Honda redesigned the Pilot midsize three-row SUV in 2023, and a more rugged version of the TrailSport trim level was among the numerous changes the automaker made to its largest sport-ute. JD Power published a comprehensive review of the 2023 Pilot TrailSport last year. However, there are several other versions of the model that aren’t quite as capable off-road but might be even more compelling for the daily drive.
Photo: Perry Stern
The 2024 Honda Pilot is available in six trim levels, with prices ranging from $37,090 to $52,480, not including the $1,395 destination charge. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on all versions. My 2024 Pilot Elite test vehicle had standard AWD and not only lives at the top end of the Pilot lineup but is also the most expensive model Honda currently sells. Why is it so pricey? It adds an upscale look and feel to the family-friendly SUV.
Elite trim builds on the nearly as well-equipped Pilot Touring with:
This 2024 Honda Pilot review focuses on the Elite trim level and how it potentially impacts the SUV’s overall consumer appeal.
The Honda Pilot competes in the Upper Midsize SUV market segment. According to data collected from verified new-vehicle buyers for the JD Power 2023 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, Pilot owners rated their SUVs in 10 primary categories.
Listed below in descending order, you’ll find their preferences, from what they like most about the Pilot to what they like least:
In the 2023 APEAL Study, the Pilot ranks third out of 15 Upper Midsize SUV models.
In the following sections, our independent expert analyzes a 2024 Honda Pilot Elite equipped with extra-cost Radiant Red Metallic II paint. The test vehicle’s price was $54,330, including the $1,395 destination charge.
Photo: Perry Stern
As part of the fourth-generation redesign of the Pilot, Honda updated the interior to include a standard digital instrumentation panel and a significantly updated infotainment system. The Pilot Elite gets the largest display screens and the most comprehensive list of features for each.
The Pilot Elite’s infotainment system has a 9-inch touchscreen display featuring large, easy-to-use icons. Static shortcuts for quick access to navigation, communications, and audio controls live at the bottom of the screen with a physical Home menu button and a stereo volume knob. The Elite also has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a GPS-linked navigation system, and a great-sounding Bose premium sound system with 12 speakers.
Complimenting the 9-inch infotainment display, a configurable 10.2-inch digital instrumentation panel is exclusive to the Elite trim. The easy-to-read display splits into three distinct sections. Honda dedicates the left side to audio and communication information, while the right side shows driving data like fuel economy, average speed, and trip information. Right and left thumb dials on the steering wheel control those parts of the display.
In addition, you can show the speedometer and tachometer as classic round gauges or in a vertical bar format, with advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) status appearing in the center of the screen.
The 2024 Pilot Elite also gets a configurable 4-inch color head-up display. Projected onto the windshield, the display puts vehicle speed and ADAS status within the driver’s line of sight, making it easy to reference this information without looking away from the road. Navigation information and directions also appear on the head-up display from the native system or apps like Waze or Google Maps via Android Auto.
Honda added a new level of connectivity to this latest-generation Pilot, and the top-level Elite gets the full slate of HondaLink connected services. HondaLink uses a telematics system built into the vehicle to allow customers to stay in contact with their vehicle via the smartphone app or Alexa-enabled devices in the home.
With a mix of standard and subscription-based services, HondaLink allows the driver to remotely perform actions like locking and unlocking the SUV, starting the engine, checking fuel levels, or even tracking the Pilot down if someone steals it. Other convenient features include sending an address or destination to the Pilot’s navigation system or using the app to find where you parked the car.
The hardware enabling the HondaLink system also provides access to a Wi-Fi hotspot, and there’s an available concierge service that can help you make dinner reservations, purchase event tickets, or perform other tasks.
While it’s not quite a luxury vehicle, the Honda Pilot Elite has an interior with a convincingly upscale look and feel. Soft perforated leather with accent piping and stitching adorn the front seats, featuring heating and ventilation. The seats are power-adjustable and provide decent bolstering and comfort. However, the seat bottom cushion is short, failing to give me as much leg support as I prefer. The Elite also comes with a standard heated steering wheel.
The Pilot Elite has a second-row bench seat with three-stage heated outboard cushions. The center section of the seatback folds down to provide a wide armrest and console, or you can remove the center section to create separate captain’s chairs. When it’s not in use, the center section stows in a well under the SUV’s cargo floor, a neat trick that gives Pilot owners maximum flexibility.
Second-row passengers enjoy good legroom and headroom, and the upholstery matches what’s in front. In addition, the test vehicle had rear climate controls, dual USB ports, and a household-style AC power outlet. Every Pilot also has a third-row seat that accommodates adults for shorter trips.
Photo: Perry Stern
While the Pilot TrailSport has all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance for better off-pavement and bad-weather performance, the Pilot Elite can nevertheless handle challenging road conditions.
Snowy weather is typical during a Michigan winter, and the frozen precipitation arrived during my time with the 2024 Pilot. But I wasn’t concerned because Honda’s i-VTM4 (intelligent variable torque management) AWD system delivered excellent traction and performance in slick, slushy conditions.
The i-VTM4 system can send up to 70 percent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels and actively distribute torque between them, up to 100 percent directed to either side. In essence, it is a mechanical torque vectoring AWD system, and on dry roads, it let me take full advantage of the Pilot’s powerful 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
After the storm, i-VTM4 helped me feel perfectly comfortable exploring the snow-covered back roads around Dexter, Michigan, with performance limited only by the grip of the Pilot’s standard all-season tires.
When accelerating from a stop on the hard-packed snow, the Pilot maintained its composure without sliding or fishtailing, instead moving forward in a straight line with no drama. Cornering was just as impressive, as the AWD system’s variable power delivery helped to keep the Pilot pointed in the right direction.
Photo: Perry Stern
The 2024 Pilot is Honda’s largest SUV, available in a range of trim levels and offering a spacious cabin with seating for up to eight people.
While many of the Pilot’s core competencies are available on the more affordable trim levels, those looking for a little bit of luxury should choose the top-of-the-line Pilot Elite. It has upgraded leather trim, the most sophisticated collection of technologies, and numerous exclusive comfort and convenience features.
However, the Upper Midsize SUV segment isn’t a deserted wasteland without alternatives. Similarly upscale rivals to the Pilot Elite include the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Mazda CX-90, and Volkswagen Atlas. In addition, every competitor to the Pilot comes in a luxe-light trim level, including the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Grand Highlander.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving almost every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for JD Power.com. Recently relocated to southeast Michigan, Perry is still crazy about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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