- V6 power on every model
- Standard seating for 8
- A benchmark of midsize SUV reliability
- Great resale value
- Honda Sensing safety systems come standard
- Pricing starts at $31,650 (plus $1,120 destination) | Price yours
In the face of such substantial newcomers like the 2020 Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, plus the formidable challenge of all-new versions of the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer, nothing is easy for the aging Honda Pilot. The truth, however, remains that no discussion of midsize 3-row SUVs is complete without praising the Pilot as a family SUV.
Recognizing the 2020 Honda Pilot as still a worthy choice for families shopping in the SUV market, our Expert Review of the vehicle summed up the argument by reminding us that, “…it is easy to recommend the Pilot for its generous passenger and cargo space, useful and versatile cabin, strong and refined V6 engine, and decent driving dynamics. Add the SUV’s enviable resale values, and a Pilot makes plenty of sense.”
How to become a benchmark
The one thing that all of these challengers for the midsize SUV throne have in common is their target. At some point, they all wanted the popularity that the Honda Pilot seemed born with. With a natural affinity for making any road easier and any drive more pleasurable, the Pilot consistently delivers an almost unnatural balance of ride, handling, comfort, exterior style, and interior excellence that would make a Mercedes-Benz proud.
First- and second-row seating is generous, and while the third-row seats are plenty accessible, they’re not the roomiest in class. Your kids, however, won’t have a problem settling into the third row. Standard seating is for eight. Upper Pilot trim levels offer perforated, heated second-row captain’s chairs for 7-passenger seating.
Unless you’ve got a human menagerie in tow, your best bet for carrying cargo comes with the third-row seat folded down. Even more places to store stuff resides under the rear cargo floor.
The day-to-day driving experience
Honda’s legendary quality reputation comes home in the Pilot interior where every fabric and surface invites hands-on inspection. The interior design is clean, but on its way to becoming dated compared to some rivals. That’s also true of the infotainment system, which is overdue for an upgrade.
It takes one engine to power the 2020 Honda Pilot — a 280-horsepower V6 — but two automatic transmissions: a 9-speed on the upper trim levels (Touring/Elite and Black Edition), and a 6-speed — whose personality we actually prefer — on the EX-L and below. The 9-speed, however, nets slightly better fuel economy — 23 combined city/highway mpg for front-wheel-drive (FWD) models and 22 mpg for all-wheel drive (AWD) vs. 22 mpg (FWD) and 21 mpg (AWD) for the 6-speed.
While the Pilot’s all-wheel-drive system does an excellent job keeping the SUV steady under pressure on a variety of roads, stump jumping should be left to the harder-core players. (Don’t act surprised.) Meanwhile, the midsize SUV’s max towing capacity stands at 3,500 pounds for FWD Pilots and 5,000 for AWD versions.
Keeping the brood safe
Whichever Pilot captures your family’s fancy, the standard suite Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistance features will be looking out for them. From the stress reduction of adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to the lifesaving benefits of forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, Honda Sensing help ensure that your family’s road trip is a clean trip.
Best of all, it’s a Honda
Coming out of the starting blocks priced at $32,645, the 2020 Honda Pilot LX’s equipment list just doesn’t cut it. We recommend moving up to the next level, where the $35,525 Pilot EX lives. For that less-than-$3,000 bump, you’ll really be able to enjoy your Pilot and all the goods you get. Features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, 3-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen display, LED fog lights, remote engine start, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
You want to look smart in front of your family, right? It’s a lot easier to do when you buy a Honda. High quality, exacting engineering, true-blue reliability, and inspired resale value are all the company’s version of family values, and the Honda Pilot still represents the family as well as anyone.
More 2020 Honda Pilot
Build and price your own 2020 Honda Pilot to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own and more, or see Honda Pilot models for sale near you.
