Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - 2019 Pilot gets upgraded with standard LED headlights and "Telematics"

The 3rd generation Pilot hit the streets 3 years ago as a 2016 model, and like the HR-V it is due for its mid-cycle model change (MMC) for the 2019 model year. We�ve received some information about the changes through some of our contacts in the dealer body. The powertrain seems to be the same, with a standard 280hp V6 and either a 6-speed or 9-speed automatic transmission, depending upon trim level.

We�ve seen some spy shots of the Pilot during testing, but they really didn�t reveal much, if anything about what�s coming. We�ve heard that the headlights and grille have been restyled to fall more inline with the current corporate face. New wheels and updated exterior trim (possibly including revised taillights) are also expected. Inside the Pilot, we were told to expect an upgrade to higher quality materials.

Following are the trims that will be offered for 2019
LX
EX
EX-L
EX-L with Navi and RES
Touring
Touring-7
Elite

Let�s start with the LX. For 2019 Honda Sensing is standard on all Pilot models. We know that it won�t include the low-speed follow feature on the LX trim but the info we currently have is a little unclear on whether it will be available on the upper trim levels. LED headlights (low beams) are also standard on all Pilot trim levels, as are 18� wheels, the (carryover) 280hp 3.5L V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), auto up/down windows for driver and passenger, and automatic high beams.

The EX adds blind spot indicators, an 8-way power driver�s seat, one-touch 2nd row seat operation (new for EX trims in 2019), LED fog lights, rear HVAC with rear controls, heated front seats (new for EX in 2019), smart entry, remote engine start (one way transmitter), dual-zone automatic HVAC, Display Audio with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, XM and HD radio, heated body-colore exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, body-colored exterior door handles, cross traffic monitor, an extra 12V power outlet, a conversation mirror, and illuminated visor vanity mirrors.

Stepping up to the EX-L, you get a leather trimmed interior, a power moonroof, a power tailgate, 4-way power passenger seat, auto dimming rearview mirror, a memory function for the driver seat and door mirrors, 2nd row sunshades, homelink, and 2 extra USB ports (located in the 2nd row).

The EX-L with Navigation and Rear Entertainment system (RES), obviously adds a navigation feature to the DisplayAudio system, while the rear entertainment system is upgraded with Blu-ray and streaming functionality. A 110V AC power outlet is also part of the RES package.

The Touring models get everything in the EX-L Navi/Res package, plus 20� (can you feel the curb rash?) wheels, a 9-speed automatic transmission, parking sensors, heated 2nd row seats, a standard roof rack, FULL LED headlights (high and low-beam), paddle shifters, handsfree access power tailgate, 10 speaker premium audio system, 3 zone ambient lighting system, auto stop/start system, chrome exterior door handles, chrome accented door garnishes. And new for 2019, the Pilot Touring is getting a telematics system. If we were to guess, this sounds like the next-generation HondaLink telematics system that launched with the 2018 Accord Touring models. Here's the relevant text from the Accord Press Kit

The Accord also offers the next-generation of HondaLink™ telematics with new capabilities including emergency roadside assistance, remote locking/unlocking and engine start, stolen vehicle tracking, remote diagnostics, geofencing, speed tracking and more.

The �Touring-7� designation means that this trim level swaps out the 2nd row bench seat of the Pilot in favor of 2 captain�s chairs, reducing the passenger capacity from a count of 8 to 7. When opting for this trim level you also gain one more zone of ambient lighting.

The Pilot Elite starts with the Touring-7 equipment, and then adds ventilated front seats, auto-dimming side mirrors, a heated steering wheel, rain sensing wipers, wireless phone charger, power folding exterior door mirrors, and 3rd row floor mats.

Updated to clarify the telematics feature