2024 Honda Pilot Touring vs. Elite
Comparison between 2024 Honda Pilot Touring and Elite
1. Features and Specifications
Enables competitors to give climb of pulling and towing capacity for their SUVs. For the explanation, because of the suspension of some imports is sufficiently excessive that it'd pose monumental issues for the function of conventional enthusiasts. That has propelled Honda to up the towing functionality of the Pilot on account of the "massive demand" from Lead Designer Marc Ernst. And the all-new 2024 Honda Pilot has progressed capability with double or all-wheel drive to 5000 lb pulling functionality and 3500 lb towing. Both being an augment of 1000 lbs from the previous generation, this sort of capability is unequalled in the section—n merely the Ford Explorer Platinum/Limited having matched the 5000 lb rating. With Honda's rework of constructing the Ridgeline to steer SUV-minded customers versus crossover patrons, they've restructured from any outdated Pilot a substantial SUV emotive to its truck roots and acceptable for offroad journeys. The brand's most recent acquisition, promoted to the present know-how Pilot, are ACE™ Frame Building, Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®), and a completely variable six-speed transmission in hopes of enhancing gas efficiency. ACE™ body is a Honda unique construction because of the utilization of a front aspect body structure designed to help dissipate power in a frontal collision, thus lowering the prospect of floor cabin penetration—the main present of occupant security in plenty of SUV incidents. ACE's additional energy in collision vitality administration and dispersion is due partially to a set of related higher and lower physique important structural elements. Honda's VCM® has moreover confirmed itself to be a well-known experience in Honda-powered SUVs and minivans due to the advantages in refueling and lessened carbon emission. It is a money-saving concept with a potential to alternate between three, four, and three displacement engine working on three, four, or a variable number of cylinders—shutting off cylinders and displacement on account of gasoline costs and the demand for acceleration. The ultimate word objective is based on setting efficient energy use, one factor that seen a Pilot throughout the following few years undergo modifications leading to rates of 18 city/24 hwy mpg for 2WD models and 17/23 on AWD models—all being VCM™ enhancements of previous-generation Pilots.
1.1. Engine Performance
Elite engine is capable of delivering more power and torque than the touring edition. The availability of this engine makes a huge difference in acceleration and the towing capacities of each of these models. Even though the touring edition had a decrease in horsepower and engine size from its predecessor, it is still a very capable engine in terms of reliability and fuel efficiency. The CVT transmission mated to the touring edition's 3.5L engine will deliver an estimated 21/27 city/highway miles to the gallon. The differences in fuel to the gallon is again due to the engine type of these two models. The Elite edition with its AWD capability will get 19/26 city/highway miles to the gallon and this is due to the increased weight and AWD capabilities of this model. With a 19.5 gallon fuel tank, the Elite can deliver 481 miles of highway driving between fuel stations. The Pilot has a unibody frame and a MacPherson strut front suspension and compact multi-link rear suspension. With its fully independent suspension and increased body rigidity, the Pilot has the firm handling and superior ride quality expected from a Honda and thanks to a 3rd generation Amplitude Reactive Dampers, the ride quality and handling is almost identical whether towing to capacity or driving with a light load. All models also include Variable Cylinder Management which allows the engine to work in 6, 4, or 3 cylinder modes to optimize fuel efficiency, and idle stop which shuts off the engine at traffic stops.
1.2. Interior Design
Next up, with the 2024 Pilot Touring, there are going to be map pockets on the backs of the front seats-- something that's unarguably very useful as far as interior storage is concerned. But--and we've gotten a few steps ahead of ourselves-- we'll get to the Elite's advantage in storage in a little bit. Finally, for the 2024 Pilot Touring, there's a new interior color option. None of these things are game changers by any means, but it's always nice to have new options, and there's more to come on interior color options and palettes when we get to the Elite.
As far as the Elite and Touring are concerned, the changes are pretty small compared to the model as a whole. With the 2024 Pilot Touring, the biggest change compared to the Elite is that the Captain's Chairs are now standard. This bumps the seating capacity of 7 up to 8 as the Elite actually has seating for 7 due to the standard second-row captain's chairs. Captain's Chairs are known for being more comfortable and they provide easier walking access to the third row due to the space between them. That said, they'll probably make the second row feel less spacious for whoever ends up sitting in the middle seat.
