Is Honda Pilot powerful?

Yes—the Honda Pilot is fairly powerful for a family-oriented three-row SUV, thanks to a modern 3.5-liter V6 that produces about 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque in its latest generation. This level of output supports confident highway merging and steady overtaking, while still prioritizing comfort, ride quality, and efficiency.

Powertrain and performance

The Pilot’s power comes from a dedicated, naturally aspirated V6 paired with an advanced automatic transmission. This section explains what that means for everyday driving, acceleration, and capability.

Engine and transmission

• Engine: 3.5-liter V6 delivering around 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque


• Transmission: Modern automatic (10-speed in the latest generations) for smooth shifts


• Configuration: Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available for better traction


• Real-world note: The V6 is designed to provide strong midrange torque, making merges and highway passes feel steady and effortless

In daily driving, the V6 is typically praised for its refined power delivery and quiet operation, contributing to a calm and predictable driving experience rather than aggressive performance metrics.

Drivetrain and towing

• Drivetrain options: Front-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive available


• Towing capacity: Up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped


• Traction: AWD systems help preserve grip in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions while maintaining on-road manners

With proper equipment, the Pilot’s towing capability makes it a practical choice for weekend getaways and family hauling, though it remains more about steady performance and comfort than sportiness.

Efficiency and everyday performance

Beyond straight-line power, the Pilot balances utile performance with everyday efficiency. The following points summarize what owners typically experience in real-world driving.

Before exploring these details, note that fuel economy and performance can vary by trim, drivetrain, and load. The Pilot generally delivers midsize-SUV efficiency relative to its size, with AWD models returning slightly lower mileage than FWD configurations.

• Fuel economy: Generally in the low-to-mid 20s mpg range depending on configuration and driving style


• Ride and noise: Notably smooth and quiet for a family SUV, with comfortable seating and good cabin insulation


• Handling: Stable and composed for a three-row vehicle, though not tuned for sporty handling

Overall, the Pilot aims for a balanced blend of power, comfort, and practicality, rather than raw acceleration or corner-carving ability.

Performance versus rivals

To judge whether the Pilot’s power meets the demands of its class, it helps to compare with common rivals in the three-row SUV segment.

Before outlining the comparisons, this list highlights how the Pilot’s power and delivery stack up against peers in typical trim levels.

• Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride: Both offer robust V6 options around the same output, with highly refined transmissions and strong midrange torque; they are often praised for a similar pace to the Pilot in everyday driving


• Ford Explorer: Some trims offer turbocharged engines with higher peak horsepower, which can yield quicker 0-60 in specific configurations, at the cost of fuel economy


• Other rivals (e.g., Toyota Grand Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder): Power varies by engine choice, with some models offering turbo or larger-displacement options; the Pilot tends to emphasize smooth, dependable performance over outright peak numbers

In practice, the Pilot’s power is competitive for its segment, delivering enough acceleration for family trips and highway merging while prioritizing refinement, comfort, and payload capacity over sportiness.

Driving experience and practicality

Performance is only part of the story. The Pilot’s balance of pace, ride quality, interior space, and feature availability influences how powerful it feels in daily life.

• Space: Class-leading seating for up to eight in some configurations, with roomy second- and third-row accommodations


• Comfort: Supple ride quality, well-cushioned seats, and a quiet cabin during highway cruising


• Technology: User-friendly infotainment and driver-assistance features that enhance confidence on longer trips

That combination often makes the Pilot feel more powerful in practical terms than in straight-line speed tests, particularly for families who value high usability and long-distance comfort.

Summary

The Honda Pilot offers solid, reliable power for a three-row SUV, with a 285-horsepower V6 that provides strong midrange torque and confident highway performance. It isn’t a performance vehicle, but it balances acceleration, towing capability, ride comfort, and interior practicality in a way that appeals to families and daily commuters alike. For buyers prioritizing smooth power delivery and spacious, versatile interiors over sprint-start speed, the Pilot presents a compelling option in its class.

Are Honda pilots fast?

