When you're shopping for a used family hauler, the 2015 Honda Pilot Touring often lands on the shortlist. As the final model year of the vehicle's boxy second generation, it pairs a utilitarian, rugged shape with top-tier creature comforts. The Touring trim sits at the absolute peak of the lineup, bundling every factory option Honda offered that year into one package.
Under the hood, it features a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 250 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. When new, original MSRP for the Touring trim started around $41,000 for front-wheel-drive models and pushed past $43,000 for all-wheel-drive variants equipped with Honda's Variable Torque Management system (VTM-4). Today, finding one on the pre-owned market means evaluating how well this older powertrain and its tech suite hold up against modern crossovers.
Powertrain Performance and Real-World Capability
The 3.5-liter V6 engine uses Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which shuts down cylinders under light loads to conserve fuel. While this helps highway efficiency, it's a feature many owners monitor closely for long-term reliability. The engine delivers smooth power delivery, though the 5-speed automatic transmission feels dated compared to the 6-speed or 8-speed units found in newer competitors of that era.
- Horsepower: 250 hp at 5,700 rpm
- Torque: 253 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm
- Towing Capacity: Up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped with an accessory cooler
- Fuel Economy: EPA-rated at roughly 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models, dropping slightly to 16/22 mpg for all-wheel-drive configurations.
For those planning to pull small campers or utility trailers, the VTM-4 all-wheel-drive system provides a manual lock feature for low-speed situations like getting out of deep snow or mud. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the vehicle earned solid crash ratings, making it a reassuring pick for winter commutes.
Touring Trim Exclusive Features
Stepping up to the Touring trim adds a significant list of upgrades over the base LX and mid-tier EX-L models. You won't find yourself hunting through aftermarket catalogs for standard upgrades because Honda included almost everything as factory equipment on this grade.
- Entertainment: A rear-seat DVD entertainment system with a 9-inch screen and wireless headphones to keep back-seat passengers occupied on long drives.
- Audio: A premium 10-speaker audio system including a subwoofer and XM radio capability.
- Wheels and Exterior: Unique 18-inch alloy wheels, power tailgate, rear parking sensors, and fog lights.
- Convenience: Driver's seat memory functions, ambient interior lighting, and roof rails.
The interior layout prioritizes storage over sleek styling. The center console is massive, capable of swallowing purses, tablets, and small gear bags with ease.
Cabin Ergonomics and Cargo Space
One of the primary reasons buyers look at this generation of the Pilot is interior volume. It features true three-row seating that accommodates adults in a pinch, unlike many smaller crossovers where the third row is strictly for small children.
Cargo versatility stands out as a major strength. Behind the third row, you get 18 cubic feet of space. Folding the third-row split bench flat opens up 47.7 cubic feet, while dropping both rear rows expands total cargo capacity to an impressive 87 cubic feet.
However, the dashboard tech shows its age. It relies on a dual-screen setup with a bulky center control dial that takes time to master. If you're accustomed to modern smartphone integration out of the box, you'll likely want to upgrade the head unit to an aftermarket CarPlay or Android Auto receiver.
Common Maintenance Items to Watch
Buying a pre-owned vehicle from this model year requires a careful inspection of specific mechanical touchpoints. Reviewing service records helps avoid unexpected repair bills.
- VCM Actuation: Some owners experience shuddering or oil consumption related to the cylinder deactivation system. Many enthusiasts install aftermarket disable devices to keep all six cylinders firing continuously.
- Timing Belt Service: The 3.5-liter V6 uses a timing belt that typically requires replacement every 105,000 miles or seven years. If you're looking at a model near this mileage milestone, verify whether the service has been completed.
- Suspension Components: Front struts, control arm bushings, and sway bar links wear out around 100,000 miles, leading to clunks or loose handling over bumps.
You can cross-reference common vehicle reliability trends through resources like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to check structural safety evaluations and structural ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2015 Honda Pilot Touring have Apple CarPlay?
No. Factory infotainment relies on an older navigation and audio interface without native smartphone mirroring. Owners frequently swap the factory unit for an aftermarket touchscreen to gain modern connectivity.
What is the difference between EX-L and Touring trims?
The Touring adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear-seat entertainment system, a 10-speaker premium audio setup, parking sensors, driver seat memory, and a power liftgate features absent on the EX-L.
Is the all-wheel-drive system good in deep snow?
Yes, the VTM-4 system includes a lock button that forces power to the rear wheels at low speeds, helping pull through heavy snow or slick boat ramps before disengaging automatically at higher speeds.
How much can a 2015 Honda Pilot tow?
When properly equipped with an auxiliary transmission cooler, it features a maximum towing capacity of 4,500 pounds, which handles small utility trailers, pop-up campers, or lightweight boats.
