7 Reasons Why the 2021 Honda Pilot Engine Will Surprise You (But Maybe Not Your Mechanic)

The 2021 Honda Pilot has been around for a while now and you’ve probably heard about its reliable V6 engine, excellent fuel economy for an SUV its size, and of course, Honda’s well-earned reputation for longevity. If you're considering this mid-size family hauler, there's a lot to love about the Pilot, and I mean a lot. But we're not here to discuss the shiny infotainment system or third-row seatings today. Nope, let's dive into the one thing that keeps this behemoth rolling—the engine. Because let’s be real, a pretty car that doesn’t run well is just driveway décor.

Before we get into the juicy details, let’s give a quick shout-out to Honda’s engineering team for creating a 3.5-liter V6 engine that balances performance, reliability, and fuel efficiency. But it’s not all perfect, and like every engine, it has its quirks. We'll go through all of that, the good, the bad, and the "did they really design it like that?" moments.

What Powers the 2021 Honda Pilot?

The 2021 Honda Pilot comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that churns out a solid 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm. The engine has a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design with 24 valves and Honda's i-VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system that helps optimize power and efficiency across different RPM ranges.

The Honda 3.5-Liter V6: A Quick Look Under the Hood

Specifications at a Glance

• Engine type: 3.5-liter SOHC V6
• Horsepower: 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm
• Fuel Economy: 20 city / 27 highway mpg
• Fuel type: Regular unleaded
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic

Let’s break it down a little more because numbers alone don’t tell the full story. For an SUV of its size, the Honda Pilot's engine manages to strike a decent balance between performance and fuel economy. It's no speed demon, but for a family vehicle that has to haul groceries, soccer gear, and maybe a kid or two, 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque give it enough juice to get you from A to B without feeling sluggish.

1. The Power Output: Smooth Enough For Mom’s Commute But Spunky When You Need It

If you’re looking for a zippy ride that’ll zoom past sedans at the red light, the 2021 Pilot might not be your first choice. But where it excels is in the smooth power delivery. Thanks to Honda’s i-VTEC system, you get a broad, usable torque curve that keeps the driving experience engaging without demanding too much from you. It’s like the engine’s always ready but never pushy. Think of it as a polite sports enthusiast at a family reunion—capable, but not looking to steal the spotlight.

2. Fuel Economy: Decent for Its Size (But Still Guzzles More Than Your Prius)

While the 3.5-liter V6 is a powerhouse, let’s be honest—you're not getting Prius-level fuel efficiency here. The EPA rates the 2021 Honda Pilot at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Respectable, but you’ll definitely feel the pinch at the pump if you’re used to something smaller. The 2021 Pilot does have Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which deactivates some of the cylinders during light loads to save fuel. But hey, physics: you’re still pushing around 4,300 pounds of metal.

Pros of the V6 Engine

• Powerful enough for day-to-day family driving.
• Smooth power delivery thanks to i-VTEC.
• Reasonable fuel efficiency for its size, but nothing to write home about.

Cons

• At the end of the day, it's still a gas guzzler compared to smaller vehicles.
• Some might find the 9-speed automatic transmission a little fussy at lower speeds (more on that later).

3. Reliability: You Might Be Able to Hand This One Down to Your Grandkids

When you think Honda, you think reliability, right? That reputation holds true for the 2021 Pilot’s V6 engine. These engines are built to last, and it's not uncommon to see Honda engines going strong past 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. That being said, some owners have reported minor issues—like oil dilution, which could be a problem in the long term if you're the "set it and forget it" type.

"I’ve been driving Hondas for over 15 years, and the Pilot’s V6 engine is one of their most reliable. I haven’t had a single engine issue in three years of ownership," says Alex Collantes, a long-time Honda owner and amateur mechanic.

So, in a nutshell? You’ll probably have this thing running until you’re ready to upgrade to a flying car in 2040.

The 9-Speed Automatic Transmission: We Need to Talk

Ah, the infamous 9-speed transmission. If you've read reviews on the 2021 Pilot, you probably already know where this is headed. The 9-speed automatic that comes standard on the Touring and Elite trims is… quirky. That's a polite way of putting it. The transmission does help keep engine revs low on the highway, which aids in fuel economy. But in stop-and-go traffic, it can feel jerky and confused—like it can’t decide which gear it wants to be in.

