2019 Honda Pilot

2019 Honda Pilot Highlights

The 2019 Honda Pilot is one of the benchmark vehicles in the midsize SUV segment thanks to its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and advanced safety features. This model year brings several updates, including refreshed exterior styling, an available hands-free power tailgate, and a revised nine-speed automatic transmission for higher trims. The Pilot competes head-to-head with larger midsize three-row SUVs, like the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, and Chevrolet Traverse.

Key Details

• Midsize crossover SUV body style
• Three-row, seven- or eight-passenger seating
• 3.5-liter V6 engine
• Six-speed or nine-speed automatic transmission, depending on trim
• Standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) (AWD is standard on the Elite trim)

Benefits

• Spacious interior with comfortable seating in all three rows
• Standard Honda Sensing suite of safety features across all trims
• Strong V6 engine performance
• Excellent cargo space and versatility

Learn More: Honda Pilot Transmission Problems

2019 Honda Pilot Overview

Performance

The 2019 Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for daily driving, highway passing, and light towing. The LX, EX, and EX-L trims have a six-speed automatic transmission. At the same time, the Touring and Elite models feature a revised nine-speed automatic that offers improved responsiveness and refinement compared to previous model years.

Front-wheel drive is standard across most of the lineup, with Honda's Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) all-wheel-drive system available as an option (standard on the Elite trim). This system enhances traction in slippery conditions and improves handling in dry weather by actively distributing torque between the front and rear wheels and between the left and right rear wheels.

The Pilot's towing capacity is respectable for its class. Properly equipped models can tow up to 3,500 pounds with front-wheel drive or 5,000 pounds with all-wheel drive.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Pilot a top five-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2019 Pilot a "Top Safety Pick," the organization’s second-highest award.

The standard Honda Sensing safety suite includes:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keeping assist
• Adaptive cruise control

Higher trims also get safety upgrades:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Front and rear parking sensors

Driving

The 2019 Honda Pilot offers a comfortable and composed driving experience that prioritizes family-friendly characteristics. The steering is well-weighted and responsive, allowing for easy maneuvering. Despite its size, the Pilot feels relatively nimble and easy to maneuver in parking lots and tight spaces.

A noticeable Pilot characteristic is its ride quality, which approaches the luxury vehicle level. The suspension is well-tuned to isolate road imperfections. The available all-wheel-drive system enhances traction in slippery conditions, making the Pilot a capable performer in bad weather conditions. While not designed for serious off-roading, the 2019 Pilot can confidently handle light off-road duties, thanks to its 7.3 inches of ground clearance.

Interior

The Pilot’s cabin showcases quality materials and solid build quality, giving this Honda a premium feel, particularly in higher trims like the Touring and Elite. The passenger experience is also elevated thanks to a tall interior and generous space. All three rows offer comfortable seating, with the third row being particularly spacious for the class and capable of accommodating adults on shorter trips. The second row can have a three-person bench seat or captain's chairs (standard on Elite, optional on Touring), offering easier access to the third row.

The cargo space is noteworthy, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a cavernous 83.9 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The available hands-free power tailgate (new for 2019) makes it easy to access the cargo area when your hands are full.

2019 Honda Pilot interior features available on various Pilot trims include:

• Leather-trimmed seating surfaces (EX-L and above)
• Heated and ventilated front seats (ventilated on Elite)
• Heated second-row seats (Touring and Elite)
• Ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory function
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Panoramic roof (Elite)

Technology

The 2019 Honda Pilot comes well-equipped with modern technology features. The base LX trim includes a 5-inch LCD screen, while EX and higher trims feature an 8-inch touchscreen Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Available Pilot technologies, varying by trim, include:

• CabinControl remote compatibility
• CabinTalk in-car PA system
• Rear entertainment system with Blu-ray player
• Mobile hotspot capability
• Navigation system

The available CabinTalk feature allows the driver to communicate with second and third-row passengers through the rear speakers and headphones, a helpful feature for families with children.

Fuel Economy

The EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2019 Honda Pilot vary depending on the drivetrain and transmission. The ratings reflect:

3.5-liter six-cylinder (six-speed automatic)

• FWD (mpg): 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined
• AWD (mpg): 18 city / 26 highway / 21 combined

3.5-liter six-cylinder (nine-speed automatic)

• FWD (mpg): 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined
• AWD (mpg): 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined

2019 Honda Pilot Reviews

2019 Honda Pilot reviews on Kelley Blue Book are generally solid, with consumers giving this minivan an average rating of 4.3 out of 5. Owners give the Odyssey high scores for reliability, performance, and comfort.

Reasons to Buy It

• Robust V6
• Versatile cabin for people and cargo
• Smooth and quiet ride
• User-friendly infotainment system
• Standard suite of advanced driver aids
• Available all-wheel drive

Problems

• The infotainment system can be slow to respond at times
• Third-row access could be easier
• Some advanced features are reserved for higher, more expensive trims
• Fuel economy, while competitive, isn't class-leading

Explore: Which Years Of Used Honda Pilots Are Most Reliable?

CoPilot's Take

Buyers looking for a three-row, midsize SUV will be doing themselves a disservice by not considering the Honda Pilot. It’s a well-rounded package that caters to the needs of families and those seeking a versatile vehicle. The Pilot’s spacious interior, comfortable ride, and standard safety features make it a strong contender in its class. Thanks to a robust V6, its almost sporty driving characteristics help separate it from the Highlander, Traverse, and others.

While the Pilot's fuel economy is competitive, it's not class-leading, which might be a consideration for those prioritizing efficiency. Additionally, some desirable features are reserved for higher trims, which can push the price into luxury territory.

2019 Honda Pilot FAQs

Was 2019 a good year for the Honda Pilot?

Yes, 2019 was generally considered a good year for the Honda Pilot. This model year brought several improvements, including refreshed exterior styling, an updated infotainment system, and refinements to the nine-speed transmission in higher trims. Standardizing the Honda Sensing suite across all trims was also a significant enhancement.

Do 2019 Honda Pilots have transmission problems?

While the 2019 Honda Pilot addressed some of the transmission issues reported in earlier models, particularly with the nine-speed automatic, some owners still report occasional hesitation or rough shifting. The six-speed automatic transmission in lower trims generally receives fewer complaints. As with any vehicle purchase, it's advisable to test drive the specific model you're interested in and check for any open recalls or technical service bulletins. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a professional mechanic is also wise.

What is the Elite package on a 2019 Honda Pilot?

The Elite trim is the top-of-the-line model for the 2019 Honda Pilot rather than a package. It includes all the features of the lower trims plus several exclusive amenities:

• Standard all-wheel drive
• Panoramic sunroof
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated second-row captain's chairs
• Wireless phone charger
• Heated steering wheel
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Power-folding side mirrors
• LED headlights and fog lights

What are the 2019 Honda Pilot trims?

Buyers can choose from five editions:

• 2019 Honda Pilot LX
• 2019 Honda Pilot EX
• 2019 Honda Pilot EX-L
• 2019 Honda Pilot Touring
• 2019 Honda Pilot Elite

Check Out: How Long Do Honda Pilots Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Longevity