What year did Honda Pilot have Captains chairs?

Captain's chairs in the Honda Pilot have appeared on certain trims across multiple generations, most notably from 2009–2015 and again from 2016–2021, with continued availability in the 2022–present model; they were not standard on the earliest 2003–2008 first generation.

First generation (2003–2008)

In the original Pilot, the second row was a fixed bench seat that could accommodate three passengers, and the 8-passenger layout was standard across all trims.

There were no factory captain's chairs offered in this generation.

Second generation (2009–2015)

In this generation, Honda introduced the option for second-row captain's chairs on higher trims, creating a 7-passenger configuration when selected.

Trim-specific notes

Availability varied by year and market, but 2nd-row captain's chairs were commonly offered on mid-to-high trims.

• EX-L


• Touring

In practice, choosing captain's chairs meant dropping the 8-seat bench in favor of two individual seats in the second row.

Third generation (2016–2021)

The 2016 refresh expanded the availability of second-row captain's chairs, especially on Touring and Elite trims, making the 7-passenger setup more common in this generation.

Common configurations

Many models equipped with captain's chairs offered 7-seat configurations, with the Elite trim frequently pairing captain's chairs with leather interiors and advanced features.

• Touring


• Elite

Note that some years offered 7-passenger seating on other trims with captain's chairs as an option.

Fourth generation (2022–present)

In the current generation, second-row captain's chairs remain available on higher trims, providing a 7-passenger layout in EX-L, Touring, and Elite configurations, subject to regional availability.

Current availability by trim

To confirm, verify the exact trim and option package for the specific model year you’re considering, as availability can shift with updates.

• EX-L


• Touring


• Elite

Conclusion: If you want a Pilot with 2nd-row captain's chairs, aim for a Touring or Elite-grade model in the current generation.

Summary

Across its history, the Honda Pilot has offered captain's chairs as an optional or trim-specific feature rather than a standard across all models. The 2nd-row captain's chairs have appeared prominently during the 2009–2015 second generation and again in the 2016–2021 third generation, continuing into the 2022–present fourth generation on higher trims to enable a 7-passenger configuration. Always verify the exact seating arrangement for a given model year and trim, as availability can vary by market and year.

What year did Honda Pilot change their body style?

The Honda Pilot has had several major body style changes, with the most significant being for the 2009 (second generation), 2016 (third generation), and 2023 (fourth generation) model years. The 2009 redesign made it more angular and athletic, the 2016 redesign gave it a more rounded and refined appearance, and the 2023 model received a more rugged and boxy design. There have also been smaller updates, such as a refresh for the 2006 model year and a styling update for the 2019 model year.
 

• 2009: Second-generation redesign. 
  • New, more angular and athletic exterior styling. 
  • Increased interior space. 
• 2016: Third-generation redesign. 
  • More rounded and curved body style, resembling a larger CR-V. 
  • Larger overall dimensions. 
  • Significant interior upgrades. 
• 2019: Mid-cycle refresh.
  • Refreshed front and rear styling. 
• 2023: Fourth-generation redesign. 
  • More rugged and boxy exterior styling. 
  • Updated to align with other Honda vehicles like the Ridgeline. 
• 2025: Mid-cycle refresh (based on the 2023 redesign). 
  • Updated styling, technology, and refinement. 

Which Honda Pilot years to stay away from?

The Honda Pilot years to avoid include 2003, 2004, 2005, 2011, 2016, and 2017 due to common issues like transmission failures, airbag problems (especially the 2003 model), electrical glitches, and premature brake/suspension issues. The 2016 model is also frequently cited as one to avoid as it was the first year of a new generation and had many initial problems.
 
This video discusses the best and worst years for the Honda Pilot: 52sCar ComfyYouTube · Sep 26, 2025
Model years to avoid

• 2003: Suffered from a significant number of complaints and recalls, including a major airbag defect that led to a "Do Not Drive" advisory in some cases. 
• 2004 and 2005: Faced recurring transmission issues, leading to costly repairs. 
• 2011: Had a high number of owner complaints and a range of issues, including transmission problems. 
• 2016: This model year was the first for the third generation and had numerous problems, including transmission failures and electrical system issues. 
• 2017: Continued to have many of the issues from the 2016 model, as Honda was still working to fix them. 

Common problems across multiple years 

• Transmission: Problems were particularly prevalent in the 2003-2005 and 2016-2017 model years. Older models may have issues with the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which can be addressed with a disabler device. 
• Brakes: Owners of 2003-2017 models reported problems with warped brake rotors, leading to vibrations while braking. 
• Electrical: Some models, especially the 2016 and 2019, experienced issues with the infotainment system, including frozen screens and loss of connectivity. 
• Airbags: The 2003 model was affected by the Takata airbag defect, leading to safety concerns and recalls. 

What year was the best Honda Pilot made?

The best Honda Pilot years depend on whether you prioritize reliability or modern features, with 2012, 2014, and 2015 being good choices for reliability, and 2017–2021 for a balance of features and reliability. The 2006–2008 models are also very reliable first-generation options, while newer models like the 2022 and 2024 receive strong recommendations for reliability and updated tech.
 
This video explains the best and worst Honda Pilot models to buy: 56sCar ComfyYouTube · Sep 26, 2025
Top recommendations by criteria
For reliability

• 2012, 2014, and 2015: These models from the second generation (2009–2015) have fewer reported issues. 
• 2006–2008: These first-generation models are known for their solid construction and fewer mechanical complaints. 
• 2022: This model is recommended by Consumer Reports for its reliability. 

For modern features and reliability

• 2017–2021: This range, part of the third generation, offers improved technology and safety features, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in many models. 
• 2018: This is a notable model year within the third generation as it made the Honda Sensing safety suite standard across all trims. 

Years to approach with caution

• 2016: This model year saw a redesign but had more initial issues compared to later years in its generation. 
• 2016–2020: Some models in these years had issues with the engine's stop-start system and hood latches. 

Which Honda Pilot models have captain's chairs?

Honda Pilot models that come with captain's chairs vary by trim, but typically include the Elite and TrailSport trims, while the Touring trim offers them as an option or as standard. The EX-L trim may have them as an option on certain models and model years.
 
Trims with captain's chairs

• Elite: Standard captain's chairs
• TrailSport: Standard captain's chairs
• Touring: Either optional or standard, depending on the model year
• EX-L: Available as an option on some models and model years