2023 Honda Pilot vs. 2024 Honda Pilot
Comparison between the 2023 Honda Pilot and the 2024 Honda Pilot
1. Exterior Design
The extended rear view is the most striking contrast between the two models. Of course, there is no mistaking it - the nostrils have expanded to gigantic proportions. Originally a rather subtle design, the top of the line black edition now has something of a two-tone look with far more black trim than before. Honda's press release does specifically state: "Increased black trim to emphasize ruggedness." Presumably, this is part of the ongoing desire to imply that the Pilot is capable of off-road duties, despite being based on the car platform. Taken as a whole, the design is indeed more rugged than before and the black edition in particular does have a style all of its own, although it's far from what one would call attractive. Beyond that, the rest of the changes slight. The headlights and the tail lights are now LEDs on all models. The tail lights follow the general industry trend of becoming progressively thinner, but as changes it's neither here nor there. The wheels are also new and there has been some reshaping of the lower exterior panels, but the average person would struggle to notice the differences if they weren't pointed out to them. Overall, the changes to the 2023/24 Pilot are what one has come to expect of a mid-cycle model update. Few changes to the core design, but plenty of minor details to draw attention to in the brochure. Beyond the black edition and the odd new wheel design, there is little that stands out as being particularly desirable compared to the previous model. 1
1.1. Styling updates
The 2024 Honda Pilot will see vast styling updates to distinguish itself from the 2023 model. These changes are obvious on the front with a smaller top grille giving way to a large horizontal chrome bar stretching the width of the front end. Both the headlights and DRLs are thinner and LED, and the lower fascia has an array of chrome trim depending on trim level. Honda's goal was giving the new Pilot a more "sophisticated, family SUV" look and we think they've done exactly that. The new front end suggests luxury without being overly boxy or aggressive. When viewing the 2024 Pilot from the side, the first thing you may notice is the sloping roofline, adding aggression and separating from its boxier competitors. You may also notice the shaved body line above the rear wheels adding more character and a bit of a luxury look. The roofline is less vanilla compared to the 2023 model and the Pilot now sports chrome roof rails for an added touch of utility. The rear end is significantly different with a more horizontal and less vertical appearance. The taillights are connected with a piece of chrome trim and the tailgate now has "Pilot" written across it as opposed to just the Honda symbol. Even the lower fascia matches the front appearance with a chrome bar and black trim. This is the sort of styling that really grows on you as it reeks of attention to detail. We expect this new styling and attention to carry with the 2024 Pilot throughout the trim levels. Whether it be the base model or the Elite, each vehicle looks the part in its respective position. 23
1.2. New color options
The color palette of a vehicle is as much a part of the style as the actual design. Different hues can change the look of a vehicle drastically, and when considering the new stylistic changes of the 2022 Pilot, the new color options must be taken into account. The 2022 Pilot features a variety of colors, many of which are exclusive to the black edition. Among the exclusive colors are Crystal Black Pearl, Black Forest Pearl, and, for the first time, Honda is offering a black roof as a paint option on any of the color choices. Other colors that are available for the non black-edition models are Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, and an exclusive for the Touring and Elite models, Deep Scarlet Pearl. Unfortunately, any of the colors that were available for the 3rd generation Honda Pilot are not available for the 2022 model year. While not necessarily a new color, the availability of the black roof option can be seen as a nod to the black edition styling, and an effort to bridge the gap between the top tier Touring and Elite models, and the elite black edition. While the 2022 Pilot only features a slight expansion on the offered color pallet, it serves as a sleek and professional new edge to the color schemes offered in previous model years. With consideration to the new styling of the Pilot, the crisp new color options provided, will offer a complete new style for those interested in the newest Honda model.
