7 Exciting 2021 Honda Pilot Configurations You Need to Know About!
The 2021 Honda Pilot is here folks! It’s bigger better and bolder than ever before. Honda’s beloved midsize SUV offers seven trims each with unique features designed to cater to different driving needs. So let’s buckle up and take a wild ride through each 2021 Honda Pilot configuration and see what makes each one tick. Along the way we'll drop some honest (and maybe slightly funny) insights on what might not be so perfect about each one.
You know we're gonna hit the highs and lows but all with a little humor mixed in. After all if you can't laugh about a lack of USB ports in 2021 what can you laugh about?
Overview of 2021 Honda Pilot Configurations
Before we dive deep let’s do a quick rundown of the available seven trims:
- Honda Pilot LX
- Honda Pilot EX
- Honda Pilot EX-L
- Honda Pilot Special Edition (SE)
- Honda Pilot Touring
- Honda Pilot Elite
- Honda Pilot Black Edition
Now let’s break these down starting with the base model and working our way to the top-tier Black Edition where things start to get fancy (and expensive).
Honda Pilot LX
Starting with the base model the Pilot LX is an excellent entry point. It comes with a powerful 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and a standard 9-speed automatic transmission. You’re also getting Honda Sensing safety tech as standard (which is kind of like Honda’s gift to humanity).
Notable Features:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Honda Sensing Safety Suite
- 280-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine
- 7-passenger seating
The Pilot LX is a solid option for families looking to get a midsize SUV without breaking the bank. But here’s the deal: this trim is a little too… basic. If you’re fine with cloth seats and a 5-inch non-touchscreen display then cool. But let’s be honest you might feel like you’re stuck in the last decade when you realize your phone screen is bigger than your car’s display.
And yeah I know what you're thinking: “5-inch screen Alex Seriously?” Yep. It’s like driving a modern tank with a flip phone on the dashboard.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Small 5-inch screen (you’ll squint at the navigation for sure)
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
- No power tailgate (get ready for some arm workout)
Honda Pilot EX
The Pilot EX is where things start to get good. You get some seriously nice upgrades over the LX including a larger 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility (finally!). Plus heated front seats come standard which is a game-changer for those cold morning commutes.
Notable Features:
- 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Heated front seats
- Blind-spot monitoring
If you live in a place with unpredictable weather (hello Chicago!) you’ll appreciate that the EX adds some luxury-like touches without feeling over-the-top. But even here there are some quirks like the lack of a power tailgate which would’ve been nice at this price point.
Alex Collantes, a local automotive enthusiast and all-around cool guy said "The EX hits a sweet spot for most people. You get enough tech to feel modern without the price skyrocketing out of control. It’s like getting the ‘medium’ size popcorn at the movies just right."
Potential Drawbacks:
- Still no power tailgate (seriously Honda?)
- No leather seats (you’re still stuck with cloth)
Honda Pilot EX-L
Ah yes the Pilot EX-L where things get a little leather-y. If the EX was the medium popcorn the EX-L is adding butter and maybe some fancy sprinkles on top. With leather-trimmed seats a power tailgate and a one-touch power moonroof this trim feels much more luxurious than its predecessors.
Notable Features:
- Leather-trimmed seats
- Power tailgate
- Power moonroof
- 4 USB ports (finally!)
The EX-L hits that sweet spot for families who want a balance of luxury and practicality. You’ll enjoy that power tailgate when you’ve got an armful of groceries and 4 USB ports keep everyone’s devices charged (no more arguments on long road trips!).
But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: rear-seat entertainment system? Nope. You’ll still have to rely on tablets and smartphones to keep the kids entertained. C'mon Honda we know you can do better!
Potential Drawbacks:
- No rear-seat entertainment system
- Price starts creeping up
- Not the easiest on gas (19 city / 26 highway MPG)
Honda Pilot Special Edition (SE)
The Special Edition or SE as the cool kids call it adds some extra style and functionality to the mix. If you love black wheels and wireless phone charging this trim has your name written all over it. Plus you get roof rails as standard making it easier to throw bikes or a kayak on top.
