Which Honda Pilots have 7 seats?
The seven-seat configuration on the Honda Pilot is available when the second row is equipped with captain’s chairs; it’s offered on higher trims, while base trims typically seat eight with a bench in the second row.
In this article, we explain how the Pilot's seating works, which trims commonly offer seven seats, and how model-year changes can affect passenger capacity.
How seven-seat versus eight-seat configurations work
The Pilot can be configured for seven or eight passengers depending on the second-row seating. A seven-passenger setup uses two captain’s chairs in the second row (2+2+3 layout), while the eight-passenger setup uses a three-person second-row bench (3+2+3 or 3+3+2 depending on configuration).
Trims commonly offering a seven-seat configuration
Before listing the trims, note that the seven-seat arrangement requires the second row to be captain’s chairs. If you prefer eight seats, choose a trim with a bench in the second row.
- EX-L: available with a seven-passenger setup when equipped with second-row captain’s chairs
- Touring: available with a seven-passenger setup when equipped with second-row captain’s chairs
- Elite: available with a seven-passenger setup when equipped with second-row captain’s chairs
In practice, the Pilot’s seating is determined by the second-row configuration rather than a separate “7-seat” badge. Always verify the exact seating arrangement for a given model year and trim with the dealer.
Year-to-year notes
Since the 2016 redesign, Honda has offered the captain’s-chair second row as part of higher trims, enabling a seven-passenger configuration. The base LX and mid-range EX typically come with the eight-passenger setup (second-row bench). Model-year changes can alter which options are standard or available, so check the specific year’s specs when shopping.
Summary
In short, seven seats are available on Honda Pilot models that use second-row captain’s chairs, primarily on EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims. If you need eight seats, you’ll want a Pilot with the second-row bench in the LX or EX trims. Always confirm the exact seating configuration for the model year you’re considering.
Which Honda Pilots have 3rd-row seating?
All modern Honda Pilot models have three rows, including the 2025 models. The seating capacity varies by trim, with some models seating up to eight passengers and others seating seven due to available second-row captain's chairs.
- Three-row seating is standard: Every Honda Pilot comes with a third row.
- Capacity varies by trim:
- Up to eight passengers: The Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims typically seat eight.
- Up to seven passengers: The TrailSport, Elite, and Black Edition trims often have second-row captain's chairs, which reduces the total capacity to seven.
Does the 2026 Honda Pilot have three rows?
"From bold new styling and advanced technology to a more refined driving experience, the 2026 Pilot delivers meaningful upgrades inside and out—continuing to set the benchmark in the midsize three-row SUV category." Standard Features: Redesigned front fascia with a larger grille.
Which Honda Pilot has 7 seats?
There are five Pilot models in the 2024 lineup: Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Black Edition. The 2024 Pilot Sport, Pilot EX-L, Pilot Touring, and Pilot Black Edition have eight seats in a 2-3-3 configuration. The 2024 Pilot TrailSport is a seven-seater in a 2-2-3 configuration with second-row captain's chairs.
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.
