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Modern looks, but hidden costs
The 2020 Honda Pilot has been given a facelift that promises a smarter, more contemporary feel. Bigger screens, smoother technology, and the familiar V6 engine are all part of the package, but the refresh also brings price increases, lower fuel efficiency, and ownership concerns that aren’t obvious on the window sticker. For families weighing the Pilot against rivals, understanding these trade‑offs is essential before making a purchase.
Interior and technology upgrades
Inside, the Pilot feels noticeably more modern. Every trim now receives a 12.3‑inch center touchscreen, roughly 37% larger than the previous generation’s display. The larger screen makes maps easier to read and camera views clearer, while the 10.2‑inch digital gauge cluster provides speed, driver‑assist data, and trip information without clutter. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and higher trims add built‑in Google navigation and optional Wi‑Fi for long drives. A physical volume knob remains, offering muscle‑memory control on rough roads. Honda also added extra sound insulation, cutting interior noise by 2–3 decibels, and retuned the steering for tighter, more predictable handling.
Space and seating flexibility
The Pilot’s cabin is generous for a three‑row SUV. Up to 158 cubic feet of passenger volume is available on the 8‑seat trim, with front legroom of 41 inches, second‑row legroom of 40.8 inches, and third‑row legroom of 32.5 inches—adequate for children and short‑trip adults. The second row features an on‑demand removable middle seat that can tuck under the cargo floor, allowing a full bench for carpooling or captain’s chairs when needed. One‑touch second‑row slide access makes reaching the third row easier, and the vehicle includes latch anchors for child seats in all second‑row positions and a third‑row passenger‑side latch. Cargo capacity remains solid: 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.5 behind the second, and 87 behind the first.
Powertrain, performance, and capability
The Pilot keeps a single powertrain across all trims: a 5‑liter V6 with direct injection, producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound‑feet of torque, paired to a 10‑speed automatic. The 10‑speed uses grade logic, holding gears on hills to avoid hunting. All‑wheel drive adds torque vectoring through Honda’s iVTM‑4 system, which can send power to the rear wheels to improve traction and stability. Trail Sport adds trail torque logic for off‑road situations. Towing capacity reaches 5,000 pounds on AWD models and 3,500 on FWD. Fuel economy is 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined for FWD, dropping to 21 mpg combined for most AWD trims and 20 mpg combined for Trail Sport. The 18.5‑gallon tank yields roughly 400 miles on FWD and 390 miles on AWD under ideal conditions.
Price, value, and ownership concerns
Price has risen significantly. The base Sport FWD trim starts at $43,690, about $2,000 higher than last year’s entry level. Adding AWD costs $2,100, pushing the typical family‑SUV configuration into the mid‑$40,000 range. Higher trims like Touring and Trail Sport start at $52,590 and $51,890, respectively, before dealer add‑ons. The Elite and Black Edition trims reach $54,990 and $56,490. These figures put the Pilot in direct competition with the top‑tier Telluride and Palisade, as well as other three‑row SUVs that offer similar feature sets for comparable prices. Choosing the right trim early is crucial to avoid paying for unnecessary options.Fuel economy is another concern. While the V6 is adequate for a three‑row SUV, rivals are increasingly offering hybrid powertrains that deliver higher mpg. Over a typical 15,000‑mile year, even a 1–3 mpg difference translates into noticeable fuel costs, especially if gas prices rise. Ownership risks also include recent recalls: a 2025 recall for third‑row seatbelt routing and a brake‑pedal pivot‑pin issue affecting 2023‑2025 models. Prospective buyers should verify that any recall work has been completed before purchasing. New infotainment hardware also demands attention; a flaky wireless connection or a frozen screen on day one can become a long‑term headache.
Key takeaways for families
The 2020 Honda Pilot refresh delivers a modern, spacious interior and a reliable V6 that handles well with or without AWD. However, the price hike, modest fuel economy, and recent recall issues mean that the SUV’s value proposition is less clear than it first appears. Families who prioritize interior tech and seating flexibility may find the Pilot appealing, but those sensitive to cost, fuel consumption, or long‑term reliability should weigh these factors carefully before deciding. Ultimately, the Pilot remains a solid family SUV, but its refreshed package comes with trade‑offs that deserve close scrutiny.