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Is Honda Pilot A Midsize Or Full-Size SUV (11 Questions)

If you have a large family with kids to take to school, you could use an SUV with a large seating capacity. Honda is a popular SUV manufacturer with a wide range of options for families, including the Pilot. But the question is whether the Pilot is a full-size SUV.

Read on as this article answers questions about Honda Pilot, its seating capacity, whether it’s a full-size SUV, and many more.

Is the Honda Pilot a Full-size SUV?

Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV, according to the manufacturer. However, it doesn’t strictly fall into a midsize SUV definition as it can seat up to eight people by providing multiple seat configurations depending on the model. 

Since the Pilot models come in a wide variety of trim designs, they can differ in the number of people they can seat.

For example, while some models feature second-row benches, some pricier models come with second-row captain chairs that can seat up to seven people. 

The second row is a three-across type that can help seat more people. Some models, such as the Elite and the Touring, have a center console between the second-row seats that’s not removable.

It has three rows of seats with lots of cargo space. But like most midsize SUVs, the front and second rows get the maximum space. You can also fold one or two seats to create more legroom or storage space. Here’s the amount of cargo space behind each set of seats:

  • 18.5 cubic feet/third row
  • 55.9 cubic feet/second row
  • 109.2 cubic feet / first row

Everything inside the cabin is designed to give you a feeling of roominess, from the 16 cupholders to the large windows and the seats’ high position, giving the driver and passengers a commanding view of the road.

It also features an adjustable cargo floor that can serve different functions, like making more space or a storage compartment under the car’s floor.

The Pilot’s also classified as a crossover SUV because of its unibody construction that’s like a passenger car.

Still, it’s Honda’s largest SUV and the only Honda model with three rows of seats. That’s why it can share many characteristics between a midsize and a large SUV. It’s one of the few midsize SUVs with enough room for adult passengers in the third row.  

Read Is Honda Pilot 4×4 Or AWD?

What Is the Difference Between Midsize and Full-size SUVs?

Midsize and full-size SUVs differ in size, seating, power, gas mileage, and cargo space. In addition, full-size SUVs are more rugged and can handle rough terrains and off-roading better than midsize SUVs, which are better for city driving and road trips.

Full-size SUVs have more powerful engines that make them suitable for off-roading and towing. That’s why they need more gas per mileage, making them less fuel-efficient than their midsize cousins.

In addition, midsize SUVs are more suitable for small families because they typically seat five passengers. With full-size SUVs accommodating up to nine people, big families don’t even need family vans.

The ample legroom and storage space make midsize SUVs great for road trips, while full-size SUVs are great haulers that can tow horse trailers, boats, and even work trailers.

Check Is Honda Insight a Hybrid?

What Is Honda’s Full-size SUV?

Although the Pilot is the largest SUV in its lineup, Honda doesn’t have a full-size SUV that can seat up to eight passengers. However, the Pilot is a midsize SUV that’s similar to a full-size SUV, sizewise.

Although Pilot is the largest Honda SUV, experts believe that there’s demand for even larger SUVs that can entirely fall into the full-size category. They think that if Honda builds a full-size SUV with more seating and cargo capacities, it’ll become highly popular among customers.  

Is the Honda Pilot 4×4 or AWD?

Honda Pilot comes with a 2WD system as the standard drivetrain, but new Honda Pilots made since 2016 have AWD available. However, the models made in previous years are 4WD or FWD, and some of them have AWD as an optional feature available. 

Honda Pilot also features the Intelligent Torque Management System (i-TVM4) that compliments the 4WD drivetrain to manage the torque provided to the wheels.

The models that come with 2WD systems are typically front-wheel-drive. The AWD system comes standard in Touring, SE, EX-L, Black Edition, and Elite models.

Can a Pilot Pull a Camper?

A Pilot can pull a small camper weighing between 3,500lbs. and 5000lbs., depending on the drivetrain. A 2WD Pilot’s towing capacity is 3,500lbs. If you upgrade it to an AWD drivetrain with the Intelligent Torque Management System, you can increase the towing capacity to 5,000lbs.