First up in comparing the 2019 Elite and 2024 Touring, we've got the interior. If you've taken a look at our 2024 Honda Pilot changes, features, and updates page, you'll notice that there are all sorts of little tweaks that add up to a different look than the previous model year. We also have a 2019 Honda Pilot vs 2024 Honda Pilot comparison for a more in-depth look at the differences between this year and last.
1.3. Technology and Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the Elite model edges the Touring model slightly with a standard built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability and a voluntary 1-month/3GB trial data plan that includes real-time traffic for the navigation app, software updates, and loading music. This feature is also available on the Touring model, but only as a trial and must be purchased separately after the first month. A significant difference between the two models is the available second-row USB ports. Elite models feature two additional USBs in the second row, bringing it to a total of 4, while Touring models only have 2 in the 2nd row. Although not an exclusive feature, both models also have a multifunction steering wheel and active noise cancellation that adds to easier control and a quieter ride.
Pilot models have always been admired for their suite of standard and available technologies, and the 2024 Pilots are no different. Both Touring and Elite models come stocked full of advanced features like a wireless charging pad, cabin control, and HondaLink. All things considered, we feel that the Elite's exclusive 590-watt, 10-speaker premium audio system and illuminated door handles are noteworthy. Finally, Elite models also come with a new wireless smartphone integration capability that enables more convenient access to everyday smartphone features, content, and data. Users can now seamlessly and wirelessly connect their iPhone to the Pilot's Display Audio system, easily access their music libraries, Apple maps, and iMessages, and even ask Siri for incoming messages, reminding them to take a phone call or message their friends—all helping to reduce the potential for driver distraction. The Touring model comes stock with SMS capability and a voice recognition feature for the navigation function with a map database, but not wireless integration.
2. Safety and Security
Not only to prevent accidents, security features are also one of the important aspects that concern the safety of the car. Both the Touring and Elite editions are equipped with Remote Engine Start. This feature can warm up or cool down the cabin before entering the car. Then, the security system with modern security and technology gives confidence in parking the vehicle because the car can be guarded and monitored anytime. The Elite edition has a feature of parking sensors while the Touring edition does not have. Previous generations of the Pilot had a problem with the transmission that could cause the car to move when in gear. Unfortunately, there were casualties from the event. The transmission has been replaced with the new generation, which is a 6-speed Automatic Transmission with a Shift By Wire (SBW) and has better performance and safety. An additional consideration is the child safety features because the Touring edition, which is not equipped with Honda Sensing, can get the desired safety features for the children. This can ensure that the Touring edition provides better safety and security for a lower edition.
Good results in crash test ratings show the endurance of the car in crashing and its ability to protect the passengers. Honda Pilot has a very good outcome in crash tests, as proven by the Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The highest rating is also obtained from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is a 5-star Overall Rating. This shows that the car has a good standard in safety and endurance in crashing.
The safety and security of the vehicle are very important aspects to ensure the safety of the passengers and other road users. One of the technologies provided to ensure safety is anti-lock brake and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). ABS can prevent the wheels from locking up during braking and maintain steering control. Meanwhile, EBD can adjust the force exerted on the brakes to help optimize braking effectiveness. Anti-lock brake and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) have the ability to optimize braking effectiveness. When hard braking is detected, Smart Stop will automatically initiate to stop the car. This feature is very helpful in preventing accidents caused by the loss of control of the vehicle. Another technology to support the driver is Agile Handling Assist. This technology will use the Vehicle Stability Assist to apply the brake of the inner wheel when oversteering or understeering to make smooth cornering. This technology can give the driver confidence to make good maneuvers and avoid the car from crashing into something. Honda Sensing is a group of technologies to support the driver in certain conditions to reduce the possibility of accidents. Honda Sensing consists of Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). The Elite edition of Honda Pilot is equipped with Honda Sensing while the Touring edition is not. This can be a consideration to choose between the two because Honda Sensing brings a significant effect to safety.