1.3. Enhanced aerodynamics
The 2023 Honda Pilot has another extraordinary exterior than its predecessor. It is designed with different styling and highlighted by sharp and bold lines which makes the car look more robust. It is different from the 2024 Honda Pilot which has a more rounded edge than its predecessor. Its bold lines are combined with LED light for its headlamp with a different design from the 2024 Pilot. The headlamp of the 2023 Honda Pilot looks more sharp and angular, different from the 2024 Pilot which is more curvy. Both of them have an LED Daytime Running Light (DRL) to enhance visibility. At the bumper, the 2023 Pilot has a more thick and straight line design compared to the 2024 Pilot which has a slimmer and more rounded design. Moving to the rear, the taillights of the 2023 Honda Pilot look more three dimensional, it looks more sticking out from its body and has a different design from the 2024 Pilot which has a simpler design. The exhaust pipe of the 2023 Honda Pilot also has a different shape design, it is a trapezoidal chrome exhaust tip different from the 2024 Pilot which has a round chrome exhaust pipe. The 2023 Honda Pilot is available in 6 color options including the previous colors with the addition of two new colors, the Deep Scarlet Pearl and the Black Forest Pearl. The Black Forest Pearl color has an availability on higher trims. The colors have a different effect on the car appearance depending on the color, but the black and the white color looks more glossy than the 2024 Pilot. Both the 2023 Pilot and the 2024 Pilot have the same length and wheelbase, but the 2023 Pilot is slightly taller and wider than the 2024 Pilot. It has a rear and front track which is slightly wider. This size makes a 2023 Pilot look more bulky than its predecessor. Another noticeable difference is at the ground clearance, where the 2023 Honda Pilot has a ground clearance about 185 mm which is lower than the 2024 Honda Pilot which has a ground clearance about 194 mm. This much of dimension difference affects the driving behavior and making the 2023 Pilot and 2024 Pilot feel different to drive.
2. Interior Features
The 2024 Honda Pilot comes standard with an extensive suite of driver assistance and safety features. All trims of the newer model come with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. This includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist. The 2024 Pilot also comes standard with a rearview camera and auto high beam headlights. Many of these features carry over from the 2023 Pilot, however the 2024 Pilot adds new and advanced software and sensor enhancements to improve overall functionality of these safety systems. 4
The 2024 Honda Pilot offers a more advanced infotainment system compared to the 2023 Pilot. The newer vehicle comes equipped with a 12-speaker audio system that is designed to provide an immersive listening experience. The 2024 Pilot also comes equipped with a larger 9-inch touchscreen, an improvement over the 8-inch touchscreen that the 2023 Pilot offers. Additionally, the newer model comes with a wireless phone charging pad and a new CabinControl remote compatibility application. These new additions to the 2024 Pilot work to provide a more intuitive and streamlined multimedia experience for the driver and passengers compared to the 2023 Pilot.
2.1. Upgraded infotainment system
Infotainment system is a great feature for a car. Cars with infotainment systems are more favorable by the customers. Therefore, David Calderon is considering to upgrade the infotainment system with a new technology for the new Honda Pilot car. The new infotainment system is called rear entertainment. It is a 10-inch high-resolution display with a Blu-ray player, perfect for watching road trips. It is easy to stream video from wireless headphones. Moreover, they took some features from the 2018 Honda Pilot, like Cabin Talk and Social Playlist. Another advantage of this infotainment system is that it is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Furthermore, one of the best features of this infotainment system is the Cabin Control app. We can download the app to our smartphone and connect it with the car. With this app, we can use it to control the audio settings, rear seat reminder, and rear entertainment system.
2.2. Advanced driver-assistance technologies
One of the biggest selling points for the 2023 Pilot is its inclusion of Honda Sensing as a standard feature. Although it is still unconfirmed whether Honda Sensing will be standard on all 2024 Pilots, with the 2023 model Honda Sensing comes with a plethora of active driver-assist features. These include Collision Mitigation Braking System which can apply brake pressure when an impending collision is detected, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation and Adaptive Cruise Control. While regrettably the specific details of the driver-assist features on the new 2024 model are still unreleased, it would not be unreasonable to expect Honda Sensing to be standard on most trim levels due to Honda's tendency to move safety features down the line and into more models. With this in mind it's possible that the overall spread of the driver-assist features over all available 2024 Pilot models might be close to on par with those of the 2023 models. Both the 2023 and 2024 models come with an 8" display audio touch-screen, and although there is no specific information available for the 2024 model, the 2023 Pilot Touring and Elite models also feature Satellite-Linked Navigation System so it's reasonable to expect the 2024 Touring and Elite models to come with this too. The 2023 Pilot Touring has a 10 speaker audio system which is improved upon in the Elite model with a 590-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers, including a subwoofer. These audio systems are likely to be similar to those of the equivalent 2024 Pilot models.
