Honda has given its midsize crossover a significant refresh for 2019.
The mid-cycle refresh starts on the outside where it gets a new front bumper and headlights. The new front-end treatment brings the SUV's styling more in-line with other Honda models like the new Accord. The tailgate gets an update as well.
Inside, Honda has added a real volume knob in place of the touch-slider that the Pilot had previously. The new infotainments system adds some other new tech features, including a CabinControl smartphone app that lets passengers control the audio and climate control systems from their phone. They can even send an address to the navigation system if the vehicle is so equipped. Touring and new Black Edition models add the CabinTalk public-address system that debuted in the Odyssey.
Other new features for the top trims include a hands-free tailgate and a new 7.0-inch colour instrument cluster display.
For 2019, the Pilot comes in six trims. LX gets heated front seats, remote start, three-zone climate control, and an 8.0-inch display audio system that has Apple Carplay and Android Auto. It also has 18-inch alloys, proximity key with remote start, and Honda's full Honda Sensing active safety suite. That adds adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, road departure mitigation, and autonomous emergency braking systems.
EX trim adds LED fog lights, a 10-way power driver seat, power moonroof, and lane watch blind spot display. EX-L Navi adds the power tailgate, heated wheel and outboard second-row seats, parking sensors, and navigation. It has leather seats as well.
Touring trim adds 20-inch alloys, a nine-speed automatic, rain-sensing wipers, a premium audio system, idle start-stop, CabinTalk, ventilated front seats, a larger moonroof, and a rear entertainment system. The Touring is also available with two captain's chairs in the middle row instead of a bench. The Black edition is Canadian-only and adds gloss-black accents, wheels, and headlights along with red interior lighting.
All Pilots come with a 3.5L V6 that makes 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Base models use a six-speed automatic and Touring and Black editions get a nine-speed. Honda has updated the nine-speed to start off in second gear under light and moderate acceleration and has updated the start-stop the let the engine restart more quickly and stay engaged with the vehicle in park. The six-speed equipped trims are rated for 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.3 highway. Nine-speed models have the same highway rating but 12.4 in the city.
