20 MPG combined won’t win any awards for fuel efficiency, but it’s what you can expect from a capable and spacious family vehicle like the 2015 Honda Pilot 2WD with its 3.5L V6 engine. This vehicle isn’t made for hypermiling contests; it’s for reliably transporting kids, cargo, or both, and the Pilot’s fuel economy reflects that balance of utility over ultimate efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2015 Honda Pilot 2WD are 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The lower city number reflects the Pilot’s weight and the stop-and-go nature of city driving, where the 3.5L V6 works harder to get the vehicle moving from a standstill. The 25 MPG highway figure is more acceptable, suggesting that longer road trips can be relatively efficient, especially when using cruise control and maintaining a steady speed. The 5-speed automatic transmission, while reliable, is a factor. Newer transmissions with more gears generally lead to better fuel economy, especially on the highway.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2015 Honda Pilot 2WD is $2,200. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and fluctuating fuel prices. It’s a useful number for budgeting, but not a guarantee of your yearly expenditure.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs. Many owners report achieving figures close to the EPA’s highway estimate on longer trips, but city driving can easily dip below the stated 18 MPG. Aggressive acceleration, carrying heavy loads, and neglecting regular maintenance can all negatively impact fuel efficiency. Consistent driving habits and proactive maintenance are key to achieving numbers closer to the official ratings. You can also check PILOT MPG across all years and see how other model years compare.

How it compares

In 2015, the Toyota Highlander 2WD with its 3.5L V6 was rated at 19 MPG city and 25 MPG highway, making its combined figure nearly identical to the Pilot. The Nissan Pathfinder 2WD, using a CVT, offered slightly better numbers at 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway. The Chevrolet Traverse (a larger vehicle) hovered around 17 MPG city and 24 MPG highway in its front-wheel-drive configuration. The comparison matters because someone considering the Pilot is almost certainly also looking at these other mid-size SUVs. While some offer incremental improvements in fuel economy, the Pilot counters with its reputation for reliability and spacious interior. For all Honda fuel economy data, see our brand overview.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2015 Honda Pilot is not a hybrid, so getting extraordinary fuel mileage will be difficult, but there are ways to improve it. Smooth, gradual acceleration is crucial. Avoid aggressive starts and hard braking, as these actions consume significantly more fuel. Anticipating traffic flow and maintaining a steady speed will also help to minimize fuel consumption.

Tire pressure plays a significant role in fuel efficiency. Check your tires regularly and ensure they are inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burning more fuel.

Reduce excess weight in the vehicle. Carrying unnecessary items in the trunk or cargo area adds to the vehicle’s overall weight, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Remove any items that are not essential for daily driving.

While tempting, avoid using the Pilot to tow anything if you can avoid it. Towing significantly decreases fuel economy and puts extra stress on the engine and transmission. The 2015 Pilot is capable, but understand the compromise involved.