Honda Pilot Timeline and Milestones

First introduced for the 2003 model year, the Honda Pilot became the industry’s first three-row, mainstream SUV developed on a car-like unibody platform. For two decades the Pilot has set industry standards for fuel efficiency, spacious and thoughtful interior packaging, safety performance and features, and handling performance in the midsize SUV segment. American families have responded by purchasing more than 2.3 million Pilots since its introduction.

Today, the Honda Pilot remains one of the most popular three-row family SUVs in the United States. Now in its fourth generation, the new 2023 Pilot is the largest and most powerful SUV in Honda history, with rugged new styling and a class-leading combination of off-road capability and sporty on-road dynamics. The new 2023 Pilot TrailSport is the most off-road capable Honda SUV ever.

The following is a look at all Pilot models over the last 20 years.

First-generation Pilot: 2003 - 2008

• 2003: Designed and developed in Raymond, Ohio, and Torrance, California, the Honda Pilot established a new benchmark among sport-utility vehicles in its class. Pilot took traditional SUV strengths - such as a commanding seating position, rugged image, versatile utility, and four-wheel drive - and combined them with core Honda design attributes including dependability, quality, and reliability.
  
  Pilot's 3.5-liter single-overhead-camshaft (SOHC) V6 engine used advanced valvetrain and emissions technology, including Honda's VTEC® variable valve control system. The all-aluminum 24-valve engine delivered a maximum output of 240 horsepower (SAE net) and 242 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net) for best-in-class acceleration and passing performance. To ensure optimal stability and control in a variety of road and weather conditions, the Pilot employed an advanced new four-wheel drive system called Variable Torque Management 4WD (VTM-4).
  
  The first-generation Pilot was built* by Honda Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario.
  
  
• 2004: Second row sliding seat feature was added to all trim levels, EX-L received heated seats and mirrors as standard. Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System received an updated database with 48-state coverage and a new route guidance method for unverified roads.

• 2005: Pilot received an all-new 255 horsepower (SAE net) SOHC V6 engine with Drive by Wire (DBW) Throttle System. The more powerful engine was coupled with a revised transmission with smoother 4th and 5th gear ratios and a new fuel tank design that increased driving range by over 40 miles.
  
  New creature comforts were added including a revised instrument panel with ambient lighting, a new driver footrest, an integrated remote key fob, and a new magnesium frame steering wheel. EX and EX with Leather models included a new 6-disc CD changer and an improved sunroof with wind deflector for EX with leather trims. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and keyless entry were added to the LX trim level.

• 2006: Revised exterior styling with new bumpers, headlights and taillights. A new two-wheel-drive model received Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®), Active Noise Cancellation™ (ANC), Honda's Active Control Engine Mount (ACM) system and the new i-VTEC® valvetrain system. The ANC and ACM systems work in cooperation to cancel both noise and vibration that could occur in relation to the cylinder deactivation process.
  
  Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) was added to all Pilot models, fog lights were added to EX, EX-L trims and XM Satellite Radio was added to EX-L.
  
  For the 2006 model year, all Honda horsepower and torque specifications were updated to reflect revised Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1349 (Rev 8/04) net calculations that went into effect in January of 2005. Those new calculations reflected significant changes in the way horsepower and torque were measured and may cause SAE net horsepower and torque totals published in 2006 media materials to differ from the figures published in previous years. As a result, the Pilot’s official horsepower rating was changed from 255 horsepower (SAE net) to 244 horsepower (SAE net).
  
  
• 2008: Two new trim levels: Value Package (VP) enhanced LX, Special Edition (SE) enhanced EX.

Second-Generation Pilot: 2009 – 2015

• 2009: Pilot was completely redesigned for its second generation with new, more SUV-rugged aesthetics, more on-road refinement, and more interior space. The SOHC V6 engine received VCM® and i-VTEC® on all models, and a new intake manifold for all-wheel-drive models. Horsepower increased to 250 (SAE net).
  
  To further enhance safety performance, Pilot featured the Honda-exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE®) body structure and the most extensive use of high-strength steel in any Honda product to date. Also new was an aluminum hood, and a tilt and telescopic steering column. A new Touring trim was added as well as Bluetooth® phone connectivity and an available power tailgate.
  
  Pilot production moved to the Honda Alabama Auto Plant.