What’s the Deal With the Transmission?

• Shifts are smooth at highway speeds.
• Low-speed driving? Not so much.
• Some owners report delays in shifting and clunky gear changes, especially when accelerating from a stop.

Despite the transmission quirks, it’s not a dealbreaker for most people. In fact, it’s one of those things where you’ll probably get used to it over time. If you're coming from a simpler 5- or 6-speed automatic, though, it might feel like you’re suddenly driving a car with commitment issues.

4. Towing Capacity: Don’t Expect to Haul a Yacht

Let’s get something straight: if you’re buying a 2021 Pilot to tow heavy loads, you might want to reconsider your priorities. While the 3.5-liter V6 is no slouch, the Pilot's maximum towing capacity tops out at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. That’s fine for towing a small boat or camper, but forget about pulling anything massive. Honda knew what they were doing here—this SUV is made for families, not for pulling farm equipment.

What Can It Tow?

• A small to mid-size camper (as long as you pack light).
• A jet ski or two.
• Your kid’s soccer team equipment trailer.

What It Can't Tow?

• A yacht. Sorry.
• A fully-loaded horse trailer.
• Pretty much anything that’ll make your neighbors say “Wow.”

VCM: Variable Cylinder Management (It’s Not as Complicated as It Sounds)

One of the ways Honda manages to squeeze a bit more fuel economy out of the Pilot’s V6 is through Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). In simpler terms, VCM can deactivate three of the six cylinders when you’re cruising or driving with a light load, effectively turning your V6 into a V3. When more power is needed, the system reactivates all cylinders.

While this tech is great for fuel economy, some owners have reported that it makes the engine feel slightly less responsive. But hey, cylinder deactivation is becoming a pretty standard feature in many modern engines to improve fuel efficiency. You’ll likely only notice it if you’re really paying attention.

5. Drawbacks of the VCM System: The Couch Potato of Engine Features?

While VCM can help you save a bit at the pump, it has its quirks. Some owners have noticed a slight vibration when the system activates or deactivates cylinders. And let’s not forget the potential for increased wear and tear on the engine due to the constant on-off nature of the system.

But in all honesty, if you're not someone who obsesses over every little vibration, this probably won’t be a dealbreaker.

Engine Sound: Subtle but Present

Let’s be real, you’re not buying the 2021 Pilot for its exhilarating engine note. This V6 is tuned for a quiet, refined ride. When you're cruising around town, the engine hums along like it's barely breaking a sweat, which is great if you’re trying to have a conversation with your kids (or yell at them, let’s be honest). At higher RPMs, though, the 3.5-liter engine makes itself known. It’s not a bad sound, but it’s also not something you’d brag about to your car enthusiast buddies.

6. Cabin Noise: Quiet but Don’t Push It

One thing that’s worth mentioning is that while the Pilot's cabin is mostly quiet, if you really step on it, you’ll hear the engine a lot more than you might expect. It’s like that friend who’s quiet until they get a few drinks in them—suddenly they’re the loudest one in the room.

Maintenance: Keep It Happy and It'll Last Forever

Oil Changes and Basic Maintenance

The 3.5-liter V6 in the Pilot is relatively low-maintenance as long as you keep up with regular oil changes, typically every 7,500 miles. Just don’t cheap out on oil filters and fluids because that’s where things can go sideways.

• Regular oil changes every 7,500 miles
• Check transmission fluid periodically (especially if you notice any quirks)
• Keep an eye on that VCM for any issues

The Verdict

At the end of the day, the 2021 Honda Pilot's engine is a well-rounded choice for families looking for a reliable, spacious SUV that won’t guzzle too much gas. Sure, it’s got its quirks—the 9-speed transmission is a little finicky, and the VCM system might take some getting used to—but overall, it’s a solid choice that’ll probably outlive most of your appliances.

"It’s one of those engines that doesn’t wow you every day, but you also never have to worry about it. And in my book, that’s worth a lot," says Alex Collantes.

And hey, if you do decide to buy one, just remember—no one buys a Honda Pilot to break speed records. You buy it because you want an engine that’ll still be chugging along after your kids have graduated college.