How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2024 Honda Pilot?
Editor’s note: This Car Seat Check was published in May 2023 about the 2023 Honda Pilot; little of substance has changed for the new model year. See what’s new for 2024 or check out a side-by-side comparison of the two model years.
Also, this post was updated on April 30, 2024, to include notes on our test of a 2024 Honda Pilot equipped with a bench seat.
The verdict: Honda redesigned the Pilot for 2023, and the three-row SUV is bigger and more powerful than before. In back, the automaker added a newly available second-row seat that can be removed and stowed for more flexibility. For this Car Seat Check, we tested the new TrailSport trim with second-row captain’s chairs, and it handled car seats with ease thanks to its easy-access Latch anchors and ample second-row legroom.
We also tested a model with a second-row bench seat, and it did well in our Car Seat Check thanks to ample space and easy-access Latch anchors.
Does it fit three car seats? Versions with the second-row bench seat can fit three car seats across.
Take a look at how the Latch system and each car seat scored below in our Car Seat Check of the 2024 Honda Pilot.
Related: Search Car Seat Checks
Latch: Grade A
On models equipped with second-row captain’s chairs, there are two sets of lower anchors in the second row, and they were easy to use. Two top tether anchors sit on the seatback; they were also problem-free.
On models with a second-row bench seat, there are three sets of lower latch anchors. All are exposed and easy to find. There are also three top tether anchors; the outboard tethers are well marked and easy to find, and the middle tether sits at the base of the seat.
Infant Seat: Grade A
This seat was easy to install in both second-row seating configurations, and our 5-foot-6-inch front passenger had plenty of legroom in front of it.
Rear-Facing Convertible: Grade A
Again, installation was drama-free in both second-row seating configurations, and the car seat did not impact front-passenger legroom.
Forward-Facing Convertible: Grade A
After raising the head restraint, this seat fit well in both second-row seating configurations, and we had no trouble connecting to the lower anchors or the top tether anchor on the seatback.
Booster Seat: Grade A/B
In models with captain’s chairs, the booster seat earned an A grade as the second row’s buckles sit upright and are easy to grasp. Raising the head restraint helped situate the booster flush against the seatback for a good fit. In models with the bench seat, the booster earned a B grade since the seat belt buckles are on longer, floppy straps that might make them tough for kids to grasp and use independently.
Third-Row Latch: Grade A
The Pilot’s third row has one set of lower anchors on the passenger side that are exposed and easy to use. There are three top tether anchors on the third-row seatbacks; they’re clearly marked for easy access.
Third-Row Entry: Grade A
A button on the side of the captain’s chairs allows the seat to fold and slide forward hands-free, which makes it easy for kids to get into the third row. Similarly, a button on the side and back of the bench seat also moves the seat out of the way easily.
Third-Row Forward-Facing Convertible: Grade B
As with the second row, we had no trouble installing the convertible in the third row, but fit was an issue. The fixed head restraint prevented the convertible from sitting flush against the seatback.
Third-Row Booster Seat: Grade C
The seat cushions aren’t quite wide enough for the booster; the booster seat covered the buckle, making it difficult to use. Also, the outboard seats’ head restraints only flip down and aren’t removable or otherwise adjustable, so we were unable to situate the booster flush against the seatback. The buckles are also on floppy stalks.
