Home > News & Blogs > 2020 Honda Pilot Introduces Premium Black Edition with Slight $100 Price Increase
2020 Honda Pilot Introduces Premium Black Edition with Slight $100 Price Increase
2020 Honda Pilot Black Edition: The Ultimate Family SUV With Attitude
Honda's flagship three-row SUV receives a menacing makeover for 2020 with the introduction of the striking Pilot Black Edition. Building on the success of the 2019 refresh, this new top-tier model transforms the family-friendly Pilot into a sophisticated yet aggressive people-mover that doesn't compromise on practicality. MotorVero takes an in-depth look at what makes this dark-themed SUV stand out in the competitive midsize SUV segment.
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Black Edition: Honda's Boldest Pilot Yet
The 2020 Honda Pilot Black Edition represents the pinnacle of Honda's SUV lineup, offering families a perfect blend of premium styling and versatile functionality. Starting at $50,715 (including destination), this exclusive trim builds upon the well-equipped Elite grade while adding distinctive blacked-out styling elements that give the Pilot an unexpectedly aggressive character.
Unlike typical special editions that simply add cosmetic tweaks, the Black Edition delivers a comprehensive dark-themed transformation:
- Exclusive Crystal Black Pearl paint - The only available color for this model
- Black-painted 20-inch alloy wheels - Larger than standard Pilot wheels
- Blackout exterior trim - Including grille, window surrounds, and door handles
- Red interior accents - Contrast stitching and dashboard lighting
- Premium leather seating - With unique red dot perforation pattern
This $1,500 premium over the Elite trim positions the Black Edition as Honda's most luxurious and distinctive three-row SUV offering, competing directly with premium-brand alternatives at a more accessible price point.
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Performance & Drivetrain: Capable Family Hauler
Under its sinister exterior, the 2020 Pilot Black Edition shares the same capable mechanical foundation as other high-trim Pilots. The 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, providing confident acceleration whether navigating city streets or merging onto highways.
Key performance features include:
| Engine | 3.5L V6 with Variable Cylinder Management |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic (Touring, Elite & Black Edition) |
| Drivetrain | Standard torque-vectoring all-wheel drive |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs when properly equipped |
The Black Edition benefits from Honda's advanced torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system (standard on this trim), which can send up to 70% of power to the rear wheels and distribute torque between the left and right rear wheels for improved traction in adverse conditions. This system works seamlessly with Honda's Intelligent Traction Management, offering Snow, Mud, and Sand modes to optimize performance across various surfaces.
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Interior: Premium Comfort Meets Dark Luxury
Step inside the Pilot Black Edition, and you're greeted by an interior that elevates Honda's family SUV to near-luxury status. The cabin maintains all the practicality expected from a three-row Honda while introducing premium materials and distinctive styling cues.
Standout Interior Features:
- Black leather seats with unique red perforation pattern
- Red contrast stitching on seats, steering wheel, and door panels
- Ambient red lighting across dashboard and door panels
- Heated second-row captain's chairs (standard on Elite and Black Edition)
- Quiet Cabin with acoustic glass and additional sound insulation
The Black Edition maintains the Pilot's excellent packaging, offering seating for up to eight passengers in its standard configuration or seven with the available second-row captain's chairs. Thoughtful touches like Honda's Magic Slide second-row seats (on 8-passenger models) make third-row access easier than in many competitors.
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Technology & Safety: Family-Focused Innovation
Honda equips the Pilot Black Edition with a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features designed to keep families connected and protected. The infotainment system centers around an 8-inch touchscreen display with HondaLink connectivity, while Honda Sensing safety technologies come standard across all Pilot trims.
Technology Highlights:
- 8-inch Display Audio with high-resolution touchscreen
- Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation with traffic monitoring
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (subscription required after trial period)
- Wireless phone charging pad
- CabinControl rear-seat entertainment system
- Premium audio system with 10 speakers (including subwoofer)
Honda Sensing Safety Suite (Standard):
- Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning
- Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Auto High-Beam Headlights
Additional available safety features include blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (standard on Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims) and a multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines.
