2024 Honda Pilot Configurations: Trims, Features, and How They Compare
The 2024 Honda Pilot is a three-row midsize SUV offered in multiple trim levels, each stacking on features, technology, and capability from the one below it. Understanding how those configurations differ helps you figure out what you're actually paying for as you move up the lineup — and where the meaningful jumps happen versus where you're paying for upgrades that may not matter to you.
How the 2024 Pilot Lineup Is Structured
Honda organizes the Pilot into six trim levels for 2024:
- LX
- EX
- EX-L
- Sport
- TrailSport
- Elite
- Black Edition
Every trim shares the same powertrain: a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 285 horsepower. There is no four-cylinder option, no hybrid, and no plug-in hybrid variant in the 2024 Pilot lineup. Powertrain parity across trims means the configuration choice is almost entirely about features, comfort, capability, and aesthetics.
Drivetrain Options by Trim
Not every trim offers both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive:
| Trim | FWD Available | AWD Available |
|---|---|---|
| LX | ✅ | ✅ |
| EX | ✅ | ✅ |
| EX-L | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sport | ❌ | ✅ only |
| TrailSport | ❌ | ✅ only |
| Elite | ❌ | ✅ only |
| Black Edition | ❌ | ✅ only |
The upper trims lock you into Honda's i-VTM4 torque-vectoring AWD system, which actively distributes torque across the rear axle independently. That's a meaningful capability upgrade over a basic AWD system — it improves cornering stability and off-pavement traction rather than just adding grip on slippery roads.
What Each Configuration Actually Adds 🔍
LX is the base entry point. It includes Honda Sensing (the automaker's suite of driver assistance features: collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and road departure mitigation), a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and three-zone climate control.
EX adds a larger 9-inch touchscreen, a power moonroof, wireless phone charging, and a second-row USB-C charging setup. The seating shifts to an 8-passenger configuration with a second-row bench instead of captain's chairs.
EX-L upgrades to leather-trimmed seating, a power-adjustable driver's seat with memory, and a hands-free power liftgate. The interior feel takes a noticeable step up here.
Sport is where standard FWD disappears. It includes sport-tuned suspension, unique 20-inch wheels, a sport-oriented exterior appearance package, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. If interior ambiance matters less than driving character, Sport positions itself differently than EX-L.
TrailSport is Honda's off-road-oriented variant. It adds all-terrain tires, additional underbody protection, raised suspension, an 8-speed automatic transmission (instead of the 10-speed found in other trims), and water-resistant seat material. The TrailSport is designed for light to moderate trail use — it's not a rock crawler, but it handles unpaved roads and moderate off-pavement terrain better than any other Pilot configuration.
Elite is the feature-loaded luxury trim. It includes a panoramic moonroof, second-row captain's chairs with a pass-through for easier third-row access, a rear-seat entertainment system, ventilated front seats, and a 12-speaker Bose system. It's positioned as the comfort-and-convenience peak of the lineup.
Black Edition is visually distinct — blacked-out exterior trim, 20-inch gloss-black wheels, and black leather interior. Mechanically it sits close to Elite in terms of features but targets buyers who want a specific aesthetic.
Where the Meaningful Feature Jumps Happen
Not every step up the trim ladder delivers the same return. A few transitions stand out:
- LX → EX: The 9-inch screen, moonroof, and wireless charging are everyday usability upgrades that many buyers notice regularly.
- EX-L → Sport or TrailSport: This is where you're choosing between interior refinement and either on-road sport or off-road capability. These trims serve different buyer profiles.
- Sport/EX-L → Elite: Ventilated seats, the panoramic roof, and second-row entertainment are comfort-and-convenience additions with clear real-world impact for families.
Seating Configurations Across Trims 🚗
Third-row seating comes standard on all Pilot trims, but second-row layout varies:
- EX, TrailSport, Black Edition: Second-row bench, seats 8
- EX-L, Sport, Elite: Second-row captain's chairs, seats 7 (with pass-through gap)
That distinction matters for families who regularly need to seat adults or older children in the third row — captain's chairs make access significantly easier.
The Variables That Shape Your Decision
The "right" configuration depends on factors that differ from buyer to buyer:
- Where you drive — frequent unpaved roads push toward TrailSport; highway commuting makes Sport or Elite more relevant
- How many passengers you regularly carry — 8-passenger bench versus 7-passenger captain's chairs changes everyday usability
- How long you plan to own the vehicle — feature gaps that feel minor at purchase can feel more significant after a few years
- Regional pricing and inventory — MSRP spreads between trims vary, and actual transaction prices depend on your market and what dealers have in stock
- AWD versus FWD preference — buyers in snow-prone areas or who want towing confidence often prioritize AWD, which eliminates LX, EX, and EX-L as the only FWD-available options
The 2024 Pilot lineup is built so that each trim is relatively self-contained rather than stripped-down — but what constitutes "enough" features at a given price is a calculation that depends on your own driving habits, household size, and what you actually use day to day.
