2020 Honda Pilot

The 2020 Honda Pilot is offered in over six trim levels, LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition with prices starting from an MSRP of $31,550 and goes all the way up to $49,620. LX is the base trim and comes in a standard 2WD configuration, while the optional AWD will set you back by a $2000 premium. For 2020, Honda Sensing is a standard feature offered across the trim lineup. Even better is the new Black Edition trim that graces the 2020 Pilot, with full blacked-out exterior accents.

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For buyers interested in the midsize SUV segment, we would recommend the EX trim. It balances in-cabin luxury, safety features, and technology. For a premium of $2,880 over the base model, you will get a bigger infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and conveniences like push-button start, electric folding second row. If you plan to use your Honda Pilot in the snow, equip it with the optional AWD system that comes with an intelligent traction management system. Moreover, we would also recommend you to look for the optional packages on offer.

The 2020 Honda Pilot returns an EPA-rated 20 MPG in the city and 27 miles to the gallon out on the highway. This is with the FWD setup, whereas when equipped with the AWD setup, the figures drop by 1 MPG. Pilot’s V6 engine does surprisingly well for its size and returns a combined MPG of 22. Considering the 280 hp power available on tap, the 3.5-liter engine gets the best of both worlds – performance and healthy gas mileage.

The higher trim models have an improved idle-start/ stop function which improves fuel efficiency. It has been improved in this edition. Now, this feature starts the engine more quickly. Looking at the competition, the updated Ford Explorer delivers a segment-best of 24 MPG combined which is followed by the newly introduced Subaru Ascent and the Toyota Highlander.

Practical features such as the easy-entry third row and flat load floor with the second and third rows lowered make a difference when hauling cargo and people - Edmunds

The 2020 Honda Pilot offers seating for eight people. The Pilot was one of the first crossovers to design third-row seats that were actually usable for adult passengers. The seating room in all the 3 rows is well distributed. Getting in and out is easy due to the long doors. Beyond the EX trim level, access to the third-row seats can be done via a push of a button. The seats slide and make enough room for passengers to enter or exit.

The seats have nice cushioning and offer heated and ventilated seats at higher trim levels. The second row has a completely flat floor that helps a lot when seating people for longer journeys. The top Elite trim comes with a standard 10.2-inch screen rear entertainment system and a panoramic roof.

The 2020 Honda Pilot comes with a new 7-inch TFT instrument cluster. The graphics have been tweaked a little. The air-con vents come with a nice trim. The base LX trim is equipped with a basic 5.0-inch LCD screen and higher trims get the 8.0-inch touchscreen display that supports Android Auto and Apple Carplay. This updated unit is more responsive and offers bigger icons. The system offers snappy performance. Finally, Honda has offered a physical knob for volume control.

Some of the infotainment features on offer are-

• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Sirius XM Satellite radio
• WiFi-enabled
• Navigation

Honda Pilot’s cargo capacity behind the third row isn’t the best in this comparison. At, 16.5 cu-ft. Pilot ranks third amongst this comparison. Folding the third row will yield a space of 46.8 cu-ft. and when both the rows are folded (second and third) the maximum cargo space increases to 83.9 cu-ft. The cabin offers lots of spaces to store small items. The center console is bigger now and offers an extending storage tray.

Some of the interior features are mentioned below:

• Push Button Start
• Power Door and Tailgate Locks
• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column
• Multi-Functional Center Console Storage
• Lockable Glove Compartment
• Remote Fuel Filler Door Release
• Rear Window Defroster with Timer
• Rear-Seat Heater Ducts
• Cargo Area Light

While its overall shape remains predominately rounded, for 2020, Honda has tried to toughen it up with more aggressive front and rear styling - KelleyBlueBook

The mid-cycle update of the 2020 Honda Pilot brings a more aggressive look. The 2020 Honda Pilot has a revised front and rear fascia. LED lights are standard across the trim range. The front has a broad chrome grille with piano black inserts below. The taillights have been redesigned. The design comes off as edgier now. Honda has inserted subtle elements to freshen the Pilot’s looks. Moreover, the 2020 Pilot also gets a special Black edition trim, that adds in major exterior accents all around.

Dimensionally, the 2020 Honda Pilot has an average standing. The only figure that comes out different is its curb weight. At 4036 lbs., the Pilot is one of the lightest vehicles in this segment, which also aids in better acceleration figures. The competition has an edge over Honda here, the Ascent offers a whopping 8.7-inches of ground clearance and also offers a larger wheelbase which translates to more passenger volume.

Some of the exterior features on offer are-

• Hands-Free Powered Liftgate
• Roof Rails
• LED headlights and taillights
• 20-inch blackened alloy wheels
• Sound-reducing front door glass

Honda plans to offer the Honda Sensing suite of driving aids as a standard feature on all its models by 2020. With this mid-cycle update, the 2020 Honda Pilot gets standard Honda Sensing which takes its safety ratings to an even higher level. The 2020 Honda Pilot receives "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS, while the federal testing agency, NHTSA gives an overall 5-star rating. All of the said trims are loaded with the best-in-class active and passive safety tech.

Some of the Safety Features on offer are-

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• LED Daytime Running Lights
• Collision Mitigation Braking System
• Road Departure Mitigation System
• Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Adaptive Cruise Control

2020 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Ford Explorer

The 2020 Ford Explorer is the vehicle that has been dominating this segment for ages now. In its base trim, it is equipped with a V6 engine that belts out 288 horsepower. The Explorer is one of the heaviest vehicles in this segment. It has a lot of positives like a spacious cabin, mild off-roading capacity, and the option to choose from a lot of three engines.

The Honda has a single-engine on offer – a 3.5 Liter V6. Ford Explorer offers similar features as the Honda Pilot but that does reciprocate to a bigger price tag. Honda benefits from clever pricing and a decent spread of features across the trim levels.

2020 Honda Pilot vs 2020 Subaru Ascent

The newly introduced Ascent is powered by a four-cylinder boxer engine. Transmission duties are taken care of by a CVT automatic transmission. Ascent is one of the few driver-oriented three-row SUVs available in the market. Although, it won’t carve corners, but even for its size, it feels smaller and nimbler to drive. The turbocharged engine really gets this vehicle moving.

And when it comes to standard features, Ascent wins the game by an unfair margin. Unlike its competitors, it comes equipped with standard AWD, Subaru’s Eyesight safety system, and offers the best in segment passenger volume.

Honda Pilot has always been one of the better-selling vehicles in this segment. With the updates received, the 2020 Honda Pilot comes off as a more contemporary vehicle. Although not everything works out for this Honda, the competition offers better cargo space and third-row seating. The Pilot also missed out on a standard 360-degree camera which is a great feature for a vehicle of its size. Moreover, it isn’t the nimblest 3-row crossover out there. Most buyers in this segment wouldn’t mind trading off the sporty nature in favor of comfort and utility. And the 2020 Honda Pilot certainly checks all the right boxes.