Honda News: 2019 Honda Pilot gets a mild refresh

[Drew Dowdell]

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When it comes time to update one of the most popular models in a segment, familiarity is key.  That's just what Honda did for the 2019 Honda Pilot, arriving in dealers now.  The front and rear feature refreshed looks that bring the Pilot more in line with the rest of the Honda family. 

Under the hood, Honda made numerous powertrain improvements including new tuning and smoothing of the 9-speed automatic available in Touring and Elite trim. The transmission will now start in 2nd gear under light to moderate throttle and will also start there by default when the vehicle is in snow-mode. First gear is utilized on steep grades, S-Mode, Sand Mode, or Mud Mode. The gas-saving Idle Stop feature can now restart the engine quicker and smoother than the prior year's model while the air conditioning has been reconfigured to allow fewer engine restarts. 

On the safety front, the Honda Sensing suite of safety features is now standard on all trims.  Honda Sensing includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Road departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. 

Inside, the Pilot gets a new instrument cluster with a 7-inch screen. EX trim and above get a standard 8-inch touchscreen with tablet-style finger gestures. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HD Radio are all included. Most importantly, the volume knob is back.

The Pilot LX FWD base price starts at $31,450 while a top line Pilot Elite AWD starts at $48,020 before destination.

Honda Press Release on Page 2

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Honda Pilot Arrives with a New Attitude for 2019, Sporting Fresh Styling, New Technology and Standard Honda Sensing®

Jul 16, 2018

• Aggressive new styling, front and rear
• Powertrain refinements enhance drivability
• Honda Sensing® now standard on all trim levels
• Extensive technology upgrades include available new Display Audio, 4G LTE Wi-Fi,  Honda exclusive CabinTalk™ and CabinControl™ app

TORRANCE, Calif.–  The redesigned and refreshed 2019 Honda Pilot arrives in dealers today, bringing with it a long list of upgrades to Honda's award-winning 8-seat SUV. The numerous changes include more aggressive exterior styling, an available new hands-free power tailgate, substantial powertrain refinements, major upgrades to available connected-car technology, an available new Display Audio touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, and a volume knob. The 2019 Pilot also adopts the Honda Sensing® suite of advanced driver-assistive and safety technology as standard in all trims. The 2019 Pilot LX with standard front-wheel drive carries a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP¹ ) of $31,450 (excluding $995 destination and handling).

While all Pilot trim levels benefit from refreshed styling, technical upgrades and new features—including newly standard Honda Sensing®—the popular EX trim extends its value story even further as it gains several premium features while maintaining the same price point as the outgoing EX w/ Honda Sensing® trim. 

Combined, the upgrades to Pilot reinforce its capabilities while emphasizing the state-of-the-art technology and family-friendly character that has made it one of the most popular midsize 3-row SUVs. Pilot also remains one of the few models in its segment to offer 8 seats (7-seats with the optional second-row Captain's Chairs), with three-person capacity in both the second and third rows, and with third row access made simple and easy by the available One-Touch Walk-In feature.

All 2019 Pilots feature more aggressive front and rear styling to compliment the Pilot's robust off-road and all-weather driving capabilities, supported by Honda's available intelligent Variable Torque Management system (i-VTM4) with true torque-vectoring. Standard on all AWD trims, i-VTM4 uses an electronically-controlled, hydraulically-actuated rear differential to apportion engine torque between the front and rear axles, and dynamically distribute torque between the left and right rear wheels. The benefits are superior all-weather handling, and neutral, accurate steering under power.

In addition, the 2019 Pilot's 9-speed automatic transmission, available in Touring and Elite trims, gets new tuning for enhanced drivability and smoother shifts, while Pilot's Idle Stop system now provides quicker restarts and more seamless operation.

