2019 Honda Pilot Trim Levels: Which One Offers Best Value?
You want the right mix of features and price, and the 2019 Honda Pilot trim lineup has a sweet spot for almost every budget. The good news is that Honda made its advanced safety suite standard across all trims for 2019, so you get peace of mind no matter which model you choose . The challenge? Picking between the LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite — each adding more comfort, tech, and convenience. Let’s break down the upgrades to find the best value for your needs and wallet.
TL;DR
The 2019 Honda Pilot comes in six main trims: LX, EX, EX-L, EX-L with Navigation & Rear Entertainment, Touring, and Elite . All share the same 280-horsepower V6 engine, but the Touring and Elite get a 9-speed automatic transmission, while lower trims use a 6-speed . Honda Sensing® safety tech is standard across the board . The EX trim offers the best value for most buyers, adding Blind Spot Monitoring, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and key convenience features for about $3,000 more than the base LX . For families wanting leather and a power liftgate, the EX-L is the next logical step up.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Safety: Every 2019 Pilot, including the base LX, comes with Honda Sensing® — adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and road departure mitigation .
- Transmission Split: The LX, EX, and EX-L use a 6-speed automatic. The Touring and Elite get a 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters and idle-stop .
- EX is the Sweet Spot: The EX trim adds Blind Spot Information System (BSI), Cross Traffic Monitor, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, tri-zone climate control, and a power driver’s seat — features that make a huge difference in daily driving .
- Leather and Luxury Start at EX-L: The EX-L brings leather upholstery, a power liftgate, moonroof, and heated front seats. It’s the gateway to premium comfort .
- Top-Tier Tech: The Touring adds a hands-free power tailgate, rear parking sensors, heated second-row seats, and CabinTalk®. The Elite tops it off with a panoramic roof, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless charging .
Understanding the 2019 Honda Pilot Trim Lineup
The 2019 Pilot’s trim structure is designed to let you climb the feature ladder gradually. Here’s what you get at each level, starting with the base model.
LX: The Value Foundation
Starting MSRP: ~$31,450 (2WD) / ~$33,350 (AWD)
The LX is the entry point, but it’s far from bare-bones. All 2019 Pilots come with a 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and an 8-passenger seating configuration . Standard features include:
- Honda Sensing® (adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation)
- LED headlights and brake lights
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Keyless ignition, active noise cancellation, and a 7-speaker sound system
- Rearview camera and Bluetooth connectivity
The LX is a solid choice if you’re on a tight budget and prioritize safety over luxury, but you will miss out on some modern convenience and connectivity features.
EX: The Best Value for Most Buyers
Starting MSRP: ~$34,330 (2WD) / ~$36,230 (AWD)
Stepping up to the EX is where the 2019 Pilot really hits its stride. For about $3,000 more than the LX, you get a host of features that transform the daily driving experience . New additions include:
- Blind Spot Information System (BSI) and Cross Traffic Monitor — essential safety aids
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration — because smartphone integration is a game-changer
- Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control — keeping everyone comfortable
- 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen with HondaLink®
- Heated side mirrors, fog lights, and Smart Entry
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Remote engine start
- Intelligent Traction Management (Snow, Sand, Mud for AWD)
- One-touch sliding second-row seats for easier third-row access
The EX is widely considered the sweet spot in the Pilot lineup. You get the safety of Honda Sensing®, the connectivity you actually use daily, and meaningful convenience upgrades — all at a price that still feels reasonable for a three-row SUV .
EX-L: Leather and Power Convenience
Starting MSRP: ~$37,760 (2WD) / ~$39,660 (AWD)
The EX-L is where the Pilot starts to feel more premium. It builds on the EX with:
- Leather-trimmed seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power liftgate — a must-have for loading cargo
- One-touch power moonroof
- Heated front seats
- Power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror and HomeLink® garage-door opener
- Driver’s seat memory and second-row sunshades — new for 2019
The EX-L is the right choice if you want leather, a power liftgate, and a moonroof without jumping to the top-tier trims. It adds a layer of refinement that families appreciate on long road trips.
EX-L with Navigation and Rear Entertainment: The Family Entertainer
Starting MSRP: ~$39,760 (2WD) / ~$41,660 (AWD)
This trim takes the EX-L and adds:
- Built-in navigation system
- Rear Entertainment System (RES) with Blu-Ray player
- CabinTalk® — the in-car PA system that lets the driver speak to rear passengers through the speakers or headphones
If you have kids who need entertainment on long drives, this is the trim for you. CabinTalk® is also a surprisingly useful feature for communicating with third-row passengers without yelling .
