What Is the Honda Pilot?
A Closer Look at Honda’s Family-Friendly SUV
If you’re looking for a spacious, dependable SUV that can handle everything from weekly carpools to rugged weekend adventures, chances are the Honda Pilot has popped up on your radar. But what exactly is the Honda Pilot, and why does it continue to be one of the most popular midsize SUVs in America?
In this article, we’ll give you a complete breakdown of the Honda Pilot—what it offers, who it’s for, and why it’s one of the top SUV picks for families across Montana and beyond.
The Honda Pilot at a Glance
The Honda Pilot is a midsize three-row SUV that first launched in 2003 and has since become a staple in the Honda lineup. Designed to offer the perfect balance of space, comfort, and reliability, the Pilot is built with families in mind—but it's also a top pick for individuals who need a little more versatility and capability from their everyday vehicle.
Now in its fourth generation (2023+), the Pilot continues to evolve with updated styling, advanced tech, and even more space inside. It’s one of the few midsize SUVs that can comfortably seat eight passengers while also offering solid towing power and available all-wheel drive.
Seating and Interior Space
One of the biggest reasons drivers choose the Honda Pilot is its interior space and flexible seating. It’s incredibly family-friendly, whether you’re hauling kids to school in Kalispell or loading up for a camping trip near Glacier National Park.
Seating Features:
Seats up to eight passengers in most trims
Available second-row captain’s chairs (seating for seven with added comfort)
Slide-and-fold second-row seats for easy access to the third row
Tri-zone climate control to keep everyone happy on long drives
The cabin is also quiet and refined, with upscale materials and thoughtful storage areas throughout. Newer models offer a modern, clean dash layout and available leather-trimmed seating, giving it a more premium feel than you might expect.
Cargo Space:
Behind the third row: Up to 22.4 cubic feet
With third-row folded: Around 48.5 cubic feet
With both rear rows folded flat: Over 87 cubic feet of max cargo space
Whether you're hauling hockey gear, strollers, or hardware supplies, the Pilot gives you plenty of room to work with.
Performance and Power
The Honda Pilot isn’t just about space—it’s also designed to perform well on highways and backroads alike. Its standard 3.5L V6 engine provides the right blend of power and efficiency for daily driving and weekend adventures.
Powertrain Highlights:
3.5-liter V6 engine with up to 285 horsepower (2023 model)
Smooth 10-speed automatic transmission (newer trims)
Towing capacity up to 5,000 lbs with AWD models
You’ll notice the Pilot’s drive quality right away. It’s quiet, composed, and confident—making it a great option for families who need a refined ride but don’t want to give up power when towing or climbing mountain roads.
Available AWD:
Montana drivers especially appreciate the Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VTM4®) AWD system, which improves traction and control in snow, rain, gravel, and more. It’s a game-changer for navigating rough roads or unpredictable weather conditions.
Technology and Safety
The Honda Pilot is loaded with modern tech, even in its base trims. From infotainment to advanced driver assistance features, it’s a smart SUV designed to keep you connected and protected.
Technology Features:
Standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
Available wireless phone charging
Navigation and voice-command controls
Rear-seat entertainment system on select trims for long drives with kids
Digital instrument cluster and available head-up display (in newer models)
Honda Sensing® Safety Suite (Standard on All Trims):
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
Whether you’re navigating downtown traffic or winding highways in Helena, Honda Sensing® is working in the background to keep you safer.
Who Is the Honda Pilot For?
The Honda Pilot appeals to a wide range of drivers, but here’s who gets the most out of this SUV:
1. Families
This is the core Honda Pilot audience. With space for up to eight, a quiet ride, and family-friendly features like rear climate controls and extra cupholders, the Pilot is made for parents who want comfort and practicality.
2. Outdoor Enthusiasts
Thanks to its all-wheel drive, towing capacity, and roomy cargo hold, the Pilot is great for weekend warriors hauling bikes, kayaks, or trailers through places like Flathead National Forest.
3. Commuters and Long-Haul Drivers
If you spend a lot of time behind the wheel, the Pilot offers a smooth, relaxing ride and excellent visibility. The interior is designed to reduce fatigue and make long drives easier.
4. Anyone Who Needs a Do-It-All SUV
Not everyone needs a truck, but a compact SUV might feel too small. That’s where the Pilot shines. It gives you a commanding presence on the road with the comfort and tech you expect from a premium vehicle.
Trim Levels and Customization
There are multiple trims available for the Honda Pilot, allowing you to find one that fits your lifestyle and budget:
Sport
EX-L
TrailSport (off-road focused)
Touring
Elite
Black Edition (top-tier with luxury styling)
Each trim offers a unique blend of features, from upgraded wheels and panoramic roofs to off-road suspensions and luxury touches. There’s truly a Pilot in store for everyone.
The Honda Pilot continues to be one of the most well-rounded midsize SUVs available today. It delivers on all the key points: space, power, safety, technology, and reliability, without feeling overly complicated or overpriced.
Whether you're hauling kids, gear, groceries, or towing a trailer through Montana terrain, the Pilot does it all—comfortably, efficiently, and of course, dependably.
Find Your Honda Pilot at Corwin Honda Kalispell
At Corwin Honda Kalispell, we proudly offer the full lineup of new Honda Pilots and a selection of used and certified pre-owned models. Whether you’re from Missoula, Spokane, Billings, or Great Falls, we’re here to help you find the right SUV for your lifestyle.