Honda has always been quite the practical automaker balancing on performance and efficiency and paving way for a comfortable driving experience as well. Honda Pilot is the largest crossover from the Japanese stable and is currently in its third-generation that was introduced back in 2016. It is well received for its extremely flexible nature for both on and off-road dynamics along with being an easy-to-live-with SUV. Hondas are known for their wholesome and reliable nature and its biggest offering also lives up to it.
The 2021 Honda Pilot has a few refreshing additions on the aesthetic front along with numerous new standard features. But mechanically it remains a carryover with the same potent V6 powering it. It gets a new Special Edition model that Honda has pitched in with many of the constantly asked for features by consumers. It's good to see automakers being vocal and listening to their audience.
Apart from that, the Black Edition still continues to be serious business and the 2021 Pilot competes against the likes of Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Ascent.
The biggest Honda is as flexible as ever for 2021 with the major addition being a new Special Edition that has curated features asked by consumers.
Trims And Pricing
Honda continues to provide the 2021 Pilot with an impressive bunch of trims, so much so, that sometimes things might even get confusing. Each of its trims is aptly packed as per the asking price and thus holds its value for money factor high. Apart from the already well-curated 7 trim levels (LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition), Honda has added a new Special Edition trim which is primarily based on the EX-L trim, but adds a few unique cues to make it stand apart.
The 2021 Honda Pilot now starts from $32,250 for the LX FWD trim and goes all the way up to $49,920 for the Black Edition AWD. All the trims, except for the Elite and Black Edition is offered in both FWD and AWD configurations. The excluded ones are only offered in AWD and thus are the premium duo of the pack.
Performance And Efficiency Are Well-Balanced
Honda Pilot continues to be packed with its tried and tested 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 unit which also happens to be the only engine of choice. It also happens to be one of the fewer naturally aspirated engines standing, when EVs are already on the prowl. It pumps out 280 hp and 262 lb-ft to either the front or all four wheels as per the drivetrain selection.
An impressive change here is the standardization of its 9-Speed Automatic transmission which also comes with paddle shifters for a seamless driving experience. This also helps improve its efficiency as the 2021 Honda Pilot now provides with a 20 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on the highway, and a wholesome combined driving range of 429 miles. These are pretty commendable figures for a 280 hp mid-size SUV.
Practical And Comfortable Interior
Comfort is the primary focus of the 2021 Honda Pilot's interior layout. It is an 8-seater crossover that can also be ordered as a 7-seater, with captain seats for the second row. The overall layout remains the same as the 2020 model year, albeit with a few new standard features. Practicality continues to be a win here with a highly flexible cabin design with even the third row not losing out on the coziness.
The base LX trim now comes standard with Dual-Zone Automatic climate control system which used to be an optional extra. As we climb up the list, a Tri-Zone comes in. Apart from this, there aren't any major changes and the seats in the front two rows remain comfortable with both heating and ventilation support on offer from the Special Edition and up.
Continues On With A Sharp And Rugged Exterior
Honda Pilot is the largest crossover in Honda's stable and it sure looks the part. But Honda has managed to wrap this size up with its sharp exterior design cues that give this 8-seater SUV, a rather compact form factor as compared to its competition. The front remains dominated by a chunky bar of chrome that connects both the LED headlamps.
Integrated roof rails and rugged elements like the plastic cladding all round it gives a "go anywhere" vibe and it actually excels at doing so. The 2021 Pilot continues to be a potent off-roader as well with a few off-road specific accessories also available from the factory. Sharpness continues to remain its root design and also incorporates ruggedness into it with ease.
New Special Edition Comes Loaded With Demanded Features
The newest Special Edition trim is the refreshment that comes in for 2021 and the changes are all confined to aesthetics. Mechanically it remains the same as all other trims but Honda has pitched it as a trim that answers all the customer requests. It brings in all of the most asked features from prospective Honda customers.
Apart from the differentiating blacked-out 20-inch alloy wheels, it also included blacked-out roof rails and front and rear skid garnishes, hands-free power tailgate, and a wireless smartphone charger. It is based on the EX-L trim and thus comes with all its features as standard. It is priced at $38,960 for the FWD model and $40,960 for the AWD model, thus pitching it, right in the middle of the pack.
The Honda Pilot continues to be strong as an overall package with ample performance, fun driving dynamics, and practical features but it is now facing tough competition from the abstract bunch of trendsetters like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and the all-new sharper Toyota Highlander. Honda's safe for now, but it needs to bump up its game as well, soon.
Sources: Hondanews.com, Automobiles.honda.com, Wikipedia.com, Autoblog.com, Caricos.com
September 23, 2020 at 01:45AM
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