With its 3.5 L V6 engine, the Pilot has impressive power that won’t let you down under rough conditions.

You can get the available tow package, including a trailer hitch harness, a trailer hitch ball, a trailer hitch receiver, and a locking pin.

Does Honda Have a Bigger SUV Than the Pilot?

Honda doesn’t have an SUV larger than the Pilot. It measures 197″ L x 79″ W x 71″ H (5m x 2m x 1.8m). No Honda SUV can exceed Pilot’s seating capacity of eight. It’s a large midsize SUV that can suit large families with a considerable interior size.

Although the exterior dimensions are nothing more than a regular midsize SUV, you would think the interior dimensions belong to a full-size SUV. That’s why it gives you better fuel mileage and easier maneuverability in addition to cargo space.

What Problems Do Honda Pilots Have?

The most frequent Honda Pilot problems include warped brake rotors, transmission failure, differential fluid problems, suspension issues, inoperable low beam lights, engine overheating, or oil leaks. 

However, these problems aren’t found in all models, and each model seems to have a specific problem more frequently found than others.

Other Honda Pilot problems include:

  • Electrical issues that affect the navigation and infotainment systems and the instrument panel.
  • Clogged fuel injectors that lead to engine misfire and unsmooth shifting of gears.
  •  Having difficulty accelerating uphill and in stop-and-go traffic.
  • Problems with the variable cylinder management system that leads to excessive oil consumption.

Which Is Bigger: Pilot or Passport?

The Honda Pilot’s exterior is a little longer than the Passport. While the Pilot measures 197″ L x 79″ W x 71″ H (5m x 2m x 1.8m), the Passport is 191″ L x 79″ W x 72″ H (4.85m 2m x 1.8m). 

The Passport has fewer passenger capacity with two rows of seats but 41.2 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second-row seats.

The similar dimensions as the Pilot but fewer seats have made the Passport look much roomier than the Pilot. The wide and comfortable front seats and generous storage compartments make it a perfect choice for single people and small families.

How Much Bigger Is Honda Pilot Than CR-V?

Honda Pilot’s dimensions are 197″ L x 79″ W x 71″ H (5m x 2m x 1.8m), while the CRV measures 182″ L x 73″ W x 66-67″ H (4.62m x 1.85 x 1.7m). Whereas the Pilot has a three-row seating configuration to seat eight people, the CR-V has two rows of seats with a 5-passenger capacity.

The CR-V boasts a spacious and comfortable interior with a large storage area behind the rear seats.The guys in Car and Driver put ten carry-on suitcases in the cargo space, which can get even bigger if you fold the back seats.

Which Car Is Bigger: Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot?

The Honda Pilot is bigger than the Toyota Highlander, although it’s only 2 inches longer. While the Honda Pilot measures 197″ L x 79″ W x 71″ H (5m x 2m x 1.8m), the Highlander is 195″ L x 76″ W x 68″ H (4.95m x 1.93m x 1.72m).

Although the Highlander isn’t much smaller than the Pilot, it comes second in cargo space and third-row seats. Both have three-row seats, but the Highlander seats seven people while the Pilot seats eight passengers.

What’s the Biggest SUV on the Market?

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban is among the biggest USVs on the market. It’s a full-size SUV that can seat nine people with a whopping towing capacity of 8,100 pounds. It has a spacious interior with 121.1 cubic feet of cargo space and 226″ L x 81″ W x 76″ H (5.74m x 2.05m x 1.93m) exterior dimensions.

The Chevy Suburban can seat up to nine people, while different models come with varying seating configurations. For example, the 9-seat configuration is only available in the base trim, while other trims feature captain chairs in the second row and a total of 7 seats.

Final Thoughts

Although the Honda Pilot isn’t a classic full-size SUV, it has a large seating capacity of 8 passengers. With ample legroom and cargo space, it can be a great option for large families. 

It also features a powerful engine that can reliably tow most campers on the market, weighing up to 3,000 pounds.

And if you choose the AWD system, you can increase the towing capacity to 5,000. However, since it’s a midsize SUV, you can’t take it off-roading, and you may want to stay on the road to enjoy its comfortable ride.