Notable Features:
- 20-inch black alloy wheels
- Wireless phone charger
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Roof rails
With its sleek black wheels and roof rails the SE is for families that like a little bit of adventure mixed with style. But here’s the catch: most of the “special” stuff is cosmetic or minor functionality improvements. If you’re expecting a big leap over the EX-L you might be left wanting more. But hey at least your car will look good while you’re feeling mildly underwhelmed.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Mostly cosmetic upgrades
- Still no rear-seat entertainment
- Not as "special" as the name suggests
Honda Pilot Touring
Enter the Honda Pilot Touring. This is where Honda brings in the big guns with features like a rear entertainment system Wi-Fi hotspot and premium audio system. If you’ve got a big family that needs to be entertained on long drives this is the trim you’re probably eyeing.
Notable Features:
- Rear-seat entertainment system
- Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Premium 10-speaker audio system
The Touring is perfect for families that love road trips. Kids can watch movies while you enjoy some peace and quiet (or rock out to that premium audio system). But here’s the catch: Touring isn’t cheap. At this point you’re getting into some serious dollar territory. And oh yeah 20-inch wheels might look good but the ride can be a little stiff. You win some you lose some.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Pricey!
- 20-inch wheels can lead to a rougher ride
- Not everyone wants to pay for a rear entertainment system in the age of iPads
Honda Pilot Elite
Things are getting fancy now. The Pilot Elite is the ultimate family SUV luxury experience (short of the Black Edition). We’re talking panoramic roof heated and ventilated seats and second-row captain’s chairs. This is the trim for those who refuse to compromise on comfort.
Notable Features:
- Panoramic roof
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- Heated steering wheel
Now don’t get me wrong the Pilot Elite is fantastic but it’s also where you might start wondering if you’re spending too much on a Honda Pilot. You’ve got luxury features sure but you’re also tipping into premium pricing territory. Also those captain’s chairs? Great for space but say goodbye to the option of squeezing in that extra passenger in the second row.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Captain’s chairs reduce seating capacity (from 8 to 7)
- High price tag
- Ventilated seats are nice but do they justify the cost?
Honda Pilot Black Edition
Finally we arrive at the Black Edition which is basically the Elite but with a sleek blacked-out aesthetic. Black wheels black trim black interior—it’s all black everything. If you want to make a statement and don’t mind paying a premium for style this is the one for you.
Notable Features:
- Exclusive blacked-out styling
- Red ambient lighting
- Everything from the Elite trim plus more “cool” factor
The Black Edition is for those who think the regular Elite just isn’t fancy enough. You’re paying extra for the cool factor and that’s totally okay if it’s your thing. But if you’re like me you might start wondering if paying for aesthetics is really worth it when it’s essentially the Elite in a tuxedo.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Really expensive
- All style no added substance
- Only comes in black (obviously)
2021 Honda Pilot Safety Features
All 2021 Honda Pilots come equipped with Honda Sensing which includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
These systems are standard across all trims which is fantastic because keeping your family safe should never be an "extra" feature.
2021 Honda Pilot Fuel Economy
Depending on the trim and drivetrain the 2021 Honda Pilot achieves an EPA-estimated:
- 19 MPG city / 27 MPG highway for 2WD models
- 20 MPG city / 26 MPG highway for AWD models
While not the best in its class it’s pretty decent considering the size and power of the Pilot. Just don’t expect to win any eco-friendly awards.
Conclusion: Which 2021 Honda Pilot Configuration is Right for You?
Choosing the right 2021 Honda Pilot configuration comes down to what you value most. If you’re looking for affordability and can live with fewer frills go for the LX or EX. Families that want more tech and comfort should consider the EX-L or Special Edition. If road trips are your thing the Touring is a great pick while the Elite and Black Edition are ideal for those who want luxury and don’t mind paying for it.
As Alex Collantes put it “The Pilot is like a Swiss Army knife of SUVs. You’ve got a trim for everyone. Just be sure you know what you want before diving in because it’s easy to get swept away by all the features.”