Honda Pilot trim comparison
2024 Honda Pilot Sport vs Elite
The Pilot Sport starts at $39,600 while the Elite is $52,480. That $12,880 gap buys 4 meaningful differences.
The Elite adds AWD instead of FWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $12,880 by itself. If not, the Sport saves you the money.
Stay with the Sport if FWD already works for your weather and routine. Move to the Elite only when AWD changes the way you will actually use the vehicle.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The Elite adds about $227/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $13,620 more overall with interest. So the call is less about the raw price gap and more about whether AWD matters for where and how you drive versus FWD.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.
When both feel the same
Both the Sport and Elite share the same 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $12,880 for 3 measurable differences, which works out to about $4,293 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 4 specification differences, 3 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Sport | Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $39,600 | $52,480 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 27 | 25 |
| Combined MPG | 22 | 21 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,000/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,313 lbs | 4,660 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 113.8" |
| Length | 199.9" | 199.9" |
| Width | 78.5" | 78.5" |
| Height | 71.0" | 71.0" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP | TSP |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Honda Pilot Sport vs Elite Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Honda Pilot lineup, the Honda brand hub, the Midsize SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Pilot Elite cost than the Sport?
The Elite starts at $52,480 compared to $39,600 for the Sport. That is a $12,880 difference, or approximately $227/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Honda Pilot Sport and Elite have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 3.5L V6 producing 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Does the 2024 Pilot Sport come with AWD?
No. The Sport comes standard with FWD while the Elite has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2024 Pilot Sport or Elite safer?
Both share the same Honda Pilot platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating and an IIHS TSP designation. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Honda Pilot come with?
All 2024 Honda Pilot trims, including both the Sport and Elite, come with Honda's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Honda Pilot Elite worth $12,880 more than the Sport?
The $12,880 adds AWD. Worth it if you need the traction. Not worth it if you drive on dry roads year-round.
Which 2024 Honda Pilot trim gets better fuel economy, the Sport or the Elite?
The Sport is the more efficient of the two at 22 combined MPG, versus 21 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $12,880 Gap
The Pilot Elite costs $12,880 more than the Sport. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value AWD. These features matter to some buyers daily and barely at all to others. Weigh them against your priorities.
How the Sport and Elite Feel Different
The Elite includes AWD, which adds confidence in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions. It also increases curb weight and slightly reduces fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Pilot Sport gets 1 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $91 per year or $455 over five years of ownership.
What Both Trims Share
Despite the differences above, the Sport and Elite share engine and transmission, keeping the core Pilot experience consistent across trims.
The Short Version
$12,880 more for the Pilot Elite gets you 3 real differences. At $227/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Honda Pilot Sport
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Sport best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Honda Pilot Elite
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Elite when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Honda or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.