2022 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Honda Pilot: Which Is Better?
After dropping entry-level trims in 2022, we’re starting to think the 2021 Honda Pilot might offer more value.
Written by Drew Waterstreet
Reviewed by Julian de Sevilla
The 2022 and 2021 Honda Pilot share a lot in common, but a restructuring of trim levels has begun to put some pressure on this SUV’s value proposition.
Follow along as we explain the reason why Honda dropped the entry-level trims from the Pilot, the (lack of) differences between the 2022 and 2021 models, and which model offers more bang for your buck. We’ll even touch on whether or not it’s a good idea to just wait it out for the new fourth-generation models debuting in 2023.
2022 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Honda Pilot: what’s the difference?
Honda recently announced that the 2023 model would be the first release of the new and improved fourth generation. And in cases like this, it is not uncommon for automakers to hold back production on their lame-duck model to limit excess inventory.
Pricing
As we mentioned, the 2022 release really shook up the pricing structure for the Honda Pilot. By shedding the LX and EX trim levels, the starting price of the Honda pilot jumped from $33,775 in 2021 to $39,375 in 2022.
For the upper trim levels, the price increased by roughly $1,500 year-over-year. Compare sticker prices for each trim level in the table below:
Model | 2022 MSRP | 2021 MSRP |
|---|---|---|
Honda Pilot LX | N/A | $33,775 |
Honda Pilot EX | N/A | $36,455 |
Honda Pilot Sport | $39,375 | N/A |
Honda Pilot EX-L | $41,605 | N/A |
Honda Pilot Special Edition | $42,205 | $40,485 |
Honda Pilot TrailSport | $46,105 | N/A |
Honda Pilot Touring | $46,165 | $44,040 |
Honda Pilot Elite | $51,665 | $49,945 |
Honda Pilot Black Edition | $53,165 | $51,445 |
General specs
The general performance specifications are identical for these two models since they share all the same equipment. That means you can expect things like acceleration, off-roading capabilities, and other performance-related metrics to be the same and not a huge factor when deciding between the 2022 and 2021 Pilot—here’s a quick snapshot.
2022 Honda Pilot | 2021 Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
Engine | 3.5-liter V6 engine (280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque) | 3.5-liter V6 engine (280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque) |
Transmission | nine-speed automatic transmission (all trims) | nine-speed automatic transmission (all trims) |
Drivetrain | FWD or AWD (AWD only on Elite and Black Edition) | FWD or AWD (AWD only on Elite and Black Edition) |
Maximum towing capacity | 3,500 to 5,000 lbs (only 500 lbs on TrailSport) | 3,500 to 5,000 lbs |
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The upcoming fourth generation of the Honda Pilot will offer a similar 3.5-liter V6 engine that will muster up an extra five horsepower, but that’s not enough to make us want to wait around for it.
Fuel economy
Again, because the 2022 and 2021 Pilot models have the same powertrain without any changes to the SUV’s overall build and weight, their fuel economy ratings are identical, but vary slightly between drivetrains:
- FWD: 20/27/23 mpg city/highway/combined
- AWD: 19/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined
All-wheel-drive vehicles send torque to all four tires rather than just the front, which increases traction in poor driving conditions. As a result, this power distribution requires a slight trade-off with fuel efficiency (one less mile per gallon, to be exact).
It’s also worth noting that it will cost you $2,000 to add AWD to your Honda Pilot, except on the Elite and Black Edition trims where it comes standard.
MORE: Cheap car insurance for low-mileage drivers
Safety ratings
The Honda Pilot is an incredibly popular vehicle among families, so it should come as no surprise that the SUV maintained an NHTSA five-star overall safety rating from 2021 to 2022.
These results are mainly based on
crash test results
, but both models offer plenty of standard driver-assistance features that help you avoid an accident in the first place, including forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more!Styling and interior changes
Both models offer an identical but advantageous cabin area. Highlights include a maximum cargo space of 109 cubic feet, plenty of useful storage cubbies, 16 cupholders, and customizable seating arrangements.
While the dimensions remain the same, interior styling and convenience features are two things that differ due to the 2022 model dropping the entry-level trims. Here’s a quick comparison of the cheapest trim levels for each model year:
Feature | 2022 Honda Pilot Sport | 2021 Honda Pilot LX |
|---|---|---|
Seat trim | Leather | Cloth |
Heated front seats | Standard | N/A |
Power driver seat | Standard | N/A |
Infotainment system | 8.0-inch display | 5.0-inch display |
The 2021 Honda Pilot gave you the option to choose price flexibility over features, whereas the 2022 Honda Pilot does not—it simply starts with a more expensive trim.
MORE: The 10 best SUVs for towing
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Special edition
Both models feature a Special Edition trim level that may just offer the best combination of features in the entire lineup. Highlights include black 20-inch wheels, a hands-free power tailgate, roof rails, a sunroof, leather-trimmed upholstery, wireless charging, and more!
However, even though the 2022 and 2021 Honda Pilot Special Edition offer the same set of features, there is a $1,720 year-over-year price increase.
2022 Honda Pilot vs 2021 Honda Pilot: which should you buy?
The 2022 Honda Pilot and 2021 are practically identical across the upper trim levels, so you might as well save yourself an extra $1,500 by going with the older model.
And if you’re alright with sacrificing some style/convenience features, you can save even more if you go with the entry-level LX or EX trims that are only available on the 2021 model.
And don’t expect price flexibility to return with the fourth-generation models that are debuting in 2023. They will still not offer entry-level trims, and there appears to be another $2,000 price hike on the way ($40,445 for the 2023 Honda Pilot Sport).
MORE: Are Hondas expensive to maintain?
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