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Features We Love
Car Mom Review
The Exterior
The 2021 Pilot shifts away from the boxier, more squared-off look of previous generations, leaning into a softer, rounded silhouette. Some people love this modern take, others miss the chunkier SUV vibe but it still looks confident and purposeful on the road.
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First Row
The Pilot comes well eqipped for the driver. Up front you’ll find:
- A partially digital gauge cluster that’s simple and easy to read
- A leather-wrapped steering wheel with intuitive controls
- Standard Honda Sensing safety features (blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, rear brake assist, and more)
- A full-color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Physical climate controls (always a win)
- Heated seats, a wireless charger, USB ports, and a 12-volt outlet
One of my favorite little details? The “are-you-behaving” mirror hidden behind the sunglasses holder, perfect for quick kid check-ins without turning around.
Comfort-wise, the seats are surprisingly supportive, visibility is great, and it feels roomy without driving like a giant bus.
Second Row
Family-friendly highlights back here:
- Double door cupholders (yes, double)
- Built-in sunshades
- Rear climate controls and USBs
- Leather seatback pockets
One thing I’d love to see? Ceiling-mounted air vents. The floor vents work, but ceiling vents are better for kids in car seats.
Car Seat Setup:
This is where the Pilot really shines.
- Five lower anchors in the second row (including one in the middle seat!)
- Tether anchors on all three second-row seats
- Third row includes one set of lower anchors and tether anchors across
That’s seven lower anchors and six tether anchors total.
I tested multiple Graco car seats and while three-across is possible with the right combination, wider seats can make access tricky. With certain setups, third-row access may require kids entering through the trunk—so that’s an important planning consideration.
The good news? I could sit comfortably between two rear-facing car seats in the second row, fully buckled, with solid knee and head clearance. That matters a lot when you want to sit next to a newborn or manage toddler chaos.
Third Row
The third row access is simple thanks to an easy-to-reach button (great for kids).
- Excellent head clearance
- Rear air vents
- Multiple cupholders and storage cubbies
No USBs in this trim, which was a little surprising, but overall it’s one of the more usable third rows in this class.
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Trunk
Trunk Space: Stroller Approved
With the third row up, trunk space is still impressive. I fit a single BOB stroller back there, no problem. There’s also hidden under-floor storage perfect for extra clothes, blankets, or toys.
The hands-free power tailgate worked like a charm (eventually 😅), which is clutch when your hands are full.
Safety
Car Seat Setup
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Recommended Car Seats for
2021 Honda Pilot
Community Reviews
3.9 / 5
32 Reviews
Exterior Styling
3.2
Performance
4.1
Technology
4.5
Interior Design
3.8
Second Row Comfort
4.5
Third Row Comfort
3.6
Reliability Score
4.6 /5
82%
Would
purchase
again
purchase
again
12 Reviews with 3+ years of ownership
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WEDDING DRESS NIGHTMARE
WE DON’T WANT TO SEE YOUR MAN-JAMMIES
UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE
TYLER’S IN A CREEK. THERE’S A PADDLE. WHICH WAY IS HE HEADED?
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THIS PODCAST IS DAD APPROVED
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SELF CARE STARTS AT THE CAR WASH
RAIN OR SHINE, THE SHOW MUST GO ON
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GRAYSON RIDES WITH THE CARPOOL
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EXPECTING A TIP FOR THIS EPISODE, PLEASE
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COUNTING OUR MACROS (AND MICROS AND MID-TIERS)
COLESLAW LAW
CARPOOL IS A CANDY PODCAST NOW
SO MANY SELTZERS, SO LITTLE TIME
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CANCELLED BY A CARB
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