The Honda Pilot is powered by a V-6 engine, not a four-cylinder.
In the United States, the Pilot uses a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. There is no conventional four-cylinder option offered in the Pilot lineup.
Current engine configuration and performance
Here's a concise look at the Pilot’s engine setup as sold in the U.S. market.
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC, part of Honda's J35 family)
- Horsepower: approximately 285 hp
- Torque: approximately 262 lb-ft
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive or Honda Real Time All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Towing capacity: up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped
These specifications reflect the Pilot’s typical configurations across trims and drivetrains. Individual numbers can vary slightly by model year and option package.
Historical context and why it matters
Since its current generation debuted, the Honda Pilot has consistently relied on a V6 engine to deliver the performance and towing capability owners expect from a three-row SUV. That continuity—coupled with a 9-speed automatic and available AWD—has positioned the Pilot as a power-oriented family hauler rather than a fuel-economy-focused four-cylinder SUV.
Performance and practical considerations
The V6 setup provides strong initial acceleration and confident highway passing, along with a solid towing capacity. For buyers prioritizing raw efficiency or city maneuverability over comfort and power, rivals with turbocharged four-cylinders or hybrid options might appear more attractive—but those alternatives typically involve trade-offs in space, towing, or cost.
Market variations and current status
In the U.S. market, there is no official four-cylinder engine option for the Pilot as of 2024–2025. Other Honda models in the lineup do offer four-cylinder engines, but the Pilot persists with its V6 arrangement to satisfy demand for power, capacity, and towing in a mid-size three-row SUV.
Summary
Bottom line: The Honda Pilot is built around a V-6 powertrain—the 3.5-liter V6 with a 9-speed automatic—rather than a four-cylinder engine. It offers all-wheel drive options and a notable towing capacity, making it a strong choice for families needing space and performance in a three-row SUV. If fuel economy or a smaller footprint is the priority, prospective buyers might look at other models in Honda’s lineup, but the Pilot’s current configuration remains V-6 dominant.