If you are looking for a more fashionable option to a minivan, then the Honda Pilot is for you. Fitted with lots of features that appeal to crossover drivers, like an AWD and a great ground clearance capacity, this SUV is one of the leaders in its class. Its spacious interior, cargo space, and fuel efficiency put it in good stead compared to others in its class.
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Launched in 2003 following its 2002 introduction, the Pilot, with its three-seat rows, is Honda's largest SUV. The mid-size SUV, which replaced the Honda Passport, shares the same platform as the Acura MDX and is suitable for light off-roading. For the 2021 model, there are a couple of exciting additions to enable it to compete favorably with its closest rivals, the Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Palisade, andVolkswagen Atlas.
10It Has A New Special Edition Trim
For 2021, Honda introduced the Pilot Special Edition into its lineup. Also known as the SE, the new addition is in between the EX-L and Touring Variants. The new trim, which is available in 2WD and all-wheel drive, has all features available on the EX-L trim, plus some exclusive features.
Some of the features unique to the Pilot SE include wireless charging, roof trims, black 20-inch alloy wheels, and a hands-free power tailgate. As a result, the SE offers the best of what is on offer, plus additional comfort.
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9Nine Speed Automatic Is Now Standard
For previous model years, Honda only offered the nine-speed automatic on the Touring model and above, with lower trims using an old-fashioned six-speed automatic transmission system. But for 2021, all models of the Pilot will feature the nine-speed automatic transmission.
Although the nine-speed automatic is a bit defective in long-distance drives at highway speeds, it helps keep the vehicle within an excellent fuel efficiency range.
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8It Has Seven Trim Levels
With the Pilot Special Edition's addition to the Pilot's lineup, the 2021 Honda Pilot now has seven trims in total. They include the Black Edition, Elite, Touring, Special Edition, EX-L, EX, and LX trims. While all-wheel drive is standard in the two top models, it is an option for the other trims for $2,000.
Apart from the base trim, which comes with a 5-inch touchscreen, every other trim has an 8-inch display, in addition to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and advanced driver assistance are some features of the pricier trims.
7It Maintains The Same Styling
The most significant changes to the 2021 model of Honda Pilot are performance and technology-related. However, when it comes to the exterior, design, and general styling, the 2021 Pilot essentially maintains the same look as previous models. The vehicle still carries the same half-minivan, half-SUV that it has become associated with.
The mid-size SUV is built to transport people and cargo, hence the perseverance with the design that has served it so well.
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6It Has A Five-StarCrash Test Rating
Although the Insurance for Highway Safety (IIHS) does not select the 2021 Honda Pilot as a Top Safety Pick, the midsize SUV bagged a five-star crash test rating from another agency, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The reason for the difference can be traced down to different rating parameters.
In addition, the Pilot comes with a couple of driver assistance features available on all trim levels, like the adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automated emergency braking, and forward-collision warning.
5It Has A Family-Friendly Interior
If there is one thing that stands the Honda Pilot out in its class, it is the roomy and practical interior. The SUV ranks high among spacious interiors in its class. Suitable for large families, the 2021 Pilot can seat up to eight people with its three-row seating.
Lower trims tend to offer a bench that can seat three people on the second row; meanwhile, the second row of high-end trim levels consists of two captain chairs, meaning only seven can occupy the vehicle. Families with kids will appreciate the Pilot's spacious interior and equally large cargo area.
4It Has Great Fuel Economy
In Honda circles, fuel efficiency is almost a norm, and the 2021 Honda Pilot does not let down the tradition. Considering how large the SUV is, it more than impresses with its great fuel economy. Rated by the EPA, the front-wheel-drive variants came in at 27 mpg highway and 20 mpg city.
On the other hand, the all-wheel-drive models can deliver up to 26 mpg highway and 19 mpg city, effectively taking off one mpg. The 2021 Honda Pilot is undoubtedly a leader in fuel economy for its class.
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3It Comes With A Powerful Engine
One noticeable thing about the 2021 Pilot is that Honda pumps in a ton of horsepower into the vehicle, and it's more shifty than previous model years. All trim levels are equipped with a sturdy 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine. Honda has, however, discontinued the six-speed transmission used by the base model in previous years.
Instead, the V6 engine is more pronounced in the high-end trims, where the vehicles can tow as much as 5,000 lb with a tow kit.
2Prices Have Gone Up By $600
New model years usually mean an increase in prices. So it is really no surprise that for 2021, the Honda Pilot has added $600 to its prices. The base model - Honda Pilot LX, which sold for $31,650 in 2020, now goes for $32,250 in 2021.
However, with a couple of upgrades, like the addition of the nine-speed automatic transmission system and the dual-zone automatic climate control to all trims, the carmakers can justify the updated price of the vehicle.
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1It Comes With Lots Of New Features
For the 2021 model of Honda Pilot, the standard model, Pilot LX, does not have as many features as the pricier models, but it contains pretty much everything you can expect in a crossover SUV. Dual-zone climate control, automatic emergency braking system, and much more.
However, it is from the EX model upwards that you begin to enjoy better features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and much more. Pricier models come with a moonroof, wireless charging, heated second-row seats, and a panoramic roof.
NEXT: 2021 Honda Pilot Touring Review: The Minivan Of SUVs
Richard Rawlings Finds 40-Plus Car Collection Hiding Out In Alabama Read NextShareTweetShareEmail Related TopicsAbout The AuthorHillary Princewill(153 Articles Published)
Hillary Princewill is a Nigerian writer who grew up spending a lot of time in his Dad's garage. He loves sports car, F1 and military vehicles.
