How Many Miles To The Gallon Does A Honda Pilot Get?


The fuel efficiency of the Honda Pilot varies slightly by model year and trim level. The 2023 Honda Pilot with FWD gets an EPA-estimated 19 MPG city, 27 MPG highway, and 22 MPG combined. The AWD version gets 19 MPG city, 25 MPG highway, and 21 MPG combined, while the TrailSport trim gets 18 MPG city, 23 MPG highway, and 20 MPG combined. The 2024 model has similar estimates. Real-world MPG data from Fuelly.com shows an average of around 17-20 MPG across various model years. Factors like driving habits, terrain, and vehicle maintenance can impact actual fuel economy.

What is the Fuel Efficiency of a Honda Pilot?

Fuel efficiency is typically measured in miles per gallon (MPG). This represents the average number of miles a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. The higher the MPG, the more fuel-efficient the vehicle. However, it’s important to note that a vehicle’s actual fuel economy can vary based on a number of factors, including driving habits, terrain, weather conditions, and vehicle maintenance.

Honda Pilot Fuel Efficiency by Model Year

Latest Model (2023)

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2023 Honda Pilot with front-wheel drive (FWD) and a 3.5L V6 engine gets an estimated:

  • 19 MPG in the city
  • 27 MPG on the highway
  • 22 MPG combined

The all-wheel drive (AWD) version has slightly lower fuel economy estimates:

  • 19 MPG in the city
  • 25 MPG on the highway
  • 21 MPG combined

The Pilot TrailSport trim, which comes standard with AWD, has the lowest fuel efficiency at:

  • 18 MPG city
  • 23 MPG highway
  • 20 MPG combined

Previous Models (2018-2022)

Fuel economy estimates for recent previous model years are very similar to the 2023 Pilot. Here are the EPA combined MPG ratings:

  • 2022: 23 MPG (FWD), 22 MPG (AWD)
  • 2021: 23 MPG (FWD), 22 MPG (AWD)
  • 2020: 23 MPG (FWD), 22 MPG (AWD)
  • 2019: 22 MPG (FWD), 21 MPG (AWD)
  • 2018: 22 MPG (FWD), 21 MPG (AWD)

How Does the Honda Pilot Compare to Other SUVs in Terms of MPG?

The Honda Pilot’s fuel economy is competitive with other midsize SUVs in its class. Here’s how it stacks up against some key rivals based on 2023 EPA estimates:

  • Toyota Highlander: 24 MPG combined (FWD), 23 MPG (AWD)
  • Ford Explorer: 24 MPG combined (RWD), 23 MPG (AWD)
  • Kia Telluride: 23 MPG combined (FWD), 21 MPG (AWD)
  • Hyundai Palisade: 22 MPG combined (FWD), 21 MPG (AWD)

The Pilot falls in the middle of the pack. While it can’t quite match the Highlander and Explorer’s fuel efficiency, it edges out the Telluride and Palisade. The Pilot’s V6 engine provides robust power, which may account for its slightly lower MPG compared to some competitors with turbocharged 4-cylinder options.

What Factors Impact the Honda Pilot’s MPG?

Several variables can influence the Pilot’s real-world fuel economy:

Driving Habits

Aggressive acceleration, speeding, and frequent braking can all reduce fuel efficiency. Using cruise control on the highway and anticipating stops can help improve MPG.

Maintenance

A well-maintained Pilot will operate more efficiently. This includes using the recommended grade of motor oil, keeping tires properly inflated, and regularly replacing air filters.

Terrain and Weather Conditions

Driving in hilly or mountainous areas requires more fuel than flat roads. Extreme temperatures and windy conditions can also decrease fuel economy.

Load and Cargo

Hauling heavy loads or towing a trailer will reduce the Pilot’s MPG due to the added weight and drag. Removing unnecessary cargo when not needed can help efficiency.

How to Improve Your Honda Pilot’s Fuel Efficiency

While you can’t change the Pilot’s inherent mechanical capabilities, there are steps you can take as an owner to maximize its fuel economy:

Driving Tips

  • Accelerate gradually and maintain a steady speed
  • Coast to a stop when possible instead of slamming on the brakes
  • Use Eco mode if your Pilot is equipped with it
  • Minimize idling by turning off the engine if stopped for more than a minute
  • Plan errands strategically to combine trips

Regular Maintenance Checks

  • Check tire pressure monthly and keep tires inflated to the recommended PSI
  • Change the engine air filter and fuel filter at the suggested intervals
  • Use the oil viscosity recommended in your owner’s manual
  • Address any engine warning lights or performance issues promptly

Using Fuel-Efficient Tires

When it’s time to replace your Pilot’s tires, consider switching to a set optimized for low rolling resistance. Tires with this design can provide a 1-2 MPG boost compared to standard all-season tires. Just be sure to choose a tire that still suits your driving needs in terms of traction and handling.

Is the Honda Pilot a Good Choice for Fuel-Conscious Drivers?

The Honda Pilot offers respectable fuel economy for a spacious and capable midsize SUV. While it may not be the absolute leader in MPG, it strikes a good balance between efficiency and performance. The Pilot’s V6 engine is powerful and refined, making it well-suited for hauling cargo or light towing.

From a long-term cost perspective, the Pilot has a reputation for reliability and high resale value. This means you’re likely to spend less on maintenance and repairs over time compared to some rivals. Combined with its competitive fuel economy, the Pilot can be a smart financial choice.

However, if maximizing fuel efficiency is your top priority, you may want to consider a smaller SUV or one with a hybrid powertrain. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, for example, gets an impressive 36 MPG combined. There are also a growing number of electric SUV options on the market, which can greatly reduce your fuel costs if you have access to affordable charging.

Conclusion

The Honda Pilot delivers solid fuel economy numbers for a midsize SUV, with most recent models averaging around 22-23 MPG combined. While it doesn’t lead the class, it offers a compelling overall package with its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and strong reliability record. By adopting fuel-efficient driving habits and staying on top of maintenance, Pilot owners can help their vehicles perform at peak efficiency. For many buyers, the Pilot’s blend of versatility and respectable MPG make it a smart and practical choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the average MPG for a Honda Pilot?

The average combined MPG for a 2023 Honda Pilot is 22 MPG with FWD and 21 MPG with AWD. Actual results will vary based on driving conditions and habits.

How reliable is the Honda Pilot in terms of fuel efficiency?

The Pilot has consistently demonstrated fuel economy on par with or better than many other midsize SUVs across multiple model years. While any vehicle’s efficiency can degrade over time without proper maintenance, the Pilot’s strong reliability record suggests it can maintain its MPG performance with regular care.

Can modifications improve the Honda Pilot’s MPG?

Aftermarket modifications like a cold air intake or performance chip may claim to boost fuel efficiency, but real-world results are often minimal. The most effective ways to improve MPG are through fuel-conscious driving techniques and timely maintenance.

What are some common misconceptions about the Honda Pilot’s fuel efficiency?

One misconception is that the Pilot’s V6 engine makes it a gas guzzler compared to 4-cylinder rivals. In reality, the Pilot’s fuel economy is competitive with many other midsize SUVs. Another myth is that AWD Pilots are always less efficient than FWD models. While AWD does reduce MPG slightly, the difference is often just 1-2 MPG.

Justin

Hi, I'm Justin, a car enthusiast turned mechanic. The garage is my second home, where each engine and part tells a unique story. Seeing car owners frustrated with issues inspired me to start DIY Car Expert, offering reliable solutions to tackle problems with ease. 🚗✨

Recent Posts