Does Honda Pilot have automatic emergency braking?
Yes. Automatic emergency braking is available on the Honda Pilot as part of the Honda Sensing safety suite on most recent models, helping the vehicle brake automatically to reduce the risk of frontal collisions.
The Honda Pilot pairs forward-looking sensors with the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) to detect potential collisions ahead. Availability has varied by model year and trim, but newer Pilots commonly include this feature as part of a broader safety package.
What is automatic emergency braking in the Honda Pilot?
Automatic emergency braking in the Pilot is delivered through CMBS, a component of Honda Sensing. The system uses radar and a forward-facing camera to monitor traffic ahead and can apply the brakes automatically if a collision with a vehicle or certain obstacles seems likely. It is designed to assist the driver and may help reduce crash severity or avoid a crash, but it is not a substitute for attentive driving.
How CMBS works
CMBS analyzes objects in front of the vehicle and, if a collision is detected, may engage braking to slow the Pilot or stop it. The system operates at speeds where a collision is possible and can function in a range of driving conditions. It relies on sensors and cameras, and effectiveness depends on factors like weather, road conditions, and signage.
Limitations and caveats
Like any driver-assistance feature, CMBS has limits. It may not detect pedestrians, cyclists, or animals in all situations; performance can be reduced on slippery surfaces or in poor visibility; the driver remains responsible for maintaining control and a safe following distance. Do not assume CMBS will prevent all collisions in every scenario.
Availability by model year and trim
Availability of automatic emergency braking through Honda Sensing has evolved over the Pilot’s generation. In earlier years it was often optional or limited to higher trims, while more recent model years have made the safety suite standard on most or all trims. Always check the exact configuration for a given vehicle.
- 2016–2018: CMBS and Honda Sensing features were typically offered on higher trims or as part of optional packages, not universally standard across all Pilots.
- 2019–present: Honda Sensing, including CMBS, became standard on most Pilot trims or broadly available, with regional variation possible.
To know precisely what your specific Pilot includes, review the window sticker, the owner’s manual, or confirm with a dealer using the vehicle’s VIN.
How to verify automatic emergency braking in your Pilot
To confirm whether your exact Pilot has automatic emergency braking, you can follow these steps:
- Check the window sticker or the owner’s manual for mentions of Honda Sensing, CMBS, or Collision Mitigation Braking System.
- Look for a Honda Sensing or CMBS switch on or near the dashboard; when the system is active, indicators may appear on the instrument cluster or infotainment screen.
- Turn the ignition to ON and navigate the vehicle’s safety/settings menu to verify that CMBS is enabled.
- Provide the VIN to a Honda dealer; they can pull up the exact safety features associated with your vehicle’s configuration.
Confirming the exact equipment helps avoid assuming features that may not be present on every unit.
Driving with automatic emergency braking
CMBS is intended to assist, not replace safe driving habits. Drivers should maintain a safe following distance, remain attentive, and be prepared to brake manually if conditions demand. Weather, road conditions, and sensor limitations can affect system performance, so use CMBS as a complement to vigilant driving.
Summary
In modern Honda Pilot models, automatic emergency braking is typically available as part of the Honda Sensing safety suite, with CMBS designed to help mitigate frontal collisions. Availability has varied by year and trim, but recent Pilots generally include CMBS or offer it as standard. Always verify your specific vehicle’s features through the VIN, window sticker, or a dealer, and remember that driver oversight remains essential for safe operation.
