The Honda Pilot III, specifically the facelifted model produced from 2019 to 2022, represents a significant evolution in Honda’s mid-size SUV offerings. The 3.5 V6 (280 Hp) AWD Automatic variant occupied a prominent position within the Pilot lineup, serving as a well-rounded option for families seeking a spacious, capable, and relatively luxurious vehicle. This iteration of the Pilot, built on the Honda global light truck platform, aimed to balance fuel efficiency with the power needed for everyday driving and light towing. It was primarily marketed towards North American consumers, where three-row SUVs were – and continue to be – in high demand.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Honda |
| Model | Pilot |
| Generation | Pilot III (facelift 2019) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 V6 (280 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2019 |
| End of production | December, 2022 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV, Crossover |
| Seats | 8 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13 l/100 km (18.1 US mpg, 21.7 UK mpg, 7.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9 l/100 km (26.1 US mpg, 31.4 UK mpg, 11.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg, 25.2 UK mpg, 8.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.8 kg/Hp, 146.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.4 kg/Nm, 185.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 280 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 80.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 355 Nm @ 4700 rpm (261.83 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | J35Y6 |
| Engine displacement | 3471 cm3 (211.81 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.4 l (7.82 US qt | 6.51 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1912-1954 kg (4215.24 – 4307.83 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 467 l (16.49 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2375 l (83.87 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 74 l (19.55 US gal | 16.28 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2268 kg (5000.08 lbs.) |
| Length | 4991 mm (196.5 in.) |
| Width | 1996 mm (78.58 in.) |
| Height | 1793 mm (70.59 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2819 mm (110.98 in.) |
| Front track | 1684 mm (66.3 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1684 mm (66.3 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 185 mm (7.28 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12 m (39.37 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 19.7° |
| Departure angle | 20.8° |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 320 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 330 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 245/60 R18 105H; 245/50 R20 102H |
| Wheel rims size | 18; 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the 2019-2022 Honda Pilot 3.5 V6 AWD Automatic lies the J35Y6 engine, a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6. This engine is a member of Honda’s well-regarded J-series family, known for its reliability and smooth operation. The J35Y6 utilizes Honda’s i-VTEC (intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system, optimizing valve timing and lift based on engine speed and load to improve both performance and fuel efficiency. Direct fuel injection further enhances combustion efficiency and power output. The engine produces 280 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 4700 rpm. The engine is transversely mounted, contributing to a more compact engine bay and improved packaging. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, chosen for its smooth shifting and responsiveness. This transmission features torque converter lock-up for improved fuel economy at cruising speeds.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.5L V6 and six-speed automatic combination in the Pilot delivers adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph typically takes around 7.5-8.0 seconds. The automatic transmission is tuned for comfort and smooth shifts, prioritizing a relaxed driving experience over aggressive gear changes. Compared to a hypothetical manual transmission version (which was not offered in this generation), the automatic provides greater ease of use, particularly in city driving. However, it does result in a slight reduction in fuel economy and a less engaging driving experience. The AWD system provides enhanced traction in inclement weather and on slippery surfaces, making the Pilot a capable all-season vehicle. The gear ratios are optimized for highway cruising, providing a comfortable and quiet ride at higher speeds.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.5 V6 AWD Automatic trim typically came standard with a comprehensive suite of features. These included tri-zone automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Honda Sensing suite of safety features (including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking system), and power-adjustable front seats. Higher trim levels, such as the Elite and Touring, added features like leather upholstery, a premium audio system, rear-seat entertainment system, and a panoramic sunroof. Interior upholstery was typically cloth on lower trims and leather on higher trims. Dashboard configurations were consistent across trims, with a focus on user-friendliness and intuitive controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Pilot utilizes a unibody construction for a balance of strength and weight savings. The front suspension features independent MacPherson struts, while the rear suspension employs an independent multi-link setup. This configuration provides a comfortable ride and predictable handling. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) are standard features. The Pilot’s chassis is tuned to prioritize ride comfort over sporty handling, making it well-suited for long road trips and everyday commuting.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2019-2022 Honda Pilot 3.5 V6 AWD Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and comprehensive suite of safety features. However, some critics noted that the engine could feel underpowered when fully loaded or when climbing steep hills. Compared to other trims in the Pilot lineup, the 3.5 V6 Automatic offered a good balance of performance and fuel economy. The lower-trim 3.5L front-wheel drive models offered slightly better fuel economy, while the higher-trim models with more features came at a higher price point. In terms of reliability, the J35 engine family has a strong reputation, and the Pilot generally enjoys good owner satisfaction ratings.
Legacy
The Honda Pilot III (2019-2022) 3.5 V6 AWD Automatic has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle. The J35Y6 engine is known for its longevity, and with proper maintenance, it can easily exceed 200,000 miles. On the used car market, these Pilots hold their value relatively well, due to their reputation for reliability and practicality. Common maintenance items include routine oil changes, brake pad replacements, and tire rotations. The six-speed automatic transmission is generally reliable, but it’s important to follow Honda’s recommended maintenance schedule to ensure its longevity. Overall, the 2019-2022 Honda Pilot 3.5 V6 AWD Automatic remains a popular choice for families seeking a spacious, capable, and reliable SUV.
