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Which is better, pilot touring or elite?


When it comes to choosing between the Honda Pilot Touring and Elite trims, the decision often boils down to your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Both trims offer a range of premium features, but they cater to slightly different audiences. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.


What Do the Touring and Elite Trims Offer?


The Honda Pilot is a popular midsize SUV known for its reliability, spacious interior, and advanced features. The Touring and Elite trims are among the higher-end options in the Pilot lineup, offering luxury and convenience. Here’s a quick overview of what each trim brings to the table:



  • Touring Trim: The Touring trim is designed for families who want a balance of luxury and practicality. It includes features like a hands-free power tailgate, a rear entertainment system, and premium audio. It also offers seating for up to eight passengers and comes with 20-inch alloy wheels for a sleek look.

  • Elite Trim: The Elite trim takes luxury to the next level. It includes all the features of the Touring trim but adds extras like ventilated front seats, a panoramic roof, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The Elite trim also comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it a great choice for those who frequently drive in challenging weather conditions.


Both trims are powered by the same 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. However, the Elite trim offers a more premium experience with its additional features.


Key Differences Between Touring and Elite


While both trims share many similarities, there are some key differences that might sway your decision:



  • Price: The Elite trim is more expensive than the Touring trim, so budget-conscious buyers may prefer the Touring.

  • Seating Configuration: The Touring trim offers seating for up to eight passengers, while the Elite trim comes with second-row captain’s chairs, reducing the seating capacity to seven but increasing comfort.

  • Luxury Features: The Elite trim includes additional luxury features like ventilated front seats and a panoramic roof, which are not available on the Touring trim.

  • All-Wheel Drive: The Elite trim comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas the Touring trim offers it as an option.


These differences highlight the Elite trim’s focus on luxury and exclusivity, while the Touring trim provides a more family-oriented approach with a slightly lower price point.


Which Trim Should You Choose?


The choice between the Honda Pilot Touring and Elite ultimately depends on your priorities:



  • If you’re looking for a more affordable option with plenty of features and seating for up to eight passengers, the Touring trim is an excellent choice.

  • If you prioritize luxury, advanced features, and all-wheel drive as standard, the Elite trim is worth the extra investment.


Both trims are excellent options, offering the reliability and quality Honda is known for. Consider your budget, lifestyle, and must-have features to determine which trim best suits your needs.


Conclusion


Whether you choose the Touring or Elite trim, the Honda Pilot delivers a comfortable and capable driving experience. The Touring trim is perfect for families who need space and practicality, while the Elite trim caters to those who want a touch of luxury and advanced features. Visit your local Honda dealership to test drive both trims and see which one feels like the perfect fit for you!


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best year for Honda Pilot touring?


Honda Pilots built between 2006 and 2008, as well as 2017 to 2021 models, have considerably fewer reported complaints than other model years. This is despite the investigation into engine stop-start system failures in the later model years and a recall involving the hood latch on 2016 to 2019 Pilots.



Which Honda Pilot is top of the line?


Elite trim
The Elite trim expands upon the Touring trim with standard all-wheel drive and additional technology features. Those features include a head-up display, a larger 10.2-inch driver information interface, and ventilated front seats. If you want a fully loaded 2025 Honda Pilot, opt for the Elite trim.



Is Honda touring top of the line?


Touring: This serves as the top tier trim that's equipped with the best features a lineup can offer. Touring trims provide everything you need whether you're around town or far from home.



What does Honda Pilot Touring mean?


The Touring version of the Honda Pilot offers a higher level of luxury and the option for all-wheel drive for those who want it. It also offers various smart features, like a removable center seat in the second row that can be stored beneath the cargo bay floor.



What is the difference between Honda touring and Elite 2024?


The Touring trim adds a premium sound system and a panoramic sunroof, while the top trim of the lineup, the Elite, brings heated and ventilated seating, a head-up display and more. From extensive capability to signature reliability, the new Honda Pilot delivers like it always has.



What does the Pilot elite have?


Now the elite has a ton of equipment here from the Bose sound system to the heated. And ventilated driver. And passenger seat as well as having a heated second row. So the elite does add a lot of



Which Honda Pilot is the most luxurious?


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. Exclusively on this trim, you'll find features such as heated second-row seats, a 4-inch head-up display, and LED door trim lighting.



What is the difference between touring and touring elite?


The top-of-the-line 2023 Honda Odyssey Elite builds on the Touring trim's features by adding sound-reducing glass across all windows, a hands-free tailgate, automatic wipers and auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors to the exterior.



What is the difference between Honda Pilot Touring and Pilot Elite?


Topping the lineup, the Elite encompasses all Touring features and adds heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers. Highlights: Heated Steering Wheel. 4-inch Head-Up Display.



Which Honda SUV is the top of the line?


2024 Honda CR-V
The well-rounded Honda CR-V is our highest-rated compact SUV and the segment's reigning Best Buy Award winner. It remains the benchmark for the class.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.