Best Honda Pilot Years to Buy Used

Quick Facts About Buying a Used Honda Pilot 

• Holding its value through the years better than most of its competitors, a used Pilot tends to be more expensive than its contemporary rivals.
• The fourth generation is the most rugged appearing and spacious of Pilot models.
• Capable of seating up to eight, the Pilot is Honda’s largest SUV.

The Honda Pilot is a 3-row SUV that is big on safety, reliability, and style. Honda’s largest passenger vehicle is also well regarded in the used car field, which means finding a low-priced version in excellent condition can be a bit of a challenge. Sharing its platform with the Honda Accord and the upscale Acura MDX, the Pilot has sound roots. A potent V6 engine and fuel economy on par with others in the class are a bonus, but some early models lacked sufficient power for towing and hauling. We’ll tell you more.

• What Is the Best Model-Year Honda Pilot?
• Honda Pilot By Generation: Which Should You Buy?
• Is the Honda Pilot Reliable?
• Which Honda Pilot Is Right for Me?

What Is the Best Model-Year Honda Pilot?

Overall, we think the second-generation 2009-2015 models are the best buy here. They offer more room than the first-generation models but won’t be as expensive as the third- or fourth-generation Pilot. As for looks, space, and cutting-edge technology, the fourth generation is by far the best yet. For those on a tight budget, the first-generation Pilot makes a fine choice. Just be sure to have a mechanic familiar with Honda cars go over it with a fine-tooth comb, with extra attention paid to the transmission and radiator.

One advantage of buying a more expensive third-generation or fourth-generation Pilot is the advanced driver-assist systems not offered on earlier models. We’d look for an EX or EX-L model and only opt for AWD if you live in places where it snows. FWD models get better fuel economy and have fewer moving parts to fix over time.

As the Pilot holds excellent resale values, you’ll have to use all your bargaining skills to make a good deal, but you’ll have the peace of mind knowing your used car will hold its value well over time. That’s a good thing when it comes time to sell. 

See used Honda Pilot SUVs for sale near you.

Honda Pilot by Generation: Which Should You Buy?

Fourth Generation (2023-Present)

The 2023 model year rang in a fully redesigned Honda Pilot. A beefier, more rugged exterior wrapped around a more spacious interior set the stage for a much-improved 3-row SUV. A removable second-row center seat could be stored in the back, allowing the 8-passenger capacity to switch to 7-passenger on the fly. Honda also provided more third-row legroom. A new, quieter V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission enhanced performance. Honda jettisoned the SE trim while reinstating the LX as the entry-level grade below Sport. Armed with tri-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, proximity keyless entry, and more even make the LX well-equipped. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become wireless in all but the LX trim. An expanded group of standard advanced safety features helps the driver and crew stay safe. The IIHS named the 2023 and 2025 Honda Pilot SUVs to its list of Top Safety Pick+ vehicles. The 2024 Pilot is a Top Safety Pick.

The TrailSport continues on as the Pilot grade offering the most off-road prowess. It features an inch more ground clearance, a specially tuned suspension, skid plates, standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and the TrailWatch camera system with four cameras positioned around the Pilot.

Although the 2024 model brought no notable changes, the 2025 edition once again deleted the LX trim, making the Sport the entry-level grade. Honda also brought back the range-topping Black Edition.

To date, Honda has not issued any major recalls for this gen.

See 2023 to current Honda Pilots for sale in your area.

Third Generation (2016-2022)

The 2016 Pilot brought a whole new look to Honda’s family crossover with sleeker styling, better interior quality, more standard and available safety features, and a more powerful engine. Also new with this generation was the addition of the Elite trim, a fully loaded model that slotted above the Touring trim. A new 6-speed automatic was offered on all but the Touring and Elite trims, which received a 9-speed unit. Perhaps the most crucial addition to the Pilot was the addition of the Honda Sensing package that included advanced driver-assist systems such as forward-collision warning and emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. This option was offered on all but the base LX trim. Additional safety features include rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and the LaneWatch passenger-side mirror camera.

