Most 2024 Honda Pilots get 10% to 20% lower MPG than EPA ratings. Owners often see 15 MPG in the city and 22 to 24 MPG on highways. EPA tests use steady speeds and warm engines. Real driving adds traffic, hills, cold starts, and faster highways.
Common factors drop your Pilot's MPG:
- Speed: Drag rises fast above 65 mph. Drive 70 to 75 mph and lose 10% to 15% highway MPG.
- Cold weather: Winter cuts MPG 10% to 20%. Engines run rich to warm up. Winter tires add resistance.
- Short trips: Rides under 10 minutes keep the engine in warm-up. City MPG suffers most.
- Stops and hills: Stop-and-go traffic and climbs make the 3.5L V6 work harder.
- Tires and alignment: Tires 5 psi low cost 1% to 2% MPG. Bad alignment or dragging brakes hurt more.
- Roof gear and weight: Crossbars or roof boxes cut highway MPG 10% to 20%. Add 100 pounds of cargo and lose 1% to 2% MPG.
- A/C and fuel: A/C drops MPG 5% to 10%. E10 fuel has 3% less energy than pure gas.
Compare ratings:
| Rating type | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA label (2024 Pilot) | up to 19 | up to 27 | 21 to 22 |
| Typical real world | 14 to 17 | 21 to 24 | 18 to 21 |
Numbers vary by trim, load, weather, and route.
Boost your Pilot's MPG with these steps:
- Drive smooth and slower. Use gentle throttle. Leave space for others. Aim for 60 to 70 mph on highways. Set cruise control on flat roads.
- Check tire pressure monthly when cold. Use the door sticker spec, often 35 psi on all tires. Get a good digital gauge.
- Cut drag and weight. Remove crossbars or roof boxes when empty. Clear heavy items from the trunk.
- Warm up by driving. Skip idling. Start and drive easy for the first 5 minutes.
- Plan trips smart. Combine errands. Avoid rush hour. Choose routes with fewer stops.
- Stay on maintenance. Follow the Maintenance Minder. Use 0W-20 full synthetic oil. Swap the air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles if dirty. Rotate tires on time. Check alignment yearly or if it pulls. Iridium plugs last about 100,000 miles.
- Fuel up right. Pick Top Tier 87 octane. Try non-ethanol gas for 3% to 4% better MPG if the cost fits.
- Track MPG. Reset the trip computer after fill-ups. Calc MPG by hand too. Changes add 2 to 4 MPG.
If mild weather gives under 15 MPG combined on stock tires, visit a shop. Check for codes, dragging brakes, stuck thermostat, misfires, bad oxygen sensors, or wheel bearings.
Sidekick reviews your trips and habits to spot quick MPG wins that save $200 to $500 a year on fuel.