• 2012: Updated looks with a sleeker front-end design, enhanced interior features and improved efficiency for the 3.5-liter i-VTEC® V6. A new full-color 8-inch intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) was added. Pilot also became quieter with additional noise insulation.
• 2013: Bluetooth® connectivity, a rearview camera and the 8-inch center touchscreen became standard.
• 2015: Pilot Special Edition (SE) added to the lineup with styling, technology and convenience upgrades includes new aluminum alloy wheels, a one-touch-open power moonroof with tilt feature, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio and a Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System.

Third-Generation Pilot: 2016 – 2022

• 2016: Completely redesigned, the third-generation Pilot received upgrades to interior quality and more standard comfort and convenience features on all trims. The Honda Sensing® suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies was introduced to Pilot.
  
  A new, line-topping Elite trim was added. New available equipment included ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, a first-ever panoramic glass roof and many other luxury features.
  
  Pilot also received a new more powerful engine from Honda’s EarthDreams® Technology powertrain series – a direct-injected 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC® V6 engine with VCM® and 280 horsepower (SAE net). Two new advanced automatic transmissions were available, a 6-speed and a 9-speed, along with a class-defining, all-new intelligent variable torque management (i-VTM4™) all-wheel drive system with Intelligent Traction Management and torque vectoring capability.

• 2017: Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration was added.
• 2019: Refreshed Pilot got more aggressive exterior styling and an available new hands-free power tailgate. Honda Sensing® became standard on all trims and the 2019 Honda Pilot earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) highest overall safety rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+. 
  
  In addition, the 2019 Pilot's 9-speed automatic transmission was tuned for enhanced drivability and smoother shifts, with a revised Idle Stop system providing quicker restarts and more seamless operation.

• 2020: New Black Edition trim level added exclusive exterior and interior styling enhancements.
• 2021: A new Special Edition (SE) trim arrived. The 9-speed automatic transmission became standard across all Pilot trim levels. LX trim received dual-zone climate control.
• 2022: Two new trim levels debuted: Sport and TrailSport. Pilot Sport lived up to its name with standard paddle shifters and 20-inch alloys, while the rugged TrailSport brought exclusive and even more rugged styling that appealed to active, image-conscious buyers including a lifted suspension, 18-inch black alloy wheels, and tires with a rugged-design sidewall. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, and LED headlamps became standard in the updated lineup.

Fourth-Generation Pilot: 2023

• 2023: The largest and most powerful SUV in Honda history, the all-new 2023 Honda Pilot is the ultimate family SUV with rugged new styling, more passenger and cargo space, and a class-leading combination of off-road capability and sporty on-road dynamics. And, the new Pilot TrailSport is the most off-road capable Honda SUV ever.
  
  Under its new longer hood is Honda's most powerful V6 ever, an all-new dual overhead cam (DOHC) 3.5-liter engine producing 285 horsepower (SAE net @ 6,100 rpm) and 262 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net @ 5,000 rpm). Performance is further enhanced by a refined and responsive 10-speed automatic transmission that has been tuned exclusively for Pilot.
  
  Pilot also introduces the second generation of Honda’s award-winning torque vectoring i-VTM4® all-wheel drive system. The new more capable i-VTM4® system features a stronger rear differential that can handle 40% more torque and provides 30% faster response, optimizing available traction in all driving scenarios, especially slick conditions and off-road. Up to 70% of the engine’s torque can be sent to the rear axle, and 100% of that torque can be distributed to either the left or right rear wheel.
  
  Engineered to get weekend adventurers even further off the beaten path with special off-road features, the new Pilot TrailSport includes an off-road tuned suspension that increases ride height and ground clearance, all-terrain tires, steel skid plates and expanded all-wheel drive system capabilities.
  
  Available on-demand 8-occupant flexibility gives Pilot class-leading versatility. In the second row, a first-in-class multi-function removable middle seat can be conveniently stored underneath the rear cargo floor instead of being left at home. Families then have the seat available if they need it later in their journey, providing owners three distinct seating options at any time.
  
  For the first time, Pilot is available with a new line of post-production option packages, including a new HPD Package for those looking to take Pilot’s rugged new styling even further. Created in collaboration with Honda Performance Development (HPD), Honda's U.S.-based racing company, it includes bronze-colored aluminum wheels, fender flares and HPD decals.

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^{*using domestic and globally sourced parts}