Choosing the right family SUV can feel like a daunting task. With so many options on the market, one of the standout choices for families is the Honda Pilot, a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior, powerful performance, and a wide range of features. However, one often overlooked aspect when selecting a vehicle is its weight. The weight of a vehicle plays a crucial role in determining its fuel efficiency, towing capacity, handling, and overall performance.
The Honda Pilot is a versatile vehicle, designed to serve a variety of purposes — from daily commutes to long road trips and weekend adventures. Understanding how much the Honda Pilot weighs, and how its weight differs between trims and configurations, will help you better understand how it fits into your lifestyle. This article will break down the weight of the Honda Pilot across different years, trims, and drive types, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
What Is a Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot is a midsize three-row SUV designed with families in mind. It is spacious enough to accommodate up to eight passengers and provides ample cargo space for all your needs. The Pilot’s flexibility, along with its reputation for reliability, makes it a top choice for those looking for a practical, everyday vehicle that can also handle long road trips, outdoor adventures, and everything in between.
Introduced in 2002, the Honda Pilot was designed to be a family-friendly SUV with the capability to handle various driving conditions, including rough weather and light off-roading. Over the years, the Pilot has evolved with the times, offering a more refined driving experience and a host of updated features that cater to modern needs. This includes the introduction of advanced safety features, updated infotainment systems, and a variety of trim levels and options that cater to different budgets and tastes.
Types of Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot comes in a range of trims, each offering a variety of features and configurations. Understanding these trims is essential for choosing the right model, as each offers different levels of luxury, performance, and functionality. Here’s a closer look at the available trims:
- Sport: The Sport is the base trim for the Honda Pilot but still offers a host of essential features that make it a strong contender for those looking for a reliable and affordable family SUV. Standard features include Honda Sensing (a suite of advanced safety features), Apple CarPlay, a rearview camera, and a 5-inch LCD display. It is available in both 2WD and AWD configurations.
- EX-L: Stepping up to the EX-L trim offers more luxury, such as leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a larger 8-inch touchscreen display. This trim is perfect for those who want more comfort and tech features without going into the high-end trims. It’s available in both 2WD and AWD.
- Touring: The Touring trim includes more premium features, such as a 10-speaker audio system, rear entertainment system, a premium navigation system, and front and rear parking sensors. The Touring trim is designed for those who want a more refined experience and more technology on board, including Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Available in both 2WD and AWD.
- Elite: The Elite trim is the most luxurious version of the Pilot, offering features like ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a hands-free power liftgate. It is equipped with a standard AWD configuration for better traction and performance in various conditions.
- TrailSport: This trim level is geared towards off-road enthusiasts, offering features like enhanced suspension and rugged styling, along with all-terrain tires. It retains the spaciousness and technology of other trims but adds capabilities to make it more suitable for adventure drives and rougher terrains. AWD comes standard.
- Black Edition: The Black Edition is a sportier, appearance-focused version of the Pilot with unique blacked-out accents and exclusive interior features. It also includes most of the features available on the Elite trim but with a more distinctive design.
Each trim level adds a layer of features, technology, and performance capability, which impacts the weight of the vehicle. Generally, higher trims are heavier due to the additional features, materials, and drivetrain configurations.
How Much Does a Honda Pilot Weigh?
The weight of a Honda Pilot can vary depending on the trim level, drivetrain, and model year. Here, we’ll break down the approximate curb weight for various trims and configurations. Curb weight refers to the weight of the vehicle with all necessary fluids (oil, gas, coolant) but without passengers or cargo.
- 2023 Honda Pilot:
- Sport 2WD: 4,030 lbs (1,826 kg)
- Sport AWD: 4,202 lbs (1,905 kg)
- Touring 2WD: 4,313 lbs (1,957 kg)
- Touring AWD: 4,488 lbs (2,035 kg)
- Elite AWD: 4,660 lbs (2,113 kg)
- TrailSport AWD: 4,625 lbs (2,097 kg)
- 2024 Honda Pilot:
- Sport 2WD: 4,251 lbs (1,928 kg)
- Sport AWD: 4,431 lbs (2,010 kg)
- Touring 2WD: 4,313 lbs (1,957 kg)
- Touring AWD: 4,497 lbs (2,041 kg)
- Elite AWD: 4,660 lbs (2,113 kg)
- TrailSport AWD: 4,625 lbs (2,097 kg)
- 2025 Honda Pilot:
- Touring AWD: 4,625 lbs (2,097 kg)
- Elite AWD: 4,660 lbs (2,113 kg)
- Black Edition AWD: 4,685 lbs (2,124 kg)
Note: These weights are approximate and can vary based on specific model year updates and configurations.
Comparison Table: Honda Pilot Weight by Trim and Year
| Model Year | Trim Level | Drivetrain | Curb Weight (lbs) | Curb Weight (kg) | Towing Capacity (lbs) | Max Payload Capacity (lbs) | Fuel Economy (MPG) | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Sport 2WD | 2WD | 4,030 | 1,826 | 3,500 | 1,420 | 20 city / 27 highway | $38,000 – $40,000 |
| 2023 | Touring AWD | AWD | 4,488 | 2,035 | 5,000 | 1,400 | 19 city / 26 highway | $45,000 – $47,000 |
| 2024 | Elite AWD | AWD | 4,660 | 2,113 | 5,000 | 1,400 | 19 city / 26 highway | $50,000 – $52,000 |
| 2025 | Black Edition AWD | AWD | 4,685 | 2,124 | 5,000 | 1,380 | 19 city / 26 highway | $55,000 – $57,000 |
Basics of Honda Pilot Weight
The weight of a vehicle, particularly the Honda Pilot, plays a significant role in several important areas:
- Curb Weight: This refers to the weight of the vehicle as it is when ready to drive, including all essential fluids like oil, fuel, and coolant, but excluding any passengers or cargo.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the maximum weight of the vehicle when fully loaded, including passengers, cargo, and fluids. It’s essential to know this figure when planning to load the vehicle with gear or tow a trailer.
