Honda Pilot Elite Vs. Touring All Generations & Trims (2017 – 2023)

The 4th generation Honda Pilot Elite includes a heated steering wheel, which the Touring lacks.

Besides, the Elite trim has 7 in-built driving modes, whereas the Touring has 5. Again, the Elite has an additional head-up display and cabin talk features.

Of course, there are differences in the exterior and interior look. The previous generation Honda Pilot trims have variations in seating capacity too.

Apart from these, the Honda Pilot Elite and Touring have the same basic features. For example, the engine performance, transmission, dimension, and mileage.

Again, the previous Elite and Touring trims have differences in drivetrain too. All Elite and Touring AWDs feature all-wheel drive. But Touring 2WDs are front-wheel drive.

Let’s explore the comparison of Honda Pilot Elite and Touring according to the generation. 

Honda Pilot Elite Vs. Honda Pilot touring (2017 – 2018)

2017 Honda Pilot Elite and Touring have the same in-built technology and luxury features. But there are differences in the style, MPG, seating capacity, and exterior of these SUVs.

Again, the 2018 Pilot Touring and Elite looks like a ditto of the 2017 generation, except for the appearance. The 2018 generations have a crispier and more aerodynamic look.

Here is the comparison between Honda Pilot Elite and Touring (2017 – 2018).

Style and Drivetrain

Honda Pilot Elite comes in only 1 style, AWD. But there are 2 different models with different seating capacities available for Touring trims, 2WD and AWD.

Both AWDs have a 7-seating capacity, and the 2WD has an 8-seating plan.

Again, there is a difference in the drivetrain of the Elite and Touring trim. While the former is all-wheel drive, the latter is front-wheel drive.

Exterior

Both the 2017 Honda Pilot Elite and Touring trims come with LED headlights and running lights on the front. The alloy rims on these models are 20 inches. 

You get 12 exterior color options with Honda Pilot Elite trim. But the Touring trim is available in 11 shades.

Upgrade in Technology

The smart key entry and auto-roll-down window features are the same in the Honda Pilot Elite and Touring. With this intelligent technology, you can enjoy the remote engine start and keyless trunk entry.

Seat Arrangements

Honda Pilot Elite trim has a 7 people seating capacity with Second-row Captain’s chair.

Touring trims can accommodate 8 people with a Second-row Captain’s chair and 3rd-row bench. The seat planning goes in a 2 – 3 – 3 style.

It means the Honda Pilot Elite is more spacious than the Touring. The former accommodates 7 seats, while the latter manages 8 in the same dimension.

Furthermore, both trims exhibit the same 60/40 space splits for seats. Here the 3rd-row bench is flat-folding, and the 2nd-row seats have a one-touch feature.

Interior Techs

Both the Honda Pilot Touring and Elite include the 10 ways power adjustment system. The models also feature two-position memory seats and power lumbar support.

Again, the front passenger seats of these models also have a 4-way power adjustment system.

Mileage Per Gallon 

Another notable difference between the Honda Pilot Elite and Touring is the mileage. 

The Honda Pilot Elite AWD offers 22 combined MPG. It means the SUV consumes 10.69 L gallons of fuel per 100 km. 

For Honda Pilot Touring, the MPG varies with style. Touring 2WD has 23 combined MPG, meaning the SUV burns 10.23 L gas per 100 km. 

However, Touring AWD has the same MPG as Elite MPG.

Market Rate 

The market rate of the Honda Pilot Elite trim starts from $48,000. Of course, the newer generation costs more than, the older one. 

Compared to the Elite, Touring trims are slightly affordable, starting at $42,500. The price will vary depending on the generation and style.

Specification Chart 

Key Features	Honda Pilot Elite Trim	Honda Pilot Touring Trim
Style	1	2
Elite AWD	Touring 2WD	Touring AWD
Dimension	194.5″ in length, 69.8″ in height	194.5″ in length, 69.8″ in height	194.5″ in length, 69.8″ in height
Original MSRP Range	$48,195 – $48,465	$42,795 – $42,965
MPG (Mile per gallon)	22 combined MPG (10.69 L /100 km)	23 combined MPG (10.23 L /100 km)	22 combined MPG (10.69 L /100 km)
Transmission	9-Speed A/T	9-Speed A/T	9-Speed A/T
Engine Type	3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine	3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine	3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine
Drivetrain	All Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive
Available color	12	11	11
Available seats	7	8	8

Honda Pilot Elite Vs. Honda Pilot Touring (2019 – 2022)

Honda has brought some noticeable changes in the 2019 Pilot Elite and Touring models. And, the following models up until 2022 have the same features. 

The company has increased the space to 196.5″ in length and 70.6″ in height with the Elite and Touring models. Also, there has been an upgrade of hardware and software with each generation.

As a result, the SUV performance smoothens and gets better each year.