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How the Black Edition Compares to Other Pilot Trims
The 2020 Honda Pilot lineup offers six distinct trim levels to suit various budgets and feature preferences. Here's how the Black Edition stacks up against its siblings:
LX
- Starting Price: $33,715
- 6-speed automatic transmission
- 5-inch central display
- Cloth seating
- Available AWD ($2,000)
EX
- Starting Price: $37,515
- Adds power-adjustable driver's seat
- 8-inch display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
EX-L
- Starting Price: $40,715
- Adds leather seating
- Power tailgate
- Available rear entertainment system
Touring
- Starting Price: $45,315
- 9-speed automatic transmission
- Heated front and rear seats
- Navigation system
Elite
- Starting Price: $49,215
- Standard AWD
- Ventilated front seats
- Second-row captain's chairs
Black Edition
- Starting Price: $50,715
- Exclusive black exterior styling
- Red interior accents
- Premium audio system
While the Black Edition commands a premium, it offers unique styling that sets it apart from other three-row SUVs in its price range. For buyers seeking maximum luxury and distinctive looks, the additional cost over the Elite trim may be justified.
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Competitive Landscape: How the Pilot Black Edition Stacks Up
The three-row SUV segment has never been more competitive, with excellent offerings from mainstream and luxury brands alike. Here's how the Pilot Black Edition compares to key rivals:
Toyota Highlander Platinum
The Highlander's top Platinum trim offers comparable luxury features but with a more conservative aesthetic. The Pilot's V6 provides stronger acceleration than the Highlander's standard four-cylinder, though Toyota offers an available hybrid powertrain Honda can't match.
Mazda CX-9 Signature
Mazda's upscale approach gives the CX-9 a more premium feel, but the Pilot offers more passenger and cargo space. The Black Edition's bold styling contrasts with Mazda's more elegant design language.
Kia Telluride SX
The Telluride has won numerous awards for its combination of value and features. While the Kia offers more standard tech at lower prices, the Pilot's reputation for reliability and resale value may appeal to different buyers.
Acura MDX
Honda's luxury division offers the MDX with similar mechanicals but more premium branding. The Pilot Black Edition delivers much of the MDX's luxury at a significantly lower price point.
What sets the Pilot Black Edition apart is its unique combination of Honda's renowned practicality with head-turning style that's unusual in the family SUV segment. For buyers who want their three-row SUV to make a statement while delivering all the expected functionality, the Black Edition stands alone.
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Who Should Consider the 2020 Honda Pilot Black Edition?
The Pilot Black Edition isn't for every family SUV shopper, but it fills a specific niche exceptionally well. Consider this model if:
- You want a family vehicle that doesn't look like every other SUV - The blacked-out styling makes a bold statement
- You frequently transport adults in the second row - The available captain's chairs offer exceptional comfort
- You live in an area with inclement weather - Standard AWD provides confidence in rain or snow
- You value Honda's reputation for reliability - The Pilot consistently ranks among the most dependable three-row SUVs
- You want near-luxury features without the luxury brand price - The Black Edition offers premium touches at a mainstream price
On the other hand, budget-conscious buyers or those who prefer more traditional SUV styling might be better served by lower Pilot trims or competing models. The Black Edition's premium comes almost entirely from its distinctive appearance rather than additional features or capability.
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Final Verdict: A Family SUV With Attitude
The 2020 Honda Pilot Black Edition successfully injects personality into the practical three-row SUV formula. By combining Honda's proven family-hauling capability with head-turning style, this special edition creates a compelling option for buyers who want their SUV to reflect their individuality.
While the $50,715 starting price positions the Black Edition at the premium end of the mainstream three-row SUV market, it undercuts similarly equipped luxury-brand alternatives by thousands of dollars. For the right buyer, the combination of distinctive looks, premium features, and Honda's renowned reliability makes the Black Edition worth the investment.
As Honda's most distinctive Pilot ever, the Black Edition proves that family vehicles don't need to be boring. It delivers all the space, comfort, and capability expected from a three-row Honda SUV while letting owners make a style statement that's anything but ordinary.
motorverorachael
Last Updated On May, 25-2025