Does the 2024 Pilot have cylinder deactivation?
This article explains whether the 2024 Pilot employs cylinder deactivation, how it works in practice, and what it means for fuel economy and driving feel.
Yes. The gasoline-powered 2024 Honda Pilot with the 3.5-liter V6 engine uses Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) to deactivate select cylinders during light-load cruising to improve fuel efficiency. When more power is needed, the engine reactivates all cylinders for full performance.
Cylinder deactivation, or VCM, is designed to optimize efficiency without compromising daily usability. In practice, VCM engages at steady, low-load conditions such as highway cruising and disengages when acceleration or heavier loads demand power. The system is intended to be seamless, though some drivers may notice a subtle change in engine tone or responsiveness during transitions.
How VCM works in the 2024 Pilot
Before outlining the main points, here is a quick overview of the feature in the Pilot's gasoline powertrain:
- Activation conditions: VCM typically engages at steady speeds with light throttle when the engine can operate efficiently on fewer cylinders.
- Transition and feel: The changeover is designed to be smooth; some drivers may notice a brief moment of quieter operation or a minor shift in the engine’s sound.
- Trim and applicability: The cylinder-deactivation technology is associated with the standard 3.5-liter V6 powertrain in the 2024 Pilot. Hybrid variants, if equipped, use a different powertrain configuration and do not rely on the same VCM approach.
- Maintenance implications: VCM is an engine-management feature handled by Honda's control software and requires normal maintenance like any other engine component.
In short, cylinder deactivation on the 2024 Pilot is intended to boost highway MPG while preserving the vehicle's everyday drivability and capability.
Summary
The 2024 Honda Pilot's gasoline version uses Variable Cylinder Management to reduce fuel consumption during light-load highway cruising by deactivating selected cylinders. The system is designed to be unobtrusive, with seamless transitions that most drivers won't notice, though some may hear or feel a brief change during the switch. If you are considering a hybrid variant or a different drivetrain option, verify the exact powertrain details with a dealer to understand how cylinder management behaves in your chosen configuration.
Should I avoid cylinder deactivation?
Is Cylinder Deactivation Bad? Engines can benefit greatly from cylinder deactivation. When paired with early or late intake valve closing technology, cylinder deactivation can help reduce fuel consumption by approximately five to 25% while maintaining high operating temperatures at low load conditions.
Can I turn off VCM on a Honda Pilot?
Position 40,50,60 (Disable VCM) is tunable between different climates. Users who have had to replace CTS sensors will now have a very precise way of disabling VCM as well as calibrating the dash temperature gauge. For cold climates like Alaska, a setting of 35-40 will work in most cases.
Does the 2024 Honda Pilot have cylinder deactivation?
In the Honda Pilot with a V6 engine, the Variable Cylinder Management system can deactivate three of the six cylinders under certain driving conditions.
Does the 2024 Honda Pilot have VCM?
The 2023 and newer Honda V-6s still have a VCM system but the programming and control has been modified so that these devices will not work on them.