- Towing Capacity: Towing capacity refers to how much weight the vehicle can safely tow. Generally, heavier vehicles can tow more. For the Honda Pilot, the towing capacity is impressive, ranging from 3,500 lbs to 5,000 lbs, depending on the model and trim.
- Payload Capacity: This refers to the maximum amount of weight the vehicle can carry inside, including passengers and cargo. The Honda Pilot offers a strong payload capacity, with higher trims carrying up to 1,420 lbs.
Factors Influencing Honda Pilot Weight
Several factors determine the overall weight of the Honda Pilot:
- Drivetrain Configuration:
- AWD vs FWD: Vehicles with all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations are heavier than their front-wheel-drive (FWD) counterparts. AWD systems require additional mechanical components like the rear differential, driveshaft, and axles, all of which add weight.
- Trim Level:
- Luxury Features: Higher trims like the Elite AWD and TrailSport AWD have more advanced features such as leather seats, larger infotainment screens, more advanced sound systems, and more, making them heavier than the base Sport trim.
- Optional Features:
- Sunroofs, Premium Audio: Optional features such as a panoramic sunroof, premium audio system, and advanced safety packages can add extra weight due to the added technology and materials.
- Seating and Cargo Configuration:
- The Honda Pilot with three-row seating configurations and additional cargo space is typically heavier than those with two rows or a more compact cargo area. The weight also depends on whether the third-row seats are in use or folded down.
- Materials Used in Construction:
- The materials used to construct the Honda Pilot, such as high-strength steel and aluminum, play a role in its overall weight. Lighter materials can help reduce weight but may impact the vehicle’s strength or safety ratings.
Why Honda Pilot Weight Matters
Understanding the weight of the Honda Pilot is essential for several reasons:
- Fuel Efficiency:
- The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it typically consumes. Honda Pilot models with a higher curb weight may have slightly lower fuel economy, as more energy is required to move the vehicle.
- Towing Capacity:
- Heavier vehicles tend to have higher towing capacities. The Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 lbs, and knowing its weight is crucial when considering how much weight you can safely tow, whether it’s a camper, boat, or trailer.
- Handling and Performance:
- The weight of the vehicle affects how it handles on the road, especially when navigating sharp corners or off-road terrain. The Honda Pilot’s balanced weight distribution and suspension systems contribute to its smooth ride.
- Safety:
- Generally, larger, heavier vehicles perform better in crash tests. Heavier vehicles can provide more protection during a collision, which is why the Honda Pilot’s weight contributes to its strong safety performance.
How Much Does a Honda Pilot Cost?
The price of a Honda Pilot varies depending on several factors, including the trim level, model year, and optional features. Here’s an approximate price range for the 2025 Honda Pilot:
- Sport AWD: Starting at approximately $41,295
- Touring AWD: Starting at approximately $50,695
- Elite AWD: Starting at approximately $54,175
- Black Edition AWD: Starting at approximately $55,675
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Honda Pilot?
Rental prices for the Honda Pilot depend on location, rental duration, and availability. Rental prices typically range:
- Daily Rental: Approximately $100 – $150 per day
- Weekly Rental: Approximately $600 – $900 per week
How Much Does a Honda Pilot Tire Weigh?
The weight of a Honda Pilot tire varies based on the size and type:
- Standard 18″ Tire: Approximately 30 – 35 lbs (13.6 – 15.9 kg)
- Upgraded 20″ or 21″ Tire: Approximately 35 – 45 lbs (15.9 – 20.4 kg)
How Much Does a Honda Pilot Tire Cost?
The cost of replacement tires for the Honda Pilot can vary depending on the tire size, brand, and specifications:
- Standard Tires: Around $150 – $250 per tire
- Premium Tires: Around $250 – $400 per tire
How Much Fuel Does a Honda Pilot Use?
Fuel efficiency for the Honda Pilot depends on the model year and drivetrain configuration:
- 2023 Honda Pilot:
- AWD Models: Approximately 19 MPG city / 26 MPG highway
- 2WD Models: Approximately 20 MPG city / 27 MPG highway
How Fast Can a Honda Pilot Go?
The Honda Pilot is not designed for high-speed performance, but it still offers respectable acceleration and top speed for a midsize SUV:
- Top Speed: Approximately 110 – 120 MPH (177 – 193 km/h)
- 0-60 MPH Acceleration: Approximately 6.5 – 7.0 seconds
Conclusion
The Honda Pilot is an outstanding choice for those seeking a reliable, spacious, and versatile family SUV. Understanding the weight of the Pilot is essential when considering its performance, fuel economy, and towing capabilities. From the base Sport 2WD to the fully-loaded Black Edition AWD, the weight of each trim affects how it drives, tows, and handles. With its impressive balance of space, features, and capability, the Honda Pilot remains one of the top family SUV choices available today.
Fun Facts
- The Honda Pilot was first introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model.
- It is assembled in Lincoln, Alabama for the North American market.
- The Pilot offers seating for up to eight passengers.
- The 2025 Black Edition trim brings a sportier, more aggressive appearance to the Pilot.
- The Pilot has earned high marks for safety, including Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.