22 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but for a large, three-row SUV like the 2024 Honda Pilot, it’s a reasonable compromise. This vehicle isn’t about squeezing every last drop of fuel; it’s about hauling families, gear, and the occasional home-improvement haul without sacrificing practicality. The front-wheel-drive 3.5L V6 Pilot configuration is built for suburban families who prioritize passenger space and reliability over fuel efficiency or off-road capability. They understand the trade-off, valuing the Pilot’s utility more than bragging about MPG.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates are 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The lower city figure is typical for a naturally aspirated V6 powering a vehicle of this size. Stop-and-go traffic demands more frequent acceleration, which is less efficient than steady-state highway cruising. The 27 MPG highway figure is more appealing and shows the Pilot’s ability to settle into a comfortable, economical pace on long trips. Honda’s 10-speed automatic transmission (S10) is important here, keeping the engine in its ideal range for fuel efficiency at higher speeds. Remember, those efficiency gains are quickly lost if you’re aggressive with the throttle or constantly changing speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Honda Pilot FWD 3.5L 6-cyl at $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year using national average fuel prices at the time of calculation. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use (though regular unleaded is recommended), and fluctuating gas prices in your area. The $2,000 is a useful comparison point, but it’s crucial to adjust that estimate based on your own circumstances.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized measure, but real-world MPG often changes. If you frequently conduct short trips in heavy traffic, accelerate rapidly, or carry heavy loads, expect to see numbers slightly below the EPA estimates. On the other hand, if you do mostly highway driving, maintain consistent speeds, and accelerate smoothly, you might achieve numbers closer to or even slightly exceeding the 27 MPG highway rating. Ambient temperature, tire inflation, and the grade of gasoline used will all subtly influence the final MPG figure displayed on your Pilot’s trip computer.

How it compares

The 2024 Honda Pilot’s fuel economy places it within the competitive set of three-row SUVs. The Toyota Highlander with its 2.4L turbocharged engine achieves a slightly better 24 MPG combined, which is an advantage. The Kia Telluride mirrors the Pilot’s 22 MPG combined figure. The Ford Explorer, depending on the engine, can range from similar MPG figures to lower, especially with the more powerful EcoBoost options. These differences matter to the typical Pilot buyer, as the fuel savings translate to dollars over years of ownership. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L with its standard V6 achieves only 21 MPG combined, making the Pilot the more fuel-efficient choice.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Pilot is a large vehicle, and stomping on the gas pedal or slamming on the brakes wastes fuel. Smooth, gradual acceleration and anticipating traffic flow will provide improvements in fuel economy. Drive smoothly.

Monitor your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burning more fuel. Check your tire pressure monthly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. This simple step can make a difference.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling around extra cargo that you don’t need reduces fuel efficiency. Remove any unnecessary items from the vehicle, especially heavy ones. This includes roof racks or cargo carriers, which add wind resistance and decrease MPG.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps optimize fuel efficiency. Cruise control minimizes variations in speed, allowing the engine to operate at its most economical setting. This feature is useful on long, flat stretches of highway.

Consider using ECON mode, if equipped. This mode recalibrates the throttle response and transmission shift points to prioritize fuel economy. It may slightly reduce throttle responsiveness, but the fuel savings can be worthwhile for everyday driving, especially in stop-and-go traffic. For more information, view all Honda fuel economy data or research the PILOT MPG across all years.