2019 Honda Pilot Safety Review: Standard Features & Updates for Peace of Mind
There’s a specific kind of relief that comes from buckling your family into a vehicle that prioritizes safety without sacrificing comfort, and the 2019 Honda Pilot delivers exactly that. Whether you’re a long-time Honda owner moving up from a CR-V or an Odyssey or a first-time buyer looking for a family-friendly SUV, the 2019 Pilot’s updates are worth a close look. This review dives into the standard safety features and key changes that make this SUV a top choice for families who value security on the road.
TL;DR
The 2019 Honda Pilot stands out because it makes the comprehensive Honda Sensing® suite of driver-assist technologies standard across all trims. This means every Pilot, even the base model, comes with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Beyond safety, the Pilot received a mid-cycle refresh that includes a more rugged exterior, a much-welcomed volume knob for the infotainment system, and a refined 9-speed automatic transmission on higher trims for a smoother drive.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Safety for All: Honda Sensing® is now standard on every 2019 Pilot, offering advanced safety tech like Collision Mitigation Braking and Road Departure Mitigation without requiring an upgrade.
- Tech That Listens: Honda addressed a major complaint by adding a physical volume knob to the infotainment system, making it safer and easier to adjust audio while driving.
- Family-Friendly Features: New additions like CabinTalk® and the Hands-Free Power Tailgate add convenience for busy families, while features like Blind Spot Information (BSI) are now available on more trims.
- Transmission Tune-Up: The available 9-speed automatic transmission has been refined for 2019, offering smoother and quicker shifts for a more enjoyable driving experience.
- Top Safety Ratings: The 2019 Pilot earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, giving you confidence in its crash protection.
Understanding the 2019 Honda Pilot Safety Suite: Making Sense of Honda Sensing®
For 2019, Honda made a significant move that reinforces its commitment to safety. The Honda Sensing® suite, once an option on some trims, is now standard equipment on every 2019 Pilot, from the base LX to the top-tier Elite. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it’s a suite of real-world technologies designed to help you avoid accidents or reduce their severity.
Here’s what you get standard with Honda Sensing® on the 2019 Pilot:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™): This system uses a camera and radar to detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead. If it determines a collision is likely, it provides visual and audible alerts. If you don’t react in time, the system can automatically apply the brakes to help reduce the severity of the impact or avoid it altogether.
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM): This feature is designed to help you stay on the road. If the system detects you’re about to drift off the road without using your turn signal, it provides steering assistance and can even apply the brakes to help keep your Pilot on track.
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Similar to RDM but focused on the lane lines, LKAS gently nudges the steering wheel to help you stay centered in your lane. It’s a fantastic feature for reducing driver fatigue on long highway stretches.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): This smart cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a set following interval from the vehicle ahead. It makes highway driving safer and more relaxing by taking the constant speed adjustment out of your hands (and feet).
“The Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies are among the best in the business.”
Beyond the Basics: Additional Safety Features
The 2019 Pilot offers more than just Honda Sensing®. Depending on the trim level (EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite), you’ll also find:
- Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with Cross Traffic Monitor: This feature helps you change lanes safely by alerting you to vehicles in your blind spots. When you’re reversing, the Cross Traffic Monitor warns you of approaching vehicles from the side, a huge help in crowded parking lots.
- Multi-Angle Rearview Camera: Standard on all models, this camera gives you a clear view of what’s behind you, with multiple angles to choose from for easier parking and maneuvering.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Standard on all trims, the 2019 Pilot includes TPMS with Tire Fill Assist, which can even alert you when your tires are correctly inflated.
The Cabin Control You Actually Want: Infotainment Updates
Let’s be honest—a good infotainment system is a safety feature in itself. Struggling with a finicky screen or hunting for a volume button takes your eyes off the road. The 2019 Pilot makes driving safer and more pleasant with a few key tech updates.
Finally, a Real Volume Knob
One of the biggest complaints about previous Honda models was the use of a touch-sensitive slider for volume control. It was frequently criticized for being difficult to use without looking. For 2019, Honda listened and brought back the physical volume knob on the Display Audio system.
“At long last, the Pilot has an actual volume knob. The oddball, difficult-to-use-smoothly touch-sensitive slider controls are no more.” — Car and Driver
This simple change is a game-changer. You can now reach over and twist the knob without taking your eyes off the road, making the entire driving experience safer.
CabinTalk® and CabinControl™
If you’ve ever tried to tell the kids in the back row to settle down without shouting, you’ll appreciate CabinTalk®. This in-car PA system lets you speak through the rear speakers or wireless headphones (if equipped with the Rear Entertainment System), so you can communicate with passengers in the second and third rows without turning around.
Additionally, CabinControl™ is an app that lets passengers use their smartphones to control the audio, rear climate, and navigation (if equipped), helping minimize distractions for the driver.