Pricing & EPA Fuel Economy Ratings

Model / Trim / Drivetrain	Transmission	MSRP1	MSRP2 Including $995 Destination Charge	EPA Mileage Rating (City/Hwy/Combined)3
Pilot LX (2WD)	6AT	$31,450	$32,445	19 / 27 / 22
Pilot LX (AWD)	6AT	$33,350	$34,345	18 / 26 / 21
Pilot EX (2WD)	6AT	$34,330	$35,325	19 / 27 / 22
Pilot EX (AWD)	6AT	$36,230	$37,225	18 / 26 / 21
Pilot EX-L (2WD)	6AT	$37,760	$38,755	19 / 27 / 22
Pilot EX-L (AWD)	6AT	$39,660	$40,655	18 / 26 / 21
Pilot EX-L w/ Navi & Rear Entertainment System (2WD)	6AT	$39,760	$40,755	19 / 27 / 22
Pilot EX-L w/ Navi & Rear Entertainment System (AWD)	6AT	$41,660	$42,655	18 / 26 / 21
Pilot Touring (AWD)	9AT	$44,420	$45,415	19 / 26 / 22
Pilot Touring (2WD)	9AT	$42,520	$43,515	20 / 27 / 23
Pilot Touring w/ Rear Captain's Chairs (2WD)	9AT	$42,820	$43,815	20 / 27 / 23
Pilot Touring w/ Rear Captain's Chairs (AWD)	9AT	$44,720	$45,715	19 / 26 / 22
Pilot Elite (AWD)	9AT	$48,020	$49,015	19 / 26 / 22

EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR DESIGN
The 2019 Honda Pilot's updated exterior reflects its off-road capabilities without losing what makes Pilot a perennial favorite in the midsize SUV segment. The front sports an aggressive new front fascia with standard LED low-beam headlights, while the rear features new taillights, a new bumper, and chrome accents.

The new front bumper incorporates larger fog light housings, fully integrated into the bumper, giving the 2019 Pilot a more aggressive look. A redesigned grille features a bold interpretation of the Honda "flying wing" grille design, with its chrome band extending above the headlights. Further emphasizing the off-road aggressiveness is a new "skid" garnish on the lower portion of the front bumper.

Available fog lights are now LED, the turn signal is thinner, and Pilot Elite models benefit from multi-element full LED headlights, including high beams. Additionally, Pilot Elite models receive power folding mirrors with automatic dimming.

The rear receives new taillights with amber turn signals and LED backup lights. A chrome strip on the rocker extends along the side of the vehicle, wrapping around the rear bumper and highlighting the lower bumper's skid-type design. Wheels are also more ruggedly styled, with 18-inch designs on LX, EX and EX-L, and an aggressive new 20-inch design on Touring and Elite trims.

A hands-free power tailgate is available for the first time on Pilot 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. The tailgate then opens without the owner needing to use their hands--very useful for occasions when their hands are full.  

In addition to its numerous technology upgrades (described below), updates to Pilot's interior include new trim around the vents, available 3-way heated front seats, and wider fold-down armrests for the driver and front passenger. Additionally, second-row captain's chairs are now available on both Touring and Elite models (previously Elite only) and second-row retractable sunshades are available on EX-L, Touring and Elite grades.

POWERTRAIN
For 2019, Pilot receives a number of refinements to the 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT), available in Touring and Elite models. When in Drive and under light-to-moderate throttle, the 9AT will now start in second gear for smoother launch and lower speed acceleration. The transmission also defaults to second-gear launches when the Intelligent Traction Management (ITM) switch is in Snow mode. At full throttle, with steep grades, in S mode, or with the ITM in Sand or Mud, the 9AT will start in first gear.

Pilot also has an upgraded Idle Stop system. Fully integrated with the new second-gear launch mode, it features new programming and a new brake pressure trigger for quicker restarts when accelerating immediately after engine stop, making the system less noticeable in heavy traffic and similar driving situations. The air conditioning has been reconfigured as well to reduce engine restarts. Additionally, when in idle stop, the engine remains off after shifting to Park for a more intuitive driving experience.

Powertrain Specs

	LX, EX, EX-L	Touring, Elite
Engine	3.5-liter V6 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC
Transmission	6-speed automatic	9-speed automatic
Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net)	280 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque @ rpm (lb.-ft., SAE net)	262 lb.-ft. @ 4,700 rpm
Recommended fuel	Regular Unleaded
CARB emissions rating	LEV3-ULEV125
Tune-up interval	100K +/- Miles No Scheduled Tune Ups (does not include fluid and filter changes)

SAFETY AND DRIVER-ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
For 2019, all Pilot models come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. Honda Sensing® helps provide greater awareness of driving conditions around the vehicle, and in some cases helps drivers maintain lane position. Comprising the Honda Sensing® suite are 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, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor has been expanded from the Touring and Elite trims to EX and EX-L.