2.1. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The 2024 Honda Pilot is equipped with advanced driver assistance systems. The midsize SUV's new and improved drivetrain incorporates intelligent traction management to provide a pleasant driving experience year-round. The 2024 Honda Pilot can be purchased with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. Advanced driver assistance systems are available with the all-wheel drive option. Honda returns with a robust safety suite on the Pilot. While advanced safety features were previously reserved for the Touring and Elite models, they can now be had on any model Pilot using Honda Sensing. The suite includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Unfortunately, Honda provides no information about changes to crash test ratings, but they do mention newly redesigned front and rear styling, with added features such as a heated windshield and power-folding mirrors. Finally, the Honda Pilot reduces the driver's risk of misfortune with its vast array of safety features.
2.2. Crash Test Ratings
The 2022 Honda Pilot was able to attain a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Pilot was able to receive a four-star rating for its performance in the frontal crash test for the driver and a five-star for the frontal crash test for the passenger. Although the NHTSA did not conduct specific side impact tests, they were able to combine the side pole and barrier ratings into an overall side rating. The Pilot was able to achieve a five-star rating in all side crash tests. Finally, the NHTSA was able to combine the results of the rollover resistance into an overall rating, and the Pilot was able to receive a four-star rating. This demonstrates that the 2022 Pilot is a very safe vehicle to put you and your family into. This also shows that the Pilot has high rollover resistance, which represents a reduced chance of the vehicle flipping over and increased safety for the occupants.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) test conducts frontal and side crash tests and provides results for a vehicle's overall rating and individual frontal and side ratings. The frontal crash test is conducted by crashing a vehicle into a fixed barrier. The barrier simulates another vehicle or a utility pole. The test is conducted at 35 mph, and results are compared to a baseline established by the NHTSA. The side crash test simulates an intersection type collision with a 3,015-pound barrier moving at 38.5 mph into the side of the vehicle. The barrier represents the front end of a car. The overall rating is based on the results of both the frontal and side tests, with a 5-star being the best possible rating. The NHTSA also tests for rollover resistance using a mathematical model based on factors such as the width of the vehicle.
2.3. Security Features
Vehicle theft is a very common crime. No wonder that it is observed that every vehicle owner always concerns about the safety of their vehicle. To secure the vehicles, auto manufacturers install an anti-theft security features to prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle. This features has been applied to both Pilot trim which is Touring and Elite. The security features involves a remote vehicle starter system, smart entry system for the driver's door and walk away auto lock system. The remote vehicle starter system is an engine starter that can be activated from the driver's house to cool down the vehicle's cabin in the summer or warm it up in the winter, using the preset temperature of 72 degrees for 10 minutes. This system will help the driver don't have to wait on an extreme temperature while driving a vehicle. The smart entry allows driver to quickly access his vehicle without taking the key from his pocket or the key fob from the bag. A touching the door handle or pressing the button on the handle to unlock the door, and grab the interior driver's door handle will unlock all the door. Then the walk away auto lock automatically lock the vehicle when the user walks away from the vehicle, if all the door is closed. Working with a door and trunk/hatch sensors, the walk away auto lock can determine whether to lock the vehicle when the driver has left the vehicle. The other security features is a vehicle safety system. This system is a package of features designed to help protect the vehicle from theft. It involves with an immobilizer system, a security system and a tracking system. Both Pilot trim are equipped with its own security system, the immobilizer and the i-TMMS. The Immobilizer System is a anti-theft function that prevents the vehicle from being started by an unauthorized key. The i-TMMS is a Honda's advanced security system that provides an automatic collision notification, 24/7 emergency assistance, and a live agent personal concierge, who can assist in trip planning, dining reservations, event tickets and travel arrangements. The Touring trim is equipped with a remote engine starter is a part of the theft protection package. and the Elite has its own package with a hood switch and tilt sensor. Both package will provide notification to the user by sending a notification through the key fob telling him if the vehicle has been tampered with. The notification will be notified by different pattern of flashes and beeps. It is a clear picture that the higher trim of Pilot is equipped with better security than the other trim. Because there is a limited features on the Elite security compared to the Touring, a user who concerns about his vehicle security may choose the Touring as the highest security features comes in a package that will help the user easier compared to purchase the option of adding security features one by one.