Under the hood, the third-generation Pilot got a new 3.5-liter V6 with start/stop technology. This engine was good for 280 hp. A sophisticated all-wheel drive (AWD) system was offered, as well as an advanced traction management system for both FWD and AWD models with settings for snow, mud, and other surfaces. This system was standard on all but the LX trim. Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, and a multi-angle rearview camera. Moving up to the EX brought fog lights, Honda LaneWatch, 3-zone air conditioning, a power driver’s seat, an 8-inch display audio screen, and a smart entry key fob.

The EX-L added leather seating and a power liftgate, while the Touring and Elite trim opened the door to such luxuries as a rear-seat entertainment system, a 540-watt premium audio system, and standard Honda Sensing. The Elite offered unique features such as a panoramic moonroof, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row captain’s chair seating.

The third-generation Pilot performed well in all its crash tests, earning a 5-Star Overall Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

In 2017, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were made standard.

The Honda Pilot got a thorough midcycle refresh for 2019. It brought an updated look, a tweaked transmission, and a traditional volume knob that replaced the frustrating slider of earlier models. Also, Honda Sensing became standard on every trim. 2020 was largely a carryover but added a stylish Black Edition trim. In 2021, Honda expanded the trim lineup to include the SE (Special Edition). The final year of this generation saw the Sport replace the LX as the entry-level trim, while an off-road-focused TrailSport grade also joined the lineup. Additionally, Honda deleted the 6-speed automatic transmission, rendering the 9-speed standard across the board.

We’ve not heard any major complaints about this generation, although the 2016 model did have a few recalls, including one for improper welds on the fuel tank that may lead to a fuel leak. Also, a few models across all third-gen years were caught up in a recall for some faulty engine parts. 

See 2016 to 2022 Honda Pilots for sale in your area.

Second Generation (2009-2015)

The 2009 Pilot rolled out with some major improvements. The styling remained boxy and upright, but the edges were now rounded, with a more truck-like appearance. Interior volume increased, as did the rear-seat room, horsepower, and fuel economy. A rear flip-up hatch window was integrated into the rear liftgate, making it easier to load small or lightweight items, and the second-row seats were made to slide for and aft, making it easier to gain access to the third row.

In 2009, the Pilot’s power came from a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 with Honda’s VCM (Variable Cylinder Management), which was now offered on both FWD and 4WD models. Four trim levels were available: LX, EX, EX-L, and the new Touring. The Touring trim offered new features such as premium audio, navigation, tri-zone air conditioning, and a power liftgate. The EX trim got a cool rear backup camera built into the rearview mirror.

The second-generation Pilot remained a JD Power favorite and continued to score well in government and IIHS crash tests. Facing stiff competition from vehicles like the Ford Explorer, the Toyota Highlander, and the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot needed to up its game. However, unlike many competitors, the Pilot continued to bundle its options into packages specific to certain trims, so people who wanted features like heated seats or navigation had to purchase the more expensive upper-level trims. Towing remained at 4,500 pounds for the 4WD models and 2,000 pounds for FWD models.

The 2010 and 2011 models carried over largely unchanged, although, in 2011, Honda’s voice-activated navigation was made available on the EX-L trim.

2012 saw a minor refresh with revisions to the front grille, chrome trim, and wheel designs. EX and EX-L models gained an updated audio system with a 2GB CD library, Bluetooth, and the ability to stream audio. The 2013 Pilot saw a rear backup camera, Bluetooth, an 8-inch color multi-information screen, and 3-zone climate control added to its standard equipment list. The 2014 model carried over without change, but in 2015, a new SE trim was added, touting pewter gray alloy wheels, a power moonroof, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

For the most part, the second-generation Pilot ran with very few complaints. Owners did gripe at times about the thick pillars that limited visibility, poor city fuel economy, and a sometimes choppy ride over rough pavement. Others found fault with a lack of options, such as no second-row captain’s chair seating or high-end name-brand audio, and interior styling was a bit dowdy. Another sore spot for owners was interior noise levels, mostly from the tires, that made casual conversation over the three rows a bit difficult.