In addition to the above, Pilot offers numerous other driver-assistive features, such as automatic high beams and a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, both standard on all trims. The new Pilot was designed to provide a high level of active and passive safety protection and targets a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Honda Sensing Features	LX		EX		EX-L		Touring	Elite
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)	•		•		•		•	•
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)	•		•		•		•	•
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)	•		•		•		•	•
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)	•		•		•		•	•
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)	•		•		•		•	•
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)	•		•		•		•	•
Active Safety Features	LX		EX		EX-L		Touring	Elite
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control	•		•		•		•	•
Advanced 4-Channel ABS	•		•		•		•	•
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)	•		•		•		•	•
Brake Assist	•		•		•		•	•
Multi-angle rearview camera with static guidelines	•
Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines			•		•		•	•
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)9 with Tire Fill Assist and Location and Pressure Indicators	•		•		•		•	•
LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)	•		•		•		•	•

 

Passive Safety Features		LX		EX		EX-L	Touring	Elite
Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure with crash stroke front frame design		•		•		•	•	•
Advanced Front Airbags (SRS)		•		•		•	•	•
Front Side Airbags		•		•		•	•	•
3-Row Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor		•		•		•	•	•
3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions		•		•		•	•	•
Front 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System		•		•		•	•	•
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row All, 3rd-Row Passenger-Side),  Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All, 3rd-Row All)		•		•		•	•	•
Driver's and Front Passenger's Seat-Belt Reminder		•		•		•	•	•
Child-Proof Rear Door Locks		•		•		•	•	•

TECHNOLOGY
Already featuring Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, the 2019 Pilot benefits from a variety of enhancements and upgrades to its audio/connectivity and driver convenience features: An all-new available Display Audio system is easier to use, with customizable shortcuts and simplified menus; A redesigned instrument cluster features a new, larger thin-film transistor (TFT) screen with a variety of user-selectable displays; Rear seat occupants benefit from an available updated Rear Entertainment System (RES) with a larger screen and new capabilities; Pilot is also now available with a 4G LTE-based Wi-Fi hotspot.

New Instrument Cluster
The Pilot's new instrument cluster now uses a 7-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) with a wide range of information content. Not only does it display typical vehicle functions such as vehicle speed and RPM, the TFT includes a Multi-Information Display (MID) with driver-selectable customizable features, such as audio system information, a detailed trip computer, phone information, and turn-by-turn route guidance on Pilot models equipped with navigation. Drivers navigate the new TFT using a new steering wheel with enhanced controls, redesigned for more intuitive operation such as Bluetooth® phone buttons that are more easily distinguished by touch.

More Intuitive Display Audio
Leading the long list of technology upgrades is Pilot's all-new Display Audio system. Standard in Pilot EX trims and above, its 8-inch touchscreen uses gestures common to smartphones and tablets, such as swipe, tap and pinch, to control the vehicle's audio system, display settings and other advanced features, while also adding a volume knob. Intuitive and easy to use, with a simplified menu structure, it also offers customizable shortcuts for commonly used features and customizable app locations. Pilot LX, EX, and EX-L models get a 218-watt audio system with six speakers plus a subwoofer. Touring and Elite models get an updated 10-speaker system with, a subwoofer, and 590 watts of power.

The new Display Audio includes AM/FM, HD Radio™, SiriusXM®, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, and HondaLink® content in Touring and Elite trims. In addition, Pilot models with the new, larger Rear Entertainment System (RES) can play CDs in the same drive that plays DVDs and Blu-ray™ media. Pilot EX-L with Navigation/RES, Touring and Elite models include a fully integrated Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System developed in partnership with Garmin®. Additionally, the Nuance voice-recognition engine (VR) has been improved and now features a simplified one-button operation, with less back-and-forth and improved prompts shown on the screen.

Among the new Display Audio's many functions are big icons resembling smartphone apps, making the capacitive touchscreen interface intuitive and easy to use. Like a smartphone, apps can be moved and rearranged on each page, or hidden on the touchscreen. Hidden apps are easily restored by accessing the "all apps" list and checking a box. Users also benefit from three customizable onscreen shortcut buttons, so owners can have access to their three favorite features.

The Honda-developed operating system is built on Android and is easily updatable and upgradeable either through a USB stick or over-the-air using the Pilot's available 4G LTE data plan, the customer's smartphone-powered hotspot, or any available Wi-Fi network.

HondaLink®, CabinControl™ and CabinTalk™
The available next-generation HondaLink® platform connects customers to online content both inside and outside the car for a variety of cloud-based services. Connected to the user's smartphone by the Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® wireless interface, the HondaLink® phone app provides convenient access for free services including roadside assistance, vehicle health report, service scheduling and access to the vehicle Owners Guide. Additional fee-based services such as automatic collision notification, security alarm alert and personal concierge are also available.

CabinControl™, an all-new feature on Pilot EX and above trims, is now available. A downloadable app for iPhone and Android phones, CabinControl™ allows passengers to use their smartphones to control a range of Pilot features, including the audio system, Rear Entertainment System (if equipped), and rear climate control system. Any connected phone can also look up an address or point of interest and then send it to the navigation system (if equipped), where the driver can accept or reject it.

Additionally, Social Playlist, operating like a virtual family jukebox, allows up to seven connected phones to share music on a playlist that appears on Pilot's Display Audio touchscreen, where the front-row occupants can view and control the list.

CabinTalk™ is included on Pilot EX-L models with navigation and rear-seat entertainment, Touring and Elite trims. Using the HandsFreeLink® microphone, it allows those in the front row to easily communicate to those in the second and third rows using the rear speakers, wireless headphones, or both. CabinTalk™ is activated using the Display Audio touchscreen. When the CabinTalk™ app is in use, Blu-ray™ video appearing on the Rear Entertainment System is automatically paused and audio is muted (non Blu-ray content can be muted only). Audio and video automatically resumes when the app is closed.

4G LTE Wi-Fi and Rear Entertainment System
For the first time, Pilot offers an embedded Telematics Control Unit (TCU) in Touring and Elite trims that can provide an AT&T 4G LTE connection inside the vehicle. The system includes a 90-day/3GB (whichever comes first) free trial and once the trial period ends, customers will need to obtain an AT&T data plan to continue service. With a better antenna than in typical smartphones, the system often offers superior reception. The Wi-Fi network can support up to seven devices and enables "Smart TV"-style video streaming of select video content directly to the Rear Entertainment System (RES) via any W-Fi connection. Additionally, content can be streamed directly to the RES through a compatible Android device.

The 2019 Pilot's all-new state-of-the-art, factory-integrated Rear Entertainment System (RES) for EX-L Navi/RES and above trims features a ceiling-mounted 10.2-inch WSVGA (1024x600) display that swings down, allowing for easy viewing with low glare and better second- and third-row viewing. Its expanded capability over last year's model includes integration with the onboard 4G LTE data network (Touring and Elite) or a paired smartphone (data charges apply), allowing functionality similar to that of a Smart TV with select content channels.

The system includes a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port for attaching high-definition players, digital TV devices such as Apple TV or Roku, compatible tablets and certain gaming consoles. A 115-volt power outlet rated for devices up to 150 watts is included, along with a pair of 2.5-amp USB ports. The system's disc player is located in the center stack of the instrument panel, easily accessible by either the driver or front passenger. The system can play CDs, DVDs. and Blu-ray™ discs. The Rear Entertainment System can play audio via Pilot's speaker system, or through a pair of included wireless headphones. Two additional headphone jacks are also provided.

The Rear Entertainment System includes a fun, kid friendly, puppet-themed "How Much Farther?" app. It functions as a "flight tracker" with a colorful on-screen animated marionette play that counts down time and distance to the destination that has been set into the navigation system. Multiple backgrounds with animation give the app a fun feel that's engaging for children.

Wireless Smartphone Charging
Available for the first time in Pilot is wireless smartphone charging, using the Qi and PMA charging standards. Large enough for even plus-size smartphones, it's standard on Elite models and available as a dealer-installed accessory on EX, EX-L and Touring trims.

Model Trim Level Summary

Pilot LX

Honda Sensing System (NEW)

LED Headlights (Low-beams) (NEW)

Automatic high beams (NEW)

LED daytime running lights (NEW)

18-inch alloy wheels

6-speed automatic transmission

7-inch TFT Screen

6-Speaker Audio System

Heated Door Mirror

5-inch Color Audio w/HFL

Pilot EX (Add or replace from LX)

Blind Spot Information System (NEW for EX)

Rear Cross Traffic Monitor (NEW for EX)

One-Touch 2nd Row Seats (new for EX)

Heated Front Seats (new for EX)

8-Way Power Driver's Seat  (new for EX)

O/S Mirrors w/ Turn Signals  (new for EX)

Power Windows – Auto Up/Down (new for EX)

HD Radio (new for EX)

LED Fog Lights

Smart Entry

Remote Engine Start

Auto HVAC

Dual-Zone HVAC

Separate Rear HVAC Controls

Display Audio (vs. Monitor)

Apple CarPlay™ / Android Auto™ Integration

Satellite Radio (subscription required after trial period)

Body-Colored O/S Door Handles

Heated O/S Mirrors

Body-Colored O/S Mirrors

12V Power Outlet

Conversation Mirror

Illuminated Visors

 

Pilot EX-L (Add or replace from EX)

Memory - Driver Seat and Door Mirrors (new for EX-L)

2nd Row Sun Shade (new for EX-L)

HomeLink (new for EX-L)

Leather Trimmed Seats

Moonroof

Power Tailgate

4-Way Power Passenger Seat (vs. 4W Manual)

Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror

Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel

USB +2 (2nd row)

Leather Wrapped Shift Knob

Pilot EX-L Navi/RES (Add or replace from EX-L)

Rear Entertainment System withBlu-Ray(NEW design)

Navigation

AC Power Outlet

 

Pilot Touring (Add or replace from EX-L Navi/RES)

HondaLink Cloud-Based Services (NEW)

Hands-free Access Power Tailgate (NEW)

Captain's Chairs (Available; new to Touring)

Ambient Lighting with Three Zones (Available with Captain's Chairs) (new to Touring)

Navigation

20" Wheels

9-speed automatic transmission

Parking Sensors

Heated 2nd Row Seats

LED Inline Hi/Lo-Beam

Roof Rack

Paddle Shifters

Premium 10-Speaker Audio

Auto Stop Start

Gloss Black Door Garnish

Body Color Tailgate Spoiler

Gloss Black Outside Mirror

A/C Power Outlet

Bumper Skid Garnish - Painted Silver with Chrome

Front Grille Chrome Bar with Gloss Black Frame

Chrome Outside Door Handles

Door Lower Garnish with Chrome Accent

Pilot Elite (AWD only; Add or replace from Touring)

Auto-Dimming Side Mirrors  (NEW)

Wireless Phone Charger (NEW)

Power-Folding O/S Mirrors (NEW)

Panoramic Moonroof (vs. Moonroof)

Captain's Chairs

Ventilated Front Seats

Heated Steering Wheel

Rain Sensing Wipers

3rd Row Floor Mats

Ambient Lighting

For More Information
For more information and high-resolution photography, visit www.hondanews.com/honda-automobiles/channels/pilot. Consumer information is available at www.automobiles.honda.com/pilot. To join the Honda community on Facebook, visit facebook.com/honda.

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[G. David Felt]

Weird, but sounds like they did to the Acura MDX also to the Honda Pilot.

[Drew Dowdell]

8 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Weird, but sounds like they did to the Acura MDX also to the Honda Pilot.

They're the same vehicle. 

[G. David Felt]

30 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

They're the same vehicle. 

I get that, just that I figure for the price premium of the Acura, they would have some differences.

[Drew Dowdell]

1 minute ago, dfelt said:

I get that, just that I figure for the price premium of the Acura, they would have some differences.

There are differences... just not in what they updated. 

[riviera74]

Actually, it is good that the MDX and the Pilot are getting the same upgrades.  These will be more valuable to the Pilot given the lower MSRP.

[Drew Dowdell]

I'm actually really warming to the new look. The current one left me uninterested.

[regfootball]

getting more used to this, and as usual, its a Honda it will sell a bunch.  i like the Traverse / Enclave myself.

[G. David Felt]

Never been a fan of the Fly headlights on the Acura or now on the Pilot. The rest of it is just so BLAH to me. Nothing inspiring to me, yet the Honda Faithful will eat it up.

[Drew Dowdell]

1 hour ago, dfelt said:

Never been a fan of the Fly headlights on the Acura or now on the Pilot. The rest of it is just so BLAH to me. Nothing inspiring to me, yet the Honda Faithful will eat it up.

 

I drove by a just-off-the-lot new CR-V this evening..... I see what they did there with the front end on that Pilot.

[G. David Felt]

2 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I drove by a just-off-the-lot new CR-V this evening..... I see what they did there with the front end on that Pilot.

They are at least building a family consistent style. Thanks for pointing that out Drew!