The competition in the segment of mid-size SUVs is tougher than ever. With all those arrivals of new brand-new models, it’s no wonder that the latest reports are suggesting changes for the next year. Considering the company’s 7-year production cycle, we are pretty sure that this won’t be a 2021 Honda Pilot redesign, but rather the second facelift. The first one happened recently and it has brought a nice amount of updates.
However, we haven’t seen too many visual changes, so the new model is practically the same as the one that appeared four years ago. Of course, there are rumors about a hybrid version as well, something that we’ve been hearing every year. Unfortunately, spokesmen are still quiet on this matter, but won’t exclude the possibility entirely. Also, it won’t be a surprise if we see a couple of updates in terms of standard features, particularly in terms of tech goodies.
2021 Honda Pilot Changes
Latest reports are suggesting various changes for the next year. It wouldn’t be a 2021 Honda Pilot redesign, as some of them are suggesting, but rather another update. If these rumors about the second facelift turn out to be true, we presume that the new model would come with a couple of more visual changes. Honda wasn’t very generous with the first facelift. Visual changes were quite subtle, as we saw things like a slightly revised grille and bumpers, new taillights and couple of more tweaks.
Therefore, we presume there will be more of them in the future. Still, don’t expect anything significant, considering that the redesign is behind the corner and should happen in a couple of years. The overall look will definitely remain the same, while changes in terms of new color options and wheels are quite possible.
2021 Honda Pilot Interior
We presume that a certain amount of updates would come on the inside as well. Still, we are pretty sure those would be mostly about new features. On the other side, the cabin design should remain pretty much the same, except new color schemes. The current dashboard looks okay and materials are pretty nice, although new rivals looks a little bit more opulent.
On the other side, the Pilot remains one of the most practical and functional models in the class. Although it’s not the biggest model in the class, its 111 inches in wheelbase are more than enough for three comfortable rows of seats and a generous cargo area.
As we’ve just mentioned, the biggest interior changes should be in terms of new features. This particularly refers to base models, which aren’t very generous with standard equipment. We presume that an 8-inch touchscreen and smartphone goodies like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will become standard in the 2021 Honda Pilot model.
2021 Honda Pilot Engine
Things under the hood are about to remain the same. The 2021 Honda Pilot will continue with a well-know 3.5-liter V6, which delivers around 280 horsepower, which is more than enough for a convenient ride. Currently, the engine comes in pair with either six- or nine-speed automatic gearbox. The 9-speed transmission has been updated recently, and it won’t be surprised if it becomes standard in all trim levels.
In any case, both transmissions work very well, while the optional gearbox now delivers much better downshifts. Fuel economy is pretty average no matter the transmission choice. In both cases, it goes around 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. When it comes to towing capacity, a properly equipped Pilot can tow up to 5.000 pounds.
Is there a chance for a Hybrid
We’ve been hearing about this version for years and there are still no words from the officials. Therefore, we presume that the 2021 Honda Pilot Hybrid won’t happen. Despite the fact that the Japanese manufacturer already has a couple of pretty amazing hybrid systems, we are pretty sure that the company will wait for a complete overhaul to introduce a new powertrain as well. The introduction could even happen a little bit earlier, in some of a 2021 Honda Pilot concept for. At this point, Honda’s spokesmen are pretty quiet on this matter.
Safety
The recent update has brought a lot of new standard safety features. So, we don’t expect too many changes in next year. The current list of standard equipment includes things like a rearview camera, automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. In higher trims, you can also get features like blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert.
2021 Honda Pilot Release Date and Price
When it comes to the 2021 Honda Pilot release date, we doubt that the new model will come much earlier than usual, despite the changes. We expect to see it sometime in the last quarter of the next year, with the base price of around 31.500 dollars.