Honda Pilot V6: horsepower, towing and fuel economy for Hilton Head Island drivers
The Honda Pilot’s 3.5-liter V6 makes 285 horsepower, tows up to 5,000 pounds on its all-wheel-drive trims, and returns an EPA-estimated 18 to 27 MPG city and highway depending on drivetrain and trim, enough for Hilton Head Island’s roads and a bay boat or jet-ski trailer. Hilton Head Honda, the only Honda franchise serving Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, sells and services the Pilot at 161 Fording Island Road in Bluffton.
The trim you pick decides the towing answer, since the 5,000-pound rating belongs to the all-wheel-drive trims and the mileage changes with drivetrain.
Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Bluffton. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.
How much horsepower does the Honda Pilot V6 make?
The 2026 Honda Pilot’s 3.5-liter V6 makes 285 horsepower at 6,100, with 262 lb-ft of torque at 5,000. The engine output is the same on every trim, from the Sport to the Black Edition, so you do not give up power to get a lower price.
We sell the Pilot new at 161 Fording Island Road in Bluffton, and you can browse Pilot inventory on our website.
How much can the Honda Pilot tow around Hilton Head Island?
Every all-wheel-drive Pilot tows 5,000 pounds, while the 2WD Sport and EX-L tow 3,500 pounds. If your boat and trailer weigh more than 3,500 pounds together, only the all-wheel-drive trims cover the load.
A tow rating is the most the Pilot can pull, so keep your fully loaded trailer under it. Check the figure for the exact trim you are considering before you commit to a drivetrain.
What fuel economy does the Honda Pilot V6 get in the Lowcountry?
Expect the city number to matter more than the highway one. The EPA weights its combined figure 55% city and 45% highway (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2026), so a trip full of stops lands closer to the city rating.
| Pilot trim (2026) | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWD | 19 | 25 | 21 |
| AWD Touring, Elite and Black Edition | 19 | 25 | 21 |
| AWD TrailSport | 18 | 23 | 20 |
| FWD | 19 | 27 | 22 |
The TrailSport’s 18 city rating is the lowest in the range, while the FWD trim’s 27 highway rating is the highest. On Hilton Head Island, the mean travel time to work is 18.5 minutes (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020-2024), a short run where the city number is the one to plan around.
Which Honda Pilot trim suits towing a boat from Hilton Head Island?
The Sport (AWD) is the lowest-priced Pilot that tows 5,000 pounds, with a starting MSRP of $44,495. The Sport (2WD) starts lower at $42,395, but it tows 3,500 pounds.
The EX-L (AWD) at $46,795 tows the same 5,000 pounds, and so do the TrailSport at $50,595, the Touring at $51,295, the Elite at $53,695 and the Black Edition at $55,195. Choose a higher trim only for the features it adds, because every all-wheel-drive trim gives you the same towing rating.
Is the Honda Pilot V6 a good fit for Hilton Head Island roads?
Yes. The Pilot suits Hilton Head Island’s coastal roads, bridge crossings and resort corridors, with room for family and beach gear. The eastbound US 278 bridge over Mackay Creek, the span that carries traffic onto the island, was built in 1956, and its replacement is anticipated to begin in early 2028, subject to Federal Highway Administration approval (South Carolina Department of Transportation and Beaufort County, 2025).
On the Sport AWD, the front row has 41.0 inches of legroom and the second row has 40.8 inches, with 111.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo room.
Where can I buy a Honda Pilot near Hilton Head Island?
Buy at Hilton Head Honda, 161 Fording Island Road in Bluffton, the only Honda franchise serving Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. The nearest other Honda stores are in Savannah and Beaufort, roughly 30 to 45 minutes away, and our Google record is 4.8 stars across 2,799 reviews.
We sell new Honda, Honda Certified Pre-Owned and used cars from a range of makes, and we run a full service, parts and financing operation. We are part of Group 1 Automotive.
Stokes Honda Cars of Beaufort, Grainger Honda and Southern Motors Honda are the other Honda dealers buyers weigh in this market.
| Dealer | Google rating | Google reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Honda | 4.8 | 2,799 |
| Stokes Honda Cars of Beaufort | 4.6 | 1,067 |
| Grainger Honda | 4.6 | 5,151 |
| Southern Motors Honda | 4.7 | 3,772 |
In a September 2026 Google review, Sandy H. wrote: “Alex was AWESOME as our sales agent!!! We have purchased several cars from Hilton Head Honda. Clayton was wonderful working with us as well. Highly recommend you looking for your next car with these folks. Very patient and always have a smile on their face. This is the second car we have purchased from Alex directly. Excellent experience!!!!”
How do I trade in or finance a Honda Pilot at Hilton Head Honda?
Start with the payment calculator on our website, which accepts a trade-in offer amount, so the monthly figure already counts your trade. We offer leasing and financing through our finance center, so you can compare a lease and a loan on the same Pilot before you sign.
Choose the trim first, using the towing figures for each trim, then run the numbers on that trim.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Honda Pilot come with a V6 engine?
Yes. The 2026 Pilot’s 3.5-liter engine has six cylinders, and the EPA lists it as gasoline on front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive trims alike.
How much does the Honda Pilot cost?
The 2026 Pilot starts at $42,395 for the Sport (2WD) and reaches $55,195 for the Black Edition (AWD). Each price is the starting MSRP for that trim, so your final price depends on the trim and the options you add.
How many people does the Honda Pilot seat?
The Pilot seats up to eight people on every trim except the TrailSport, which seats seven. A family that needs eight seats can choose any trim except the TrailSport.
What warranty does the Honda Pilot carry?
The 2026 Pilot carries a basic warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain warranty runs 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, and corrosion coverage runs 5 years with no mileage limit.
Can I schedule service for my Pilot in Bluffton?
Yes. Service can be scheduled online through our website, and the appointment is at our Bluffton store at 161 Fording Island Road.
Why buy a Honda Pilot from Hilton Head Honda?
We are Hilton Head Honda, a Honda dealership at 161 Fording Island Road in Bluffton, and we are part of Group 1 Automotive. Our Google record, as of October 2026: 4.8 stars across 2,799 reviews; 92 in 100 of them are five-star.
Two recent reviewers named the people who handled their cars. In a July 2026 Google review, Bailey B. wrote: “Jacob was the absolute best! Made it so easy to purchase my dream car!! 10/10 from me!” In a July 2026 Google review, Ed S. wrote: “Eric Singleton has to be the best advisor that Hilton Head Honda has ever had!”
A Pilot buyer on the island can buy and service the car at the same store. Hilton Head Honda is ready to walk you through each Pilot trim at 161 Fording Island Road in Bluffton.
Hilton Head Honda helps you match a Pilot trim to your towing load, from the 2WD trims rated at 3,500 pounds to the all-wheel-drive trims rated at 5,000. Start with our Pilot inventory online, or visit us at 161 Fording Island Road in Bluffton.
Hilton Head Honda answers this question against the specific vehicle in front of you rather than the model in general. Value your trade and get pre-approved online, then see us at our Bluffton showroom, or call (843) 815-2880.
Disclaimer: Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, options, and availability may vary based on production timelines and dealership inventory; images are for illustrative purposes only. Starting MSRP figures are national and exclude destination freight charges, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Standard and available equipment varies by trim, configuration, and model year; confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before purchase. Maximum towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment configuration; see the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and trailering guide for limits. Electric range and charging times vary with battery, configuration, temperature, terrain, load, and driving habits. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Financing and pre-approval are subject to credit approval. Contact Hilton Head Honda for complete details regarding current vehicle inventory, pricing, and equipment.
