The Honda Pilot is powered by a single engine family in the United States: a 3.5-liter V6 that has powered every generation since its debut, with horsepower rising from the mid-200s to the upper 200s and shifting through automatic transmissions (five-speed in early models, nine-speed in later ones). There is no turbocharged four-cylinder or official hybrid option in the current U.S. Pilot lineup.
Details below trace the engine specifications generation by generation, highlighting how the powertrain evolved from the first release through the latest model years.
First generation (2003-2008)
Overview of this generation's engine
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC; roughly 240-244 horsepower and about 242 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic; front-wheel drive standard with all-wheel drive available.
The 2003-2008 Pilot established the initial powertrain: a sturdy V6 that balanced everyday usability with towing capability, paired with a relatively conventional five-speed automatic.
Second generation (2009-2015)
Overview of this generation's engine
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC; approximately 250 horsepower and around 253 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic; all-wheel drive available as an option.
The second generation refined the V6’s output and refinement, keeping the same displacement while nudging power upward and maintaining Honda’s focus on practical family utility.
Third generation (2016-2021)
Overview of this generation's engine
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with updated i-VTEC; about 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic; all-wheel drive available; drivetrain tuning emphasized smoother shifts and efficiency.
The 2016 refresh marked a notable jump in output and technology, with a shift to a nine-speed automatic to improve response and efficiency while preserving the familiar V6 character.
Fourth generation (2022-present)
Overview of this generation's engine
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC; around 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic; all-wheel drive available; ongoing efficiency improvements and potential updates to cylinder deactivation and drive modes.
The latest Pilot continues to rely on the proven 3.5L V6, delivering stronger peak power with the established nine-speed automatic and the option of all-wheel drive across trims.
Summary
Across its four generations, the Honda Pilot has used a single engine family: a 3.5-liter V6 with Honda’s i-VTEC technology. Power has evolved from roughly 240–250 hp in the early years to about 285 hp in the latest models, with torque staying in the low 260s. The transmission has stepped from five speeds in earlier years to a nine-speed automatic in the modern era, and all-wheel drive has remained a common option. For accurate figures, verify the exact horsepower and torque for the specific model year and trim you’re considering, as there can be variant-by-variant differences.