2.3. Improved seating comfort
The new Honda Pilot 2024 also incorporates the addition of comprehensive new second row Captain's Chairs. The improved seating comfort creates a more accommodating 6-person interior where owners can select either the 2nd row Captain's Chairs or a 2nd row bench for 3-person seating to fit up to 8 occupants. The second-row Captain's Chairs offer the same great level of comfort and support as those in the front row with an easy access walkway between the two 2nd row seats to access the third row. The new seats also have a one-touch easy entry feature for third row access and accommodation. These come standard on Elite and Black Edition trims. Step up to the mainstay Pilot offering with a more versatile second row which comes available in both 7- and 8-seat configurations. This new seat features a segment exclusive sliding and reclining function allowing for easier 3rd row access and an overall improvement to entry and exit comfort. All trims get an improved front passenger seat with more travel and a new adjustable cushion. This creates better functionality and improved usability for passengers of varying sizes. With the more versatile second row and a variety of new seating features, the Honda Pilot now offers some of the best in class seating comfort.
2.4. Additional cargo space
The addition of more space is often something that many drivers are looking for. Whether your daily routine involves transporting many items or the occasional instance where you need some extra room, the 2023 Honda Pilot may not offer the amount of space you’re looking for. The 2024 Honda Pilot ends the search for extra space. This is especially true for the new, top-of-the-line trim Elite FWD. In the previous model, the Pilot’s max cargo room maxed out at 82.1 cubic feet. Elite FWD owners will enjoy an additional 16.6 cubic feet with an impressive max cargo room of 98.7 cubic feet. This improvement in space has also increased the width of the cargo area by 5.9 inches, now allowing for full-size plywood and drywall sheets to lay flat, making it much easier for customers transporting construction items. This adds an elevated level of versatility that the previous model did not offer. Honda has ensured that they took a quality over quantity route with the new Pilot. A common turn-off with traditional SUVs is the addition of the 3rd row that can actually take away from the rear cargo area. The new Pilot has maintained the 3rd row while improving the cargo area. Now with more space in the rear, and the capability to fold down the 3rd row, customers will never be put into a situation where they have to sacrifice carrying passengers for additional cargo space.
3. Performance and Efficiency
Honda has always been known for its performance in cars. Starting off with the engine specifications of both the 2023 Pilot and the 2024 Pilot, the horsepower and torque have increased. The 2023 Pilot has a 3.5 L V-6 engine with 280hp/262 tq while the 2024 Pilot has a 3.5 L V-6 engine but with 290hp/267 tq. Although the size and type of engine stayed the same, the increase in horsepower will greatly affect the performance of the Pilot. With more power, expect a bigger punch when accelerating and an easier time maintaining speed up or down-hill. The increase in horsepower not only increases acceleration and speed but also the towing capacity. With both Pilots-SUVs being 4-wheel drive PTS, expect the 2020 Pilot to outperform the 2023 Pilot in power and speed. The more effective and efficient engine would also last longer, which brings us to the specific maintenance costs and concerns for both of these vehicles. Because of the enhanced engine, the 2024 Pilot will likely have more maintenance costs due to its more intricate engine and more electronic components.
3.1. Enhanced engine specifications
The 2024 Pilot is also offered with a new standard 9-speed transmission, a change from the previous year's continuously variable transmission. This new combination of the 3.5-liter V6 and 9-speed gearbox produces an extra 11 lb-ft of torque and 6 hp compared to the previous year's identical engine. The 2WD has a reduced powertrain auditory pressure gear, which allows for improved fuel consumption ratings. Compared to the 2023 Pilot, the overall power and transmission for the 2024 model have reductions in noise and vibration that will bring better smoothness and refinement to acceleration. Combined with improved fuel efficiency, this powertrain provides many improvements in the customer driving experience compared to the 2023 model. The 2024 Pilot also comes with the option of AWD Elite and Black Edition models, with the return of a standard AWD system that utilizes Honda's i-VTM4 torque management system. Although it remains the same, this is a very capable AWD system for the Pilot, designed for improved tactile off-road and severe weather performance while maintaining fuel efficiency. The Elite and Black Edition models benefit greatly from a new powertrain option. With a change in engine type, the new 3.0-liter SOHC direct-injected and turbocharged V6 engine has the same 9-speed transmission and features an i-VTM4 AWD system, but improves upon the previous year's model with the addition of a 10-speed transmission. This new combination has an impressive 20 lb-ft torque increase and 35 hp, with smoother low RPM torque converter engagement to take advantage of the turbo engine's exceptional power curve. This results in a smoother and more powerful transmission, a great achievement for the larger Pilot SUV. Like the standard AWD V6 model, this new powertrain offers improvements in refinement, acceleration smoothness, and fuel efficiency, and also comes with a continuously variable torque steer system to achieve even greater all-weather and all-terrain performance.
