Honda Pilot III (facelift 2019) 3.5 V6 (280 HP) AWD Automatic

The Honda Pilot is a popular answer to the ever-competitive midsize SUV market. We've always loved the Pilot for its practicality, but looks wise it has never impressed, and the 2021 model is no different: it seems droopy when compared to the competition. Behind that dreary design lies a highly capable car that offers reliable performance from its 280-horsepower V6 engine, and all models now come with a slick-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. Honda provides the Pilot in a wide range of trims, which means there is something for everyone up and down the price range. There's also a good amount of standard features. Higher up in the range, the Pilot starts to feature some premium equipment but can't match the likes of the Kia Telluride.

The 2021 Honda Pilot has been blessed with a new trim level and a host of upgrades. First off, Honda has introduced the new Special Edition, which slots in between the EX-L and Touring, and features 20-inch wheels finished off in black, wireless phone charging and a foot-operated auto-lifting tailgate. The smooth nine-speed automatic with paddle shifters and Idle Stop, which was previously only available on the Touring model and upward, is now standard across the lineup. All 2021 models now come standard with dual-zone automatic climate control. In order to facilitate all these upgrades, Honda has raised the base price by $600.

There's not much to report here, and we think the styling of the Honda Pilot is one of its most significant drawbacks - it's overdue for a redesign. In typical Honda fashion, the Pilot offers excellent practicality, decent standard features, and competitive fuel economy figures, but chooses restrained styling over something more contemporary. Compared to competitors such as the bold Kia Telluride, the Pilot comes across as drab, and that wagon-like side profile does nothing for its street cred. Honda does, however, offer the Pilot in a new Special Edition trim, which adds a set of black alloys. The Honda Pilot Black Edition adds even more attitude, but we're not convinced that it's enough. Standard features across the range include low-beam LED headlights, and EX models and upward get LED foglights. EX-L models get a one-touch power moonroof, while Elite models offer a panoramic roof. Wheel sizes range from 18- to 20-inch items depending on the trim.

Let's get one thing straight: the Honda Pilot is no Civic Type R. Its bulky design, raised ride height and automatic transmission translates into a car that doesn't thrill the senses or offer an impressive 0-60 mph run, but out in the real world we have been pleasantly surprised. It's not the most underwhelming midsize SUV we've tested. Power comes from a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine isn't as powerful as the V6 on offer in the Kia Telluride, which delivers 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Still, to our surprise, this engine sounds relatively sporty and picks up pace with an eagerness you wouldn't expect from such a vehicle. With linear power delivery, city driving becomes a pleasurable experience, even when fully loaded, and there's enough poke to make highway overtaking a stress-free exercise. Towing capacity is a reasonable 3,500 pounds in front-wheel-drive guise and increases to 5,000 lbs in all-wheel-drive configuration, which matches the Kia Telluride's towing abilities.

You won't be surprised by anything inside the cabin of the 2021 Honda Pilot: it's all pretty standard stuff, but before we get into that, it should be worth mentioning that getting in and out of the Pilot is a pleasure due to its moderate ride height and wide-opening doors. Once inside, you're greeted by a logical space. Everything falls to hand easily, and it's clear that Honda designed the space with family-friendly ergonomics in mind. The interior doesn't feel as upmarket as the Kia, but there's a feeling of quality that is noticeable around the cabin, which is a classic Honda trait. Sitting high up in the front is a boon for forward visibility, and in fact, visibility is great all round. Higher spec cars get a sunroof or panoramic roof, which helps lift an otherwise dark interior. It's a solid effort overall if a bit dull, but the level of quality seals the deal.

The life of a Honda Pilot isn't a glamorous one. Most of the time, its interior will have to deal with all the spills and thrills of family life, so it takes some seriously hard-wearing materials to keep things looking semi-decent in the long run. In the case of the base model, Honda gives you a single option: Gray or Black cloth. This option feels durable to the touch and should stand up to years of abuse. The EX-L is the first in the lineup to be offered with leather seats, and the Elite is offered with your choice of Gray, Beige, or Black perforated leather seats. Color availability changes based on your chosen exterior color. While there is a fair amount of plastic inside the cabin, everything feels well put together, and we did not experience any annoying rattles.

With so many trim levels on offer, listing all the standard features gets a bit complicated, so let's start with the base model LX and work our way up the ladder. On the LX, you can expect to find standard tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, and cruise control. Next up is the EX, which adds second-row controls for the climate control system, driver's and front passenger's seatback pockets, as well as illuminated vanity mirrors. The EX-L throws in a HomeLink remote system, integrated sunshades for the second row, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Special Edition car shares the same features. The Touring model adds courtesy door lights and blue ambient interior lighting, while the Honda Pilot Elite gets a heated leather steering wheel. All models are equipped with collision mitigation braking, road departure assist, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. EX models and upward benefit from blind spot monitoring and all models get auto high beam headlights.

You can't win them all, they say. The central touchscreen on the 2021 Honda Pilot is one of the features that disappoints. The base model gets a measly five-inch display, while EX models and above get a more contemporary eight-inch unit. All trims get Bluetooth streaming, an MP3/aux input, and speed-sensitive volume compensation. All models up to the Special Edition get a 215-watt sound system with seven speakers, including a subwoofer. After that, you get a 590-watt premium audio system with ten speakers. Special features such as HondaLink, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio are only available on the EX and upwards. The Special Edition, Elite, and Black Edition all come with wireless phone charging, while Touring, Elite, and Black Edition models are offered with navigation and a rear entertainment system that features a 10.2-inch display and a Blu-ray player. The top three trims also offer Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The larger eight-inch display works well and is easy to get used to, and the overall experience is not the worst, but Honda needs to step up its game in this department.

Reliability reviews of the 2021 Pilot are a mixed bag; it has had its fair share of problems in the past two years and earns a 78 out of 100 from JD Power. However, in 2019, the Pilot was recalled for incorrect pillar mounting holes, a timing belt issue, as well as incomplete body welding that also affected 2020 Honda Pilot models. In 2020, the Pilot saw a recall for a rather bureaucratic reason: the certification label's ink could wipe away, increasing the likelihood that the Pilot could be overloaded beyond its permitted capacity.

If reliability is a concern, Honda will cover the 2021 Pilot with a basic three-year/36,000-mile warranty, a five-year/unlimited-mile corrosion warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and three years or 36,000 miles worth of roadside assistance.

Price Range (MSRP): $32,550 - $50,220.