The famous Japanese carmaker will introduce 2020 Honda Pilot Plug-In Hybrid shortly after the debut of the refreshed regular model. So, expect many things in common between the hybrid and the gasoline version. Most of the exterior design language will be the same. The Hybrid will carry a couple of distinctive elements, just to stand out a little bit more.
Both models will use the same platform. The main difference between these two coming from the engine room. The arriving Hybrid will increase the mileage, and deliver a decent amount of power. Under the hood will be comparable setup as in the Accord Hybrid model.
The starting price of the Pilot Plug-In Hybrid will be in the $35,000-$40,000 range. The main rival and the leader of the crossover hybrid class is Toyota Highlander. Besides the Highlander, the Pilot is only confirmed plug-in crossover for 2020.
2020 Honda Pilot Plug-In Hybrid Changes
The forthcoming 2020 Honda Pilot Plug-In Hybrid delivers very appealing ant attractive design. The hybrid version will have a couple of unique visual elements, but the existing platform will remain. Also, the dimensions of the new model will probably stay the same. So, expect a generous cabin with a lot of room for eight passengers.
The company will include numerous technological upgrades and improvements, just to stay competitive in the ever-growing market. In the first place, the brand-new infotainment system is available. As a result, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are finally part of the standard equipment.
Also, the incredibly supportive and comfortable captain’s chair is available as additional equipment. Inside the cabin will be 3-row configuration, and the interior will provide enough space for eight passengers. The second-row seats will include the touchscreen displays, so the people in the back can entertain themselves during the long journeys.
As for the exterior design, the Hybrid will definitely try to improve aerodynamics, with a sharper line approach. But, the overall shape and silhouette won’t change drastically.
Safety Features
As for the safety of passengers, Honda is one of the world’s leaders and the synonym for safe vehicles. The Japanese automaker always provides the highest quality safety suites. Definitely, one of the main focal points of every Honda model is the safety department. Therefore, expect the same level in the 2020 Honda Pilot Plug-In Hybrid.
The new model comes with a five-star safety rating. In a similar fashion, the Hybrid includes a good amount of standard safety aids and driver assistance features. The regular version is, without doubt, one of the safest cars in the crossover SUV class. Still, the company is looking to improve that rating even further.
For this reason, new features such as emergency braking, tire pressure monitoring, and adaptive cruise control are added to the standard package. On top of that, Honda Sensing safety system is available for all trim levels.
2020 Honda Pilot Plug-In Hybrid Engine
The standard version of Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 unit. The engine is definitely the most impressive part of this crossover. Well, will it be under the hood of 2020 Honda Pilot Plug-In Hybrid as well? Probably not. It’s more likely that the engineering branch will come with a different setup.
We assume it will be a similar system as the one is Accord sedan. The sedan works with a 2.0-liter/4-cylinder gasoline powertrain and AC synchronous permanent-magnet electric motor. This combination is good for 181 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine that powers the regular Pilot can develop 280 hp.
Furthermore, the electric source of energy will boost gas mileage. For example, the Honda Accord with an automatic transmission can’t return more than 35 miles per gallon. But, with the hybrid setup Accord achieves 15 mpg. The permanent-magnetic electric motor record city/highway 50/40 mpg.
Taking into account the size of the SUV, we really doubt that the Plug-In Hybrid will be able to return 50 mpg. On the other hand, the experts estimate 45 mpg.
Release Date and Price
The upcoming 2020 Honda Pilot Plug-In Hybrid will be the company’s flagship model for the next season. But, let’s not forget the announced facelift of the standard Pilot. Therefore, we assume to see the fresh base model and the hybrid version approximately at the same time.
The starting price of the plug-in vehicle will probably be between $35,000 and $40,000. One of the main competitors, Toyota Highlander Hybrid will come with a price tag of $37.000. Still, with the additional equipment, the Highlander hybrid will go over $50,000. We expect a similar jump for the Pilot Plug-In as well.
The hybrid version will offer the same trim levels as the regular crossover. The entry-level LX, EX, and EX-L models are available. Of course, the customers can go for the most expensive versions, Touring and Elite.
Pilot Touring is quite a unique vehicle on the market. Besides all of the standard equipment, it includes a more powerful engine and excellent amount of additional equipment and features.