Is the 2020 Honda Pilot reliable?

The 2020 Pilot is generally reliable. The 3.5L V6 is proven with over a decade of use. The 9-speed transmission had early issues but the 2020 model year addressed most. Some owners report infotainment glitches, which software updates resolve. Overall, expect fewer problems than most competitors.

What's better—Pilot EX-L or Touring?

EX-L is best for most buyers. The Touring adds rear entertainment (great for kids), CabinWatch camera, and hands-free liftgate. If you regularly road trip with kids, Touring's $3,000-$5,000 premium is worth it. Otherwise, EX-L has everything you need.

How does the 2020 Pilot compare to 2019?

The 2020 received a mid-cycle refresh: new front/rear styling, updated infotainment with physical volume knob (critical improvement), and Honda Sensing standard on all trims. The 2020 is worth the $2,000-$3,000 premium over 2019 for the improved tech alone.

Is the 9-speed transmission reliable?

The 2020 9-speed is improved over earlier years. Some owners report occasional harsh shifts, especially 1-2 and 2-3. This is normal for this transmission. Ensure transmission fluid was changed at 30K intervals. Major failures are rare but ensure the used example drives smoothly.

AWD adds $2,000-$2,500 to the used price. Worth it in snow states for safety and resale value. In mild climates, FWD is fine. The AWD system is reliable and doesn't require special maintenance beyond differential fluid changes every 30K miles.

What to avoid when buying a 2020 Pilot?

Avoid LX trim—no moonroof, basic screen, and harder resale. Skip examples without service records. Check for aftermarket modifications that void warranty. Test the infotainment thoroughly for freezing or lag.

2020 Honda Pilot Buyer's Guide: EX-L vs Touring vs Elite | AutoHunter

Why the 2020 Pilot?

The 2020 Honda Pilot is the refreshed third-generation model with updated styling, improved infotainment, and Honda Sensing standard across all trims. It competes directly with the Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse, and Mazda CX-9. The Pilot wins on interior space and practicality, though the Highlander edges it on reliability reputation.

The 2020 refresh addressed the biggest complaint about the 2019—the capacitive-touch volume controls are gone, replaced by a proper volume knob. This alone makes the 2020 worth seeking out over 2019 models.

Trim Level Comparison

2020 Honda Pilot Trim Comparison: Features and Pricing
Trim	MSRP New	Used Price	Key Features	Value Rating
LX	$32,000	$24,000-$27,000	Honda Sensing, 5" display, cloth seats	Budget
EX	$35,000	$26,000-$29,000	8" display, power liftgate, moonroof	Good
EX-L	$38,000	$28,000-$32,000	Leather, heated seats, memory driver seat	Best Value
Touring	$43,000	$32,000-$37,000	Rear entertainment, hands-free liftgate, CabinWatch	Family Pick
Elite	$49,000	$38,000-$44,000	Wireless charging, premium audio, panoramic roof	Luxury

LX and EX

The LX is the base model with a basic 5-inch display and no moonroof. It's hard to recommend at only $2,000-$3,000 less than the EX. The EX adds the 8-inch display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, power moonroof, and power liftgate—features most buyers want.

EX-L (Best Value)

The EX-L is the volume seller and best value. Leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, memory driver settings, and a one-touch power moonroof make it feel premium without the price. This is where most buyers should focus their search.

EX-L Sweet Spot

Target EX-L AWD with 40K-60K miles for the best balance of features, reliability, and price. These typically run $29,000-$33,000 in good condition with service records.

Touring

The Touring is designed for families with rear-seat entertainment, CabinWatch camera (monitors rear passengers), hands-free power liftgate, and CabinTalk (PA system for talking to rear passengers). If you regularly road trip with kids, these features are worth the premium. The rear entertainment keeps kids occupied for hours.

Elite

The Elite is fully loaded with wireless phone charging, premium audio, panoramic moonroof, and every Honda feature. It's expensive used and offers diminishing returns over Touring. Only buy if you find a deal—typically $38,000-$44,000 for low-mileage examples.

Powertrain

All 2020 Pilots use Honda's 3.5L V6 (J35Y6) producing 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a 9-speed automatic. The V6 is derived from Honda's proven J-series family with hundreds of thousands of reliable miles across Odysseys, Ridgelines, and MDXs.

The 9-speed transmission was criticized in earlier model years for rough shifts. The 2020 received software updates that improved behavior. Some firm shifts remain, particularly in 1-2-3 gear progression when cold. This is characteristic of the transmission, not a defect.

9-Speed Check

Test drive thoroughly. The transmission should shift smoothly when warm. Avoid examples with harsh clunks or hesitation. If in doubt, have a pre-purchase inspection check for transmission codes.

What to Check When Buying

Infotainment operation: Test all functions—Apple CarPlay, navigation, climate controls. Should respond without excessive lag.
Transmission behavior: Drive in city and highway conditions. Shifts should be smooth, especially when warm.
Honda Sensing calibration: Verify lane-keeping and adaptive cruise work properly. Misaligned sensors cause phantom braking.
Power liftgate: Should open/close without grinding or hesitation.
Service records: Oil changes every 7,500 miles, transmission fluid every 30K, differential fluid (AWD) every 30K.

Fair Price Guide

2020 Pilot pricing by trim and mileage in late 2025:

EX FWD (50K-70K mi): $26,000-$29,000
EX-L FWD (50K-70K mi): $28,000-$31,000
EX-L AWD (50K-70K mi): $30,000-$34,000
Touring AWD (40K-60K mi): $33,000-$38,000
Elite AWD (30K-50K mi): $39,000-$45,000

BUY

Recommended Buy

Pros

Updated 2020 infotainment is much improved
Spacious interior with usable third row
Proven 3.5L V6 reliability
Honda Sensing standard on all trims
Strong resale value
Family-friendly features on Touring

Cons

9-speed can be firm when cold
Not as refined as some competitors
Fuel economy average for class
Elite trim is expensive
Some infotainment glitches reported

Recommendation

The 2020 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD is excellent for families needing space and reliability. The refreshed infotainment makes daily use pleasant. For families with young kids, the Touring is worth the premium for rear entertainment. The proven powertrain should easily reach 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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