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HONDA Pilot Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 4
First production year: 2009
Engines: Gasoline
Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
HONDA Pilot photo gallery

Honda introduced the seventh generation of its biggest SUV, the Pilot, in November 2022 for the 2023 model year, and it was also the most potent high-rider in the carmaker's history.

The 2023 model year promised a better experience for its customers, offering a larger vehicle with a roomier interior and better off-road abilities. Moreover, the Pilot's fourth generation didn't look like an oversized CR-V model anymore. In addition, it didn't follow the supercharging trend, placing its bets on customers who enjoyed the beauty of a naturally aspirated engine.

With a rugged look, the 2023 Pilot featured a flat, vertical front fascia that was mostly covered by a broad grille. Its LED headlights resembled those installed on the Civic, yet its design was dominated by sharp lines. From its profile, Honda's largest crossover featured a raked-forward C-pillar and an unusually designed third side window that featured an ascending lower line towards the tilted D-pillar. In addition, at the back, the Pilot got standard LED taillights. Finally, the Trailsport version was fitted with steel underbody shields, plus front and rear recovery points.

At the time of launch, the Pilot boasted the roomiest cabin in its class. Moreover, it offered something for every taste. Thus, the base version came fitted with a standard digital instrument panel with an option for a 10.2" TFT. Atop the center stack, the car received a 7" touchscreen with an option for a 9" unit for the infotainment system.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed its famous 3.5-liter V6 engine with a direct injection system. It was paired as standard with a 10-speed automatic gearbox that sent the power in all corners.

full description and technical specifications
HONDA Pilot photo gallery

Honda refreshed the third generation of its SUV Pilot in 2018 for the 2019 model year, enhancing not just the design but also the safety systems for the entire range.

After Honda had huge success with the CR-V, the Japanese automaker thought about creating an even larger vehicle, and thus the Pilot's first generation appeared on the market in 2002. Come 2015, the vehicle was already in its third generation. But the carmaker didn't stop improving the model, and after the updates from 2017, it brought a refreshed vehicle in 2018 for the 2019 model year. This time it was more than just an update.

The car's exterior was enhanced, and the front fascia got a fresh look. The headlights were new and sported peals-like LED daytime running lights installed inside each of the front headlamps. In addition, the grille followed the same design language as the Accord or the Civic, with a masked area on the upper side of the main grille. From its profile, the 2019 Pilot featured black, unpainted wheel arches trims that mimicked an off-road vehicle.

Inside, apart from the new infotainment unit that was already introduced for the 2017 model-year, the 2019 Pilot boasted a new display mounted in a free-floating way atop the center stack. The four-spoke steering wheel was new and resembled the one installed in the Odyssey MPV. The Pilot, on the other hand, was not that far from the minivan segment thanks to its three-rows, eight-seat ability. In addition, the Honda Sensing was fitted as standard on the entire range.

Under the hood, there were no significant changes. The only available engine was Honda's well-known 3.5-liter V6, which could send its power to the front or all its wheels.

full description and technical specifications
HONDA Pilot photo gallery

At the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, Honda showed its biggest SUV: the Pilot. It gave up all the previous design cues and adopted a new styling, which is more fluid, more like its smaller sibling the CR-V, the best sold SUV in the world at the time.

The new generation features more premium features, including optional and more efficient LED projector headlights with automatic high-beam technology. Also, it received LED daytime running lights and taillights. For a better look on the road, the Pilot has 20-inch wheels.

Since the Pilot is a high-demand car, the manufacturer used premium quality materials throughout the cabin and has added LED lights inside. The passengers can sit on three rows. The second row may be ordered as a three-seat bench or with two individual so-called “captain-seats” on the upper trim level, offering more comfort on the road.

On the dashboard, there is a new 8” capacitive touch-screen with navigation system and 3D-rendering of the map for easier recognition of the surrounding area. The Pilot's Display Audio system enables simplified smartphone connectivity making for easier access to all the features and connectivity options of the HondaLink connected-car system. A 9-inch rear entertainment system with DVD and new Blu-Ray disc capability is available.

The only engine available is the new 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation technology, which offers 250 hp. The standard transmission is a 6-speed automatic but there is also an option for a 9-speed automatic for the upper trims.

full description and technical specifications
HONDA Pilot photo gallery

The second generation of the large SUV Honda Pilot was launched in 2009. It was a major design step forward when compared to the previous generation, which looked more like an expanded CR-V.

The styling was important for the 2009 Pilot. The angled face from the 2002-2008 model was dropped and a flat, almost vertical, front fascia that looked more like a Honda Element design. The flat surface design was applied on the sides and on the rear liftgate.

For the interior, differences were depending on the trim level. On the top version, the navigation system, 8” infotainment LCD screen, and dual climate controls were installed. A big panoramic glass roof was available as well. A rearview camera was standard on the Pilot EX-L and Pilot Touring models. Inside, there was room for up to eight passengers, depending on the seat configuration.

It was made to tackle medium off-road tracks with the confidence of an 8” (205 mm) ground clearance and pull up to 4500 lbs (2040 kg) in the AWD version. For the powertrain, Honda insisted on offering only one engine and one gearbox. The only option was two or all-wheel-drive. The 5-speed automatic was standard and no manual choice was available. To improve the fuel-efficiency, the intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC®) valvetrain technology with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) allowed the V-6 engine to operate in six-cylinder mode for power and four- and three-cylinder modes.

full description and technical specifications