2.4. Child Safety Features
In addition to being on the leading edge of modern safety features, offering the latest in automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping, and adaptive cruise control systems, the new Honda Pilot boasts a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a 5-star rating in crash testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Both the Touring and Elite models also feature front and rear parking sensors, which add to the standard multi-angle rearview camera system to make getting into and out of tight spots easier and safer. Though often overlooked by its competitors, boasting comprehensive safety features is a strong point of the Honda Pilot when looking at its ability to safely transport a family. Between the lower trims and Elite model, the availability of certain features varies, so we'll be looking specifically at what the Elite model offers and how it compares to the new Toyota Highlander in terms of child safety. Using latch system ratings (where available) and internal fitting guides from IIHS, we've compared how the Pilot and Highlander stack up in terms of installation friendliness and child seat accommodation in this special category.
3. Comfort and Convenience
Seating Capacity and Configuration The Touring and Elite editions both have the same seating capacity, up to 8 passengers. However, Touring is standard with a second-row bench seat, as opposed to second-row captain's chairs in the Elite edition. The bench seat is total in convenience and may even seem like a downgrade. Captain's chairs are more accessible to the third row and easier to remove the center portion of the second row to facilitate back row access. This may be a deal breaker for families looking to purchase the Elite edition, as they may have gotten used to Pilot-style captain's chairs in their previous model.
The Pilot Touring still has great standard features, and this is where the line blurs. Elite standard features simply eclipse Touring features. These include second-row captain's chairs, ventilated front seats, and a wireless device charger. This mid-cycle refresh of the Pilot has seen widespread improvements in powertrain, technology, and safety across all trim levels. The standard carcinogen is worth mentioning; Elite owners may find it useful. Although it is great in more dire situations, such as a crash or if you are away from pavement, many initial complaints are that the system is overbearing while driving normally. Elite features are optional in the Touring edition, aside from AWD. So, to determine if the upgraded features are worth the extra $3,300, let's take a closer look at each category.
3.1. Seating Capacity and Configuration
The Pilot's second-row seats slide and fold to provide access to the third row. With the optional captain's chairs, a push of a button slides the second-row seats forward. The third row provides enough space for adults and is easy to get into, thanks to the large rear doors and the second-row seats' tumbling slide feature. Even getting into the third row with a child seat installed is relatively easy. All of the rear seats have multiple LATCH anchor points and can fit three child seats. This is a rare and notable attribute for families with multiple young children. The third row has a good view out of the side windows and offers plenty of space, but the cushions are a bit low. Both rows have climate control vents and controls, and there are enough cupholders throughout for everyone's drinks.
There is seating for seven or eight people in the Pilot, depending on whether the buyer selects the second-row bench seat or the captain's chairs. Either way, the cabin is family-friendly, with roomy, versatile seating and many clever storage solutions. Thanks to its boxy exterior, the Pilot offers a spacious and comfortable cabin. The front seats are supportive and provide all-day comfort. The Elite model's standard second-row captain's chairs are the better choice, as they are almost as comfortable as the front seats and make it easier to access the third row. The standard three-person bench seat increases the capacity to eight, but it's not as comfortable and does not improve access to the back. If you regularly need to transport more than six people, it's worth considering a minivan.
3.2. Climate Control
Step inside the Elite to find another new feature not ever seen before in an SUV. The second-row captain's chairs have the ultimate in climate control between them – a climate console, with independent settings making the console behave as a 'center stack' for climate. There is a right and left side in which each can control the climate at the side they are sitting. The console being higher also makes it much easier to make temperature changes, as the console is at eye level. This new center stack brings the convenience of climate control settings in the front to the rear. This feature takes an inch even further toward stepping outside of the box and offers even more comfort for passengers in the second row. This new level of climate control in the second row is far superior than the climate system for the second and third row in the Touring.
The automatic climate control system in the 2024 Honda Pilot Touring provides optimal comfort for all passengers regardless of weather conditions. The tri-zone climate control featured in the Touring provides independent settings for the driver, the front passenger, and the rear passenger/driver. The climate system in the Elite is also a tri-zone system with the same configuration, but also adds an air-filtration system and humidity control. Although humidity control may seem trivial, it can be very important and more comfortable for individuals living in an area with muggy or humid weather. Honda's climate control system in the Pilot Touring does not come with any air-filtration system or humidity control. The active control over the internal environment of the vehicle provided by the climate system in the Elite is superior to the system featured in the Touring and can be more beneficial toward passengers' health. This aspect of climate control in the Elite is an innovative step forward in making climate control more than just a means to provide heating and air-conditioning. Although it only provides minimal differences to the overall heating and cooling of the interior of the vehicle, the extra features provided by the Elite climate control system bring it ahead of the Touring's.
