What Is the Difference Between 2020 and 2021 Honda Pilot?

Ohio drivers looking to buy a versatile, comfortable family SUV with style and performance, your search ends with the Honda Pilot. This three-row SUV has all the standard comfort and convenience features you crave, powerful V-6 performance, and the latest in safety with the Honda Sensing driver-assist suite. If you’re like most drivers in the Fairfield, OH area, you’ve probably heard about the Honda Pilot. But which model of this refined SUV will work best for your family? The latest generational overhaul of the Honda Pilot took place in 2019. However, there were some key additions from 2020 to 2021 that you might find intriguing. Let’s take a closer look at what’s new for 2021 models to help you decide. We’ll examine trims, technology, and more to help you figure out which version makes the most sense for your family. If you have any questions, call us at (513) 829-7300.

New Features in 2021

Honda annually updates their vehicles to ensure the latest technology gets included. Honda strives to lead its respective segments in quality, style, and performance, and the Honda Pilot continues to evolve with impressive additions in 2021. 

Black Edition & Special Edition Trims

Perhaps the most noteworthy 2021 addition would be the Black Edition trim. It rolls on stylish 20-inch black alloy wheels and has black exterior accents all around, including a gloss-black grille. The Black Edition Honda Pilot features signature red seat stitching and exclusive red ambient lighting to go with some new technology. At Performance Honda in Fairfield, OH, we have the Black Edition on our lot and invite you to come to check it out. This ultra-cool SUV will turn heads wherever you go, and you’ll love the way it handles. We also have an expansive selection of new 2021 Honda Pilot Special Edition models. This trim features unique exterior styling like roof rails and 20-inch alloy wheels, plus a hands-free power liftgate. 

Technology Upgrades

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were options on the 2020 models but now come standard on every 2021 trim. You also get a Qi wireless phone charger standard. 

New Transmission

The 3.5-liter V-6 engine returns to the 2021 Honda Pilot lineup, but the six-speed automatic transmission that came standard on the lower 2020 trims has been removed in favor of a nine-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. This transmission was only offered on the upper trims in 2020 but now comes standard, delivering smooth, effortless shifting and responsive power on demand. This 2021 powertrain delivers 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, plus it provides a generous boost to the EPA mileage estimates over 2020 models. You also get paddle shifters with the upgraded transmission for a more thrilling driving experience.

Accessory Upgrades

Now you can equip your Honda Pilot with die-cast aluminum running boards. These durable running boards add a rugged style. Adding the eight-piece sticker package brings sporty and dynamic styling to the exterior of your 2021 Honda Pilot. New chrome door trim adds style and protection.

All-Wheel Drive

Now you can add all-wheel drive to any Honda Pilot model except the base LX trim. This all-wheel-drive system features intelligent traction management with settings for snow, mud, and sand. You’ll be ready for the road less traveled no matter what Mother Nature might throw at you.

New Exterior Colors

Honda has added several new exterior colors to the 2021 lineup of Pilot SUVs. You can choose between Crystal Black Pearl, Steel Sapphire Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Modern Steel Metallic. In addition, eight colors have carried over from 2020, including Black Forest Pearl, Deep Scarlet Pearl, and Obsidian Blue Pearl.

Carry-Over Features

Honda knows a good thing when they have it, which is why so many features from 2020 carry over to the 2021 model year. 

Honda Sensing

The Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist technologies completely changes the way the Honda Pilot performs. Systems like collision mitigation braking and road departure mitigation use advanced optical technology to monitor the road ahead. When they sense a potential incident, they send visual and audio alerts. These systems are engineered to intervene with emergency braking and steering correction should you fail to react in time. An adaptive cruise control system uses radar and cameras to keep your Honda Pilot at a preset speed and distance from the vehicle ahead. The system will slow you down as needed, even to a complete stop. When the way ahead clears, it will return you to your presets. Lane-keeping and lane departure warning systems help you keep centered within marked lanes.

Multi-Angle Rearview Camera

Both model years feature an innovative multi-angle rearview camera. It provides three camera views to make backing up a breeze: a top-down view, wide-angle view, and a standard view.

Which Year Is Best For You?

The price change from 2020 to 2021 was minimal, which takes price out of the equation. The new transmission adds dynamic performance to an already capable powertrain. Upgrades to technology and safety will give you peace of mind knowing you have the latest in driver-assist systems working to keep you safe. Stylish new trims, colors, wheels, and accessories for 2021 models allow you to express your individuality. If you’re ready to take the next step in owning a new Honda Passport, you can visit our finance department online and get pre-approved instantly. Our financial professionals are experts at finding you the best loan possible. We have relationships with many local and national lenders and leverage these relationships to your advantage. At Performance Honda, we understand what Fairfield motorists want in an SUV. That’s why we have the most expansive selection of Honda Passport SUVs on our lot. We have the ultra-stylish Black Edition, and Special Edition trims to select from, or you can check out the unique features on one of our many Touring, Elite, or EX-L models. We have plenty of all-wheel-drive models in every trim level on our lot.  We invite you to browse our inventory online or visit our showroom. One of our friendly, professional staff will happily show you the best the Honda Passport has to offer. When you’re done looking, you can take your favorite models for a test drive.

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