How big is the inside of a Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot offers about 152.9 cubic feet of passenger space and a flexible cargo area that ranges from 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row to 109 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. It typically seats up to eight, with seven possible if you opt for second-row captain’s chairs.
Interior dimensions at a glance
Key numbers that determine how many people and how much cargo you can fit are passenger volume and cargo capacity by seating configuration.
- Passenger volume: 152.9 cubic feet
- Cargo behind the third row: 16.5 cubic feet
- Cargo behind the second row (third row folded): 46.8 cubic feet
- Maximum cargo with all rear seats folded: 109.0 cubic feet
These figures come from Honda’s official specifications for recent Pilot models and are generally consistent across model years, with minor variations by trim.
Seating options and daily usability
How you configure the second row affects both passenger count and accessibility. Here are the common setups you’ll encounter.
- 8-passenger layout using a second-row bench and a 60/40-split third row
- 7-passenger layout with second-row captain’s chairs, improving access to the third row
- Third-row seating is best for children or shorter trips for adults, depending on legroom and seat padding
In practical terms, if you routinely carry eight people, you’ll want the bench configuration; if you frequently shuttle adults in the second row and need easier third-row access, captain’s chairs are worth considering.
Practical notes by model year
Interior space measurements have remained fairly stable across recent Pilot generations, especially for passenger volume. Cargo numbers track similarly, with the same basic behind-third-row, behind-second-row, and maximum-folded configurations available across trims and years. Minor trim-level differences may influence how the space feels in real-world use but do not dramatically change the core totals.
What this means for real-world use
For families and multi-person transport, the Pilot’s interior is among the roomier options in the midsize three-row SUV segment. The range from 16.5 to 109 cubic feet of cargo space means you can adapt the vehicle from a people-hauler to a cargo-friendly SUV without permanently sacrificing passenger comfort. The choice between eight-passenger and seven-passenger configurations hinges on whether you prioritize maximum seating or easier access and second-row comfort.
Summary
The Honda Pilot balances roomy passenger space with flexible cargo capacity, making it a versatile choice for families and road trips. With up to eight seats in the bench configuration or seven with captain’s chairs, you can tailor the layout to your needs. Cargo space scales from a practical 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row to a spacious 109 cubic feet with rear seats folded, ensuring the Pilot adapts to both daily driving and longer journeys.
Can adults fit in the 3rd row of a Honda Pilot?
It boasts ample space and an abundance of storage compartments, including second-row seats that conveniently slide forward at the press of a button, facilitating easy access to the rear seats for kids. All three rows offer comfort, though the third row is cozier for adults.
How big is the interior of a Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot has a total passenger volume of 158.4 cubic feet and offers dimensions like 40.5 inches of front headroom, 41.0 inches of front legroom, and 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Specific dimensions can vary by year and trim, especially regarding cargo capacity which changes depending on whether the second or third rows are folded.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Honda Pilot's cargo capacity: 47sFindTheBestCarPriceYouTube · Feb 23, 2023
Passenger dimensions (for a typical 2025 model)
- Headroom: 40.5 in. (front), 40.2 in. (middle), 39.3 in. (rear)
- Legroom: 41.0 in. (front), 40.8 in. (middle), 32.5 in. (rear)
- Shoulder Room: 61.9 in. (front), 61.7 in. (middle), 59.5 in. (rear)
- Hip Room: 58.4 in. (front), 57.4 in. (middle), 44.6 in. (rear)
Cargo space
- Behind 3rd row: 18.6 cu. ft. (seats up)
- Behind 2nd row: 48.5 cu. ft. (seats up)
- Behind 1st row: 87.0 cu. ft. (seats up)
- Behind 1st row: 111.8 cu. ft. (seats folded down)
Important notes
- Cargo dimensions can differ between trim levels, according to this Southaven Honda article.
- For certain models, the legroom in the second row can be adjusted by sliding the seats.
Will a couch fit in a Honda Pilot?
Did you know that it's possible to fit a full sized sofa in the back of a Honda Pilot? Yep, I've done it. 😜😆 This job keeps me in shape, keeps me exhausted, and keeps me happy all at the same time.
Will a queen size 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.
