The Honda Pilot is a spacious, reliable family SUV, but it has several notable drawbacks. Its main weaknesses are lower fuel efficiency for a modern three-row SUV, a relatively cramped third row and modest cargo flexibility, and interior and technology that can feel dated compared with newer rivals.
For prospective buyers, these disadvantages vary by trim and model year. The Pilot trades some premium feel and cutting-edge features for the package of space, practicality, and Honda reliability. When compared with class leaders such as the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade, the Pilot’s downsides become more apparent in areas like efficiency, interior refinement, and standard features in base configurations.
Performance and Efficiency
Key performance and efficiency concerns to consider before buying a Pilot:
- Fuel economy generally lags behind some rivals in the same class, especially on highway runs. The 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic prioritizes power and durability over maximizing mpg.
- The Pilot offers a single powertrain option (no hybrid or turbocharged alternative), which limits efficiency gains and gearing flexibility compared with rivals that offer turbo or hybrid variants.
- Acceleration can feel muted when the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and cargo, making overtakes or steep climbs less effortless than in some competitors.
- Ride and handling lean toward comfort rather than sport, with some body roll on aggressive cornering and less nimble maneuvering than some newer three-row rivals.
In practice, performance and efficiency are a trade-off: the Pilot prioritizes family space and reliability over sporty acceleration or best-in-class fuel economy.
Interior, Space and Comfort
Space and comfort are central selling points, but they come with caveats that affect certain buyers:
- Third-row seating is best suited for children or shorter trips; adults may find legroom and headroom tight for longer journeys.
- Second-row configurations include both bench and captain’s-chair setups, which changes seating capacity and access to the third row; choosing one over the other affects practicality for larger families.
- Cargo space is adequate but not class-leading, especially when all three rows are in use; accessing the rear cargo area can be less convenient with the third row folded or raised.
- Base interior materials lean toward durable plastics, while higher trims improve feel but still lag behind the more upscale cabins found in some rivals.
Overall, the Pilot serves family transportation well, but interior refinement and third-row usability aren’t as strong as some top rivals.
Technology, Infotainment and Connectivity
Technology and user experience have improved over the years, but still disappoint some buyers compared with newer setups:
- Infotainment can feel dated on lower trims, with slower response times and less intuitive menus than what newer three-row SUVs offer.
- Standard features and options vary by trim; higher trims add larger screens, navigation, and stronger audio, but base models may require upgrades to get desired tech.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, but wireless connectivity and navigation experiences can differ by year and trim, leading to inconsistent ease of use.
- Driver-assistance tech (Honda Sensing) is generally comprehensive, though some rivals include more standard safety features at a lower trim level.
Tech is solid and functional, but buyers seeking the most polished, state-of-the-art infotainment and safety packages may prefer rival three-row SUVs with newer interfaces and more features as standard.
Practicality, Cargo and Towing
Practical versatility is a core strength of the Pilot, yet there are trade-offs to note:
- Towing capacity is solid (around 5,000 pounds with AWD in typical configurations), but some competitors offer similar or higher ratings depending on the setup.
- Access to the rear cargo area can feel tight with all seats in use; folding down seats to maximize cargo reduces passenger capacity and convenience in everyday use.
- Flexible seating and storage solutions are adequate but not as customizable as some rivals that emphasize configurable cabin space for gear and passengers.
- Running costs, including fuel and maintenance, are reasonable for a non-luxury three-row SUV, but long-term ownership costs can be higher than class leaders with newer efficiency tech.
For families prioritizing maximum cargo flexibility or premium interior ambiance, the Pilot may feel middle of the road among its peers.
Reliability, Maintenance and Ownership Costs
Reliability is a common selling point for Honda, but ownership costs and certain year-to-year differences matter here:
- Overall reliability is generally strong for a non-luxury three-row SUV, but parts and service costs can be comparable to other mainstream brands and may rise with higher trims or year-specific equipment.
- Some model years have involved recalls or service campaigns related to infotainment systems or powertrain components; annual maintenance history and recall status should be reviewed when buying used.
- Resale value tends to be solid for Hondas, but depreciation and resale prices vary by year, mileage, and condition, as with most mainstream SUVs.
Ownership costs are reasonable for a family SUV, but potential buyers should check the specific year and trim for any history of recalls or repairs and consider warranty or certified pre-owned options.
Summary
The Honda Pilot excels at space, practicality, and long-term reliability, making it a strong choice for families who prioritize seating and cargo capacity. Its disadvantages include comparatively modest fuel economy, a third row that isn’t as comfortable for adults, interior and tech that can feel dated on base trims, and cargo flexibility that doesn’t always match class leaders. Buyers should compare the Pilot to rivals such as the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade, and test-drive across trims to ensure it meets their needs for comfort, tech, and daily usability.
What years to avoid with a Honda Pilot?
Honda Pilot Model Years To Avoid
- 2003 Honda Pilot: 1st Generation. Honda. The inaugural year for the Honda Pilot was a disaster.
- 2005 Honda Pilot: 1st Generation. Honda.
- 2016 Honda Pilot: 3rd Generation. Honda.
Which is better, Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander?
The Honda Pilot SUV is larger than the Highlander. As such, it has more legroom in every row as well as much more cargo storage space, making it ideal for families. The Honda Pilot has a stronger engine than the Toyota Highlander, delivering 285 horsepower in comparison to the 265 horsepower in the Highlander.
What is the biggest complaint about Honda Pilot?
Transmission Problems
Many Honda Pilot owners have reported experiencing unsettling transmission issues. Symptoms often include rough shifting, hesitation during acceleration, unexpected jerking, or even complete transmission failure.
What are the cons of buying a Honda Pilot?
No Hybrid Options
One of the big disadvantages of the Honda Pilot is the lack of hybrid trim options. With such a large SUV, the fuel efficiency ratings aren't great, though they are competitive with other gasoline-powered SUVs. The 2023 AWD Pilot has a fuel efficiency rating of 21 combined city/highway mpg.