The 2017 Honda Pilot Elite represents the pinnacle of the third generation of this highly successful three-row SUV, offering a blend of spacious practicality, refined comfort, and advanced technology that directly competes with vehicles in the premium mid-size segment. This specific trim level moves beyond the capable base models to deliver an interior experience focused on luxury, quietness, and driver convenience, making it a compelling choice for families or professionals who demand more from their daily drive.
Design and First Impressions
Upon entering the 2017 Honda Pilot Elite, the immediate impression is one of significant evolution from the cabin found in the base LX or EX trims. The design language shifts from functional to sophisticated, featuring premium materials that are a step above the standard vinyl and hard plastics. Soft-touch surfaces wrap around the dashboard and doors, while genuine wood grain accents add a touch of warmth and visual depth to the environment, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a luxury sedan than a workhorse SUV.
Materials and Craftsmanship
The attention to detail is evident in the quality of the materials used throughout the cabin. Contoured leather-trimmed seating surfaces provide exceptional comfort and are far more durable and easier to clean than cloth alternatives. The dashboard and center console are dressed in a rich, semi-gloss black finish that contrasts beautifully with the wooden accents. Furthermore, the inclusion of chrome trim on the window switches and paddle shifters adds a subtle shimmer that enhances the overall sense of quality and refinement, setting the Elite apart visually from its lower-tier siblings.
Seating and Space Configuration
Maintaining its core identity as a practical family vehicle, the 2017 Pilot Elite retains the versatile seating layout that Honda is known for, accommodating up to eight passengers across three rows with ease. The second-row bench seat offers ample room for adults, while the third row, though best suited for children or shorter trips, provides a crucial extra pair of seats when needed. The cabin width is generous, ensuring that passengers in the second and third rows do not feel cramped, which is a common complaint in many competitors of this size.
Adjustability and Comfort Features
Seating comfort is elevated in the Elite trim, with front bucket seats that provide superior lateral support during cornering. These seats are not only power-adjustable but also feature memory settings for the driver’s position, a feature typically found in much more expensive vehicles. This memory function allows the driver to store a preferred seating position, steering wheel height, and mirror settings, which is especially useful in multi-user households. Heated front and rear seats are standard, providing welcome warmth during colder months and adding a significant layer of daily luxury.
Technology and Infotainment
The centerpiece of the Elite’s cabin technology is the upgraded infotainment system, which represents a major leap forward in usability and features. A larger, high-resolution 8-inch touchscreen display replaces the smaller 7-inch unit found in lower trims, providing sharper graphics and more intuitive navigation. The system runs Honda’s updated navigation interface and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing seamless connection to smartphones for access to maps, music, and messaging apps directly through the vehicle’s display.
Audio and Connectivity
Audiophiles within the vehicle will appreciate the available premium audio system, which delivers clear, powerful sound throughout the cabin. More than just adding more speakers, the system is carefully tuned to provide a balanced soundstage, ensuring that music is an immersive experience. The Elite also boasts an enhanced suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, including Honda’s Sensing suite, which provides adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking, all integrated seamlessly into the driving experience without being intrusive.