See 2009 to 2015 Honda Pilots for sale in your area.

First Generation (2003-2008)

Considering its age, the first-generation Pilot is still a relatively desirable used SUV. Looking like an oversized Honda CR-V, the first Pilot was built on the same platform that spawned the Honda Accord sedan, Honda Odyssey minivan, and the Acura MDX luxury SUV. With its unibody chassis, powerful V6 engine, and standard all-wheel drive, the Pilot was light years ahead of its competition in the areas of solidity, quality, and capability. Power came from a 240-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 shared with the MDX.

In comparison to its competition, the Pilot was longer than the Toyota Highlander but shorter than the Ford Explorer. It was wider than all the vehicles in its class, which allowed Honda to create a massive cargo bay capable of fitting a 4-by-8 sheet of plywood with the seats folded flat. With the seats in place, the Pilot can fit up to eight people, although the third-row seat is really only suitable for kids.

In 2005, the Pilot received an updated engine with 255 hp, and in 2006, a 2-wheel-drive (2WD) model was introduced. Horsepower dropped back to 244 due to a revision in the way power was calculated, and the Pilot gained some minor interior and exterior upgrades, as well as standard electronic vehicle stability control and side curtain airbags. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) models gained Honda’s cylinder deactivation, which deactivates up to three cylinders when the engine isn’t under load, helping improve fuel economy over the 4-wheel-drive (4WD) model by a few mpg.

The Honda Pilot Was Offered in 3 Trims

LX, EX, and EX-L (the “L” stands for leather). Even the most basic Pilot LX included front and rear air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, and door locks, plus a tilt wheel, 16-inch steel wheels, and remote keyless entry. Moving up to the EX, a power driver’s seat, an AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo, steering wheel touch controls, and alloy wheels were added.

The EX-L upgrade included leather seating, heated front seats, and an available navigation or DVD entertainment system (you couldn’t get both together). Models equipped with 4WD featured Honda’s advanced VTM-4 system, which included automatic engagement when detecting wheel slippage and a manual locking function for dealing with low-speed off-road situations. Tow ratings for the 2WD Pilot topped out at 3,500 pounds, while the 4WD models are rated at 4,500 pounds. In government crash tests, the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot performed above average, earning a 5-star crash rating and 4-star rollover resistance rating.

For the most part, owners loved the first-generation Pilot. Some common issues for these years include transmission failure on the 2003-2004 models and radiator failure due to combining the transmission oil and engine cooling in the same core. Failure of the radiator would cause cross-contamination of the two fluids, leading to transmission issues.

See 2003 to 2008 Honda Pilots for sale in your area.

Is the Honda Pilot Reliable?

The Honda Pilot’s outstanding resale value speaks for itself. Honda, in general, and the Pilot included, have better-than-average resale value. This only comes from reliable performance and relatively problem-free ownership. They aren’t perfect, but we would never hesitate to recommend the Pilot as a 3-row SUV.

Honda Pilot Years to Avoid

Pilots from the earlier years will be a bit more problematic because of some transmission issues. However, from the second generation on, the issues remain few and far between.

Which Honda Pilot is Right for Me?

We don’t think you can go wrong with a Honda Pilot, no matter the model year, if you do your research. It’s perfect for families and seats up to eight. Some are better maintained than others, which is an issue with any used vehicle. You can help protect yourself from buying a bad one by getting a vehicle history report based on the Pilot’s vehicle identification number (VIN) through sites like AutoCheck. We further advise you to have a professional mechanic go over any used vehicle you are considering, as well. Buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle is another way to go for some peace of mind. Typically, CPO models are a bit more expensive. However, they have met the carmaker’s standards and provide a factory-backed CPO warranty.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated for accuracy since it was originally published.