What engine does the Honda Pilot use?
The Honda Pilot uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The Pilot's powerplant has powered the model across multiple generations, delivering strong mid-range torque for everyday driving, highway merging, and light towing. This article outlines the core engine configuration, performance figures, drivetrain options, and what that means for buyers considering the Pilot.
Core engine configuration
Here are the essential attributes of the Pilot’s powerplant that describe its design and typical behavior on the road.
- Engine type: 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) with variable cylinder management
- Displacement: 3,500 cc
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic (9AT) with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available
- Induction and fuel system: naturally aspirated V6 delivering smooth, linear power delivery with modern intake technology
Together, these elements provide a broad torque band and steady power across revs, contributing to comfortable everyday acceleration and confident highway performance.
Performance figures and driving characteristics
The following figures and drivetrain options influence how the Pilot feels behind the wheel and in daily use, including towing and towing-related performance.
- Horsepower: about 285 hp in recent model years
- Torque: roughly 262 lb-ft of torque
- Drivetrain options: front-wheel drive (FWD) standard; all-wheel drive (AWD) available on most trims
- Fuel economy and efficiency: typical EPA estimates vary by year and drivetrain, generally placing the Pilot in the mid-20s mpg combined range, with AWD usually lower than FWD
With these specs, the Pilot aims to balance family-friendly practicality with capable highway performance, offering ample power for passing, merging, and light towing while maintaining ride comfort.
What this means for buyers
For prospective buyers, the key takeaway is that the Pilot’s 3.5-liter V6 has remained the dependable core of the lineup, delivering familiar responses and reliable performance across generations. The availability of AWD and the 9-speed transmission broadens its usability for different climates and needs.
Fuel economy and real-world driving
In real-world driving, the Pilot’s fuel economy depends on drivetrain and usage. FWD models typically return better mileage than AWD versions, and highway driving often yields the best efficiency. Keep in mind that towing or heavy cargo can alter the mpg noticeably due to the engine’s power-focused design rather than a small-displacement turbo setup.
Summary
In short, the Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with i-VTEC, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It provides strong mid-range torque, smooth acceleration, and flexible drivetrain options (FWD or AWD), making the Pilot a practical family SUV with ample performance for everyday driving and light towing. As of the latest model years, a hybrid option is not offered in the U.S. market; the V6 remains the standard and enduring powerplant across the lineup.
