2023 Honda Pilot FWD 3.5L: Understanding the MPG

22 MPG combined is the number to remember when you’re thinking about the 2023 Honda Pilot FWD with its 3.5L V6. It won’t win any fuel-sipping contests, but it shows what it takes to haul people and cargo in a large, comfortable, and dependable family SUV. Pilot buyers value reliability, space, and a reputation for lasting a long time rather than just high fuel efficiency. They understand that choosing a vehicle for road trips, soccer practice, and everyday family life involves making compromises.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2023 Honda Pilot FWD should get 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city number shows how the Pilot’s weight and the energy needed to accelerate from stops affect fuel efficiency. The highway number shows the benefits of the Pilot’s 10-speed automatic transmission, which helps keep the engine at its most efficient RPM while cruising. Driving hard in either environment will lower those numbers, while driving gently can improve them. These numbers are guidelines, not guarantees.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says you can expect to spend $2,000 per year on fuel if you drive the 2023 Honda Pilot FWD. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices at calculation time. This is a good way to compare the Pilot’s running costs to other vehicles. Remember that gas price changes can make this number go up or down.

Real-world expectations

The EPA numbers give a standard, but real-world fuel economy changes. Things like how you drive, traffic, and even tire pressure all matter. Pilot owners who drive mostly in stop-and-go traffic should expect to see numbers close to, or even below, the 19 MPG city estimate. But those who often take long highway trips at normal speeds might get more than the 27 MPG highway rating. Driving smoothly and steadily is the best way to get good fuel economy. If you want to see more, look at all Honda fuel economy data.

How it compares

The 2023 Honda Pilot FWD’s fuel economy makes it competitive in its class. The Toyota Highlander FWD with its 3.5L V6 is rated at 21 MPG combined. The Kia Telluride FWD gets similar numbers. A Mazda CX-9 FWD turbo is rated at 25 MPG combined. The Pilot’s numbers show what to expect from a naturally-aspirated V6 engine in a vehicle this size. Buyers accept this fuel use because they want the Pilot’s large interior, proven reliability, and overall value. For many, the Pilot is a choice that balances usefulness with how much it costs to run.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Watch the traffic so you don’t have to brake and accelerate too much. Keeping a steady speed, especially on the highway, will really help your fuel economy. The Pilot’s engine is best when it’s not always changing speed quickly.

Make sure your tires have the right amount of air. Low tire pressure makes it harder to roll, so the engine has to work harder and use more fuel. Check your tires often and fill them to the pressure on the doorjamb sticker.

Don’t carry extra weight in the car. Extra cargo affects fuel use. Take out anything you don’t need to make the car lighter and use less gas. Pilot drivers like the big cargo space, but should try to carry less.

Use cruise control carefully on the highway. Set it at a normal speed and let the car stay at that speed. This helps save fuel on long trips.

If your Pilot has different driving modes, try them out. The “Econ” mode usually changes how the gas pedal responds and when the transmission shifts to save fuel. Don’t let fuel economy compromise safety. Driving must react to conditions.