Choosing the right SUV for your family involves careful consideration of features, capabilities, and budget. The Honda Pilot, a popular three-row SUV, offers a range of trim levels, each designed to cater to different needs and preferences. Understanding the differences between the Honda Pilot models – LX, Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite – is crucial to making an informed decision. This guide provides a detailed comparison to help you navigate the Honda Pilot lineup and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Honda Pilot Trim Levels: A Detailed Comparison
The Honda Pilot is known for its reliability, spaciousness, and family-friendly features. Let’s delve into each trim level to highlight their unique offerings and help you Compare Honda Pilot Models effectively.
Honda Pilot LX: The Essentials and More
Alt text: Honda Pilot LX trim level highlighted features including 7-inch touchscreen, LED headlights, and smart entry.
The Honda Pilot LX serves as the entry point to the lineup, but it’s far from basic. It provides essential comfort and convenience features that families appreciate. Key highlights of the LX trim include:
- Infotainment: A 7-inch color touchscreen display provides access to essential vehicle controls and information.
- Audio System: Enjoy a 240-watt audio system with 7 speakers, including a subwoofer, for a rich sound experience.
- Comfort: The driver’s seat offers 6-way manual adjustment to find your ideal driving position.
- Wheels and Tires: 255/60 R18 108H all-season tires provide reliable traction in various conditions.
- Convenience: Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock® adds convenience and security to your daily drives.
- Lighting: LED headlights with auto-on/off and LED tail and brake lights enhance visibility and safety.
- Starting System: Push Button Start offers a modern and convenient way to start your vehicle.
- Steering Column: Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column allows drivers of different sizes to find a comfortable driving position.
- Storage: Multi-Functional Center Console Storage and Cargo Area Tie-Down Anchors (4 Total) help keep your belongings organized.
- Seating: One-Touch, Fold-Flat Outboard 2nd-Row Seats make it easy to access the third row and configure cargo space.
- Driver Information: A 7-Inch Driver Information Interface Screen displays important vehicle data.
- Connectivity: Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility allows seamless smartphone integration.
- Power Outlets: 12-Volt Power Outlets in the front console to charge your devices.
The LX trim is a great option for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable and well-equipped SUV without unnecessary frills.
Honda Pilot Sport: Elevating Comfort and Style
Alt text: Honda Pilot Sport trim showcasing 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and roof rails for a sporty aesthetic.
Building upon the LX, the Honda Pilot Sport trim enhances both comfort and style, making it a popular choice for many families. In addition to LX features, the Sport trim adds:
- Heated Front Seats: Enjoy added comfort during colder months with heated front seats.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Enhanced safety features to help you navigate busy roads and parking lots.
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel: A touch of luxury and improved grip with a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
- 20″ Aluminum-Alloy Wheels: Larger and more stylish 20-inch alloy wheels enhance the Pilot’s appearance.
- Roof Rails: Add functionality and visual appeal with roof rails, ready for cargo carriers or accessories.
- Tri-Zone Climate Control: Keep everyone comfortable with Tri-Zone Climate Control, allowing personalized temperature settings for different areas of the cabin.
- 10-Way Power Driver’s Seat: Find the perfect driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support.
The Sport trim offers a significant step up from the LX, providing enhanced comfort, safety, and a more athletic appearance.
Honda Pilot EX-L: Leather Luxury and Added Tech
Alt text: Honda Pilot EX-L interior view featuring leather upholstery, power front seats, and 9-speaker audio system.
The Honda Pilot EX-L trim elevates the interior experience with leather upholstery and advanced technology features. Expanding on the Sport trim, the EX-L includes:
- Leather Upholstery: Luxurious leather seats add a premium feel to the cabin.
- Power Front Seats with Heat: Both driver and front passenger enjoy power-adjustable and heated seats.
- Driver’s Seat Memory: Save your preferred driver’s seat settings for personalized comfort.
- Power Tailgate: Hands-free access to the cargo area with a power tailgate for added convenience.
- Wireless Smartphone Charger: Keep your devices charged wirelessly with a convenient charging pad.
- 9-Speaker Audio System: An upgraded 9-speaker audio system provides enhanced sound quality.
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors: Parking becomes easier and safer with front and rear parking sensors.
- Power Side Mirrors: Heated, body-colored side mirrors with integrated turn indicators, memory, and reverse gear tilt-down for added visibility and convenience.
- Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control System with Humidity Control and Air Filtration with 2nd-Row Controls: Further refinement of the climate control system for optimal comfort.
The EX-L trim is perfect for those seeking a more luxurious and technologically advanced Pilot with premium interior materials and convenient features.
Honda Pilot TrailSport: Adventure-Ready Capability
Alt text: Honda Pilot TrailSport model demonstrating off-road capabilities with all-terrain tires and raised suspension.
For those with an adventurous spirit, the Honda Pilot TrailSport is designed to tackle off-road terrain with confidence. Distinct from other trims, the TrailSport focuses on rugged capability, featuring:
- Advanced AWD System: A sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with variable torque distribution for enhanced traction in challenging conditions.
- Trail and Sand Driving Modes: Optimized driving modes to maximize performance on various terrains.