Touring: The Tech and Transmission Upgrade
Starting MSRP: ~$42,520 (2WD, 8-passenger) / ~$44,720 (AWD, 7-passenger)
The Touring is a significant step up. It’s the first trim to get the 9-speed automatic transmission and Idle-Stop technology, which improves fuel economy slightly . It also adds:
- Hands-free power liftgate — just kick under the bumper to open
- Rear parking sensors
- Heated second-row seats
- HondaLink® Subscription Services
- Roof rails
- 20-inch machine-finished alloy wheels
- Optional 7-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs (previously Elite-only)
- 10-speaker premium sound system
The Touring is for buyers who want the smoother 9-speed transmission and the luxury of a hands-free tailgate. It’s a big price jump, but the added tech and convenience are substantial .
Elite: The Top-of-the-Line Experience
Starting MSRP: ~$48,020 (AWD standard)
The Elite is the fully loaded Pilot. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and includes everything from the Touring, plus exclusive features:
- Panoramic roof — a massive glass roof that opens up the cabin
- Ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel
- Wireless phone charger
- Power-folding, auto-dimming side mirrors
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Standard 7-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs
The Elite is for buyers who want every possible feature and are willing to pay for it. It’s a near-luxury experience, but the price reflects that .
Comparison Chart: 2019 Honda Pilot Trim Levels
| Feature | LX | EX | EX-L | EX-L Navi/RES | Touring | Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (2WD) | $31,450 | $34,330 | $37,760 | $39,760 | $42,520 | N/A |
| Starting MSRP (AWD) | $33,350 | $36,230 | $39,660 | $41,660 | $44,420-$44,720 | $48,020 |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto | 6-speed auto | 6-speed auto | 6-speed auto | 9-speed auto | 9-speed auto |
| Honda Sensing® | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Leather Seats | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Liftgate | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes (Hands-Free) | Yes (Hands-Free) |
| Moonroof | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Panoramic |
| Heated Front Seats | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Ventilated |
| Heated Steering Wheel | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Rear Entertainment | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CabinTalk® | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Second-Row Captain’s Chairs | No | No | No | No | Optional | Standard |
Chart: 2019 Honda Pilot Pricing by Trim
The chart below shows the starting MSRP for each trim level, illustrating the price progression from the base LX to the top-tier Elite.
FAQ: Your 2019 Honda Pilot Trim Questions, Answered
What is the best 2019 Honda Pilot trim for the money?
The EX trim is widely considered the best value. For about $3,000 more than the base LX, you get Blind Spot Monitoring, Cross Traffic Monitor, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, tri-zone climate control, and a power driver’s seat .
Does the 2019 Honda Pilot LX have Honda Sensing?
Yes, Honda made the Honda Sensing® suite of safety features standard on every 2019 Pilot trim, including the base LX .
Which 2019 Honda Pilot trims have the 9-speed transmission?
The Touring and Elite trims are equipped with the 9-speed automatic transmission. The LX, EX, and EX-L use a 6-speed automatic .
What’s the difference between the EX-L and Touring trims?
The Touring adds a hands-free power liftgate, rear parking sensors, heated second-row seats, 20-inch wheels, a 10-speaker sound system, HondaLink® services, and the 9-speed transmission. The EX-L has leather, a standard power liftgate, and a moonroof .
Does the 2019 Honda Pilot Elite come with AWD standard?
Yes, all-wheel drive is standard on the Elite trim. On other trims, AWD is an option that adds approximately $1,900 to the price .
Can I get second-row captain’s chairs in the 2019 Pilot?
Yes. Second-row captain’s chairs are standard on the Elite and optional on the Touring trim. This reduces seating capacity from 8 to 7 passengers .
Is the 9-speed transmission in the Touring and Elite better than the 6-speed?
The 9-speed offers smoother shifting and slightly better fuel economy, but some reviewers noted delayed kickdowns in mid-speed driving. The 6-speed in lower trims is considered more responsive in certain situations .
So, which 2019 Honda Pilot trim is the best value? For most families, the EX hits the sweet spot — it adds essential safety, connectivity, and convenience features without breaking the bank . If leather and a power liftgate are must-haves, the EX-L is a worthy upgrade. And for those who want the latest transmission tech and hands-free convenience, the Touring delivers. The base LX is a great budget-friendly choice, while the Elite is for those who want every bell and whistle.
What features matter most to you in a family SUV? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
For further reading on the 2019 Honda Pilot:
