2015 Honda Pilot S — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2015 Honda Pilot S

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $33,168–$42,484
Fuel Economy 14 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $3,750/yr
The 2015 Honda Pilot S scores 7.7/10 at Carivo, ranking #564 of 2454 suvs and an estimated $3,750/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2015 Honda Pilot S

Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$33,168–$42,484

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2015 Honda Pilot S

With an overall Carivo score of 7.7/10, the 2015 Honda Pilot S earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Performance at 7.0/10 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 8.2/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance lands mid-pack at 7.0/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.4/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.

Priced from $33,168–$42,484, 14 MPG, seating 7, the Honda Pilot S sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.2/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 11 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 2015 Honda Pilot S 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 2015 Honda Pilot S ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $33,168 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 8%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2015 Honda Pilot S

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$18,750 ($3,750/year at $3.50/gal)
InsuranceVaries 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 S Year Should You Buy?

Across the Pilot S model years we've scored, the 2015 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 8.2/10$46,799 Read review →
2024 8.1/10$45,436 Read review →
2023 8.0/10$44,072 Read review →
2022 7.9/10$42,709 Read review →
2021 7.9/10$41,347 Read review →
2020 7.8/10$39,983 Read review →
2019 7.9/10$38,620 Read review →
2018 7.8/10$37,257 Read review →
2017 7.7/10$35,893 Read review →
2016 7.6/10$34,531 Read review →
2015 (this review) 7.7/10$33,168

Pros & Cons — 2015 Honda Pilot S

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • 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 14 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

Common Questions — 2015 Honda Pilot S

Is the 2015 Honda Pilot S reliable?

We rate the 2015 Honda Pilot S's reliability 8.2/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.

Is the 2015 Honda Pilot S worth buying?

It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #564 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 77% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2015 Honda Pilot S cost?

The 2015 Honda Pilot S starts at $33,168 and ranges up to $42,484 across trims (MSRP when new). At 14 MPG, expect roughly $3,750/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which Pilot S years should you avoid?

Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Pilot S years we've rated are 2016 (7.6/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.2/10). See the full year table above before deciding.

Owner Essentials — Honda Pilot S

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

Get the Monthly Reliability Report

Once a month: which brands moved up or down our reliability rankings, new recalls worth knowing, and the smartest-money model years. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

More Honda Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.