2021 Honda Pilot Redesign And Hybrid Are Postponed

According to the reports from the Japanese automaker, the announced redesign of the 2021 Honda Pilot model is postponed for 2022. Until then, the mid-size SUV will be refreshed with new packages, that will show in which direction will the development go. But, don’t expect anything drastic in terms of exterior design and updates, since the new generation is scheduled for 2022.

The next-gen of Honda Pilot could finally bring the plug-in hybrid version. The class rivals are getting more updates every season, so the company must think about what to do, to stay competitive in the demanding market. As you can probably remember, this the latest generation of the mid-size SUV that was introduced in 2015. The Pilot becomes Honda’s best-seller model.

However, since then the sales are dropping. Furthermore, without updates 2020-and 2021MY could sink under 100,000 per annum. Therefore, we expect that the new generation will restore the interest with updates and improvements. But, Honda needs to do a lot of things to make this happen.

2021-Honda-Pilot-Comes-Without-Hybrid-Powertrain

2021 Honda Pilot Comes Without Hybrid Powertrain

Even though everybody expected that the Honda Pilot will include a hybrid system for the 2021MY, that’s not going to happen. We must wait for the next-gen of the mid-size SUV to see the plugin-in version. Well, it’s actually quite strange that the Pilot didn’t get a hybrid by now. Taking into account that Acura has a suitable powertrain, the big opportunity is missed.

For example, the Sport Hybrid configuration offers a 3.0-liter unit with electric motors, for a peak output of 320 hp. On top of that, this system improves fuel economy as well. Also, Acura plans to develop a PHEV configuration for the MDX Type S model.

The rumors were claiming that the Pilot will get a similar configuration as well. However, Honda decided to hold the hybrid version, probably for the next generation.

Engine Specs

So, without hybrid powertrain, what will be under the hood of 2021 Honda Pilot? The upcoming mid-size SUV will offer a familiar V6 mill as the only option. However, the customers in the States will probably like to see some other options as well. But, at the moment the Japanese automaker doesn’t plan to include other options.

So, the available 3.5-liter engine can produce 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, and it will return 23 mpg combined. Also, Honda will probably discard the 6-speed automatic transmission, and keep the 9-speed gearbox as standard.

The front-wheel-drive will be a standard option, while the AWD is optional. The towing rating of the FWD Pilot is 3,500 pounds. On the other hand, an AWD hauls up to 5,000 pounds.

2021-Honda-Pilot-Engine-Specs

Competition

The mid-size SUV class is very competitive. Well, there’s the Toyota Highlander, which is around for quite some time now. Also, the new Ford Explorer is definitely one of the best vehicles in the segment. Not to mention that Explorer’s premium variant, Lincoln Aviator produces 450 hp from the PHEV configuration.

On top of that, rumors claim that the Jeep Wrangler will include a hybrid system as well. Also, these three are the best-selling vehicles in the class, with over 200K sales. So, it seems like the Japanese company is trailing behind the competition. The same case is with the Chevrolet Traverse, Nissan Pathfinder, and the rest of the non-hybrid models.

Therefore, Honda must include the hybrid version, as soon as possible. Otherwise, the competition will be too far ahead and the sales will continues to drop.

2021 Honda Pilot Prices

The upcoming 2021 Honda Pilot will keep the prices in a similar range. But, the starting price of $34,000 might bit a bit high, taking into account that several models in the class cost around $31,000.

On top of that, if you want the Elite version, it comes with a price sticker of $50,000. For example, Infiniti QX60, or the Lexus RX comes with a similar price like 2021 Pilot Elite.

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