Honda Pilot: Which Should You Buy, 2023 or 2024?

Most significant changes: Prices are up for the 2024 model year.

Honda redesigned its Pilot SUV for the 2023 model year, and for 2024, there are no changes to the three-row people mover except for its price. The 2024 Pilot starts at $38,465, up $790 from last year.

The Pilot’s redesign for 2023 was dramatic both inside and out, with a return to boxier exterior styling and the addition of a rugged new off-road-themed version, the TrailSport. Inside, the new model got more second- and third-row legroom, additional cargo space and enhanced safety features, all of which carry over to model-year 2024.

Related: 2023 Honda Pilot: 7 Things Families Will Appreciate

2024 Trim Levels

The 2024 Pilot continues to be available in six trim levels: LX, Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport and Elite. Two different seating configurations are offered; room for eight occupants is standard, and second-row captain’s chairs that drop the seating capacity to seven are available on the EX-L and standard on the TrailSport.

Powertrain Specs and MPG

For 2024, the fourth-generation Pilot continues to use the same 285-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive remains standard, with all-wheel drive available. FWD versions again get an EPA-rated 19/27/22 mpg city/highway/combined; AWD drops that to 19/25/21 mpg.

The Pilot TrailSport adds a 1-inch suspension lift, as well as an off-road-tuned suspension, knobby all-terrain tires, underbody protection and a revised AWD system specific to the trim. Fuel economy for the variant drops a bit further to 18/23/20 mpg.

Tech Features

The Pilot’s features list also carries over. All variants except the base LX and Sport use a revised 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The LX and Sport trims get a smaller 7-inch screen with wired CarPlay and Android Auto. EX-L and higher trims have standard wireless charging and an additional two USB-C charging ports in the third row. That’s in addition to the standard USB-A and USB-C ports in the front row and a pair of USB-C ports in the second row. Heated front seats are standard on all but the LX.

The TrailSport, Touring and top Elite trim add a panoramic moonroof and premium 12-speaker Bose audio system; the TrailSport and Elite also feature a heated steering wheel. EX-L and higher trims get leather upholstery, and the Elite comes with upgraded perforated leather and ventilated front seats.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Safety systems also carryover for the 2024 model year. Standard on all trims is the Honda Sensing suite of safety systems, which includes forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure steering assist, adaptive cruise control, Traffic Jam Assist and traffic sign recognition. Last year, rear seat belt and rear-seat reminders were new, and both technologies return for 2024.

The 2023 model was named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick Plus. There’s no word yet on if the 2024 model will retain that status.

Pricing for 2024

The 2024 Honda Pilot is on sale now starting at $38,465, including the $1,375 destination charge (up from $1,345 for 2023). AWD adds $2,100 to the cost of all trims except the TrailSport and Elite, which are AWD-only. Opting for second-row captain’s chairs in the EX-L adds $300.

• LX: $38,465
• Sport: $40,975
• EX-L: $43,775
• Touring: $48,275
• TrailSport: $50,275
• Elite: $53,855

Which Should You Buy?

If you can find a 2023 version, opt for it to save some money.

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• 2023 Honda Pilot Racks Up Space, Safety, Off-Road Chops for TrailSport
• 2023 Honda Pilot Up Close: More, More, More
• Honda’s TrailSport Treatment Aims to Take Family SUVs Off-Road
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