The 2018 Honda Pilot is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at about 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available.
In 2018, Honda offered a single engine option for the Pilot across trims. The V6 uses i-VTEC and Variable Cylinder Management to balance performance with efficiency. Peak power arrives around 6,000 rpm, with peak torque around 4,700 rpm, delivering confident highway and city driving for a family SUV.
Engine specifications
The following are the key specifications of the 2018 Pilot's engine.
- Displacement: 3.5 L (3,471 cc)
- Configuration: V6
- Valvetrain: i-VTEC with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)
- Fuel system: Direct injection
- Horsepower: 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard; all-wheel drive (AWD) optional
These figures define the core performance characteristics of Honda's 2018 Pilot powertrain, reflecting its balance of everyday usability and capability.
Performance and driving characteristics
With the 3.5L V6 under the hood, the Pilot delivers confident acceleration suitable for family hauling and highway merging. The 9-speed automatic helps keep the engine in its efficient range during cruising, while AWD adds traction for adverse conditions. Honda's Variable Cylinder Management can deactivate cylinders on steady highway drives to improve fuel economy without compromising driveability.
Transmission and drive options
The standard transmission is a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic, paired with FWD on base models. All-wheel drive is available and works with Honda's Intelligent Control System to optimize torque distribution for varied road conditions.
Summary
For the 2018 Honda Pilot, the engine is a single, robust 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It offers a solid blend of power and efficiency, with FWD as standard and AWD available to enhance traction and capability. This setup suits family use, daily commuting, and highway trips alike.