Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2019 Honda Pilot
With an overall Carivo score of 7.9/10, the 2019 Honda Pilot earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.7/10, while Technology at 7.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.4/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a strength too — 8.7/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.3/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.2/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $33,583–$40,108, 18 MPG, seating 7, the Honda Pilot sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.6/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2019 Honda Pilot as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2019 Honda Pilot ranks #293 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 88% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $33,583 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 7%.
$0 — 13 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Pilot Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2016 Honda Pilot scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.9 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 18 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2019 Honda Pilot (13 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 28/07/2020 · 20V439000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019-2020 Passport, and 2019-2021 Pilot vehicles. Incorrect instrument panel control module software can cause the instrument panel to not display critical information, such as…
Electrical system / Software 28/07/2020 · 20V440000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pilot, 2019-2020 Odyssey and 2019-2020 Passport vehicles. Incorrect central network software programming may cause several errors to occur that can delay or prevent the rearview camera image…
Structure / Body / Hood 29/11/2021 · 21V932000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.
Tires 11/03/2021 · 21V165000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Passport and Pilot vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit,…
Showing 5 of 13 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2019 Honda Pilot that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2019 Honda Pilot
Is the 2019 Honda Pilot reliable?
We rate the 2019 Honda Pilot's reliability 8.4/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 13 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2019 Honda Pilot have?
13 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2019 Honda Pilot worth buying?
It scores 7.9/10 overall, ranking #293 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 88% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2019 Honda Pilot cost?
The 2019 Honda Pilot starts at $33,583 and ranges up to $40,108 across trims (MSRP when new). At 18 MPG, expect roughly $2,917/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Pilot years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 12 Pilot model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (8.2/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2019 Honda Pilot have?
The documented issues for the 2019 Honda Pilot are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Back over prevention, Electrical system, Structure, Tires (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Honda Pilot
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More Honda Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year