What's New For the 2020 Honda Pilot

The 2020 model year welcomes the addition of the Black Edition as the new top-level trim of the Honda Pilot, thus relegating the Elite to a notch below it. Other than that, there are no cosmetic or mechanical changes to the Pilot, which impresses as a roomy and well-rounded three-row midsize crossover SUV. In addition to the Black Edition and the Elite, the 2020 Honda Pilot is available as LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring variants

Which Trims & Features are Available for 2020?

Although a three-row vehicle, the Pilot's maximum occupancy varies according to trim. The LX, EX, and EX-L have a second row comprising a bench-style seat to provide an overall peak occupancy of eight people. On the other hand, the Elite and the Black Edition replace the bench-style seat with a pair of captain's chairs to reduce it to seven. Only the Touring offers a choice between a seven-seater and an eight-seater.

At the LX trim level, the Pilot starts off with standard features such as remote keyless entry, push-button engine start, hands-free phone connectivity, seven-speaker audio, two USB ports and an audio jack for connecting portable devices, a 5-inch color LCD screen, and Active Noise Cancellation. At the EX trim level, expect improvements such as front-seat heating, driver-seat power adjustability, an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen (in place of the 5-inch LCD display), remote start, HondaLink remote connectivity, smartphone-based remote control with CabinControl, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, hands-free text messaging, a third USB port, and a trial subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio.

Go with at least the EX-L trim if you want leather upholstery, a driver-side memory system, power adjustability extended to the front passenger seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Enhancements such as navigation, a 10-speaker stereo system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a PA system in the vehicle with Cabin Talk, and a rear entertainment system appear at the Touring level. And exclusive to the Elite and Black Edition are front-seat ventilation, steering-wheel heating, wireless phone charging, and perforated leather seat trim.

A Perfect Blend of Power and Fuel Efficiency

Powering the 2020 Honda Pilot is a 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, with auto stop-start technology added on the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition for eliminating idling. On the LX, EX, and EX-L, the engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. On the Touring, Elite, and Black Edition, there's a 9-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. Notably, you can choose between front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive systems on all trims but the Elite and Black Edition, which come with a standard all-wheel drivetrain.

2020 Honda Pilot Safety Features

Rated a Top Safety Pick vehicle by the IIHS, the 2020 Honda Pilot is loaded with safety features that include a six-airbag system, a multi-angle rearview camera, vehicle stability assist with traction control, hill start assist, an anti-lock braking system, a front-row seat belt reminder, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, LED daytime running lights, auto high beams, and the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance technologies (i.e., adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist). Upgrade above the LX, and you will also get a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.