What is the elite package on a Honda Pilot?
In the Honda Pilot lineup, the Elite represents the top-tier trim, pairing premium materials with advanced technology and safety features. It's not an optional add-on; it's the highest grade you can buy from Honda for the Pilot. Availability and exact features can vary by model year and region. As of the 2024 model year, the Elite remains the lineup’s flagship trim in the United States.
What the Elite trim offers
The Elite consolidates luxury touches, tech upgrades and driver-assistance systems into a single package that sits above the mid-range trims. The list below highlights the kind of equipment typically included, with specifics varying by year.
- Premium interior materials and seating arrangements (often leather-trim seats with distinctive stitching)
- Power-adjustable front seats, frequently with memory settings
- Heated steering wheel and, in many years, heated front seats
- Larger wheels and distinctive exterior accents to emphasize the premium status
- Convenience features such as a hands-free power liftgate and roof rails
- Advanced infotainment with a larger touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and available navigation by model year
- Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistance suite as standard
- Tri-zone automatic climate control and a premium audio system
These features collectively push the Elite beyond the rest of the Pilot lineup, delivering a more refined driving experience and greater convenience.
How the Elite compares to other Pilot trims
To help decide whether the Elite is the right choice, here’s how it typically stacks up against other trims. Exact equipment can vary by model year, so always verify the current specs.
- EX-L vs Elite: Elite generally adds premium interior materials, more advanced audio/infotainment capabilities, larger wheels, and enhanced safety/driver-assistance features beyond EX-L.
- Touring vs Elite: Touring offers strong content such as available rear-seat entertainment and seating flexibility, while Elite emphasizes top-tier interior luxury, tech, and safety as its defining traits.
- EX vs Elite: Elite is broadly more luxurious and better equipped, with leather seating, upgraded tech, and more safety features that go beyond the EX.
In short, the Elite represents the capstone of the Pilot line, combining comfort, technology and safety into one premium package.
Availability by year and region
Honda has offered the Elite trim on Pilot models in the United States for multiple model years, with standard equipment and options evolving over time. Availability and exact features can vary by year and market, so checking the current dealer specs for your region is essential.
Is the Elite right for you?
If you prioritize interior comfort, the latest tech, and a comprehensive safety package, the Elite is worth considering. If you’re budget-conscious or prefer a more understated setup, one of the mid-range trims may offer a better balance of features and price.
Summary
The Elite trim is Honda’s flagship Pilot configuration, bundling premium materials, advanced technology, and a full suite of safety features into a single, top-tier package. Prospective buyers should compare it against Touring, EX-L and EX to determine whether the added luxury and tech justify the price for their needs and model year.
