Top 10 Things You Should Know About the 2021 Honda Pilot MPG

The 2021 Honda Pilot is one of those SUVs that tries its best to balance power space and fuel efficiency but does it nail it? Well we're about to dive into that mysterious world of MPG—a number that can either make or break your wallet over the long run. We're here to answer your burning questions about how far that tank of gas will take you in this 3-row family hauler and why you should care.

Fuel efficiency might not sound like the sexiest topic in the world but when it comes to SUVs like the Honda Pilot you probably want to know if it's going to drink gas like a marathon runner gulping down water at the last mile. So let’s go deeper and break it all down with a little bit of humor and a lot of facts.

Overview of the 2021 Honda Pilot MPG

Before we get into the mileage let’s just take a moment to appreciate the 2021 Honda Pilot as a whole. This vehicle is like your best friend who’s always reliable and there for you whether you're hauling kids gear or groceries. It's one of those dependable SUVs that doesn't demand too much from you and it’s got some seriously spacious seating for up to eight people. But what about its fuel efficiency?

The EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2021 Honda Pilot is:

• 20 MPG in the city
• 27 MPG on the highway
• 23 MPG combined

These numbers apply to the front-wheel-drive model. If you go with the all-wheel-drive version, you’re looking at:

• 19 MPG in the city
• 26 MPG on the highway
• 22 MPG combined

Now sure it might not be Prius-level fuel sipping but considering the size of this beast 23 MPG combined isn’t half bad. Alex Collantes, a proud Honda Pilot owner says "Honestly, I was surprised at how efficient it is for something this big I drive a lot for work and it doesn't hit my wallet as hard as I thought it would".

Real-World MPG vs. EPA Estimates

Let's be honest when was the last time you actually hit the exact MPG that the EPA said you would? Yeah that's what we thought. The EPA numbers give a general idea but your actual fuel efficiency depends on a lot of factors like:

• Driving habits (yes speed demons I'm looking at you)
• Terrain (hills burn more gas)
• Load (how many passengers or how much cargo you're hauling)
• Weather conditions

So if you’ve got a heavy foot and a love for cranking the AC your real-world numbers might dip slightly below the EPA estimates. On the flip side if you're the smooth operator cruising at a steady speed on the highway you might just get closer to the 27 MPG on long road trips.

Pro Tip: If you're stuck in traffic for hours on end like most urban dwellers expect to land more around the 19-20 MPG mark since city driving burns more fuel.

Maximize Your 2021 Honda Pilot's MPG

1. Lighten the Load: Sure you can haul all the soccer gear and camping supplies you want but don't keep them in there 24/7. The more weight your Pilot carries the harder it works which means more fuel burned.
2. Smooth Driving: Accelerate gradually and avoid sudden stops. Think of it as driving like your grandma—slow and steady wins the MPG race.
3. Proper Tire Inflation: Underinflated tires can seriously mess with your fuel economy. Keep them pumped up to manufacturer's specs and you'll notice the difference at the pump.
4. Regular Maintenance: Keep your engine in good health with regular oil changes and tune-ups. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently.

Engine Power vs. MPG: Can You Have Both?

One of the best things about the 2021 Honda Pilot is its 3.5-liter V6 engine that cranks out 280 horsepower. It’s a solid performer in its class, giving you enough power to pass slowpokes on the highway without a second thought. The trade-off? Well, more power usually means more fuel consumption but Honda's done a pretty good job here balancing the engine's oomph with reasonable fuel efficiency.

Let's put it this way: you can definitely haul the family and all their gear on a road trip without feeling like you're piloting a snail but at the same time, you're not going to break the bank when it's time to fill up. Could it be better? Sure but for a V6 SUV of this size, the Pilot holds its own. Alex Collantes adds "I was worried I'd be making too many stops for gas on long trips but it's been surprisingly fuel-efficient especially on highways".

AWD or FWD: Which Is Better for Fuel Economy?

If you're looking to squeeze out every possible mile per gallon then the front-wheel-drive (FWD) version is the one to go for. FWD generally provides better fuel efficiency than all-wheel drive (AWD) because you're only powering two wheels instead of four which means less energy wasted on keeping all those wheels moving. However if you live in an area with snow or tricky terrain the AWD option might be more practical.

Here’s how the MPG compares:

• FWD: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined
• AWD: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined

The difference in fuel economy isn’t huge but it’s something to keep in mind if you're really focused on MPG.

3 Reasons Why AWD Might Be Worth It

1. Better Traction: If you live in a place that gets icy or snowy the AWD will keep you on the road instead of in a ditch.
2. Resale Value: AWD vehicles tend to hold their value a bit better which could pay off down the line.
3. Off-Road Capabilities: While the Pilot isn't exactly a rock crawler having AWD gives you a bit more freedom if you plan on taking any light off-road adventures.

Other Competitors in the MPG Game

If you're cross-shopping the 2021 Honda Pilot with other 3-row SUVs it's worth looking at how the MPG numbers stack up against its competition. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Toyota Highlander: 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined (FWD)
• Ford Explorer: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined (FWD)
• Chevrolet Traverse: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined (FWD)
• Kia Telluride: 20 city / 26 highway / 23 combined (FWD)

As you can see the Honda Pilot isn’t leading the pack but it’s comfortably competitive. It’s also worth considering that fuel economy is just one piece of the puzzle. Features cargo space reliability and overall comfort are just as important for most SUV buyers.

Drawbacks of the 2021 Honda Pilot MPG (With a Side of Humor)

1. Not Hybrid-Friendly: If you’re someone who wants hybrid-level fuel efficiency in a big SUV well the Pilot isn’t there yet. Maybe in a parallel universe where Honda decided to throw in an electric motor you’d be getting 50 MPG combined but for now you’ll just have to stick to good ol’ gas.

2. AWD Gas Guzzler: Want AWD? Great now enjoy the slightly less impressive MPG. It’s almost like the AWD is sneaking extra trips to the gas station when you're not looking.

3. Heavy Foot Syndrome: Got a lead foot? Expect to watch your MPG plummet faster than you can say "speed limit". This V6 likes to show off but your wallet won’t love it if you floor it everywhere.

4. City Driving Woes: If you're stuck in stop-and-go traffic a lot the Pilot’s fuel economy drops. It's like the SUV's way of reminding you that you could be out on the open road but instead you’re trapped behind a million brake lights.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2021 Honda Pilot Worth It for MPG?

At the end of the day the 2021 Honda Pilot does what it’s supposed to do. It provides a balance of space power and reasonable fuel efficiency for a mid-sized SUV. It’s not a hybrid it's not going to win any hypermiling competitions but it also won’t leave you shaking your fist at the gas pump.

If you want a spacious family SUV that won't crush you with fuel costs the Honda Pilot is a great option. It gets the job done with a smooth ride reliable performance and decent MPG especially on the highway.

Alex Collantes sums it up perfectly "For an SUV this size I'm happy with the gas mileage Sure I could be driving a tiny hatchback getting 40 MPG but then where would I put all my stuff?".

So go ahead and test drive the 2021 Honda Pilot and see if its MPG works for your lifestyle. Just remember to keep your expectations realistic because at the end of the day no one buys a big 3-row SUV expecting it to sip gas like a sports car.