3.2. Improved fuel efficiency
A new feature within the 2024 Pilot, and a significant change from the 2023 model, is the introduction of Idle Stop & Start technology. This feature allows for an increase in fuel efficiency by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle has come to a stop. The engine will then restart when the driver's foot is removed from the brake pedal. During situations where the engine is turned off for extended periods of time, fuel is deactivated, using less fuel than an idling engine, which results in increased fuel efficiency and a reduction in fuel expenses for the owner. This feature expands across all 2024 Pilots, regardless of trim level or drivetrain selected. Touring and Elite models also see a fuel efficiency upgrade with the new Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) feature. This technology allows the engine to seamlessly transition between 3 and 6 cylinder modes, depending on how much power is required. In situations where a higher power output is not required, such as highway driving, the engine will use 3 cylinder mode which saves fuel due to the deactivation of 3 of the cylinders. This change from the 2023 Pilot models provides a significant increase in fuel efficiency and will result in fuel expense savings over time. A detailed comparison of fuel efficiency between the 2023 and 2024 Pilot models can be seen below.
3.3. Enhanced towing capacity
The 2024 Honda Pilot has taken up a significant enhancement for its towing capacity, now being able to tow up to 5000 pounds whereas the 2023 Honda Pilot could only tow up to 3500 pounds. In order to achieve this, Honda has equipped the Pilot with a second generation Variable Torque Management System (VTM-4) that will provide more torque on the rear axle for better acceleration. The torque will then be regulated between the front and rear axles depending on which will provide better traction in order to reduce slippage at the front wheels. This new system has improved the towing capacity of the Pilot from the previous 2023 and has also increased traction off road by 20%. Another feature that the 2024 Pilot now has to offer that the 2023 does not is a liquid-filled engine mount to reduce engine vibration under high RPM load in order to reduce the noise and vibration in the vehicle. With the timing of this enhancement, it is safe to assume that without the proper setting on the VTM-4 system, the increased towing capacity has the potential risk of increasing the noise and vibration coming from the engine. All in all, the increase in towing capacity with the various features listed will offer the customer a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable towing experience.
4. Safety and Technology
The 2023 Honda Pilot will be incorporating "4-wheel Direct Adaptive Steering" which will give the vehicle an edge compared to its competition. The Pilot will be able to automatically align the steering with the driver's intended motion and make more precise input changes, creating a more agile driving experience. The 4-wheel DAS will also have a "Customizable On-center Ratio" which allows the driver to select from three different settings, creating a variability in the steering response and giving them a sense of control on the road. The 4-wheel DAS works in conjunction with Honda's Integrated Dynamics System, which has a Normal and Sport mode that varies the steering effort and feel of the road. This steering EPS system is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and is expected to produce a fuel economy improvement; however, the numbers are not available at this time. Overall, the steering and handling are expected to be upgraded, giving the Pilot more precise steering with a comfortable and more controlled feel.
4.1. Upgraded safety features
By comparing the 2023 model to the 2024, some upgraded safety features were noticed that exactly define how technological advancement plays a role in car safety. In the 2024 Honda Pilot's safety features are going to include automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. These are all features that are found in the newest model that are not existent in the 2023 model. Although these features are crucial to car safety, Honda shouldn't have waited until 2024 to include these features. Automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection are features that have been around years prior to 2024. Waiting until now forces people to pay for the newer model to have these features when they should already have them in an older model of the car. Honda could have gradually added these features to each model year whether it was a basic or a premium feature, but it seems this was a strategic plan to make people pay more for the newest model. In addition to those features, all of the Honda Sensing Safety and driver-assistive features will also come standard in the 2024 model. These features were an upgrade or premium feature in the 2023 model. Although they do not compare to the more advanced safety features previously listed, it is also a strategy to make people pay for the newest model. This gives them no choice but to have those features since it will be standard and it gives them the idea that they have to have the newest model to have the best safety features. This move may turn some people away since it seems like the features they want in a car are being held hostage and only at a certain price.
