Choosing the right SUV for your family means balancing features, capability, and value. Our 2024 Honda Pilot Trim Guide: Sport, Touring, TrailSport, and More is here to help you understand every option. We’ll break down each trim level so you can pick the perfect Pilot for your adventures and daily drives.
The Honda Pilot has always been a favorite for its spacious interior, smooth ride, and reliability. The 2024 model continues this tradition but adds more distinct personality to each trim. Whether you want sporty looks, off-road readiness, or luxury comfort, there’s a version built for you.
Let’s look at what every 2024 Pilot has in common before we get into the differences.
2024 Honda Pilot Trim Guide: Sport, Touring, TrailSport, and More
This guide walks you through all six trim levels available for the 2024 Pilot. We’ll cover the LX, EX, Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and the top-tier Elite. Each one offers a unique set of features and capabilities.
Standard Features Across All 2024 Honda Pilot Trims
Every 2024 Pilot starts with a strong foundation. You get a capable and efficient powertrain and a suite of safety tech no matter which trim you choose.
- Engine: A 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: A 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard; all-wheel drive (AWD) is available on every trim, and standard on TrailSport and above.
- Honda Sensing®: The comprehensive safety suite includes Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist.
- Infotainment: A 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration.
2024 Honda Pilot LX: The Value Leader
The LX is the entry point, but it’s far from basic. It offers all the core Pilot strengths at the most affordable price. It’s ideal for buyers who want space and reliability without extra frills.
- Key Features: 18-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8-way power driver’s seat, and cloth seating surfaces.
- Best For: Budget-conscious families who prioritize the essential Honda Pilot experience.
2024 Honda Pilot EX: Adding Key Upgrades
The EX trim adds several popular features that enhance convenience and comfort. It’s a significant step up from the LX for a reasonable price increase.
- Key Additions: A larger 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, a power tailgate, and blind spot information system.
- Best For: Buyers who want modern connectivity and helpful safety features as standard equipment.
2024 Honda Pilot Sport: The Stylish Choice
The Sport trim injects a dose of athletic style into the Pilot lineup. It builds on the EX features but with unique visual elements that set it apart.
- Key Additions: 20-inch black alloy wheels, black exterior accents, a hands-free power tailgate, and Sport badging. The interior features unique black upholstery with red stitching.
- Best For: Drivers who want their SUV to have a more assertive, sporty look without sacrificing practicality.
- Key Additions: Leather-trimmed seats, a 4-way power passenger seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a rear-seat reminder. A sunroof is also included.
- Available Upgrade: A rear-seat entertainment system is optional on this trim.
- Best For: Families who apreciate a more refined interior with easier-to-clean surfaces.
- Key Additions: Standard i-VTM4® torque-vectoring AWD, all-terrain tires, unique 18-inch wheels, increased ground clearance, and TrailSport exterior styling. It has reinforced underbody components and unique suspension tuning.
- Interior: Water-resistant TrailSport fabric seats with orange stitching and all-weather floor mats.
- Best For: Active families who camp, hike, or need confidence in adverse weather and rough roads.
- Key Additions: A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a built-in cabin camera, a wireless phone charger, and perforated leather seats. The headline feature is the rear-seat entertainment system with a 9-inch flip-down screen.
- Best For: Tech-savvy families who take frequent road trips and want to keep rear-seat passengers happily occupied.
- Key Additions: Heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, and a premium audio system. It also adds front and rear parking sensors and a hands-free power tailgate.
- Best For: Buyers who want the absolute maximum in comfort, convenience, and premium details, sparing no expense.
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Standard on LX, EX, Sport, and EX-L. It offers slightly better fuel economy and a lower purchase price. It’s sufficient for most paved-road driving in fair weather.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Available on LX through EX-L, standard on TrailSport, Touring, and Elite. Honda’s i-VTM4® system provides superior traction in rain, snow, and on light off-road terrain. The TrailSport’s specific tuning is the most capable for off-pavement use.
- LX: The most affordable. Great if you want the core Pilot.
- EX & Sport: A moderate step up for significant feature gains.
- EX-L: Adds premium interior materials at a mid-range price.
- TrailSport: Commands a premium for its specialized off-road hardware.
- Touring & Elite: The high-end trims with all the latest tech and luxury.
- What’s your budget? Start here to eliminate trims above your price point.
- Where will you drive? Stick to FWD for mostly city/highway use. Choose AWD for snow or occasional dirt roads. The TrailSport is for active off-pavement use.
- What features are must-haves? Make a list of non-negotiable features (e.g., leather, large screen, power tailgate).
- How do you use the rear seats? If you often have passengers, consider the EX-L’s reminder system or the Touring’s entertainment system.
2024 Honda Pilot EX-L: Introducing Premium Comfort
The EX-L marks the move into more premium materials. Leather surfaces and added comfort features make the cabin a nicer place to spend time.
2024 Honda Pilot TrailSport: The Off-Road Adventurer
The TrailSport is Honda’s dedicated off-road trim. It’s designed for light to moderate trails while remaining a composed daily driver. This is a standout in the 2024 Honda Pilot Trim Guide: Sport, Touring, TrailSport, and More.
2024 Honda Pilot Touring: The Tech Hub
The Touring trim focuses on advanced technology and entertainment for all passengers. It’s packed with features that make long trips more enjoyable.
2024 Honda Pilot Elite: The Pinnacle of Luxury
The Elite is the most luxurious and feature-complete Pilot you can buy. It includes almost every available comfort, convenience, and safety feature.
Comparing Drivetrain: FWD vs. AWD
Your choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive is crucial. It affects cost, capability, and fuel economy.
Pricing and Value Breakdown
Understanding the price steps helps you find the best value for your needs. Remember, destination charges are extra.
How to Choose the Right Trim for You
Ask yourself these questions to narrow down your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between the Honda Pilot Sport and TrailSport?
The Sport is primarily about on-road style with black accents and larger wheels. The TrailSport is a true off-road package with all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, specialized AWD, and underbody protection. They serve very different purposes.
Which 2024 Pilot trim has the best fuel economy?
The front-wheel-drive LX trim typically gets the best EPA estimates. Adding AWD reduces fuel economy slightly, and the TrailSport’s all-terrain tires and tuning may reduce it a bit further compared to other AWD models.
Is the TrailSport good for towing?
Yes, all 2024 Honda Pilot trims, including the TrailSport, have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The TrailSport’s robust AWD system can be beneficial for towing on wet or unpaved surfaces.
What comes in the Honda Pilot Touring package?
The Touring trim includes the 9-inch rear entertainment system, a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, a cabin camera, and a wireless charger. It’s essentially the tech-focused trim level in the lineup.
Should I get the Elite trim?
The Elite is worth it if you want every available feature. The panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, head-up display, and premium audio create a luxury experience. If those top-tier features aren’t important, the Touring or EX-L might offer better value for you.
Final Thoughts on the 2024 Pilot Lineup
The 2024 Honda Pilot successfully offers a trim for nearly every type of buyer. From the sensible LX to the rugged TrailSport and the tech-loaded Elite, the choice comes down to your lifestyle and priorities.
We recommend test driving your top two trim choices back-to-back. Pay attention to the seat comfort, the intuitiveness of the tech features, and overall feel on the road. This hands-on experience, combined with the details in this guide, will ensure you drive home in the perfect Pilot for your family’s needs.