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When you’re shopping for a new SUV, it’s pretty easy to do your research. You can go to the website of your favorite automaker and get a clear sense of what the latest model has to offer, from broad strokes down to the specifics for each trim level. Finding the right used Honda Pilot for sale near Mill Creek, on the other hand, can be a bit trickier. Trying to compare and contrast older models can send you down a rabbit hole of archived web pages and vague reviews, and it’s easy to feel frustrated with the process.
Here at Klein Honda, we know that buying a used model is the best option for many drivers, whether they prefer older styles and features or have a tight budget. We want to make shopping for a used model as easy as possible and make sure that you have the tools you need to decide which model year and trim level is right for you. So today, we’re going to take a close look at the latest two generations of the Honda Pilot and let you know what to keep an eye out for when you’re browsing.
If you’re looking for a used Honda Pilot for sale, odds are good that most of the options you find will be from the third or fourth generation. So those are the models that we’re going to focus on in this piece. These generations run the gamut from nearly-new models with all of the latest tech features to years-old models that are more budget-friendly. If you know what your priorities are, it should be easy to decide which one is right for you.
Honda Pilot 101
The Pilot is a midsize SUV with a body that’s large enough to comfortably offer three rows of seating but not so big that it’s cumbersome to drive or impossible to parallel park on a busy street. Mill Creek families who want a vehicle that fits everyone but who don’t want to opt for a minivan like the Odyssey will appreciate the bold look and high stance of the Pilot. All-wheel drive is available for extra traction, a powerful V6 engine makes for solid driving dynamics and a useful towing capacity, and the available trim levels run the gamut from affordable to rugged to luxurious.
Third-Generation Pilot (2016-2022)
The third generation of the Pilot left behind the blockier look of the previous generation in favor of more rounded edges for a sleek and aerodynamic look. Thanks to its crash-worthy design, the 2016 model was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.[a] During the 2016-2018 model years, the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance advanced safety features was an optional add-on for most trims, so if you want to make sure you get the Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Adaptive Cruise Control, look carefully at the features included on a Pilot from these model years.
Base trims of the third-generation Pilot come standard with a five-inch LCD display (not a touchscreen), Bluetooth connectivity, a backup camera, a USB port, and a radio. Upgrading to EX and above switches this out for a system with an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, 2016-2018 models don’t have a physical volume knob, which can make the system a bit frustrating to use while driving. Look for a 2019 model or newer if you want to get a Pilot that has both a touchscreen and a volume knob.
Honda gave the Pilot a new engine for the 2016 model year, and it would remain the SUV’s sole powertrain for the entire generation. That engine is a 3.5L V6, which produces 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The V6 also allows the Pilot to tow up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. For the 2016-2020 model years, the LX, EX, and EX-L trims paired this engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, while higher trim levels got a smoother ride out of a nine-speed automatic. For the 2021 model year, the nine-speed became standard. Depending on which transmission you get and whether you opt for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the 2016 Pilot gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 23 MPG combined.[b]
The third generation also introduced an intelligent traction management system, letting you change the SUV’s settings to adjust to different situations. Front-wheel drive models have Normal mode for everyday driving and Snow mode for additional traction in inclement weather. All-wheel drive models add Sand and Mud modes to tackle trickier terrain if you like to venture into the national parks around Washington. There’s also an ECON mode that prioritizes fuel economy for when you are commuting around Mill Creek.
Fourth-Generation Pilot (2023-Present)
The fourth-generation Pilot looks like a blend between the second and third-generation exteriors, with more of a square-jawed look up front but a distinctly modern aesthetic overall. Like the third generation, the fourth got off to a strong start, safety-wise, with the 2023 model being named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS.[c] In addition to the standard Honda Sensing suite, the fourth-generation Pilot also gets standard Hill Descent Control for tackling steep inclines and standard front-row knee airbags, offering even more protection in case of an accident. The driver-assist features have also been upgraded with enhanced camera and radar systems.
The infotainment system got an upgrade as well. Lower trims of the 2023 Pilot come standard with a seven-inch touchscreen, a seven-inch digital gauge cluster behind the wheel, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims get a larger nine-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-tier Elite trim also gets a 10.2-inch gauge cluster.
The V6 engine has been re-tuned, bringing the Pilot up to 285 hp without sacrificing much fuel economy (the 2023 model gets an EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined).[b] This engine is now paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission across all trim levels. The intelligent traction management system adds three new modes. Sport Mode offers a more athletic on-road feel, Tow Mode helps you stay in control while towing a trailer, and Trail Mode allows the Pilot to head off-road.
Trim Levels
The 2016 Pilot has five trim levels for you to choose from. The LX is the most basic and affordable option, while the EX and EX-L add on a few upgrades without breaking the bank. For the fullest array of tech and comfort features, you’ll want to look for the Touring and Elite trims. For the 2020 model year, a new Black Edition trim was added at the top of the ladder, with standard AWD, black exterior accents, and bold red interior accents. The next year, the 2021 Pilot added the Special Edition as a balanced option between the EX-L and Touring that offers standard features like a hands-free power tailgate and wireless charging.
For the 2022 model year, the rugged TrailSport trim was introduced. Designed to handle off-road driving, this trim comes standard with all-wheel drive, fender flares, and a lifted suspension. This year also dropped the LX and EX trims while adding a new base trim called the Sport. For the 2023 model year, the Pilot entered the fourth generation with a familiar six-trim lineup: LX, Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, and Elite. This lineup remained steady for the 2024 model year as well, although the 2025 model year dropped LX and returned the Black Edition to the mix.
Find Your Perfect Pilot Here at Klein Honda
Now that you know what these generations of the Pilot have to offer, you’re ready to start browsing! Here at Klein Honda, you can do that easily on our website without leaving Mill Creek. With our filters, you can narrow things down by model year, trim, drive train, or even specific features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Apple CarPlay, or leather seats. If you have any questions, you can always give us a call or drop by the dealership. We’re always willing to go the extra mile to help you find a vehicle that’s a perfect fit for you.