Steve Says The 2019 Pilot Has A Lot Of Firsts You’ll Like

The hits just keep on coming for Honda’s crossover and SUV entries and this updated 2019 Pilot is leading the way.

The styling has been tightened up, the powertrain has been refined, standard safety features have been expanded and the tech has been modernized. With a starting MSRP of $32,445 including destination, the 2019 Pilot is offered in 5 trim levels with or without all-wheel drive.

The 280 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 is standard across the board and is paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission on all but the top 2 models.  The Pilot Touring and Elite trims utilize a reprogrammed 9-speed automatic which addresses my previous concern, delivering smoother shifts.

The engine auto stop/start feature has also been tweaked for a more harmonious transition and for smoother integration with the air conditioning system.  Seven- and 8-passenger seating is available but new for 2019, the second-row captain’s chairs are now available on both Touring and Elite models.  A hands-free power tailgate is available for the first time on Touring and Elite grades. With the remote key fob in their pocket or handbag, the driver simply kicks their foot under a designated area of the rear bumper.

All Pilot models come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies comprising the Honda Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning; Road Departure Mitigation (RDM); Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS); and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Honda’s blind spot information system (BSI), previously available only on the Elite trim, is now standard on EX, EX-L and Touring trims as well. Additionally, the Rear Cross Traffic Monitor has been expanded from the Touring and Elite trims to EX and EX-L.