The Honda Pilot is one of the most versatile and family-friendly options in midsize 3-row SUVs. If you like the idea of an SUV with the practicality of a minivan, the Pilot is a top choice.
The Pilot has a diverse model range for the 2021 model year. It ranges from the affordable and practical LX trim to near-luxury amenities in the Elite model with several options in-between.
Let’s take a closer look at the trims of the 2021 Honda Pilot and find the right SUV for your family.
2021 Honda Pilot LX (Original starting price when new: $32,250)
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The 2021 Honda Pilot LX starts at $32,250.
The Pilot model range starts with the base LX trim for the 2021 model year. Like every other Pilot, the LX model gets a tried-and-true 3.5-liter V6 engine making 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It returns 20 city/27 highway mpg with front-wheel drive (FWD) and 19 city/26 highway mpg with all-wheel drive (AWD). Every 2021 Pilot comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Optional torque-vectoring AWD improves all-season traction when the roads get nasty, but the Pilot has no delusions of grandeur about its modest off-road capabilities. AWD is a good idea if you live in a snowy climate. Otherwise, FWD does the job with marginally better fuel economy.
The Honda Sensing safety tech suite comes standard on every 2021 Pilot. This system includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Three-row seating for up to eight people also comes standard.
Additional standard features on the LX trim include dual-zone automatic climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, 15 cup holders, LED taillights, automatic high beams, push-button start, and the basics like power windows and power locks.
The outdated infotainment system is one reason to pass on the base LX trim. The radio, Bluetooth, and the backup camera on the small 5-inch screen work just fine, but the EX trim and up all come with a much more modern system with a bigger screen and connectivity features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Who is this trim level for? The humble LX model is for the driver looking for a practical family SUV that’s safe, modern, and affordable while foregoing modern smartphone connectivity features.
2021 Honda Pilot LX includes:
Honda Sensing — The standard Honda Sensing safety tech suite includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Dual-zone climate control — This feature keeps everyone comfortable.
3-row seating — seating for up to eight people comes standard, plus a roomy cargo area to boot.
2021 Honda Pilot EX (Original starting price when new: $34,930)
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The 2021 Honda Pilot EX starts at $34,930.
The EX trim is the best value in the Pilot lineup for most drivers. In addition to the standard features on the LX model, you get more creature comforts like heated front seats, one-touch second-row seats for easy third-row access, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, LED fog lights, and blind-spot monitoring.
The most significant improvement in the EX trim is the 8-inch infotainment system. On top of the bigger screen, you get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. These are essential connectivity features for smartphone users bringing music, maps, and more from your phone right to the screen in your car.
When you add AWD to the EX trim, and up, it comes with a Terrain Management System with three drive modes (Snow, Mud, Sand).
Who is this trim level for? The EX trim is in the sweet spot in the Pilot lineup for families looking for an SUV with modern tech features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay at a reasonable price point.
2021 Honda Pilot EX includes:
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay — These smartphone connectivity features make it easy to integrate your music, maps, and more with your SUV.
Blind-spot monitoring — Add an extra layer of safety to your lane changes.
Heated front seats — If you live in a cold climate, you know how hard it is to live without heated seats.
2021 Honda Pilot EX-L (Original starting price when new: $38,360)
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The 2021 Honda Pilot EX-L starts at $38,360.
The EX-L trim adds more premium features to the Pilot. The “L” stands for “leather.” In addition to leather seats, you get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power moonroof, a power liftgate, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, second-row sunshades, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
There’s also an SE trim based mainly on the EX-L model. When new, the SE trim only cost an extra $600 over the EX-L trim. It was primarily an appearance package adding unique 20-inch wheels and roof rails plus a couple of tech features like a wireless charging pad and a hands-free liftgate. You’ll notice similar pricing for the SE and EX-L trims on the used market.
Who is this trim level for? The EX-L and SE trims of the Pilot are for drivers who want a family SUV with premium features like leather seats and a power moonroof but don’t want to break the bank on a luxury SUV.
2021 Honda Pilot EX-L includes:
Leather seats — Leather upholstery adds a more premium feel to the Pilot.
Power moonroof — This makes the interior feel more open and airy.
Power liftgate — A power liftgate makes loading and unloading groceries a little easier.
2021 Honda Pilot Touring (Original starting price when new: $42,920)
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The 2021 Honda Pilot Touring starts at $42,920.
The Touring trim is where the Pilot starts to enter luxury SUV territory. However, it still retains every bit of its family-friendly practicality. Standard features on the Pilot Touring include heated second-row seats, LED headlights, navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system with a Blu-Ray player, a 115-volt power outlet, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a 10-speaker premium audio system.
The Touring trim is where second-row captain’s chairs become an option. In addition to bringing more comfort to the second-row passengers, these seats make the third row easier to access.
A unique feature in the Pilot Touring is CabinTalk. Borrowed from the upper trims of the Honda Odyssey minivan, CabinTalk is an intercom system allowing mom and dad to make announcements to the kids through the audio system. Even if the kids have headphones on, CabinTalk pauses whatever they’re watching and pipes your voice into their headphones.
Who is this trim for? The Touring trim is for drivers looking for a good deal on a premium family SUV with features like a rear entertainment system and available second-row captain’s chairs. It’s an excellent rig for long road trips.
2021 Honda Pilot Touring includes:
Available rear captain’s chairs — This optional feature adds comfort to the second row while making the third row easier to access.
Navigation — A standard navigation system gets you to your road trip destination with confidence.
CabinTalk — Discipline your kids without losing your voice with this innovative intercom system.
2021 Honda Pilot Elite (Original starting price when new: $48,420)
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The 2021 Honda Pilot Elite starts at $48,420.
The Elite trim is the ultimate in family SUV luxury. In some ways, it’s better than a 3-row SUV from a luxury brand because it has a roomier third row of seats than most of the more expensive luxury SUVs.
On top of what you get with the well-appointed Touring trim, it comes standard with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, rain-sensing wipers, self-dimming side mirrors, a panoramic roof, and a heated steering wheel. Second-row captain’s chairs also come standard.
Additionally, a Black Edition is available, which is essentially an appearance package for the Elite trim. It adds black-finished 20-inch wheels, gloss black exterior trim, red cabin accent lighting, and Crystal Black Pearl or Platinum White Pearl paint.
Who is this trim for? The Pilot Elite and Black Edition are for luxury bargain hunters who want it all in a 3-row family SUV and enjoy a good deal compared to an SUV from a luxury brand.
2021 Honda Pilot Elite includes:
Standard AWD — Standard torque-vectoring all-wheel drive makes the Pilot Elite gives this SUV excellent all-weather traction and confident handling.
Panoramic roof — The Pilot Elite has a panoramic sunroof while retaining a rear entertainment system.
Heated steering wheel — Leave your gloves at home on cold days.
