at 244 hp (182 kW) and 240 lb⋅ft (325 N⋅m) of torque; the power reduction is because Honda used the updated SAE net power standard.  This was the first time 4WD was not standard on the Pilot.

The new FWD models featured Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which can deactivate up to three cylinders under light load to increase fuel economy, to help control noise from the system Honda added Active Control Engine Mount System (ACM) and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).  Further this version of the J35 featured updated iVTEC and the automatic transmission a shorter 1st gear ratio.  With powertrain updates and the lack of VTM-4 the FWD version had improved fuel economy of 18-city/24-highway, an increase of +1/+2 mpg versus the 4WD.

All Pilots from this generation feature a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot has front struts with a coil-spring, multilink rear suspension for a flat rear load floor. Front track is 66.3 in (1,684 mm) and 66.5 in (1,689 mm) at the rear. The Pilot has a 4,500 lb (2,041 kg) boat/3,500 lb (1,588 kg) trailer towing capability with the optional dealer installed towing package.

Pilots with Honda's Variable Torque Management 4WD system (VTM-4) sent most power to the front wheels under normal driving conditions. Under acceleration or if wheel slippage is detected at the front wheels, up to 50% of power can be sent to the rear wheels. The system also features a VTM-4 lock button on the dashboard which locks the rear differential and sends 25% of the power to each rear wheel. However, the VTM-4 lock function only operates in first gear, second gear and reverse, and automatically disengages above 18 mph (29 km/h), then re-engages when the speed drops below 18 mph (29 km/h).

Design

Design of the Pilot was by Honda's Ricky Hsu through 1999, when styling was approved. The Pilot can accommodate up to eight passengers in three rows configured as stadium seating. The third row can seat three, but the limited legroom makes it suitable only for small children or adults on short trips. Similar to the Honda Odyssey, the rear seats can be folded into flat surfaces for larger cargo. Options include powered moonroof, DVD entertainment system, and a navigation system.

Other features include ABS-equipped four-wheel disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, four-wheel independent suspension, and 282° of outward visibility.

2006-2008 Honda Pilot

2004 changes

For the 2004 model year, Honda increased adjustability on second row seats and added heated front seats and side mirrors to models equipped with leather seats.

2005 changes

For the 2005 model year, Honda added tire pressure monitoring, electronic stability control, revised steering, and upgraded the air bags.

2006 facelift

Honda revised the Pilot for the 2006 model year in October 2005. Changes to the exterior included a new fascia with a different grille insert and halogen projector headlights, and taillights with clear lenses. The EX trim level received redesigned wheels, and the original EX wheels were now found on the LX trim. On the inside, side airbags were provided in the C pillar, the gauge cluster was updated and the center console featured chrome trim and redesigned storage compartments and cup holders.

2007 changes

For the 2007 model year, Honda added Variable Cylinder Management to two-wheel-drive models and added Nimbus Gray Metallic, Dark Cherry Pearl, Aberdeen Green Metallic and Formal Black as four new colors to all models.

2008 changes

For the last model year of the generation Honda added two new trims. The VP (Value Package) replaces the LX as base trim and SE (special edition) goes in between the EX and EX-L trim.

Second generation (2009–2015)

Second generation
Pre-facelift second generation Honda Pilot
Overview
Production	April 2008–2015
Model years	2009–2015
Assembly	LINCOLN, Alabama, United States (HMA)
Designer	Dave Marek (2006)
Body and chassis
Related	Acura MDX Honda Odyssey
Powertrain
Engine	Honda J35Z4 V6
Transmission	5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	109.2 in (2,774 mm)
Length	2009-11: 190.9 in (4,849 mm) 2012-15: 191.4 in (4,862 mm)
Width	78.5 in (1,994 mm)
Height	2009-11: 72.7 in (1,847 mm) 2012-15: 71.0 in (1,803 mm)

Rear view

The larger second generation Pilot was unveiled as a prototype in January 2008 at the North American International Auto Show. Assembled at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in LINCOLN, Alabama, it was offered in five trims; LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and SE (2015 only). All second generation Pilots used a new J35Z4 3.5-liter V6 iVTEC engine producing 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS) SAE net at 5700 rpm and 253 lb⋅ft (343 N⋅m) of torque at 4800 rpm. EPA fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg city /23 mpg highway with front-wheel-drive and 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway for all-wheel-drive.

Both drivetrains were equipped with five-speed automatics. The second generation's wheelbase is 109.2 in, with a length of 190.9 in, a width of 78.5 in, a height of 71.0 in and interior space of 153.7 cu-ft. The redesigned headlights lost the previous generation's halogen projectors and return to standard halogen reflectors. Features included new two-position memory settings for the driver's seat, a new power tailgate, and the gear shift was relocated from the steering column to the center console between the front seats. The Touring trim included a 120-volt power outlet and a satellite-linked Honda navigation system.

2011 changes

The 2011 model year had minimal changes. The voice-activated navigation system which was previously exclusive to the Touring trim became available on the EX-L trim and rear system entertainment became standard equipment standard on the Touring trim.

2012 facelift

2012 Honda Pilot EX

The 2012 model year introduced a redesigned front fascia, new alloy wheels, and updates to the interior along with changes to the bumper.