3.3. Infotainment System
The two-level display layout of the 2024 Honda Pilot Touring and Elite is a notable update from previous models. The top screen is a 10.2-inch HD color display while the lower screen is a touch screen. Both Pilots come with built-in HondaLink, Apple CarPlay connectivity, and streaming SiriusXM radio. The comparison between the two begins at the very apparent volume knob. While the Touring has a traditional knob, the Elite has a touch-sensitive volume control. This feature is commonly disliked by users, so Honda did not apply this to the Touring model. Moving down from the dash, Pilot Touring has the option of an 8-speaker sound system or, as a package upgrade, a 10-speaker sound system with blue ambient LED lighting. Elite comes standard with a 590-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers, including a subwoofer. The 2019 Touring and Elite come with CabinTalk, an in-car PA system. The Elite extends this feature to CabinTalk in-car PA System through the headphones and 590-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers, including a subwoofer. Both Pilots have wireless phone charging capabilities.
3.4. Cargo Space
With all seats in place in the 2024 Honda Pilot Elite, there is 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 3rd row, and with all seats stowed, this grows to 83.5 cubic feet of space. The 2024 Honda Pilot Touring model has more cargo space than the Elite, as it offers 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 3rd row and 82.1 cubic feet of space with all seats stowed. Both variants receive the same cargo net and the same grab handle to pull and fold flat the 3rd row of seats. All Pilots also offer a reversible cargo panel that features a carpeted side to the other plastic, which could be useful to be put to the dirty side for sports or camping gear. In the 2024 Honda Pilot Elite, you can also find convenient cargo space in the way of a cool box. However, this comes at the cost of reduced interior space. This feature is unique to the Elite model and could prove beneficial in storing cold groceries on a long drive home or just chilling some beverages on a hot day. A drawback of the cool box is that there is no actual adjustment to its temperature; rather, it is cooled by the front auto air conditioning system. This cools the temperature of the cool box when the air conditioning is set to a low temperature at the lowest fan setting. Despite only being in the Elite model, a cool box could be replicated by using an actual cooler that could be taken out of the vehicle.
4. Pricing and Value
The Elite model provides us with all the features such as a rear seat entertainment system, heated and ventilated seats, a wireless phone charging tray, a 590-watt audio system with 10 speakers, and many more. All of these features are standard without any package since it's a top trim level. The same features would add up to $5400 above the base model if it were to be added as a package on the base model, which would be $45,720. So there is only about a $1240 difference between the 2 models, but with all these features the Elite model provides, it is definitely worth buying the Elite model over the base model. So in general, it is not that there is a drastic price increase between the 2 models for each trim level, it is just that the Elite model provides many more features than the base model at a small price difference which makes it worth buying. But in general, the 2024 Pilot has got a huge price increase from the 2023 model where the base trim level would start at $33,370 and the top trim level of 2023 was still $49,920, which is less compared to the base price of $51,920 for the 2024 Pilot Elite model.
MSRP (or manufacturer's suggested retail price) for the base model of 2024 Pilot is going to start at $39,320 and goes all the way up to $51,920, which is for the 2024 Pilot Elite model. With respect to the Elite 2024 model, the top trim level is going to start at $46,960 and goes up to $51,920. Thus, for the Elite 2024 model, the price difference between various trim levels is less compared to the base model. The Elite trim level does not have all of its features on the base model.
