After the recent redesign, Honda’s three-row SUV is once again highly competitive. With so many strong points, it’s no wonder it marks good sales numbers every year, over and over. But, despite the obviously great design, it isn’t perfect and there are a few points we could call weak. One of them is the lack of a powertrain option, as all models use the same V6 that’s capable and refined but isn’t the most fuel-efficient unit around. That’s why the 2024 Honda Pilot Hybrid has been in talks for a way and that makes sense a lot, as the Pilot would follow the example of models like the Accord, Civic and CR-V.
At this point, details are still unavailable, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t speculate about the possible setup for this SUV. First of all, we expect to see something more capable than the system that powers the new CR-V. We could see a system based on a more capable engine, though more capable electric motors are not excluded either. In any case, the 2024 Honda Pilot Hybrid would keep the same overall design, with the same goodies that characterize the recently redesigned 2023 model year.
2024 Honda Pilot Hybrid Powertrain
So, the most distinctive part of the 2024 Honda Pilot Hybrid would be the powertrain. So far, we haven’t got a chance to get a Pilot Hybrid. Moreover, many rivals have already switched to not just electrified powertrains, but turbo-fours as well. The Pilot is smooth and capable, while the fuel economy is typical for the class. But, that’s not what we expect from Honda and a model that’s been among class leaders for decades. We expect something a little bit better than that.
We expect both a capable and efficient setup, similarly designed but more capable than the system that powers the new CR-V. To remind you, that system is based on a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four engine and delivers a total output of 204 horsepower. The Pilot, of course, would need something more powerful. So, we are thinking of a more capable electric motors, or maybe a more capable gas engine. The latter might refer to a turbo-four as well. On the other, the officials already stated that they are not interested in developing in plug-in hybrid.
In any case, we would expect to see a setup with power figures that are comparable to the V6 but the key benefit should come in fuel economy. For example, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is good for about 35 mpg, so we may expect something similar ratings from the Pilot.
2024 Honda Pilot Hybrid Design
Other than the powertrain, we don’t expect the 2024 Honda Pilot Hybrid to be any different in terms of the overall design. The current generation has just been released and it looks really good. We like its combination of ruggedness and elegance, as well as the stance that’s way more SUVish than before. Of course, there is always room for minor tweaks, for a couple of details that accentuate the model’s electrified character, but the overall appearance shouldn’t change.
The same thing is with the chassis and suspension setup. This SUV relies on a relatively simple design that includes a classic McPherson strut at the front, along with the multi-link independent rear suspension on the rear end. All in all, the ride is quite smooth and comfortable, while there is a tiny dose of athleticism as well, to keep traditional Honda fans at piece – pretty much the same thing as in the case of Pilot’s closest relative, the Honda Passport.
Interior
The same thing is with the interior design. The recent redesign brought massive improvement over the previous generation, with a stylish dashboard design that combines modern and retro aesthetics in such a nice fashion. Also, there is a good portion of tech features, though we would like to see a little bit more in the most basic variants, which still come with a pretty small 7-inch infotainment screen.
That may be fixed with the hybrid variant, which could bring more standard equipment, along with a couple of tweaks, such as a little bit different instrument cluster, adapted to the electrified powertrain. On the other hand, the seating configuration will definitely remain the same, with two variants on offer, able to accommodate either 7 or 8 passengers. Due to the batteries, the hybrid version could feature lower cargo capacity, which currently goes around 18.6 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats, 48.5 cubic feet with these seats folded and up to 87 cubic feet in total in the gas-only model.
2024 Honda Pilot Hybrid Release Date and Price
The 2024 Honda Pilot Hybrid could arrive in the next year, even though the officials are still quiet. As for the price, the gas-only model goes around 37,000 dollars, so we presume that the hybrid would probably go around 40.000. The key competitors would be the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Kia Sorento Hybrid, Mazda CX-90 PHEV etc.