2013 changes

The 2013 model year included a standard rearview backup camera, i-MID central dashboard 8-inch LCD screen, USB connector, Bluetooth hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming, and tri-zone climate control.

2015 changes

The SE (special edition) trim was added which came standard with a power moonroof, satellite radio, and rear seat entertainment system.

Safety

The Pilot uses Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering front bracket. For the 2013 model year a rear-view backup camera was made standard. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found the Honda Pilot's driver death rate of 2 deaths per million registered among the ten lowest released in their report

IIHS crash test scores:

Moderate overlap frontal offset	Good
Small overlap frontal offset	Poor*
Side impact	Good
Roof strength	Marginal (2009-11 models)
Roof strength	Good (2012 models)

^{*vehicle structure also rated "Poor"}

NHTSA 2011 Pilot^†:

Overall:
Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Passenger:
Side Pole Driver:
Rollover FWD:	/ 17.4%
Rollover AWD:	/ 16.4%

^†Because of more stringent tests, 2011 and newer model ratings are not comparable to pre–2011 ratings.

Third generation (2016–present)

Third generation
Overview
Production	May 2015–present
Model years	2016–present
Assembly	LINCOLN, Alabama, United States (HMA)
Designer	Ben Davidson (2012)
Body and chassis
Related	Acura MDX Honda Odyssey Honda Ridgeline
Powertrain
Engine	3.5L Honda J35Z6 V6
Transmission	6-speed automatic 9-speed ZF 9HP automatic (optional)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	111.0 in (2,819 mm)
Length	194.5 in (4,940 mm)
Width	78.6 in (1,996 mm)
Height	69.8 in (1,773 mm)
Curb weight	4,054–4,140 lb (1,839–1,878 kg) (FWD) 4,220–4,317 lb (1,914–1,958 kg) (AWD)

Rear view

The third-generation 2016 Pilot debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2015, production began during May, and was made available for sale in June.

The exterior is sleeker in appearance compared to its boxier predecessor with a 10 percent reduction in drag area. Added to the exterior are optional LED headlamps with automatic high-low beam switching, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), and LED brake tail lights and the new Elite model. New features also include heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic roof to Elite models only. Alloy wheels became standard.

LaneWatch provides an 80° field of view along the passenger-side of the vehicle giving four-times more visibility than traditional side-view mirrors.

Newly available safety features include Honda's LaneWatch passenger side mirror camera or Blind Spot Information (BSI) and rear Cross Traffic Monitor. Additional options include Lane Departure Warning (LDW) with Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). A tri-angle backup camera is standard with dynamic guidelines optional.

The revised 3.5-liter V6 engine has direct-injection and start-stop system with improved power at 280 hp (209 kW; 284 PS), a 6-speed automatic is standard while a ZF 9-speed automatic is optional. With all-wheel drive models the amount of engine torque sent to each rear wheel is variable. EPA-estimated fuel economy is improved with front-wheel drive (FWD) 6-speed models registering 19/27/22 mpg, and all-wheel drive (AWD) models registering 18/26/21 mpg (city/highway/combined). 9-speed models see fuel economy of 20/27/23 mpg in FWD configuration and 19/26/22 mpg in AWD.

Overall dimensions are larger, while weight is down approximately 300 pounds with noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduced. Both 2 WD and AWD share the same platform. Structurally 21.3% of the Pilot's body is composed of 980, 1300 and 1,500 MPa ultra-high-strength steels, 5% is from aluminum or magnesium, an additional 34.5% is 270 MPa mild strength steel used in areas to minimize repair costs.

2017 changes

For the 2017 model year, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were added to all trims except the base LX trim.

2019 facelift

2019 Honda Pilot EX-L (facelift)

For the 2019 model year, Honda has refreshed the Pilot inside and out. The powertrain for the Pilot has remained unchanged, but Honda did revise the nine speed transmission only found in the Touring and Elite trims. The exterior now has new bumpers, grille, wheels, LED headlights, and revised taillights. A hands free tailgate is now available. In the interior the gauge cluster is replaced with a new one, similar to the one found on the Odyssey. The infotainment system is updated with Honda's latest software and it also features CabinControl app, from the Odyssey. 4G LTE hotspot, CabinTalk, and a new rear entertainment system are now available. The volume slider is now replaced with a volume knob. Honda has replaced the steering wheel with a new design, also from the Odyssey. Lastly, Honda Sensing is now standard on all trim levels for the Pilot.

Safety

IIHS 2016 Pilot

Moderate overlap frontal offset	Good
Small overlap frontal offset	Good1
Side impact	Good
Roof strength	Good2
Headlights	Acceptable3

¹ vehicle structure also rated "Good".

² strength-to-weight ratio: 5.22

³ only with the elite or touring, poor for other models

NHTSA 2016 Pilot:

Overall:
Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Passenger:
Side Pole Driver:
Rollover FWD:	/ 17.5%
Rollover AWD:	/ 16.4%

Sales

Calendar year	US sales
2002	52,062
2003	106,917
2004	128,158
2005	143,353
2006	152,154
2007	117,146
2008	96,746
2009	83,901
2010	102,323
2011	116,297
2012	114,848
2013	126,678
2014	108,857
2015	136,212
2016	120,772
2017	127,279
2018	159,615

External links

• Pilot Official US site