What are the different types of pilots Honda?
The Honda Pilot is offered in several trims, including LX, EX, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite, with occasional special editions depending on the model year. This article breaks down what each trim typically includes and how they differ in features, price, and capability.
Understanding the question means looking at the current and recent Honda Pilot lineup to see how equipment, comfort, and performance are packaged across trims. The following guide reflects the latest available information for model years around 2024–2025, with notes on how the lineup has evolved and what buyers should consider when choosing a trim. Availability can vary by region and year, so always confirm with a local dealer.
Current trim lineup
The following list outlines the main trims in today’s Pilot lineup and what they typically offer.
- LX — the base model with essential comfort and safety features, available with front- or all-wheel drive.
- EX — adds more convenience, connectivity, and driver-assistance features beyond the LX.
- EX-L — leather-trimmed interior, more seating and comfort amenities, and upgraded comfort features.
- TrailSport — off-road oriented variant with rugged styling, upgraded suspension tuning, and enhanced all-wheel-drive capability.
- Touring — higher-level features including premium interior materials, advanced tech, larger display, and additional comfort amenities.
- Elite — the top-tier trim with premium seating, the most comprehensive feature set, and the strongest overall package.
Across trims, the Pilot is typically powered by Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available on most trims, with front-wheel drive standard on the LX in some markets.
Powertrain and drivetrain
All current Honda Pilot variants share a common powertrain theme: a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Available drivetrain configurations usually include front-wheel drive as standard on several trims, with all-wheel drive offered across most trims as an option or standard in higher trims, depending on the model year and market.
Seating and interior options
Most Pilot configurations offer seating for up to eight passengers, with some trims (notably EX-L and above) offering second-row captain’s chairs as an alternative that reduces capacity to seven. Higher trims tend to bring premium materials, upgraded infotainment, and advanced comfort features, while TrailSport emphasizes rugged styling and outdoor capability.
How the trim lineup has evolved
Over the years, the Pilot’s lineup has expanded from a basic set of trims to include dedicated off-road and luxury-oriented variants. The TrailSport trim, introduced in recent generations, reflects Honda’s shift toward broader capability options without sacrificing interior space and daily usability. Special editions and regional variations have appeared in certain markets, but the core lineup—LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite—remains central to most model years.
Choosing the right trim
Your choice depends on budget, desired features, and how you use the vehicle. If you prioritize value and essential functionality, the LX or EX is often sufficient. For enhanced comfort and tech, EX-L or Touring is a good fit. If you want premium seating and the richest feature set, the Elite is the top option. If you expect to do light to moderate off-road driving or want a more rugged look, TrailSport offers that capability with distinctive styling.
Summary
The Honda Pilot’s trims—LX, EX, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite—capture a progression from value-focused family transport to well-equipped premium versions, with TrailSport adding a clear off-road emphasis. Prospective buyers should weigh feature needs, budget, and intended use, and verify exact equipment for their model year and region before purchasing.
Which Honda Pilot generation is the best?
The best Honda Pilot generation depends on your priorities: the second generation (2009-2015) is often considered the best all-around value for its reliability and practicality, while the third generation (2016-2022) and fourth generation (2023-present) offer more modern features like enhanced safety technology and updated designs. The second generation provides a good balance of space and reliability without the higher cost of newer models.
This video reviews the second generation Honda Pilot and discusses its features: 1mBern on CarsYouTube · Mar 16, 2025
Second Generation (2009-2015)
- Best for: Value, reliability, and practicality.
- Pros: Offers a great balance of space and a proven track record. Specific model years like 2014 and 2015 are frequently cited for their dependability, as they benefited from refinements at the end of the generation's cycle.
- Cons: Lacks the advanced technology and safety features of later generations.
Third Generation (2016-2022)
- Best for: Modern technology and design.
- Pros: Features a sleeker design and more upscale interior. It introduced the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist technologies and a nine-speed automatic transmission on later models.
- Cons: Some model years, particularly 2016, may have more issues. Be mindful of a recall concerning the hood latch on certain models from 2016–2019.
Fourth Generation (2023-Present)
- Best for: Latest technology, performance, and design.
- Pros: Offers the most power and standard features, including an upgraded infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and new off-road and sport modes.
- Cons: The newest and most expensive option.
You can watch this video to learn about the features of the latest fourth-generation Honda Pilot: 59sNext-Gen CarYouTube · Nov 18, 2025
Which one is right for you?
- If your budget is a priority and you want a dependable family hauler, the second generation is likely the best choice.
- If you want more modern features and safety tech and are willing to pay more, the third or fourth generation is the way to go.
What are Pilot models?
The crossover and pilot models are based on McRuer and Krendel's Mathematical Models of Human Pilot Behavior. The Tustin pilot model is based on Tustin's The nature of the operator's response in manual control, and its implications for controller design.
Which is better, Pilot touring or elite?
The Honda Pilot Elite is better than the Touring if you want more luxury features and technology, while the Touring is a strong choice if you prefer to save money. The Elite builds on the Touring by adding premium upgrades like ventilated front seats, a 10.2-inch driver information screen, a head-up display, and acoustic laminated glass for a quieter cabin.
You can watch this video to see the interior of the Honda Pilot Touring and Elite: 1m703SpeedYouTube · May 7, 2024
| Feature | Elite | Touring |
|---|---|---|
| Standard AWD | Yes | No (AWD is optional) |
| Front Seats | Heated and ventilated | Heated |
| Second-Row Seats | Heated | Standard (Elite adds heated seats) |
| Driver Information Display | 10.2-inch screen | 9-inch screen (standard on lower trims) |
| Head-Up Display | Yes | No |
| Audio System | 12-speaker premium audio system | Standard premium audio system |
| Glass | Acoustic laminated front and rear glass | Standard windshield glass (Elite adds more acoustic glass) |
| Other Features | Heated wiper zone, rain-sensing wipers, hands-free power tailgate, LED ambient lighting | Hands-free power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, LED ambient lighting |
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This video discusses the key differences between the Honda Pilot Touring and Elite models: 1mHawkeye RidesYouTube · Sep 3, 2024
Choose the Elite if you prioritize luxury and technology
- You want the quietest cabin possible thanks to acoustic glass throughout the vehicle.
- You desire the convenience of ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
- You prefer having a head-up display for key driving information.
- You want the premium audio experience and the larger driver information screen.
Choose the Touring if you prioritize value
- You're comfortable with heated front seats instead of ventilated ones.
- You don't need the head-up display or the larger driver information screen.
- You are happy with the standard premium audio system.
- You want to save money while still getting a well-equipped and comfortable SUV.
Which Honda Pilot is top of the line?
For 2025, the top-of-the-line Honda Pilot is the Black Edition, which builds on the luxurious Elite trim. The Elite trim is the next highest level and includes premium features like heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display. The Black Edition adds a unique exterior and interior appearance, with blacked-out exterior trim, black leather, and red ambient lighting.
You can watch this video to learn about the top-of-the-line 2025 Honda Pilot Black Edition: 45sVision Quest AutoYouTube · Feb 1, 2025
Black Edition
- Features: Black Edition exterior trim, black leather interior, and red ambient LED lighting.
- Positioning: The ultimate version of the Pilot lineup, it adds unique style to the Elite's extensive features.
Elite
- Features: Perforated leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, multi-view camera system with TrailWatch, and a head-up display.
- Positioning: The top of the line before the Black Edition, it offers the most luxury and technology features.