Real-World Impact: Family Road Trip Comparison
To show how the 2019 Pilot stacks up against the competition in terms of family-friendly tech and safety, let’s compare it to other popular three-row SUVs.
| Feature | 2019 Honda Pilot | 2019 Toyota Highlander | 2019 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Safety Suite | Honda Sensing® (Standard on all trims) | Toyota Safety Sense P (Standard on most trims) | Ford Co-Pilot360 (Standard on XLT and above) |
| Key Safety Tech | Collision Mitigation Braking, RDM, LKAS, Adaptive Cruise Control | Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control | Pre-Collision Assist, Lane-Keeping System, BLIS with Cross-Traffic Alert |
| Infotainment | 8-inch Display Audio with physical Volume Knob, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | 8-inch touchscreen, Entune infotainment, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | SYNC 3 with 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto |
| Family Convenience | CabinTalk® PA system, Hands-Free Power Tailgate, Tri-Zone Climate Control | Driver Easy Speak (PA system), available Power Liftgate | available PowerFold® third-row seats, available hands-free liftgate |
| Crash Test Rating (NHTSA) | 5-Star Overall | 5-Star Overall | 5-Star Overall |
Evolution of Honda’s Focus on Safety and Interior Tech
Honda’s journey in vehicle safety and interior design has consistently aimed to protect passengers while enhancing the driving experience.
1970s – 1990s: The Foundations
The early Honda Civics and Accords were known for their reliability and efficient use of space. Safety was beginning to be a focus with the introduction of features like Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and dual airbags in the 1990s.
2000s: The SUV Boom
As the CR-V and Pilot rose in popularity, Honda began integrating more advanced crash protection and family-friendly features like the Magic Seats in the CR-V and increased cargo solutions in the Pilot.
2010s: The Tech Era
This decade saw the introduction of the HondaLink® Infotainment System, Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and the birth of Honda Sensing®. The focus shifted from just surviving a crash to preventing one. The 2019 Pilot is a prime example of this era, putting advanced technology within reach of more buyers.
Today and Beyond
Modern Hondas like the Prologue EV represent the next step, with fully digital cockpits, over-the-air updates, and even more sophisticated driver-assistance systems, showing a clear path toward a safer, more connected future.
A Closer Look: Key Safety and Storage Features of the 2019 Pilot
The 2019 Pilot is packed with thoughtful features that protect passengers and secure cargo. Here’s a quick breakdown of how you can equip your new Pilot.
Comparison of Key Honda Pilot Accessories
| Product Type | Best For | Installation Difficulty | Key Material | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Weather Floor Mats | Protecting carpets from mud, snow, and spills. | Easy | Heavy-duty rubber/PVC | $100 – $200 |
| Cargo Tray | Securing luggage and protecting the cargo floor. | Very Easy | Durable plastic/rubber | $100 – $150 |
| Roof Rails/Cargo Basket | Carrying oversized items like bikes, kayaks, or extra luggage. | Moderate | Aluminum/Steel | $150 – $400+ |
| Wireless Phone Charger | Keeping devices charged without messy cables. | Easy | Qi/PMA charging pad | $60 – $120 |
| Running Boards | Helping passengers enter and exit the vehicle safely. | Moderate | Aluminum with non-slip pads | $300 – $600 |
| Sunshades | Keeping the cabin cool and protecting kids from sun glare. | Very Easy | Mesh/fabric | $50 – $100 |
Data is estimated and based on Honda official accessories and reputable aftermarket suppliers.
Chart: 2019 Honda Pilot Safety Features Availability by Trim
The chart below shows how key safety features are distributed across the 2019 Pilot trim levels, from the base LX to the top-of-the-line Elite. Notice how many advanced features are now standard or available on lower trims than before.
FAQ: Your Questions About the 2019 Honda Pilot, Answered
What makes the Honda Sensing® suite on the 2019 Pilot so important?
It’s important because it makes advanced safety tech standard on all models, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, which can help prevent accidents.
How does the 2019 Honda Pilot’s safety compare to other midsize SUVs?
It’s a top performer, earning a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA and being named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS .
Is the Honda Sensing® system standard on the base 2019 Pilot LX?
Yes, Honda Sensing® is now standard equipment on every 2019 Pilot trim, including the base LX model .
What was the most annoying feature that Honda fixed for 2019?
Honda replaced the frustrating touch-sensitive volume slider with a physical volume knob on the 8-inch touchscreen, making it much easier and safer to use.
What is the CabinTalk® feature in the 2019 Pilot?
It’s an in-car PA system that lets the driver or front passenger speak to passengers in the second and third rows through the rear speakers .
Does the 2019 Pilot come with a hands-free power tailgate?
Yes, the Hands-Free Power Tailgate is available on the Touring and Elite trims, allowing you to open the rear with a simple kick motion under the bumper .
What are the best all-weather floor mats for a 2019 Honda Pilot?
Honda’s official all-weather mats are a great fit. For heavy-duty protection, aftermarket brands like WeatherTech and Husky Liners are also excellent choices.
The 2019 Honda Pilot shows that putting safety first doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort. With its standard Honda Sensing® suite, welcome tech upgrades like the volume knob, and family-friendly features like CabinTalk® and the Hands-Free Power Tailgate, it proves itself as a benchmark for family SUVs.
Have you taken a 2019 Pilot for a test drive? Or is there a feature you’re most curious about? Let us know in the comments below!
For further reading on the 2019 Honda Pilot, check out these trusted sources:
