We spent a week living with a 2024 Honda Pilot Elite AWD, logging school runs, Costco hauls, and a 300-mile highway trip to see how this three-row SUV handles real family duty. The focus here is cargo flexibility, seating comfort, and everyday usability.
Our test car was a Pilot Elite with the 3.5-liter V6 (285 hp, 262 lb-ft) and a 10-speed automatic, riding on 20-inch all-seasons. AWD is standard on Elite. Curb weight sits just over 4,600 pounds, and towing is rated up to 5,000 pounds with the proper equipment. EPA economy for this configuration is 21 mpg city, 27 highway, 23 combined.
Over seven days, we used it like most families will: two child seats installed, a week of commuting, a grocery run big enough to stress-test the cargo area, and a weekend highway trip with four adults and luggage. We measured cargo with a mix of strollers, sports gear, and stacked storage bins to evaluate real-world fit rather than theoretical volume alone. On paper, the Pilot offers 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.5 behind the second, and 87.0 max. The cargo opening is tall and square, the load floor is nearly level when rows are folded, and the Elite’s hands-free power tailgate is responsive.
A standout family feature on Touring and Elite trims is the stowable second-row middle seat that hides under the rear cargo floor; using it, we switched from an 8-passenger bench to captain-chair style in under two minutes. A full-size stroller fits sideways behind the third row; for a double stroller or a week’s worth of groceries, expect to drop one side of the third row. Seating comfort is a Pilot strength. The second row offers generous thigh support and long fore-aft travel, so adults sit with knees at a natural angle and kids in boosters get good belt geometry.
One-touch slide makes third-row access easy even with a forward-facing seat installed on the opposite side. The third row is adult-capable for shorter trips; two six-footers fit without knees jammed, though toe room is tight. LATCH anchors are clearly marked, and top tether points are present across rear seating, making car-seat installs straightforward. Ventilated fronts and heated second-row outboard seats on Elite kept everyone content on hot and cool days.
Daily usability is where the Pilot feels thoughtfully designed. Visibility is excellent thanks to thin A-pillars and large mirrors, and the 360-degree camera with a separate trailer view simplifies parking and hitching. Cabin storage is abundant: big door bins, a deep console, and the shelf spanning the dash for phones and snacks. The 9-inch touchscreen is simple to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and enough USB ports to keep devices charged.
Ride quality is calm over broken city streets; body motions are well controlled without feeling stiff, and wind and road noise are subdued at 70 mph. Performance is sufficient rather than exciting, but the V6 is smooth, and the 10-speed shifts unobtrusively. The AWD system engages cleanly pulling out of damp intersections, and brake modulation is easy in stop-and-go traffic. We averaged 24.2 mpg over 320 mixed miles, matching the EPA on highway-heavy days and dipping to the high teens during short cold starts.
The turning circle is manageable for tight school lots, and the auto hold and adaptive cruise reduce fatigue in traffic. Overall, the Pilot nails family basics: flexible seating, friendly cargo space, and low-drama daily manners. If you need more behind-the-third-row room, the Toyota Grand Highlander offers a bit more depth; if second-row stretch and cabin flair matter most, also test a Kia Telluride. For value, the EX-L AWD covers the essentials, but families who want the stowable middle seat and extra amenities should target Touring or Elite.
