History
Honda has long been part of the big crossover party, but when the latest version of the Pilot arrived, it really hit the spot. A three-row big ute with plenty of family-friendly features and a sweet-sounding 3.5L V6. Doing what Honda does best, this is a quiet, capable, easy to use way to get people and things from point A to point B with loads of room for people and lots of small-item storage.
What's New
For 2021, Honda made its nine-speed automatic with grade logic control standard across the board instead of just on the top trims. Also new this year is remote engine start across the board.
Available Trims
Honda offers the 2021 Pilot in four trims as well as a variation on one of those. LX is the base offering, then EX, EX-L Navi, and Touring trim with seating for eight or for seven with second-row captain's chairs. At the top is Black Edition trim.
Standard Features
LX offers all-wheel drive standard along with engine stop-start. Inside is a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Heated front seats and three-zone climate control comes included and has a CabinControl app that lets rear-seat passengers control the temperature, add music to the playlist, and even send a destination to the nav via smartphone. HondaSensing active safety features include forward collision warning and collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, radar cruise, and brake assist.
EX adds a 10-way power driver's seat and leather-wrapped heated steering wheel. It also has a one-touch moonroof and LED fog lights plus Honda's LaneWatch blind spot display camera system. EX-L adds navigation to the infotainment system, heated rear seats, and leather-trimmed seating services. It also gains power passenger seat and side mirrors that tilt down when you reverse and a power tailgate plus parking sensors front and rear.
Touring 8P adds Honda's Cabin Talk PA system that lets you speak with rear-seat passengers and 10.2-inch screen for rear seat entertainment. A 600-watt premium audio system is included as are perforated leather seats with the front pair gaining ventilation. 20-inch wheels, wireless charging, LED headlights, and plenty of chrome complete the upgrades, with blind spot information and rear cross traffic monitoring added to Honda Sensing. Touring 7P offers the same, but adds a panoramic moonroof and replaces the middle bench with captain's chairs.
Finally, Black edition adds black alloys and body trim along with red interior lighting to the Touring 7P features.
Key Options
Honda limits the options to colour choices.
Fuel Economy
All Honda Pilots are estimated to return 12.4 L/100 km city and 9.2 highway with 2021's new gearbox.
Competition
The Pilot is in a busy segment with the likes of the Toyota Highlander, larger Chevrolet Traverse, Ford's Explorer, the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride as well as the Volkswagen Atlas.
