Do 2024 Honda Pilot seats fold flat?

How folding works in the 2024 Pilot

To understand how the Pilot expands its cargo area, it helps to know how the seats split and fold. The vehicle offers flexible configurations to prioritize passengers or cargo as needed.

The following points describe the main folding options you’ll encounter on most trims:

• Third-row seats: typically a 60/40 split that folds flat into the floor, creating a continuous cargo surface once lowered.


• Second-row seats: offered as either a bench or captain’s chairs (depending on trim). The bench folds with a 60/40 split, and the seats can flip forward to open up space behind the front seats; captain’s chairs create a center aisle but still allow a flatter cargo area when the floors align with the folded third row.


• Combined effect: folding both the second- and third-row seats yields the longest, nearly flat load floor for oversized items or longer cargo.

When configured for cargo, the Pilot’s seating arrangement can deliver a substantially flatter floor than a typical 3-row SUV, especially with the third row folded and the second row collapsed or tumbled as appropriate to the chosen layout.

Practical cargo space with folded seats

Prospective buyers often want to know how much space they’ll gain by folding the seats, as well as how usable that space remains for everyday loads.

Key takeaways about cargo space when seats are folded:

• With the third row folded, you gain a noticeable increase in cargo area suitable for larger luggage, boxes, or equipment.


• Folding the second row (and using bench or captain’s chairs as configured) further extends the flat space, making longer items easier to accommodate.


• Maximum cargo capacity with both rows folded is roughly 109 cubic feet, depending on trim and seat configuration.

In practical terms, the Pilot is well-suited for family moves, trips with gear, or any scenario that requires a flat or near-flat floor for easier loading and unloading.

Seat configurations by trim and practicality

Different trims offer different seating arrangements, which in turn influence how the seats fold and how flat the floor becomes. The Pilot typically offers:

• 8-passenger setup with a second-row bench (60/40 split) or 7-passenger setup with captain’s chairs, affecting how you access the rear and fold the seats.


• Standard and available features that support easier folding, such as 60/40-split rear rows and accessible folding levers or handles.


• Optional enhancements like a wide cargo floor when both rear rows are folded for maximum storage.

Regardless of the exact configuration, the core capability remains: you can fold the seats to create a flat or near-flat surface to suit cargo needs.

What to consider when planning loading

• If you frequently transport long items, opt for the bench-style second row to maximize flatness and space when both rows are folded.


• Captain’s chairs provide easier passenger access to the third row but may reduce available flat cargo length unless the second row is reconfigured for maximum space.


• Power-folding options, when available on certain trims, can simplify the process of folding multiple seats, especially when loading alone.

Note: Exact folding ease and available configurations can vary by trim and model year, so it’s a good idea to test the folding in person at a dealership to confirm how it suits your cargo needs.

Summary

The 2024 Honda Pilot is designed to deliver a flat or near-flat cargo floor by folding the third-row seats into the floor and adjusting the second-row seats accordingly. With both rows folded, you gain a long, flat loading area suitable for large or awkward items, with maximum cargo space reaching around 109 cubic feet depending on configuration. This makes the Pilot a flexible choice for families and cargo-focused use alike.

In short, yes—the 2024 Honda Pilot seats fold flat to maximize cargo space, and the folding capabilities extend across multiple seating configurations to accommodate a wide range of loads.

What's the difference between a 2024 and 2025 Honda Pilot?

The main difference is the addition of a new top-of-the-line Black Edition trim for the 2025 Honda Pilot, which features unique blacked-out exterior elements and red interior accents. Aside from the new Black Edition, the 2025 model is nearly identical to the 2024 model, with no major changes to the exterior design, performance, or other standard features like the Honda Sensing suite. The base LX trim was also discontinued, making the Sport the new base model for 2025.
 
This video compares the 2025 Honda Pilot with the 2024 Mazda CX-90: 56sWalser Automotive GroupYouTube · Jul 24, 2024
Key differences

• New Black Edition: The 2025 model introduces a Black Edition trim with unique black wheels and trim, red leather seats, red stitching, and red interior accent lighting. 
• Discontinued LX trim: The base LX trim is no longer offered for 2025, with the Sport trim becoming the new entry-level model. 

Key similarities

• Engine and performance: Both model years share the same 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the same maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. 
• Fuel economy: EPA ratings are identical for both model years: 19 city/27 highway mpg for 2WD models and 19 city/25 highway mpg for AWD models. 
• Exterior and interior features: The overall design of the exterior and the features on all other trims remain the same. This includes the standard Honda Sensing safety suite, available multi-view camera system, and features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 
• Trim lineup: Other than the addition of the Black Edition and removal of the LX, the trim structure (EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, Elite) is the same. 

Can a queen mattress fit in a Honda Pilot?

