The priority of the 2020 Honda Pilot is a hybrid engine. A mid-cycle update in 2019 brought a few refreshments. Now, it is time for changes under the hood. The competition is launching more and more hybrid vehicles. So, the Japanese company has to react fast.
The new 2020 Honda Pilot will also get some updates for its trim levels, especially Elite and Touring. These are the most popular versions. Navigation, larger wheels and screens, and additional equipment are making them so interesting. Well, the mid-size SUV made a strong impact when it launched a new generation back in 2016. Last year’s redesign didn’t draw too much attention, but the hybrid engine is what many fans are expecting.
2020 Honda Pilot Release Date
There are a few reasons why Honda is not going to make Pilot come out so soon. First of all, the company will give some time for the redesigned 2019 edition. Also, it will give them time to test and develop a hybrid model. This is not an easy task. Well, the good thing is that the premium brand, Acura, is already using this technology for the MDX SUV. So, a similar setup could be carried over to the 2020 Pilot Hybrid. But again, the new system will be better and more efficient. All in all, when will 2020 Honda Pilot come out? We won’t see the new SUV at least for a year.
2020 Honda Pilot Specs
Under the hood, we don’t expect any changes, at least in the petrol lineup. The base engine is a 3.5-liter V6 unit with 280 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Buyers will have a choice between FWD and AWD. That is not all since this SUV will offer you six- and nine-speed transmissions, both automatic. The gearbox with more paces brings a better fuel economy in city drive. Towing capacity of the front-wheel drive SUV is 3,500 pounds. If you need a vehicle that will tow more, then AWD can offer 5,000 lbs.
Hybrid Specifications
For Acura MDX, the luxury version of the Honda Pilot, the company uses a 3.0-liter V6 engine to pair it with an electric motor. So-called Sport Hybrid can provide 320 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. The special seven-speed automatic transmission is a power router. Energy from the engine goes straight to front wheels. Two batteries are on the rear axle. So, practically, this is an AWD system with improved fuel economy for a city drive. After the revisit, the new 2020 Honda Pilot Hybrid will be lighter and more fuel friendly. If rumors come true, the SUV could return up to 30 mpg.
2020 Honda Pilot Elite and Touring
The vehicle will continue to use all standard trim levels. The entry-level model is LX. EX and EX-L are mid-range offers, while the most exciting offer comes with 2020 Honda Pilot Touring and Elite versions.
But, let’s start with standard equipment. It includes a five-inch display, USB ports, and a Honda safety suite. Well, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available with EX trim. There are also zonal climate control and a larger touchscreen display. Sunroof, leather upholstery, and some other premium features are available in Pilot EX-L trim level. You will notice that the cabin is quieter than on other versions thanks to the acoustic isolation.
Upper versions, 2020 Honda Pilot Elite, and Touring are upgrading the offer with premium systems. Audio, at first place. There is also a power tailgate that works hands-free. Automatic transmission will offer paddle shifters. A seven-seat configuration is optional for Touring, but standard for Elite model. Besides that, the SUV also adds panoramic subroof and wireless phone charger. Heating is available for the steering wheel (Touring model offers to heat seats), while the front buckets have ventilating functions.
