What To Know
- The Honda Pilot Touring is a great value proposition, offering a luxurious experience at a competitive price.
- If you frequently travel with a full load of passengers or cargo, the extra space and comfort offered by the Elite might be worth the investment.
- The Elite provides a more luxurious and technologically advanced experience, while the Touring offers a great value proposition.
The Honda Pilot is a popular three-row SUV known for its spacious interior, versatile cargo space, and reliable performance. But if you’re considering a Pilot, you might be wondering about the differences between the Touring and Elite trims. Both offer a luxurious experience, but the Elite pushes the boundaries with premium features and amenities. This blog post will delve into the key differences between the Honda Pilot Touring and Elite, helping you decide which trim best suits your needs and preferences.
Powertrain: No Difference in Performance
Both the Touring and Elite trims come equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth acceleration and efficient fuel economy. While the Elite doesn’t boast a more powerful engine, it does offer a unique feature: torque vectoring control. This system helps improve handling and stability by applying brake pressure to the inside wheels during cornering, resulting in a more confident and responsive driving experience.
Interior: A Luxury Upgrade in the Elite
The Pilot Touring boasts a comfortable and well-appointed interior with premium materials and features. However, the Elite takes luxury to another level. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
- Seats: The Touring features leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Elite ups the ante with ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats, providing ultimate comfort for all passengers, especially during hot or cold weather.
- Technology: Both trims come standard with a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker sound system. The Elite takes the lead with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, offering a more modern and informative driving experience. It also includes wireless charging, allowing you to conveniently power your smartphone without the need for cables.
- Driver Assistance: Both trims offer a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Elite adds automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, providing an extra layer of safety and peace of mind.
Exterior: Subtle Styling Differences
While the exterior design of the Pilot Touring and Elite is largely similar, there are a few subtle differences. The Elite features 20-inch alloy wheels, while the Touring comes with 18-inch wheels. Additionally, the Elite boasts LED headlights with automatic high beams, enhancing visibility and safety during nighttime driving.
Price: A Significant Premium for Elite Features
The Honda Pilot Touring is a great value proposition, offering a luxurious experience at a competitive price. However, the Elite trim comes at a significant premium. While the additional features are certainly appealing, it’s important to consider whether the added cost aligns with your budget and priorities.
Choosing the Right Trim: Touring vs. Elite
Ultimately, the choice between the Honda Pilot Touring and Elite comes down to your individual needs and preferences.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
- Choose the Touring if:
- You’re looking for a comfortable and well-equipped SUV at a competitive price.
- You don’t require features like ventilated front seats or heated second-row seats.
- You prioritize value for money over the latest technology and premium amenities.
- Choose the Elite if:
- You desire the ultimate luxury experience and are willing to pay a premium.
- You value features like ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and wireless charging.
- You prioritize advanced driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
Beyond the Trims: Additional Considerations
When choosing between the Pilot Touring and Elite, consider these additional factors:
- Your driving needs: If you frequently travel with a full load of passengers or cargo, the extra space and comfort offered by the Elite might be worth the investment.
- Your budget: The Elite’s premium price tag might not align with your financial constraints.
- Your personal preferences: Some drivers may prioritize technology and luxury features, while others might prefer a more functional and value-oriented approach.
A Final Thought: The Honda Pilot Touring and Elite are both excellent SUVs that offer a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The Elite provides a more luxurious and technologically advanced experience, while the Touring offers a great value proposition. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: What is the fuel economy of the Honda Pilot Touring and Elite?
A: Both trims offer similar fuel economy ratings: 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.
Q: Does the Honda Pilot Elite come with a sunroof?
A: The sunroof is an optional feature on both the Touring and Elite trims.
Q: What are the key differences in the infotainment systems of the Touring and Elite?
A: The Elite features a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and wireless charging, while the Touring has an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Q: Is the Honda Pilot Elite worth the extra cost?
A: The Elite offers a more luxurious and technologically advanced experience, but the extra cost may not be justifiable for everyone. Consider your individual needs and priorities.
Q: Does the Honda Pilot Elite offer any other unique features?
A: The Elite also includes a premium audio system with 12 speakers and a hands-free power tailgate.