No, a standard queen mattress (60′′×80′′60 double prime cross 80 double prime60′′×80′′) will not fit inside a Honda Pilot, as the maximum cargo space is narrower and slightly shorter than the mattress, measuring about 50′′50 double prime50′′ wide by 77′′77 double prime77′′ long from the back to the front seats. However, a queen mattress might fit if it's a boxed or flexible memory foam type that can be bent or folded to fit inside, though this could potentially damage the mattress. 
Why a queen mattress won't fit

• A standard queen mattress is 606060 inches wide and 808080 inches long. 
• The Honda Pilot's internal cargo space is roughly 505050 inches wide and 777777 inches long from the back door to the back of the front seats with the seats folded down. 
• Since the mattress is longer and wider than the vehicle's interior space, it cannot lie flat inside. 

Possible solutions to fit it

• Bend the mattress: Some people have been able to fit a queen mattress by bending or folding it, especially if it's a memory foam mattress that came in a box. 
• Be careful: Folding or bending a mattress can cause damage, so be cautious to avoid warping or breaking the springs or foam. 
• Consider alternatives: A smaller mattress, like a twin, is more likely to fit comfortably inside the Pilot. You could also consider a trifold mattress, which can be more flexible. 

What is the most common problem with the Honda Pilot?

The most common problem with the Honda Pilot is transmission failure, often caused by a faulty radiator that allows coolant to leak into the transmission fluid, leading to expensive damage. Other widespread issues include problems with the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, which can cause unintended braking, and various electrical and infotainment system malfunctions.
 
This video discusses common problems in the second generation Honda Pilot, including airbag recalls and engine issues: 59sMJ100kYouTube · Sep 30, 2025
Transmission and cooling system

• Coolant-transmission fluid mixing: A radiator design flaw can cause coolant to leak into the transmission fluid, leading to transmission failure. 
• Symptoms: Drivers report shuddering, jerking, and sudden loss of power, with failures often occurring between 120,000 and 150,000 miles. 
• Solutions: Repairs are costly and can involve a full transmission replacement. 

Electrical and computer systems 

• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system: Some models experience the VSA system applying the brakes without driver input, which can be dangerous. This is often traced to a faulty yaw sensor. 
• Infotainment system: Issues like blank screens, malfunctioning wireless chargers, and inoperable backup cameras have been reported, particularly in newer models. 
• Auto start/stop system: The engine's auto start/stop system has been reported to malfunction, sometimes failing to restart the engine. 

This video highlights trending issues in the 2023-2025 Honda Pilot, including broken battery sensor wires: 1mBCauto_YouTube · Jan 30, 2025
Engine and emissions

• Engine issues: Some older models have had issues with engine sludge due to piston ring deterioration. 
• Emissions system: Warning lights may indicate a problem with the fuel injectors or catalytic converter. 
• Oil consumption: Some models have reported excessive oil consumption. 

You can watch this video to learn what the owner wishes they knew before buying the Honda Pilot, including infotainment and engine issues: 58sAdventure Gear TVYouTube · Apr 9, 2022
Other problems

• Brake issues: Warped front brake rotors causing vibration and problems with the anti-lock braking system have been reported. 
• Water intrusion: Some models have reported water leaks, particularly in the rear, which can cause electrical problems. 
• Airbag recalls: Certain model years, especially the second generation (2009-2015), have been affected by airbag recalls. 

Do the Honda Pilot seats fold flat?

Yes, all rows of seats in a Honda Pilot fold flat, but the exact method varies by row and trim level. The third-row seats can be folded down using a tether or lever, while the second-row seats have different folding mechanisms depending on whether they are a bench seat or captain's chairs, and can be folded from the side or with one-touch electronic controls in newer models.
 
Third-row seats

• How to fold: Pull the tether or lever located on the seat to lay it flat.
• Headrests: On some models, you may need to pull a strap to lower the headrests before folding the seat flat. 

This video shows how to fold the third-row seats in a Honda Pilot: 1mSuperior HondaYouTube · Nov 16, 2016
Second-row seats

• Bench seats:
  • Newer models (e.g., 2025): Many newer models have one-touch, electronically controlled seats that fold flat with the push of a button. 
  • Older models (e.g., 2021): The outboard sections of the second-row bench seat can be folded down individually by pulling a lever on the side of the seat. 
• Captain's chairs:
  • Newer models (e.g., 2025): Captain's chairs on some higher trims, like the TrailSport, are designed to fold flat. 
  • Older models: Bench seats are generally more versatile for folding flat compared to captain's chairs. 
• Important considerations:
  • Move the front seats forward as much as possible to ensure the second-row seats can fold without interference. 
  • Store the center seat belt properly before folding the seat down. 
  • Ensure the seat is securely latched in the upright position before driving.