2019 Honda Pilot Elite AWD – Video
The redesigned and refreshed 2019 Honda Pilot arrives in dealers today, bringing with it a long list of upgrades to Honda’s award-winning 8-seat SUV. The numerous changes include more aggressive exterior styling, an available new hands-free power tailgate, substantial powertrain refinements, major upgrades to available connected-car technology, an available new Display Audio touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, and a volume knob. The 2019 Pilot also adopts the Honda Sensing® suite of advanced driver-assistive and safety technology as standard in all trims. The 2019 Pilot LX with standard front-wheel drive carries a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP1 ) of $31,450 (excluding $995 destination and handling).
While all Pilot trim levels benefit from refreshed styling, technical upgrades and new features—including newly standard Honda Sensing®—the popular EX trim extends its value story even further as it gains several premium features while maintaining the same price point as the outgoing EX w/ Honda Sensing® trim.
Combined, the upgrades to Pilot reinforce its capabilities while emphasizing the state-of-the-art technology and family-friendly character that has made it one of the most popular midsize 3-row SUVs. Pilot also remains one of the few models in its segment to offer 8 seats (7-seats with the optional second-row Captain’s Chairs), with three-person capacity in both the second and third rows, and with third row access made simple and easy by the available One-Touch Walk-In feature.
All 2019 Pilots feature more aggressive front and rear styling to compliment the Pilot’s robust off-road and all-weather driving capabilities, supported by Honda’s available intelligent Variable Torque Management system (i-VTM4) with true torque-vectoring. Standard on all AWD trims, i-VTM4 uses an electronically-controlled, hydraulically-actuated rear differential to apportion engine torque between the front and rear axles, and dynamically distribute torque between the left and right rear wheels. The benefits are superior all-weather handling, and neutral, accurate steering under power.
In addition, the 2019 Pilot’s 9-speed automatic transmission, available in Touring and Elite trims, gets new tuning for enhanced drivability and smoother shifts, while Pilot’s Idle Stop system now provides quicker restarts and more seamless operation.
Engine 3.5-liter V6 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC
Transmission 6-speed automatic optional 9-speed automatic
Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net) 280 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque @ rpm (lb.-ft., SAE net)262 lb.-ft. @ 4,700 rpm
The 2019 Honda Pilot’s updated exterior reflects its off-road capabilities without losing what makes Pilot a perennial favorite in the midsize SUV segment. The front sports an aggressive new front fascia with standard LED low-beam headlights, while the rear features new taillights, a new bumper, and chrome accents.
The new front bumper incorporates larger fog light housings, fully integrated into the bumper, giving the 2019 Pilot a more aggressive look. A redesigned grille features a bold interpretation of the Honda “flying wing” grille design, with its chrome band extending above the headlights. Further emphasizing the off-road aggressiveness is a new “skid” garnish on the lower portion of the front bumper.
Available fog lights are now LED, the turn signal is thinner, and Pilot Elite models benefit from multi-element full LED headlights, including high beams. Additionally, Pilot Elite models receive power folding mirrors with automatic dimming.
The rear receives new taillights with amber turn signals and LED backup lights. A chrome strip on the rocker extends along the side of the vehicle, wrapping around the rear bumper and highlighting the lower bumper’s skid-type design. Wheels are also more ruggedly styled, with 18-inch designs on LX, EX and EX-L, and an aggressive new 20-inch design on Touring and Elite trims.
A hands-free power tailgate is available for the first time on Pilot on Touring and Elite grades. With the remote key fob in their pocket or handbag, the driver simply kicks their foot under a designated area of the rear bumper. The tailgate then opens without the owner needing to use their hands–very useful for occasions when their hands are full.
In addition to its numerous technology upgrades (described below), updates to Pilot’s interior include new trim around the vents, available 3-way heated front seats, and wider fold-down armrests for the driver and front passenger. Additionally, second-row captain’s chairs are now available on both Touring and Elite models (previously Elite only) and second-row retractable sunshades are available on EX-L, Touring and Elite grades.