Archived model-year dossier
2021 Honda Pilot
The 2021 Honda Pilot adds a Special Edition trim between the EX-L and Touring and makes a nine-speed automatic transmission standard. NHTSA lists ten recalls, including a rear subframe that can corrode in cold-weather states, brake master cylinder tie rods and rearview camera faults, plus 434 complaints. EPA rates it 22 to 23 mpg combined.
Configurations2
Model/option labels2
Combined efficiency22–23 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers4
What changed on the 2021 Honda Pilot
Honda (opens in a new tab) says the 2021 Pilot adds a new Special Edition and a standard nine-speed automatic transmission, and Honda's dealer feature guide (opens in a new tab) places the Special Edition between the EX-L and Touring. MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) adds newly standard dual-zone automatic climate control on the LX and a Platinum White Pearl paint option for the Black Edition, with EX and EX-L prices up $525 and the Touring, Elite and Black Edition up $325.
EPA rates the 2021 Pilot at 22 to 23 mpg combined and $2,700 to $2,850 a year in fuel, with front- or all-wheel drive.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists ten recall campaigns for the 2021 Pilot. 26V365000 covers 2016 to 2022 Pilots sold in cold-weather states from Maine to Wisconsin, where the rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points and cause rear suspension component failure, and dealers install a reinforcement kit. 23V458000 covers a brake booster tie rod fastener that may let the master cylinder separate, 20V725000 covers tires cured beyond specification on certain Continental tires, and 24V064000 covers a front passenger seat weight sensor that may crack and fail to suppress the air bag as intended. Four more concern the rearview camera and instrument panel software, the side mirror heating pads and the fuel pump.
Owners have filed 434 complaints with NHTSA: electrical system with 127, engine with 105, forward collision avoidance with 98, unknown or other with 82, lane departure with 44 and air bags with 31. CarComplaints (opens in a new tab) tracks the year's problems by category, and Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) keeps a common-problems page for it.
2021 Pilot against the Highlander, Telluride, Explorer and Ascent
EPA rates the 2021 Pilot at 22 to 23 mpg combined and $2,700 to $2,850 a year in fuel. The Subaru Ascent lists 22 to 23 at $2,700 to $2,850, the Kia Telluride 21 to 23 at $2,700 to $2,950, the Toyota Highlander 23 to 36 at $1,750 to $2,700 including its hybrid, and the Ford Explorer 19 to 27 at $2,300 to $3,300. The Pilot matches the Ascent exactly and trails the Highlander's hybrid.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2021 Honda Pilot: 7 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) | Automatic, 9-Spd | AWD | 280 | 262 | 19 / 26 / 22 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| EX | 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) | Automatic, 9-Spd | AWD | 280 | 262 | 19 / 26 / 22 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Special Edition | 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) | Automatic, 9-Spd | AWD | 280 | 262 | 19 / 26 / 22 mpg | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | |
| EX-L | 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) | Automatic, 9-Spd | AWD | 280 | 262 | 19 / 26 / 22 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Touring | 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) | Automatic, 9-Spd | AWD | 280 | 262 | 19 / 26 / 22 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Black Edition | 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) | Automatic, 9-Spd | AWD | 280 | 262 | 19 / 26 / 22 mpg | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | |
| Elite | 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) | Automatic, 9-Spd | AWD | 280 | 262 | 19 / 26 / 22 mpg | 7 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Payload | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | 4,158 lb | 196.5 in | 70.6 in | 111 in | 7.3 in | 39.4 ft | 19.5 gal | 40.1 in | 40.9 in | 5,000 lb | 1,320 lb | P245/60HR18 |
| EX | 4,176 lb | 196.5 in | 70.6 in | 111 in | 7.3 in | 39.4 ft | 19.5 gal | 40.1 in | 40.9 in | 5,000 lb | 1,320 lb | P245/60HR18 |
| Special Edition | 4,255 lb | 196.5 in | 70.6 in | 111 in | 7.3 in | 39.4 ft | 19.5 gal | 39.5 in | 40.9 in | 5,000 lb | 1,320 lb | P245/60HR18 |
| EX-L | 4,228 lb | 196.5 in | 70.6 in | 111 in | 7.3 in | 39.4 ft | 19.5 gal | 39.5 in | 40.9 in | 5,000 lb | 1,320 lb | P245/60HR18 |
| Touring | 4,255 lb | 196.5 in | 70.6 in | 111 in | 7.3 in | 39.4 ft | 19.5 gal | 39.5 in | 40.9 in | 5,000 lb | 1,320 lb | P245/50HR20 |
| Black Edition | 4,321 lb | 196.5 in | 70.6 in | 111 in | 7.3 in | 39.4 ft | 19.5 gal | 39.5 in | 40.9 in | 5,000 lb | 1,320 lb | P245/50HR20 |
| Elite | 4,319 lb | 196.5 in | 70.6 in | 111 in | 7.3 in | 39.4 ft | 19.5 gal | 39.5 in | 40.9 in | 5,000 lb | 1,320 lb | P245/50HR20 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2021 Honda Pilot trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | LX | EX | Special Edition | EX-L | Touring | Black Edition | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning with automatic braking | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Side-view cameras | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Top-view camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | – | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||||
| Text-message reader | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Real-time traffic information | – | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-seat DVD entertainment | – | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | – | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||||
| Heated front seats | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | – | – | – | – | Std | – | – |
| Heated steering wheel | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | – | – | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Third-row seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Power-folding mirrors | – | – | – | – | – | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | – | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | Opt | Std | Opt | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | – | – | – | – | – | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
2 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42576Pilot AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9) | Regular | 19 | 26 | 22 | N/A |
| 42575Pilot FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9) | Regular | 20 | 27 | 23 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
4 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2021 Honda Pilot versus the 2020 Honda Pilot?
Model year
Against the 2020 Honda Pilot: Transmissions no longer listed: Automatic 6-spd. Certification records went from 4 to 2. Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 22.0 to 22.5 MPG/MPGe. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 11 for the 2020 to 10 for the 2021.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02What size wheels does the 2021 Honda Pilot have?
Wheels and tires
The 2021 Honda Pilot's wheel diameter is 18 inches on the LX, EX, Special Edition and EX-L and 20 inches on the Touring, Black Edition and Elite. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q03How do the 2021 Honda Pilot trims differ from one another?
Trims
All 7 trims share the 3.5-liter V6 (i-VTEC) making 280 hp. The EX has a text-message reader, blind-spot alert, fog lights and 8 more as standard equipment over the LX. The Special Edition has power front seats for driver and passenger, an integrated garage-door opener, leather seats and 3 more as standard equipment over the EX. The Touring has front and rear parking sensors, heated rear seats, an integrated garage-door opener and 7 more as standard equipment over the EX-L. The Black Edition has a heated steering wheel, a panoramic moonroof, power-folding mirrors and rain-sensing wipers as standard equipment over the Touring.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04What torque do the 2021 Honda Pilot's wheel nuts need?
Wheels and tires
The 2021 Honda Pilot owner's manual gives 94 lb-ft as the wheel-nut tightening torque. Source: 2021 Honda Pilot owner's manual. The 2019 model year has the same figure.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2021 Honda Pilot.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Honda Pilot across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Warning lightsWhat to do when the oil-pressure warning comes onStop driving →Starting and chargingCar clicks but will not startSoon →Engine and coolingEngine overheats at highway speed or under loadStop driving →Transmission and drivetrainTransmission slips or engine revs without accelerationSoon →Brakes, tires and steeringBrake pedal or steering wheel vibrates while brakingSoon →Climate and electricalAir conditioning blows warm airSoon →