4.1. MSRP and Trim Levels
The Honda Pilot Touring comes in at a starting price point of $42,020, and the top trim Elite is priced at $48,420. There is a $4,400 disparity between Pilot Touring and Elite trims. All Honda Pilots come with 3.5L V6 engines and AWD, but lack quite a bit of features that people are looking for in a $40,000+ vehicle. Exact pricing for these features are not readily available, but Pilots do not come with uppercut safety features like road departure mitigation, and the braking systems are standard 2-wheel ABS instead of 4-wheel. Real-time suspension is only available on the top Elite trim, and features like a panoramic moonroof, heated 2nd row captain's chairs, and HD radio are only available on a Pilot Elite. These features are very attractive to car buyers and especially families, and often times availability can be a deciding factor for looking at higher trim model vehicle. With this in mind, many car buyers searching for a family-friendly 7-8 seater SUV may see the value in skipping the Honda Pilot Touring and going directly to a fully loaded Elite despite a $4,400 price difference. Consumers can sometimes simply finance the Pilot Elite for a longer term to keep monthly payments identical to the Pilot Touring. The price range for these vehicles according to our findings is the expected range of $17,600-$19,500. This markup is consistent with other Honda vehicles when comparing a mid to top trim level. However, depreciation kicks in almost immediately on these vehicles dropping the value to about $16,000 after 1 year and $13,000 after 2. After 3 years these vehicles are only valued at around $11,000-$12,000. With that in mind, consumers may find that they will only lose about $5,000 more in depreciation value by investing in an Elite over a Touring. This difference in resale value and minimal depreciation loss can make Elite much easier to finance in the long term. Honda Pilot Elite models retail for around $30,900 to $47,500 according to our findings. The variance in price of these used models is similar to new models but presented with a lower bottom end. Depreciation on these vehicles is much better, especially on age. New Honda Pilots come with a considerable price tag, and secondary to vehicle depreciation it is important to consider long-term cost in ownership. This often involves comparison of features between standard and available features across different trim levels. All Honda Pilots come equipped with the same engine and drivetrain, which provides nice and consistent power across all Pilots. However, the standard 6-speed automatic transmission on lower trims is exchanged for a state-of-the-art 9 or 10-speed automatic with IDLE stop on higher trims. The transmission shift quality is very similar, but the 9 or 10-speed are considerably better for fuel economy, and IDLE stop prevents engine idling to further improve fuel efficiency. This is a concrete factor that can save money over time on fuel expenses, but the difference in powertrain efficiency is relatively less compared to differences in other available features. All Pilots have an excellent safety rating, but the availability of Honda Sensing safety system varies from standard on EX models, to optional on EX-L, to standard again on Touring and Elite models. This means that potential Touring buyers may have to spend $1,000 of additional money to get safety features that are already standard on Elite. All things considered, safety and fuel efficiency are very important factors that can contribute to real long-term savings, and it is important to reflect upon these cost of ownership factors when considering disparity in feature availability between lower and higher trim Honda Pilots.
4.2. Resale Value
Resale value compares the two-year-old projected value of a vehicle at the time of trade-in, which is typically after three years of ownership. This data is reflective of the predicted future value and a strategic advantage of ownership for the Elite. At 51% of MSRP, the Elite's resale value leads the Pilot and all other competitors in the segment, with the sole exception of the Toyota Highlander. The Honda Pilot Touring ranks below the segment average at 46.4% MSRP but stands as a leader amongst higher trim level vehicles, including the Buick Enclave and Subaru Ascent. Higher residual values effectively reduce overall ownership costs as compared to depreciation costs on vehicles with lower residuals. The Pilot shows a 1% higher resale value than the previous generation Pilot and continues to lead its segment against competitors, including the Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride. This data is an important consideration for all buyers but most critical for customers who are not able to retain vehicle ownership for the full duration of a typical finance or lease contract.
4.3. Cost of Ownership
Servicing both the 2024 Honda Pilot Touring and Elite, Honda claims the seven-seaters have the lowest cost of ownership in their class. Indeed, upon evaluating the two cars at Kelley Blue Book for a five-year cost of ownership, the Pilot Touring emerged with a cost per mile of $0.72 versus the Elite at $0.74. This is contrary to some specifications on the KBB website and indicates that the running cost difference between the Touring and Elite is negligible. Looking past the initial cost of purchase, the Touring comes with second-row captain's chairs and a three-person third row, contrasting to the second-row bench and three-person third row in the Elite. This configuration impairs the Elite's flexibility in a chronic sense. The second row in the Touring is one-touch walk-in and slide to access the third row, with the third row being able to handle two child seats and having a 60/40 split to provide a combination of passengers and cargo. Although the Touring's second-row captain's chairs do afford fewer total passenger seats, Honda's practical application of the 'seven-seat family car' vision seems more realized with scroll through to reach the third row and a larger range of child seat/cargo/passenger seating situations. This may translate to a more effective and prolonged use of the car in the interest of a growing family.