Honda vehicles feature modern designs, refined engines, and trusted reliability. Whether the affordable Civic sedan or the high-tech CR-V hybrid SUV, the company’s products combine world-class engineering and everyday usability. Not to mention, they’re reasonably priced.

As Honda’s largest SUV, the third-row Pilot offers abundant seating and solid capability. While it’s not a serious off-roader, it can handle challenging conditions, like snowy weather or rugged mountain roads. And it looks pretty good too. So, what kind of driver should buy a 2024 Honda Pilot? Here’s our take.

Who should buy the 2024 Honda Pilot?

These days, SUV buyers have a lot of choices. From brawny body-on-frame designs like the Jeep Wrangler, to car-based unibody models like the Toyota RAV4, there’s something for everyone.

So when picking a new sport utility vehicle, drivers have to balance on-road dynamics, off-road chops, curb appeal, and fuel efficiency. That can be a tall order. But with its balanced package, the Honda Pilot is an easy pick.

We get it. Body-on-frame SUVs are just cool. Iconic models like the Jeep Wrangler have chunky looks and off-road chops like few vehicles. But for the 99% of time spent on regular roads—not off-camber trails—such rugged equipment is more liability than net positive. A jostly ride, ample wind noise, and subpar fuel economy detract from an otherwise sweet setup.

That’s what makes the 2024 Honda Pilot a good choice for the everyday car buyer. Ideally, a daily driver SUV has a pleasant ride and agile handling, gets decent fuel economy, and has stout capability. In that case, the 2024 Pilot ticks all the boxes.

Not everyone spends their weekends in demanding off-road situations, where a body-on-frame SUV is almost a requirement. Still, many need a vehicle that can handle some rough stuff and can plow through snow and rain with ease. Again, the Pilot meets those needs.

People who spend the week commuting and running errands, then venture out on the weekend, should find the Pilot an ideal ride. It’s strong, smooth, and capable, and can handle almost any driving situation. And since it’s a Honda, you know it’s built for the long haul.

2024 Honda Pilot: features and specs

The 2024 Pilot (from $38,465) is a versatile ride for commutes and adventures alike. But what gives it such well-rounded performance? Here are some of the Honda SUV’s notable features and specs.

Over the years, Honda’s built a reputation for refined engines that go the distance. From race wins to grocery runs, the Japanese company knows how to build ICE powerplants. To that end, the Pilot uses a DOHC 3.5-liter V6 with 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Strong, smooth, and powerful, the 6-cylinder is a trustworthy mill.

Besides that, a silky 10-speed auto handles gear changes, helping the AWD Pilot achieve 19/25 mpg city/highway. That’s respectable efficiency for such a big SUV.

While the Pilot comes standard with FWD, its optional i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system offers claw-like traction through snow, mud, and rain. Honda Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) distributes torque between the front and rear axles and between the left and right rear wheels. That not only improves off-the-line grip but also cornering and steering.

And central to the 2024 Pilot’s on-road manners are its unibody construction, with MacPherson strut front suspension, and multi-link rear suspension. Unlike the truck-like ride of a body-on-frame setup, a unibody design offers a smooth ride and composed handling. That makes for pleasant driving, no matter the trip.

Pilot buyers with a thirst for adventure may want to look at the TrailSport model (from $50,175). With a 1.0-inch suspension lift, underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and subtle style upgrades, the TrailSport adds some rugged personality to the Pilot platform.

The 2024 Honda Pilot is a great pick for daily drives and weekend adventures. With a balanced build and good dynamics, it’s an SUV made for everyday driving. And with the company’s history of quality manufacturing, it’s a reliable vehicle that’s built to last.

Opting for the TrailSport version adds muscle and capability, giving the Pilot even more off-road chops. Still, whichever model you choose, it’s an SUV made for a little bit of everything.