2021 Honda Pilot

Change year or car

Change year or car

$32,550

starting MSRP

2021 Honda Pilot
2021 Honda Pilot

Key specs

Base trim shown

Overview

The good:

  • Honda Sensing active safety systems standard
  • Cabin quietness
  • Smooth highway ride
  • One-touch, sliding second-row seats available
  • Numerous storage spaces

The bad:

  • Handling
  • Soft brake pedal
  • Captain’s chairs available only on higher-end trims
  • Touchscreen multimedia system usability

8 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2021 Honda Pilot trim comparison will help you decide.

Notable features

  • New Special Edition trim level
  • Seats up to eight people in three rows
  • Front- or all-wheel drive
  • 280-hp V-6, nine-speed automatic standard
  • Apple CarPlay, Android Auto available
  • Second-row captain's chairs available

2021 Honda Pilot review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Honda Pilot?

The Honda Pilot SUV is a three-row family hauler that seats up to eight people — seven with the available second-row captain’s chairs. The Pilot is powered by a 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. Competitors include the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander.

What’s New on the 2021 Honda Pilot?

A new Special Edition joins the Pilot lineup this year. Based on the EX-L trim level, the Special Edition adds 20-inch black wheels, black exterior accents, a hands-free power liftgate and wireless device charging. Meanwhile, a nine-speed automatic transmission, steering wheel shift paddles and dual-zone automatic air conditioning are now standard. 

What Features in the 2021 Honda Pilot Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • Front-wheel drive 
  • Honda Sensing suite of active safety features
  • 5-inch multimedia screen
  • Seating for eight
  • 18-inch alloy wheels

Available features include:

  • All-wheel drive
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Power moonroof
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • Rear-seat entertainment system
  • 8-inch multimedia touchscreen
  • Navigation
  • Front and rear parking sensors

2021 Honda Pilot Vs. 2021 Ford Explorer: How Do They Compare?

The Pilot offers a smooth ride, a spacious and comfortable interior and decent fuel economy. The Explorer was redesigned for the 2020 model year, and while it’s more engaging to drive than the Pilot, its seating arrangement isn’t as comfortable. Both SUVs come with important active safety features, but the Ford’s touchscreen multimedia system is more intuitive than the Honda’s. 

Should I Buy the 2021 Honda Pilot?

With a complete redesign a few years back followed by a significant refresh in 2019, the Pilot is a solid choice in the class. However, newer and more compelling competitors have put additional pressure on it; in our recent three-row SUV comparison test, the Pilot finished last out of seven SUVs.

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.9
  • Interior design 4.8
  • Performance 4.8
  • Value for the money 4.7
  • Exterior styling 4.7
  • Reliability 4.8

Most recent consumer reviews

5.0

Love this car!

I drive a Honda Pilot Special Edition- It is by far the BEST car I have ever owned. I have no kids but really wanted an SUV. I drove two civics on lease before and went to look at a CRV. The pilot was around the same price to lease as a CRV and boy am I glad I chose this over that! I keep my third row down and the trunk space is incredible. This is a good car to have in your 20’s despite what people have this car for. My lab and yorkie have plenty of space and i absolutely feel like I am driving a sedan still with how smooth and tight and sporty it drives. I still whip like I did in my car!!!! I cant wait for the next generation to come out, I will probably stick with pilots for a while

4.6

Maintenance Cost

I've owned my 2021 Special Edition AWD for a year now. Put 14,000 trouble free miles on it. No problems at all. Just 2 maintenance services. The second service required a differential fluid change along with the normal maintenance. Kind of surprised it needed such an extensive service so soon but I hear the cross vectoring AWD needs frequent fluid changes. Cost $500.00. Otherwise I am completely satisfied with my purchase.

4.7

Great vehicle for pulling light weight trailer

The Pilot is an excellent vehicle and easily pulls a 3500-4000 lb trailer. Over its first 20,000 miles we have consistently gotten 24-25 mpg which is higher than its sticker rating. While pulling a travel trailer, it gets about 12-13 mpg, which is to be expected. We love this vehicle.

See all 64 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Honda True
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
More than 12 months or 12,000 miles from their original in-service date, with 80,000 miles or fewer at time of vehicle delivery.
Basic warranty terms
5 years/86,000 miles
Powertrain
7 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
182-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Compare the competitors

See all 2021 Honda Pilot articles