2021 Honda Pilot
The three-row crossover SUV class remains full of several impressive vehicles, but the 2021 Honda Pilot includes many features that set it apart from its competitors. Its spacious cabin, impressive off-roading capabilities, and strong engine make it a solid family-friendly vehicle option. Depending on the configuration, the Pilot can seat up to eight people. Use this guide to learn what other features you can come to expect with the 2021 Honda Pilot. Check out new car specials and Pilot offers, then get behind the wheel.
Honda Pilot Trims
When considering the 2021 Honda Pilot, keep in mind that you can choose among seven trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Special Edition, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. After adding the Black Edition trim for 2020, Honda added the Special Edition trim for the 2021 model year. The Special Edition trim builds on the features found on the EX-L trim but includes 20-inch black alloy wheels. View our new car pricing to get started finding the right Pilot trim for you.
Exterior Options
The 2021 Pilot has eight color choices, although not all are available on every trim. The colors include Black Forest Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Deep Scarlet Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, and Steel Sapphire Metallic.
Its bold front grille highlights the SUV’s aggressive chrome layout and melds perfectly with its sculpted headlights. The lower trims have optional roof rails, while the Special Edition trim includes them as standard. The base LX trim includes 18-inch alloy wheels, while the SE trim adds 20-inch alloy wheels.
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Interior Amenities
With its standard setup, the 2021 Pilot seats up to eight people. If you choose to have second-row captain’s chairs, the seating capacity decreases to seven travelers. All seats remain comfortable and supportive, even if you’re sitting for long periods. During those long road trips, your travelers will enjoy the 15 cup holders scattered throughout the cabin.
Interior amenities abound, and if you didn’t know better, you might think you’re driving a luxury vehicle especially on the upper trims. The EX trim includes a power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats, while the EX-L trim adds leather upholstery as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The Touring provides you with heated second-row seats and acoustic glass for the front-side windows. Selecting the Touring trim gives you a heated steering wheel and self-dimming side mirrors.
Compared to other vehicles in its class, the 2021 Pilot has an above-average cargo capacity. Behind the third row of seats, you get 18.5 cubic feet of space and 55.9 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats. Including the space behind the front-row seats, you get a whopping 109.2 cubic feet of space. To help you place or remove items from the trunk, the SUV has a power liftgate standard in the EX-L trim and a hands-free liftgate standard in the top four trims.
Power and Performance
No matter which 2021 Pilot trim you select, you receive the same powerful engine. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine produces 280 horsepower. It comes mated with a newly standard nine-speed automatic transmission. You will notice how smooth the vehicle shifts gears, and the engine proves quick acceleration. All Pilots also include a stop/start feature that turns off the engine when you are idle. If you don’t like this feature, you can easily disable it.
Most trims come standard with front-wheel drive, but if your Pilot has torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, expect to tackle any type of terrain without an issue. You can utilize the selectable terrain modes (Mud, Sand, and Snow) to easily get through the inclement weather Illinois experiences or difficult roadways. The amount of power going to each rear wheel is variable and favors the wheel with the most grip. Although you can manually switch between the modes, the Pilot does the rest. Also, the SUV can negotiate rocks and climb up an almost 30-degree incline.
When it comes to overall performance, the 2021 Pilot sits in the middle of its class. The front-wheel-drive models get an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. If you have all-wheel drive, these numbers dip slightly to 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. When properly equipped, front-wheel-drive Pilot vehicles can tow up to 3,500 pounds while the all-wheel-drive models can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Technology Features
The 2021 Pilot includes a simplified infotainment system mounted to a 5-inch display, but you might find the upgraded system more to your liking. Its easy-to-use 8-inch touch-screen display includes smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. However, if you’d prefer to operate the system via separate physical controls, you can do so and adjust the climate and audio settings.
You also gain wireless device charging, navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a rear entertainment system. Another bonus is the addition of HondaLink, which brings together information, entertainment, and news all at the touch of your fingers. You can access apps, enter your destination by using your voice, and all your friends without endangering your safety by having to use your hands.
Safety Features
All 2021 Pilot trims include the Honda Sensing suite of active safety and driver-assistance aids. To keep you and your passengers safe, the vehicle comes standard with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. Upper-level trims include several key additional safety features, including blind-spot.
Sometimes the best way to determine which vehicle works best for your needs is to get behind the wheel and experience all it has to offer. If you’re interested in checking out the 2021 Honda Pilot, reach out to Ike Honda, view our Honda Pilot offers, try our monthly car payment calculator, or get prequalified for an auto loan. Our experienced staff can answer any questions you might have and help you drive off the lot in a Pilot today.
