It is finally happening. Honda is going to deliver the hybrid version of its largest SUV. Well, fans were waiting for too long for the response and Toyota Highlander hybrid will now face not only Ford Explorer but also the competition from the Japanese company. Well, the US carmaker launches the PHEV version of its mid-size SUV, so that is a new challenge for all other companies. No worries Pilot fans – Honda is already testing the plug-in version of the vehicle. The most recent spy photos are already two months old, so the official details about the 2020 Honda Pilot Hybrid could be available soon.
Well, there are few possibilities for the engine room. Honda will have to refresh the offer. Currently, the company is exploiting a 3.0-liter V6 unit for the premium Acura MDX SUV. On the other hand, a mild-hybrid system is possible with an existing V6 mill. The carmaker is still quiet about details, but we believe the 2020 Honda Pilot Hybrid is coming next year. Also, the new drivetrain is going to be available with the upper trim levels, probably starting at EX or EX-L.
2020 Honda Pilot Hybrid Specs
So, there are two ways for the 2020 Honda Pilot Hybrid. The first setup could be based on a 3.5-liter V6 engine. This is one of the most durable drivetrains you can find in the market. Before electrification, it can deliver 280 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A small electric push can make it a 300-hp rated SUV. However, this is yet to be confirmed. The main gain will be the fuel economy numbers. The new Pilot Hybrid is going to achieve probably around 30 mpg for the city cruising. Still, the system will be heavier than the standard drivetrain, which will cause higher consumption.
On the other hand, there is already an existing hybrid setup available in Honda’s family. Well, the high-end Acura MDX is converting 320 hp from a 3.0-liter V6 combined with an electric engine. Well, this system is able to return 27 mpg combined, which is still respectable for the mid-size three-row SUV. The hybrid would also make 290 lb-ft of torque. The bad thing is that you won’t be able to count on the 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. Instead, the new configuration will go up to 3,500 lbs. The pro is definitely the Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive.
Release Date, Price
The new 2020 Honda Pilot Hybrid is coming as the model for the following season. That is certain. Insiders are confirming this, leaked sources, as well as more frequent rumors and speculations. So, the story has some foundation. The release date is not set yet. Honda could bring it even before the Chicago Auto Show in February. The new hybrid drivetrain will make the Pilot a better competitor to the upcoming Ford Explorer, which will present the PHEV version with the 2020 year model. We already have a Toyota Highlander hybrid, which will suffer a redesign for next season. The possible plug-in upgrade is coming.
The 2020 Honda Pilot Hybrid won’t be available with the base LX model, that is for sure. The company will offer the electrified drivetrain only with upper trims, probably starting with EX or EX-L. That means the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are going to be there, and even navigation is possible. The third row is also there and totals seating capacity is eight for most Honda Pilot models. Elite trim uses captain’s chairs in the middle row.
The price will start at around $40,000. Upper trims will easily go over $50,000 with upgrades such as leather seats, captain’s chairs, navigation, or seat ventilation.
