History of the Honda Pilot SUV

Honda is preparing the next-generation of its mid-size three-row SUV, a vehicle that has been integral to the brand’s SUV lineup since the early 2000’s. Here, we have a brief and visual history of the Honda Pilot.

2003 – The Honda Pilot is born

Photo Courtesy: Car and Driver

The Honda Pilot makes its debut in 2003 to compete against an increasing assortment of mid-size SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer. Unlike other models, which utilize body-on-frame construction, the Pilot uses a car-like unibody structure derived from the Honda Odyssey minivan and shared with the Acura MDX SUV that Honda’s luxury brand released two years prior.

Due to this, the Pilot’s on-road driving experience is noticeably better than its truck-like competition. Standard all-wheel drive ensures Honda’s boxy mid-size model includes a decent amount of off-pavement capability.

2006 – Time for a refresh

Photo Courtesy: Car and Driver

For the 2006 model year, Honda decided to usher in a significant makeover for the SUV. This included a revised grille, re-profiled headlights and taillights, and new front and rear fascias. Honda’s latest navigation system is optional and includes a 7.0-inch screen and voice recognition. Adding navigation means a rearview camera comes along for the ride, a first for the practically-minded Pilot.

While the first-generation Pilot was exclusively offered with all-wheel drive, the 2006 Pilot added a front-wheel-drive option to the mix. Honda equips the 3.5-liter V-6 engine of two-wheel-drive Pilots with variable cylinder management systems as a means of improving the SUV’s fuel economy.

2009 – A total redesign

Photo Courtesy: Car and Driver

Honda redesigns the Pilot for the 2009 model year. The unibody three-row wears boxier and more upright styling and benefits from a 2.9-inch wheelbase stretch that frees up extra space for passengers and cargo alike. Output from the 3.5-liter V-6 engine jumps to 250 horsepower as well.

2012 – Subtle tweaks

Photo Courtesy: Car and Driver

For the Honda Pilot’s 2012 model year, some subtle changes were made. Altercations of the SUV’s cabin include a more user-friendly center stack, mild updates to the gauge gluster, and improvements to the available in-dash navigation system.

2016 – Rounder look – similar to Odyssey

Photo Courtesy: Car and Driver

The third-generation Honda Pilot trades its predecessor’s box-like design for a more streamlined, minivan look. Though the 2016 Pilot casts a shadow 3.5-inches longer than before, it manages to cut quite a few pounds from its mass, with an all-wheel drive 2016 Pilot hitting the scale some 309 pounds lighter than an all-wheel-drive 2011 model.

2019 – Mid-cycle refresh improves infotainment system

Photo Courtesy: Car and Driver

This mid-cycle refresh brings a number of small but appreciated improvements, including the addition of a proper volume knob to every one of the Pilot’s available infotainment setups. Other changes to the SUV include the likes of tweaks to its exterior design, a new gauge cluster setup, and a longer list of standard active safety items.

2022 – Honda Pilot – off-road SUV

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For the 2022 Honda Pilot, the SUV become focused on off-roading with the introduction of the Pilot TrailSport.

2023 / 2024 – Most rugged and capable Honda SUV ever

Photo Courtesy: Honda (zoom in)

Finally, we have the 2023 Honda Pilot – which will be the most rugged and capable Honda SUV to date. The newest Pilot, which is part of Honda’s round of year of the SUV, is expected to arrive at Honda dealers later this year.

Shop latest Honda Pilot at your local Honda dealer near me today!