No, Honda Pilots are not generally considered "fast" in a sports car sense, but they have sufficient power for daily driving and highway cruising thanks to their V6 engine. Recent models have acceleration from 0−600 minus 600−60 mph in the 6-7 second range, but their top speed is limited electronically to a much lower speed, around 113-115 mph for newer models, making them more capable and capable for general road use than for performance driving. 
You can watch this video to see the Honda Pilot's engine and hear it accelerating: 1mAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Sep 6, 2024
Performance details

• Acceleration: Recent models can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in the 6-7 second range, which is adequate for merging onto a freeway. 
• Engine: They are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing around 285 horsepower. 
• Top Speed: Electronic limiters significantly reduce the top speed of modern Pilots to around 113-115 mph, reports Bob Howard Honda and South Pointe Honda. This is not a reflection of its engine power, but rather a safety and efficiency feature. 
• Handling: The suspension and overall build are designed for comfort and a smooth ride, not for aggressive sports car-like handling. 

This video shows a review of the Honda Pilot's interior and maneuverability: 56sMicah MuzioYouTube · Jul 20, 2025

How does the Honda Pilot rank?

The Honda Pilot consistently receives high safety rankings, with the latest models earning a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. It also excels in specific areas, such as being ranked #4 in Affordable Midsize SUVs by U.S. News & World Report for 2022 and outperforming competitors in off-road capability tests for its TrailSport trim. 
This video reviews the Honda Pilot and discusses its ranking and features: 50sCar Coach ReportsYouTube · Oct 6, 2024
Safety and reliability

• Overall safety: The 2025 model received an overall 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, including 5-star ratings for frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests. 
• IIHS awards: The 2025 Pilot received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ award, indicating excellent performance in all crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and headlight tests. 
• Standard safety features: It comes with a host of standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping assist. 
• Reliability: The 2022 model was noted for its reliability, though some model years have had recalls for issues like faulty airbags or brake systems. 

Performance and capability

• Engine: Most newer models feature a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which provides strong performance. 
• Off-road capability: The TrailSport trim has been rated as outperforming other vehicles in its class in off-road capability tests. 

Rankings

• Affordable midsize SUV: Ranked #4 in the 2022 Affordable Midsize SUVs category by U.S. News & World Report. 
• Used SUV: Ranked #10 in Used SUVs with 3 Rows for the $25K to $30K price range in 2022. 
• Driving experience: While handling is noted as sound, the ride is comfortable and the cabin is quiet. Some models have received average ratings for driving experience. 

What's the most powerful Honda SUV?

2023 Honda Pilot
Discover the specifications and advanced features of the 2023 Honda Pilot, the most powerful SUV in Honda's lineup, perfect for families and adventure seekers in Westlake and beyond.

What are the negatives of the Honda Pilot?

Common cons for the Honda Pilot include transmission issues like jerking or hesitation, a potentially cramped third row for adults, and subpar acceleration and braking performance. Some model years have been associated with specific problems, such as electrical malfunctions, airbag defects, and premature brake/suspension issues. Other drawbacks can include a small standard infotainment screen and a lack of luxury features compared to some competitors.
 
Performance and driving

• Acceleration: Acceleration can be lackluster, with some reviewers noting it feels slow to respond, especially when accelerating from a stop or during passing maneuvers. 
• Braking: While stopping is generally smooth, the Pilot's emergency stopping distances are longer than those of some rivals. 
• Transmission: Some model years have reported transmission problems, including rough shifts, hesitation, and jerking. 
• Handling: Some have described the steering as vague and cornering as cumbersome. 

Interior and technology

• Third row: While the third row can fit adults, it is often cramped and better suited for children or short trips. 
• Infotainment: The standard touchscreen is considered small on lower trims compared to competitors. Some wireless features like the charger or phone pairing can be inconsistent. 
• Luxury features: The Pilot can lack certain luxury features found in competitors, such as cooled second-row seats or standard head-up displays on more trims. 

Reliability and build 

• Specific model years: Certain model years, such as 2003, 2004, 2005, 2011, 2016, and 2017, have been cited as having recurring issues with transmissions, airbags, or electrical systems. 
• Brake issues: Some owners have reported brake vibration, which may be due to warped rotors. 
• Windshield cracks: Some users have noted issues with windshields cracking easily, possibly due to thinner glass or a larger surface area. 

Other drawbacks

• Fuel economy: The Pilot may not be as fuel-efficient as some competitors. 
• Visibility: While generally good, some find the available surround-view camera system difficult to use due to a small screen and poor resolution. 
• Customization: There can be a lack of consistency in features across different trims, which may limit customization options for some buyers.