The Good
The 2020 Honda Pilot boasts a smooth and capable V6 engine, renowned Honda reliability, and a comfortable, spacious interior. Its practical appeal lies in its safety features and family-friendly design. Emotionally, it offers peace of mind and a sense of security, knowing you have a dependable and versatile vehicle for all your needs. Good value for the money adds to its appeal.
The Bad
Weaknesses of the 2020 Honda Pilot can include a sometimes-clunky 9-speed automatic transmission (on higher trims), infotainment system usability frustrations, and a somewhat uninspired exterior design compared to rivals. Watch out for potential transmission issues during test drives. Some find the third-row access a bit tight.
2020 Honda Pilot: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: One engine option: a 3.5-liter V6.
- Horsepower: 280 hp.
- Fuel Economy:
- FWD: 19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway.
- AWD: 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway.
- 0-60 Times: Around 6.5-7.0 seconds.
- Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs (with AWD).
- Trim-Level Features:
- LX: Standard features include Honda Sensing safety suite, multi-angle rearview camera, push-button start, and a 5-inch display screen.
- EX: Adds an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a power driver's seat.
- EX-L: Includes leather upholstery, a power liftgate, a sunroof, and heated front seats.
- Touring: Features a navigation system, rear entertainment system, premium audio system, and parking sensors. Available second-row captain's chairs.
- Elite: Adds heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless phone charging.
- Black Edition: Similar to the Elite trim but with unique blacked-out exterior trim and interior accents.
2020 Honda Pilot Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2020 |
| Make | Honda |
| Model | Pilot |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Minivan |
| Category | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | LINCOLN |
Dimensions
| Doors | 5-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 6000 pounds |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | 8 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | J35Y6 |
| Engine Size | 3.5L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | 6 Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 6-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Four-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | Standard |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2020 Honda Pilot Have?
There have been recalls for the 2020 Pilot, so it's essential to check the NHTSA website for any active recalls related to specific VINs before purchasing a used model. Common recall items across multiple model years can sometimes include issues with the rearview camera, fuel pump, or airbag systems, though specific 2020 model year recalls should be verified.
Long-term reliability is generally good, but the 9-speed transmission remains a potential weak point. Regular maintenance, particularly transmission fluid changes, is crucial for longevity. Overall, while the Pilot has a strong reputation, paying close attention to the transmission's performance and checking for recalls is advisable.
How long will the 2020 Honda Pilot last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The base LX trim has a basic 5-inch display screen, while EX and above trims get an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. A rear entertainment system with a DVD player is available on the Touring trim. Higher trims also offer a premium audio system.
Optional features include a navigation system, parking sensors, a power liftgate, and heated rear seats.
The 2020 Honda Pilot earned good crash-test ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). It achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with specific headlights and a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. These ratings demonstrate the Pilot's commitment to passenger safety. Overall, the tech is competitive for its class, with a strong focus on safety and convenience.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2020 Honda Pilot Prices and Market Value
2020 Honda Pilot Cost of Ownership
2020 Honda Pilot Fuel Efficiency
2020 Honda Pilot Safety Rating
NHTSA
2020 Honda Pilot Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2020 Honda Pilot Compare to Other Minivan?
Compared to the Pilot, the Highlander often has a slightly better reputation for long-term reliability, while the Telluride and Palisade offer a more luxurious feel for the money. The Pilot's strength lies in its blend of practicality, space, and Honda's established reliability, even with the 9-speed transmission caveats.
Alternatives to the Pilot would depend on priorities. If reliability is paramount, the Toyota Highlander is an excellent choice. If design and value are key, the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade are strong contenders. If performance is a must, the Ford Explorer ST might be considered, keeping in mind its potential reliability drawbacks.
Ranks #216 SUV
| 1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (3.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0★) |
| 216 | 2020 Honda Pilot | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2020 Honda Pilot a Good Minivan?
Don E on November 15, 2024
Waited to give an honest review.Waited to give an honest review. 4 years later, I know have 109,000 miles on my 2020 Pilot Tour. The bad: It developed the known crackle sound coming from the speakers. This was fixed under warranty twice. The second time not coming back and has been fine. The looks are "meh". My wife's Nissan of similar trim level has a far nicer interior and much fancier seats. On curves the "warning" light flashes on my dash and the steering wheel shakes sometimes if a car is coming from the other direction. It's annoying, but I hear a problem for many manufacturers with these safety features, not just Honda. The Good: I consider my Pilot practical. It does everything well, just not flashy. My previous car was a 2012 Honda Pilot that I put 190,000 trouble free miles on. This Pilot with an updated transmission feels MUCH quicker. It is much easier to drive. It handles well, averages around 24 mpg on my commute (non expressway), and has been trouble free outside of the speaker issue. It hauls the family well, with lots of room, especially if the 3rd row is not used. I put on the dealer installed trans cooler and trailer hitch to tow a couple of waverunners, which it hauls easily. If you can get past the "ok" styling, it is a car that does everything well and my reliability has been very, very good so far.
