The 2021 Honda Pilot is one of the major players in the 3-row crossover ranks. It competes against vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Mazda CX-9. It more than manages to hold its own in this ultra-competitive segment. Many things are working in its favor, including a roomy cabin, seating for up to eight occupants, and as much as 109.2 cubic feet of cargo space. It is mildly off-roadable and offers a solid and refined V6 engine, excellent reliability, and enviable resale value.
The 2021 Pilot’s optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system brings extra off-road talent thanks to a selectable terrain control that allows drivers to select from Mud, Sand, or Snow. A Pilot equipped with this hardware can negotiate rocks, climb an incline of nearly 30 degrees, and tackle sandy surfaces. Up to 70 percent of the power can go to the rear wheels.
All Honda Pilots are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. All 2021 Pilot models use a 9-speed automatic transmission.
This conventional transmission provides quieter operations and better off-road and tow capabilities than a continuously variable transmission (CVT). All AWD Pilot models except for the base LX model are equipped with Honda’s advanced terrain management system. The V6 engine is also equipped with a variable cylinder management system to shut down a bank of cylinders for added fuel economy. The bank re-engages when more power is needed, such as when climbing a grade.
Front-drive Pilots can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while AWD models are capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds. All 2021 Honda Pilot models include the Honda Sensing Safety Suite assists as standard.
Seven Honda Pilot Trim Levels
The Honda Pilot is available in LX, EX, EX-L, Special Edition, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trim levels.
Pricing for the Pilot starts at $32,550 for the Pilot LX and tops out at $50,220 for the Pilot Black Edition. All-wheel drive is available on all trims for an additional $2,000, except for the Elite and Black Editions, which include it as standard. Destination Charges are $1,175.
The 2021 Honda Pilot EX-L is a value winner for those looking for the sweet spot between ability, technology, and price. This particular trim level includes leather-trimmed seating, a one-touch power moonroof, and driver’s seat memory. There are also second-row sunshades, a power tailgate, power-adjustable passenger’s seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, HomeLink remote control system, and three USB charging ports.
Here’s the Complete Rundown on 2021 Honda Pilot Trims and Prices:
2021 Honda Pilot LX: $32,550
- LED daytime running lights/low beams/taillights
- Honda Sensing
- 5-inch LCD screen
- 15 cup holders
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- 215-watt/7-speaker audio system
2021 Honda Pilot EX: $35,230
- Blind-spot monitoring
- 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Heated front seats
- One-touch 2nd-row seats
- LED fog lights
- Terrain-management system (AWD)
2021 Honda Pilot EX-L: $38,660
- Leather upholstery
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Powered tailgate
- 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
- One-touch powered moonroof
- Self-dimming rearview mirror
2021 Honda Pilot SE: $39,260
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Hands-free tailgate
- Wireless charging
- Roof rails
2021 Honda Pilot Touring: $43,220
- LED headlights
- Heated 2nd-row seats
- CabinTalk
- Navigation
- Rear-seat entertainment system
- 115-volt outlet
- Acoustic glass for the front-side windows
- 590-watt/10-speaker audio system
- Wi-Fi
2021 Honda Pilot Elite: $48,720
- Torque vectoring AWD
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Self-dimming side mirrors
- Panoramic roof
- Heated steering wheel
2021 Honda Pilot Black Edition: $50,220
- Crystal Black Pearl or Platinum White Pearl paintwork
- Black-finished 20-inch alloy wheels
- Red cabin accent lighting
Ready to buy a 2021 Honda Pilot? Shop for one on sale now near you.
