Honda’s three-row SUV, the Pilot, is a reliable family hauler packed with standard and optional features. With seating for up to eight occupants, the current Pilot was redesigned for 2016 and is powered by a 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 that teams with either a six-speed automatic transmission or, on higher-priced models, a nine-speed automatic. Competitors include the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota Highlander.
What’s New on the 2019 Honda Pilot?
The biggest news for 2019 is that Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety systems, is now standard on all models. Outside, the Pilot gets a slight refresh thanks to a new front-end design, new bumpers, new taillights and standard LED low-beam headlights. The interior’s trim has slightly changed with a revised instrument cluster and upgraded available Display Audio system. Newly optional technology includes Honda’s CabinControl, which allows passengers to control the Pilot’s rear entertainment system and climate controls, and CabinTalk, which gives front-row occupants the ability to communicate with rear-seat passengers through the rear speakers and wireless headphones via a small microphone. Wireless smartphone charging and an in-car 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot are now offered. There’s now an optional hands-free power liftgate that opens when you kick your foot under a certain area of the rear bumper. Upper-level models with the nine-speed automatic get revised transmission tuning for smoother shifts, according to Honda. The fuel-saving auto stop-start system has also been updated to be smoother and provide quicker restarts.
What Features in the 2019 Honda Pilot Are Most Important?
Families will love the available second-row seats that, with one touch, slide to allow easy access to the third row. The newly optional hands-free power liftgate will be important to some shoppers, too. Significantly, the now-standard Honda Sensing system brings a host of active safety features including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.
Should I Buy the 2019 Honda Pilot?
With a complete redesign a few years back followed by a refresh for 2019, the Pilot is a solid and sound choice we’d recommend when shopping for a three-row SUV. With sharper exterior styling backed by an impressive array of standard safety features, a quiet and refined ride, new high-tech options and lots of practicality, the Pilot gives families many of the things they want in an SUV.
