2018 Pilot Interior

The Pilot's interior, just like the exterior, is reminiscent of a minivan's, but while that may be an insult with regards to the exterior design when it comes to the cabin that translates to refinement, layout, and practicality - all strong points for any self-respecting minivan. In a segment where many cut costs with materials lacking in quality, Honda gives the Pilot a high-quality material palette bordering on luxurious. Spaciousness is typical of Honda products, but particular mention here goes to the third-row seats being able to house adults, which is no mean feat in the midsize SUV segment. But as is the case with all good things, the yin must come with yang, and in the case of the Pilot, the access to the third row is sub-par, and the available touchscreen infotainment is nightmarish to use. Still, this is one of the most functionally solid interiors around.

2018 Pilot Interior Photos

Seating and Interior Space

Inside the Honda Pilot, there's maximum seating capacity for up to eight occupants, although the second-row captain's chairs on the Elite model drops the capacity to seven. Standard manual adjustment for the driver's seat on the base trims, with power adjustment on higher trim lines, gives a wide range of adjustment making it easy to find a comfortable driving position with commanding visibility. The second-row seating is generously proportioned, with more than ample head and legroom for adult occupants plus supportive seats that are suitable for long-distance journeys. However, it's the third row of seating that surprises most, as the Pilot will accommodate adults in its rearmost row, despite the access being a little narrow. Once seated, there's headroom and legroom in abundance, and with a total of four full sets of LATCH anchors, there's plenty of space for child safety seats.

2018 Honda Pilot Interior Dimensions:

Interior Colors and Materials

The interior of the Pilot features three upholstery finishes available in three colors depending on the choice of exterior hue. On the LX and EX trims, upholstery is cloth and is available in black, gray, and beige, while the EX-L and Touring models get a leather interior in the same three colors. The Elite model, by virtue of the ventilated front seats, gets perforated leather, however, the color options once again remain the same. The panels on the doors and lower dashboard are matched to the chosen upholstery, while the upper dash is finished in black soft-touch material, while other details, such as the detail strip across the center of the dash are finished in gloss black.

2018 Pilot Trunk and Cargo Space

Behind the third row of seating in the Honda Pilot, you'll find 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with that figure growing to 46.8 behind the second row, and 83.9 cubic feet with the second row of seats folded flat. The larger two figures are more than what a Ford Explorer provides and are generous for the segment, while the first is less than what Ford offers, but is still enough space for a week's worth of groceries for a small family. The Elite model, in addition to compromising on seating numbers with standard second-row captain's chairs, also compromises on maximum cargo volume, as the second-row center console can't be removed or stowed away.

Aside from the generous cargo bay, Honda has given the Pilot loads of in-cabin storage solutions, like large cupholders throughout, large door pockets, a cavernous center console storage bin, and a decent sized glove box. The foot wells are also generously proportioned and can accommodate handbags without discomforting passengers.

2018 Honda Pilot Trunk and Cargo Space Photos

2018 Pilot Infotainment and Features

Features

The Honda Pilot comes well equipped across the line-up, with items like a rearview camera and cruise control on all models, but with higher trims featuring dynamic guidelines for the reverse camera. On all but the base LX, you'll also find tri-zone climate control, and the EX-L upwards offer one-touch slide and fold second-row seating. Power adjustment is available for both the driver and front passenger seats, with driver memory function on higher trims, while both are heated from the EX-L trim. There are ventilated front seats on the Elite model, which also receives heated second-row captain's chairs for extra comfort. A sunroof is equipped from the EX-L, with the Elite getting a panoramic version. Available on the EX-L and standard from the Touring trim, the Pilot can be equipped with navigation and a rear passenger entertainment system (10.2-inch display, HDMI port, Blu-ray player). The EX and EX-L, meanwhile, get the option of Honda Sensing's suite of safety features, which come standard on higher trims.

Infotainment

The base infotainment system on the Honda Pilot is an uncomplicated five-inch color screen with push-button operation and simple functionality - including only Bluetooth hands-free and media streaming but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Those are added from the EX trim up, part of the functionality equipped to the upgraded eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system on remaining trims, which also receive SiriusXM, HD radio, and Pandora internet radio. EX and EX-L models still retain seven speakers, while the Touring and Elite get ten speakers as part of a premium audio system. All models receive USB inputs, but the EX-L gets the option of two rear USB ports as part of the rear seat entertainment system. The infotainment system is infuriating as it lacks a volume knob and the touch zones on the screen are small and respond poorly.