- TrailWatch Off-Road Camera: Provides a clear view of obstacles around the vehicle when off-roading.
- Heated, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel: Comfortable and stylish steering wheel for all conditions.
- Synthetic Leather Upholstery with Orange Stitching: Unique interior styling with durable and easy-to-clean synthetic leather.
- Second-Row Captain’s Chairs: Offers a more spacious and comfortable second row with captain’s chairs.
- Panoramic Power Moonroof: Enjoy open-air driving and enhanced natural light with a panoramic moonroof.
- 9-Inch Color Touch-Screen: A larger 9-inch touchscreen enhances the infotainment experience.
- 15-Watt Wireless Phone Charger (Qi-Compatible): Faster wireless charging for compatible devices.
- CabinTalk® In-Car PA System: Communicate easily with rear passengers through the car’s speakers.
- Skid Plate Protection: Underbody skid plates provide added protection when venturing off-road.
The TrailSport is the ideal choice for families who enjoy outdoor adventures and need a capable SUV that can handle diverse terrains.
Honda Pilot Touring: Premium Features and Versatility
Alt text: Honda Pilot Touring interior showcasing the stowable second-row center seat for enhanced passenger and cargo flexibility.
The Honda Pilot Touring trim elevates the Pilot’s luxury and versatility, adding premium features and innovative solutions for family life. Building on the EX-L, the Touring trim offers:
- Stowable 2nd-Row, Fold-Flat Center Seat: Honda’s innovative stowable second-row center seat provides flexible seating and easy access to the third row.
- Bose Premium Sound System with 12 Speakers: A high-fidelity Bose sound system with 12 speakers, including a subwoofer, for an immersive audio experience.
- Leather-Trimmed Seats: Upgraded leather-trimmed seats enhance interior comfort and style.
- Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation: Integrated navigation system to guide you on your journeys.
- Wi-Fi Hotspot: Stay connected on the go with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.
- 20″ Alloy Wheels: Stylish 20-inch alloy wheels enhance the Touring’s premium look.
- Smart Key Entry: Keyless entry for added convenience.
- Gloss Black Roof Rails: Gloss black roof rails add a touch of sophistication.
- Panoramic Glass Moonroof: Similar to the TrailSport, the Touring also includes a panoramic moonroof.
The Touring trim is designed for families who desire a blend of luxury, advanced technology, and innovative features that enhance everyday convenience and long trips.
Honda Pilot Elite: The Pinnacle of Luxury and Technology
Alt text: Honda Pilot Elite interior detail highlighting perforated, ventilated front seats and premium leather upholstery for ultimate comfort.
At the top of the Honda Pilot lineup sits the Elite trim, offering the ultimate in luxury, technology, and premium features. Building upon the Touring, the Elite trim includes:
- TrailWatch Multi-Camera System: An enhanced camera system providing multiple views around the vehicle for improved visibility.
- Auto-Dimming Side Mirrors: Automatically dimming side mirrors reduce glare from headlights at night.
- Heated and Rain-Sensing Wipers: Automatic wipers and heated wiper zones for enhanced visibility in inclement weather.
- Perforated Leather Upholstery: Premium perforated leather seats for enhanced breathability and comfort.
- Heated Steering Wheel: Added comfort for cold weather driving.
- LED Door Trim Lighting: Ambient LED lighting in the door trim adds a touch of elegance to the interior.
- Programmable Power Tailgate: Hands-Free Access with Walk Away Close: An even more convenient power tailgate with hands-free operation and walk-away closing feature.
- Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Lower Setback Pockets with Smartphone Pockets: Thoughtful storage solutions for front occupants.
- Perforated, Ventilated Front Seats: Ventilated front seats provide cooling comfort in warm weather.
The Elite trim represents the peak of the Honda Pilot experience, offering every available feature and luxury appointment for discerning buyers seeking the very best.
Which Honda Pilot Trim is Right for You?
Choosing the best Honda Pilot trim depends on your individual needs, priorities, and budget.
- LX: Best for budget-conscious buyers seeking essential features and Honda reliability.
- Sport: Excellent value with added comfort, safety, and sporty styling.
- EX-L: Balances luxury and technology with leather seats and advanced features.
- TrailSport: Ideal for adventure seekers needing off-road capability.
- Touring: Premium features and innovative versatility for enhanced family convenience.
- Elite: The ultimate in luxury and technology, offering every available feature.
Visit DARCARS Honda Fairfax to explore the Honda Pilot trim levels in person and find the perfect SUV for your family. You can browse our new or used Honda Pilot inventory online, apply for financing, or contact our team with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 2024 Pilot trim offers the most safety?
All 2024 Honda Pilot trims come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features. However, for enhanced safety, the EX-L trim and above offer rear automatic emergency braking and parking sensors, providing an extra layer of protection.
How many miles should tires last on a Honda Pilot?
The original tires on your Honda Pilot, or high-quality replacements, are typically expected to last around 50,000 miles with proper maintenance and driving habits.
What is the difference between the 2023 and 2024 Honda Pilot?
The 2024 Honda Pilot remains unchanged from the 2023 model in terms of trim levels and powertrain options. Both model years offer the same features and performance.