Again, you will notice fewer color options with Honda Pilot Touring. Though the 2019 model offers 11 exterior color options, the 2020 – 2022 models have 10.

Let’s look at the fundamental differences between Honda Pilot Elite and Touring (2019 – 2022).

Style and Drivetrain 

Like the previous generations, the Honda Pilot Elite is available in 1 style, Elite AWD.

But the Honda Pilot Touring is available in 4 different styles,

• Touring 7-Passenger 2WD
• Touring 7-Passenger AWD
• Touring 8-Passenger AWD
• Touring 8-Passenger 2WD

The 3 AWDs of the Honda Pilot Elite and Touring are of all-wheel drive type. But the other 2 2WD features a front wheel drive. 

Exterior 

With each generation, the built quality of the Honda Pilot Touring and Elite gets better. You get a more dynamic and polished look with the latest models. 

Until 2019, the Honda Pilot Touring trim offered 11 exterior color options. But from 2020, you get 10 available shades. 

However, the Elite still comes in 12 different colors.

Seating Capacity 

Elite AWD 2019 – 2022 has 7 passenger seats. The 2 styles of the Touring trim also include the 7-seater, and the other 2 are 8-seaters.

The sittings of the Touring 7-Passenger 2WD and Touring 7-Passenger AWD SUVs are more spacious.

Heated Seats 

As you know, all the recent Honda Pilot models have heated seats.

The Elite trims have leather-trimmed, perforated, heated front and 2nd-row seats. There is an in-built ventilation system under the seats to cool the temperature on hot days.

However, the Touring trims only include heated seats. The front, the outboard 2nd-Row seats, and 2nd-Row Captain’s Chairs have this facility.

Mileage Per Gallon

There is a difference in mileage between the Honda Pilot Touring and Elite, like the previous generations.

All the AWDs of Touring and Elite have 22 combined MPG. But the Touring 2WD features 23 combined MPG.

Market Price 

The market rate of Honda Pilot Elite and Touring varies with the styles and generations. Generally, the price of an Elite trim starts from $48K and goes all the way to $55k.

Again, the Touring trim is available from $42K. But you have to pay above $50K depending on the passenger seating capacity and style. 

Specification Chart

Key Features	2019 Honda Pilot Elite Trim	2019 Honda Pilot Touring Trim
Style	1	2	2
Elite AWD	Touring 7-Passenger 2WD	Touring 7-Passenger AWD	Touring 8-Passenger AWD	Touring 8-Passenger 2WD
Dimension	196.5″ length, 70.6″ height	196.5″ length, 70.6″ height	196.5″ length, 70.6″ height	196.5″ length, 70.6″ height	196.5″ length, 70.6″ height
Original MSRP Range	$48,020 – $55,000	$42, 520 – $55,000
MPG (Mile per gallon)	22 combined MPG (10.69 L /100 km)	23 combined MPG	22 combined MPG (10.69 L /100 km)	22 combined MPG	23 combined MPG
Transmission	9-Speed A/T	9-Speed A/T	9-Speed A/T	9-Speed A/T	9-Speed A/T
Engine Type	280.0-hp, 3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine	280.0-hp, 3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine	280.0-hp, 3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine	280.0-hp, 3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine	280.0-hp, 3.5-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine
Drivetrain	All Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Available color	12	11	11	11	11

2023 Honda Pilot Elite Vs. 2023 Honda Pilot Touring 

Honda Pilot has brought a massive change in the latest 2023 trims. The SUV’s build has been inspired by Honda’s Light Truck architecture.

Not only that the new Honda Pilot trims have a stiffer structure, but they have also grown bigger. The car dimension has now been updated to a length of 199.9 inches and a height of 71 inches. 

Changes have been made in engine performance and transmission system. The trims can roar in 285 HP in the V6 engine. 

Also, these 4th Honda Pilot SUVs have a 10-speed transmission system. 

Here is the primary comparison chart of the 2023 Honda Pilot Elite Vs. Touring

Features	2023 Honda Pilot Elite	2023 Honda Pilot Touring
Engine	285-hp V-6 Engine	285-hp V-6 Engine
Transmission	10-Speed Automatic Transmission	10-Speed Automatic Transmission
Driving Modes	7-Mode Drive System	5-Mode Drive System
Drivetrain	All Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive
MPG Combined	21	21
MPG City	19	19
MPG Highway	25	25
Price	$53,325	$49,845

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion 

The discussion on Honda Pilot Elite vs. Touring clears basic doubts about these SUVs. Yes, the trims have dimensions, engine power, and transmission similarities. Even the MPGs of the Elite and Touring are close to each other.

However, there are only a few subtle differences between these two trims. But the Elite has more features like 7 driving modes and a heads-up display than the Touring. 

This is because of the upgraded specs, and Elite is more expensive and a premium option. Then again, Touring offers the best driving experience on a budget.