4.2. Integration of advanced technology
The 2024 Honda Pilot has taken the bull by the horns when it comes to technology integration. With even more tech-savvy consumers projected to be purchasing in 2024, the Pilot has covered all bases to satisfy them. There are a range of screens through which data and real-time information can be accessed. In the centre of the dash is an 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen, through which the driver and front passenger can access, using smartphone-like swipe and pinch gestures, various features ranging from audio to Bluetooth settings. There is also an 8-inch HondaLink touchscreen above the centre stack, which is available on EX and above trims and can access and display a multitude of digital content from a smartphone. The Touring and Elite trims are then set to receive a 10.2-inch rear entertainment system touchscreen which can play streamed and stored content and is compatible with streaming video services. Though the abundance of touchscreens may seem like overkill, each of them caters to a different set of passengers and the majority of screens are only available on higher level trims, so there is a method to the madness. All models of the 2024 Pilot are also 'connected car' capable, and boast up to 16GB of in-car Wi-Fi, which means that passengers will rarely if ever be out of touch of their digital lives while on the road. This is again a feature that will be available on higher, notably pricier trims, recognizing the market for these kinds of features. Most notable however are the technological improvements in the safety category, mentioned in 4.1. It has become clear that safety is no longer a standalone category; it is something that drivers, passengers, and pedestrians need to remain actively conscious of at all times while on the road. As a result, safety features can no longer be passive – the vehicle cannot just react to bad situations, it must also anticipate them. The 2024 Pilot starts out on the right foot with improved driver awareness and a dynamic driving experience through a 9-inch full-color TFT display positioned in the gauge cluster, available only on the Touring and Elite trims. This can arrange digital gauges to the driver's preference, and also serves as a display for in-car entertainment, phone and smartphone audio. Step one to preventing accidents is to ensure that the driver maintains focus on the road; with this screen the driver is less likely to be distracted by their desire to change a song or check the weather. The TFT display is complimented by a head-up display, the first of its kind for a Honda vehicle, on Elite trims. This particular feature is a strong selling point for drivers who are seeking a luxury experience at a fraction of the price; technology such as head-up displays has been available on luxury brand vehicles for some time now, and it is a pleasant surprise to see it appear on a Honda. This particular display will have a dual purpose, showing both driver information and warnings as well as data from certain advanced safety systems. These systems are intended to help the driver avoid a crash or mitigate its severity, and are most prevalent on the Elite trim due to its AWD requirement.
4.3. Connectivity options
HondaLink, which is complimentary on all 2021 and newer models for a trial period, allows for things such as remote start, locking and unlocking, and finding where the vehicle is parked, all from a compatible smartphone. It also includes the ability to schedule service, access recall information, and chat live with Honda representatives. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration now comes on the SE and Touring trims, a nice add for those who don't necessarily desire the previously mentioned Elite trim, and run their lives through CarPlay or Android Auto. Finally, CabinControl is a pretty neat feature that connects the Pilot with a downloadable app so that passengers in the second or third row of the vehicle can adjust settings for the audio or rear climate control, enter a navigation destination, and send it to the vehicle's navigation system.
In keeping with the Pilot's status as a tech-forward vehicle, Honda has included a number of connectivity options for the 2021 model year. Five USB ports are standard on most trims, which should keep even the largest families at an acceptable power level. In a move that some may see as being quite late to the game, Honda is finally including a USB Type-C port for the second row, making it easier to keep modern devices charged. Wireless charging is newly available for the Elite trim, meaning those who want to keep their front cabin as clutter-free as possible have that capability. Wi-Fi hotspot capability is standard starting at the EX-L trim, meaning that those who use in-car Wi-Fi need not pay an additional monthly service charge just to keep their passengers content on long trips.
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