The 2018 Honda Pilot is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with i-VTEC, delivering about 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
For the 2018 model year, Honda carried over a single, robust powerplant across most trims: a 3.5-liter V6 in the J-series family. This engine emphasizes a balance of strong on-road performance for a three-row SUV and the refined, everyday usability that families expect from the Pilot. The following sections lay out the core specifications and the technology that supports this powertrain.
Powertrain snapshot
Key specifications and configurations of the 3.5-liter V6 engine used in the 2018 Pilot.
- Displacement: 3.5 liters
- Configuration: V6
- Valvetrain: i-VTEC (variable valve timing)
- Power output: 280 horsepower
- Torque: 262 lb-ft
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
These figures summarize the engine’s core performance characteristics and how they translate to everyday driving, from steady highway cruising to confident merging on freeways.
Technology and efficiency context
How Honda’s engineering philosophy shapes the Pilot’s engine technology and efficiency, including the drive modes and transmission pairing that affect real-world use.
- Engine family: Part of Honda’s J-series 3.5L V6 family, used across several models with tuning for different applications
- Valvetrain tech: i-VTEC for optimized valve timing across RPM ranges
- Earth Dreams and fuel strategy: Engine designed with efficiency in mind and integrated with the 9-speed automatic for a broad, usable torque band
- Fuel economy context: EPA estimates vary by drivetrain, with typical figures around 19 mpg city and in the high-20s mpg on the highway for front-wheel-drive configurations (AWD generally lower)
The engine’s combination with the nine-speed automatic transmission helps the Pilot deliver smooth acceleration while maintaining efficiency during highway cruising and everyday use.
Driving performance context
In practice, the 3.5-liter V6 provides solid acceleration for a family SUV, confident highway merging, and sufficient towing and hauling capability for typical use cases, such as road trips and daily commutes with a full cabin.
Summary
The 2018 Honda Pilot’s engine is a 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC, producing 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain underpins the Pilot’s blend of strong daily performance and highway comfort across most trims.
In short: a capable 3.5L V6 with i-VTEC and a modern 9-speed automatic defines the 2018 Pilot’s core engine package, delivering a balanced mix of power, refinement, and efficiency for a family SUV.