Stoshic on May 31, 2024
Purchased 2020 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD for spouse toPurchased 2020 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD for spouse to primarily drive in town with grandkids. Only 37K miles after 4 years ownership, but many issues. Within a couple of months of purchase had snap, crackle, and pop like pebbles hitting the windshield, left drivers door power window actuator replaced, fuel pump impeller replaced, additional wiring connections repaired, axle bushings replaced, front and back disc brake rotors resurfaced and pads replaced and trans fluid 3times flush at 35K. Dealer asked if I towed anything. I said no as there is no hitch on the vehicle. Very disappointed with the 2020 Honda Pilot. I expected more from Honda.
MMC70 on February 20, 2024
GREAT vehicle!Great vehicle. Really like everything about it. It has all the safety features a vehicle could have, making it safe to drive. It has just enough power and gets great gas mileage. It offers reliability with the Honda name. Comfortable with plenty of seating!
Leddataliz on March 30, 2023
Don't BuyA 2020 and already had to change the injectors and now it has a transmission transfer seal leak. I had a 2019 honda pilot wish I upgraded for this one when it stopped working due to problems with the injectors also. Will never do business with Honda again.
Deagle10 on March 15, 2023
Not good enoughComing off my 190,000 mile 2012 Honda Pilot that I had purchased new, I had high hopes for this SUV. It's ok. My major complaints are it shakes the wheel and "BRAKE" comes on whenever I'm on a curve with another vehicle coming from the other directions. We are both in our lane. In slippery conditions this can cause an accident. My other complaint is the popping/cracking noise. It did it first at 58,000 miles. They replaced the wiring harness under the dash and it went away......for 6 months. Now it's crackling/popping much worse, the radio goes dead and won't work again until the car is turned off and started again. I've read about this going back to at least 2016. I don't know how they can't get this right. I'll try a Toyota next. Honda quality over-rated.
Robert on February 10, 2023
It is a juckNo radio x2brakes shake if you go down a big hill for a long time the car starts to shake at a slow speed before it shifts
Wanda on December 2, 2022
Disappointed with HondaBefore buying the used 2020 Pilot (very low mileage, now i know why)I checked to see if there were any recalls on this car. I brought it from Carvana and they did not list any issues with the car. I was happy with the car for a couple of weeks then the crackling and popping sound started. The whole infotainment system gets messed up as well as the rear system. I wish I knew of this issue prior because I would not have gotten rid of my Odyssey. I'm so disappointed with Honda. They knew of this issue prior and keep building these cars this way. Ridiculous. I'm no longer a Honda fan. @honda @hondapilot @pilot
George on November 19, 2022
Bad quality assuranceI had a 2020 pilot exl in pearl white for one and a half year then decided to sell it! The reason behind that is the quality assurance on the car body is bad and poor, on the passenger front door from inside where they weld the door with the glass frame man could see that place looking very bad, they should grind it after welding and not leaving the car go to the consumer in that bad shape. Every time I was opening that door I was thinking how fool me not seeing that at the time I purchased this car! This message to the Honda quality assurance LEARN QUALITY FROM THE GERMAN!
Tech savvy on June 3, 2022
Don't go to bell HondaHonda Pilot is the best suv. Bell Honda in Phoenix. Honda's worse dealership in the country. Honda Pilot gives me 25 miles per gallon city and state
Judy on May 15, 2022
2020 Honda Pilot ReviewI have always wanted a Honda Pilot and bought a 2020 model anticipating a great vehicle. It has been back to the shop SIX times for issues with the drivers side mirror. It is supposed to be a fancy automatic adjusting mirror, but instead self adjusts up beyond where I can see in it. The dealer's technicians have tried many things, but still claim they can't recreate what I am telling them I really don't know where to turn now.
Cathleen V
Cathleen is an exceptional freelance writer covering hot topics in the automotive world from a gearhead's perspective. Her articles delve into various aspects of automotive technology and history, offering readers detailed insights into engine performance, reliability, and maintenance. Through her engaging and informative writing, Cathleen provides valuable information to automotive enthusiasts and consumers alike, helping them make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance and purchases.