2019 Honda Pilot S — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2019 Honda Pilot S

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $38,620–$46,124
Fuel Economy 18 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,917/yr

Key Specifications — 2019 Honda Pilot S

Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$38,620–$46,124

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

About the 2019 Honda Pilot S

Our scoring places the 2019 Honda Pilot S at 7.9/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.7/10, while Performance at 7.3/10 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. We score reliability at 8.4/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.7/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.

Performance scores 7.3/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.4/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $38,620–$46,124, 18 MPG, seating 7, the Honda Pilot S sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.4/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. 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.

Our take: The 2019 Honda Pilot S is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

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 S 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 $38,620 starting price is about 7% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Pilot S Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2016 Honda Pilot S scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.9 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

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 (this review) 7.9/10$38,620
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 7.7/10$33,168 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2019 Honda Pilot S

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • 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

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