You can change the dashboard display on a Honda Pilot by using the steering wheel controls to adjust the instrument cluster readouts, tweaking the gauge brightness with a dedicated control, and configuring the infotainment screen display and theme through the Settings menu. The exact steps vary by model year and trim.
This guide explains how to customize the instrument cluster, adjust brightness, and tailor the infotainment display for current Pilot models. It also notes year-by-year differences and where to find menus in common trims.
What you can customize on the dashboard
Customize what information is shown on the instrument cluster, how it’s organized, and how readable it is, plus how the touchscreen display looks and behaves.
Instrument cluster and gauge options
Use the following steps to adjust the instrument cluster readouts and the information shown on the dash.
- Turn on the ignition or start the engine.
- Use the steering wheel controls (often the Menu/Display button and the directional pad) to access the instrument cluster or Meter screen.
- Scroll through available displays (Trip A, Trip B, range, average fuel economy, outside temperature, maintenance reminders, tire pressures, etc.) using the up/down arrows.
- Press the OK/Enter button to select a display you want to view, or to reset trip data when viewing Trip A or Trip B.
- Exit the menu by pressing Back or the Menu button again.
Customizing these options lets you tailor glanceable information to your driving needs, from fuel economy trends to maintenance reminders.
Infotainment display and instrument brightness
To adjust screen brightness and the infotainment display, follow these steps.
- Rotate the instrument panel brightness dial (often located near the headlight switch) to set the gauge cluster brightness to a comfortable level.
- If your model uses a brightness wheel instead of a dial, adjust it in the same area to achieve the desired luminance.
- On the touchscreen, go to Settings > Display or Screen Brightness to adjust the infotainment screen brightness and enable/disable Auto Brightness if available.
- Within Settings, look for Theme or Display Style to switch between light and dark modes, if your trim supports it.
- Consider enabling Auto Brightness if your model supports it so the screen adjusts automatically to ambient light conditions.
These steps help you maintain comfortable visibility in varying lighting conditions and personalize the look of both the dash and the touchscreen.
Model-year caveats and tips
Honda Pilot features can differ by generation and trim level. Newer models (roughly from 2019 onward) tend to offer a more configurable digital instrument cluster and more extensive display settings in the touchscreen. On older pilots, options may be more limited and primarily focused on basic trip data and brightness. If you’re unsure which menus your specific year and trim use, consult the owner’s manual or the in-vehicle help guide for exact button names and paths.
Tip: If you plan to frequently reset trip data or switch display modes, familiarize yourself with the exact button labels on your steering wheel and the sequence to reach the desired screen, as it can differ between model years and trims.
Summary
In short, changing the Honda Pilot dashboard display involves three practical steps: adjust the instrument cluster readouts using the steering wheel controls, set the gauge brightness with the dedicated brightness control, and customize the infotainment display and theme through the Settings menu. Because steps and terminology can vary by year and trim, check your specific model’s manual or help guide for precise paths and button names.