What is the luxury model of Honda Pilot?
The luxury model of Honda Pilot is the Elite trim, the top-tier variant that bundles premium materials, advanced tech and enhanced comfort. This article explains what makes the Elite distinctive, how it compares with other Pilot trims, and what buyers can expect in terms of features, pricing and availability as of the 2024 model year.
Defining the Elite trim
The Elite sits at the pinnacle of the Pilot lineup, positioned above the Touring and EX-L as Honda’s flagship for families seeking a more upscale experience without moving to a luxury-brand vehicle. Availability and exact features can vary by model year and market, but the Elite consistently emphasizes interior refinement, technology, and convenience amenities that elevate daily driving.
Key differentiators
- Premium interior materials and upscale seating surfaces
- Heated steering wheel and heated front seats
- Ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats (where equipped by year)
- Hands-free power tailgate for easier entry and loading
- Advanced infotainment with a larger display and available navigation
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Premium audio system option (often a Bose setup in recent years)
- Complete Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistance suite
- 360-degree surround-view camera and enhanced parking aids
- Power-adjustable driver seat with comfort refinements and memory features
- Three-zone automatic climate control in many configurations
- Distinct exterior styling elements and wheel designs to signal premium status
In summary, the Elite differentiates itself through a combination of refined materials, advanced technology, and convenience features that together aim to deliver a higher-end, more comfortable driving experience.
What to expect in terms of features and technology
The Elite is designed to elevate everyday usability with a focus on comfort, connectivity, and safety. While feature availability can shift with model-year updates, buyers commonly encounter a cohesive package that blends interior luxury with practical tech for families and long highway trips.
Interior comfort and design
- Leather or leather-like seating with refined stitching
- Enhanced seating comfort for driver and passengers
- Quiet cabin ambiance and upgraded materials
- Climate control that adapts to multiple zones and passenger needs
Overall, the Elite’s interior design prioritizes both touchpoints and ambience to create a more premium feel inside the cabin.
Pricing, availability and how to buy
As of the 2024 model year, the Pilot Elite sits at the top of the lineup and typically carries a higher starting price than lower trims. Buyers should expect a midpoint-to-high-$40,000s range before options and destination charges, depending on market and incentives. Availability may vary by region and dealership, and promotions can influence the final purchase price. It’s advisable to test-drive and compare Elite against Touring and EX-L to determine the best balance of features for your needs.
How to shop for an Elite commonly involves evaluating:
- Current incentives, financing offers, and lease terms
- Availability of optional packages or standalone features
- Trade-in value and dealership perks
- Long-term ownership costs, including maintenance and insurance
In short, the Elite is Honda’s answer to a premium, well-equipped family SUV within the Pilot family, designed to deliver upscale comfort without stepping into luxury-brand pricing.
Comparison with other Pilot trims
Understanding where the Elite fits relative to other trims helps buyers set expectations for price, features and performance. The Elite sits above the EX-L and Touring in terms of luxury and technology, while TrailSport focuses more on rugged capability. Dealers often present the Elite as the most complete package for customers who want premium appointments and advanced tech in a family-hauler.
Note that exact feature availability and pricing can change year to year, so it’s important to verify current specs with your local Honda dealer or the official Honda website for the model year you’re considering.
Summary
The Honda Pilot Elite is the luxury model within the Pilot lineup, offering premium interior materials, advanced technology, and a comprehensive safety and comfort package that distinguishes it from lower trims. For buyers seeking a spacious family SUV with refined amenities and modern connectivity, the Elite represents Honda’s top-tier option in the Pilot family as of 2024, with pricing and features contingent on model year and regional availability.
What's the highest level Honda Pilot?
Elite
The Elite is the most expensive option of the Pilot trims at $52,030. At this level, you'll have a lot of luxury equipment designed to provide a comfortable riding experience.
Does the Pilot have a luxury trim?
The Touring trim is the first of three luxury trim offerings for the 2025 Pilot. It expands on the features offered in the Sport, EX-L, and TrailSport, adding a number of luxury and convenience features designed to make it an even more comfortable and enjoyable SUV.
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 the most luxurious?
Elite – Premium Comfort & Technology
The Elite trim represents the pinnacle of luxury in the 2025 Honda Pilot lineup. It includes all the features in the Touring trim and adds ventilated front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs. Highlights: Head-Up Display.
