The History and Evolution 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

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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

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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

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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 brand focused on an off-roading trim level with the introduction of the new Pilot TrailSport trim. More off-road chops, less costly than others like Jeep or Land Rover.

2023 – 2025 – Most rugged and capable Honda SUV ever

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Finally, we have the 2023 Honda Pilot – which will be the most rugged and capable Honda SUV to date. The newest Pilot, builds on the previous introduction of the TrailSport trim, with even more off-road prowess and capability. It is expected to arrive at Honda dealers later in 2022.

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