2019 Honda Pilot Car Seat Check: A Family-Friendly SUV

Introduction

The 2019 Honda Pilot is a standout in the three-row SUV segment, offering ample space, advanced safety features, and a family-friendly design. In this comprehensive Car Seat Check by MotorVero, we evaluate how well the Pilot accommodates child safety seats, focusing on ease of installation, accessibility of Latch anchors, and overall usability for families. Whether you're a parent of one or multiple children, this review will help you determine if the Honda Pilot is the right vehicle for your family's needs.

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL 450 RWD

$61488

diesel

54487 mi

Good Deal  

0 (5)

2018 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus RWD

$24950

Gas

37670 mi

Fair Deal  

0 (5)

2023 Jaguar I-PACE

$79999

electric

43 mi

Good Deal  

0 (5)

See More

Key Features of the 2019 Honda Pilot

The 2019 Honda Pilot boasts a redesigned interior and exterior, making it one of the most capable family haulers on the market. With its spacious three-row seating, easy-to-access Latch anchors, and advanced safety technologies, the Pilot is designed to make family travel safer and more convenient. Let's dive into the specifics of how it performs in our Car Seat Check.

--TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Car Seat Compatibility: Does It Fit Three Car Seats?

One of the most common questions parents have is whether the Honda Pilot can fit three car seats. Unfortunately, the answer is no. While the Pilot offers ample space, fitting three car seats in the second row can be challenging. However, the SUV excels in other areas, making it a strong contender for families with one or two children.

BMW 2 Series

$20000

Gas

243232 mi

Fair Deal  

0 (5)

2020 Lincoln Aviator

$40843

Gas

25714 mi

Very Good Deal  

0 (5)

2024 Lexus GX 550

$72986

Gas

3 mi

Very Good Deal  

0 (5)

See More

Latch System: Ease of Use and Accessibility

The Latch system in the 2019 Honda Pilot is designed for convenience, but it has its quirks. Here's a breakdown of how it performs:

• Second Row: The two sets of Latch anchors in the captain’s chairs are exposed and easy to use. However, the top tether anchors sit at the base of the seatbacks, making them easy to overlook.
• Third Row: There's one set of lower anchors on the passenger side, but they are buried in the seat bight and require some effort to access. The top tether anchors are clearly marked and easy to use.
• --FIRST CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--
  

Infant Car Seat Installation

Installing an infant car seat in the 2019 Honda Pilot is a breeze. The Graco SnugRide Classic Connect 30 infant-safety seat was easy to install, and the front passenger had plenty of legroom, even with the seat in place. This makes the Pilot an excellent choice for families with newborns or infants.

2018 Acura ILX

$64030

Gas

45002 mi

Good Deal  

4 (5)

2011 BMW 1 Series 128i

$6176

Gas

158183 mi

Good Deal  

5 (5)

2019 Acura ILX FWD

$21000

Gas

53000 mi

Good Deal  

0 (5)

See More

Rear-Facing Convertible Car Seat Installation

The rear-facing convertible car seat also installed easily in the Pilot. The Britax Marathon convertible seat fit well, and the front passenger had ample space. This is a crucial factor for parents who need to keep their toddlers in rear-facing seats for as long as possible.

Forward-Facing Convertible Car Seat Installation

In the second row, the forward-facing convertible car seat was easy to install once we raised the head restraint. However, the top tether anchor's placement far down the seatback caused it to lose a grade. This minor inconvenience is something parents should be aware of when installing forward-facing seats.

--SECOND CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Booster Seat Installation

The booster seat fit well in the second row after raising the head restraint. However, the buckles are on floppy bases, which might make it challenging for kids to use independently. This is an area where the Pilot could improve to enhance child usability.

Third-Row Access and Car Seat Installation

Accessing the third row is relatively easy, thanks to the one-touch button that slides the second-row captain’s chairs forward. However, the opening could be larger. Installing a forward-facing convertible car seat in the third row required some effort due to the buried Latch anchors. The fixed head restraint also pushed the car seat off the seat slightly, which is less than ideal.

2024 Genesis G70

$54454

Gas

1568 mi

Good Deal  

0 (5)

2016 Audi A4 Allroad

$11765

Gas

98864 mi

Very Good Deal  

0 (5)

2024 Bentley Bentayga

$270257

Gas

36 mi

Good Deal  

0 (5)

See More

Booster Seat in the Third Row

Similar to the second row, the booster seat in the third row was pushed off the seat slightly by the fixed head restraint. The floppy buckles also posed a challenge for kids trying to buckle up independently. These factors contribute to a lower grade for the third-row booster seat installation.

Overall Verdict

The 2019 Honda Pilot is a capable family hauler with ample room and easy-to-access Latch anchors. While it may not fit three car seats, it excels in other areas, making it a top choice for families with one or two children. The minor issues with the Latch system and booster seat buckles are outweighed by the Pilot's overall performance and family-friendly features.

--THIRD CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

How We Conduct Our Car Seat Checks

At MotorVero, we use a Graco SnugRide Classic Connect 30 infant-safety seat, a Britax Marathon convertible seat, and a Graco TurboBooster seat for our Car Seat Checks. The front seats are adjusted for a 6-foot driver and a shorter passenger. We install the three child seats in the second row, with the booster seat behind the driver’s seat and the infant and convertible seats behind the front passenger seat. We also test the fit of three car seats in the second row and evaluate the third row's accessibility and car seat compatibility.

2017 Cadillac ATS

$19565

Gas

26281 mi

Fair Deal  

4 (5)

2023 Tesla Model Y

$37391

electric

15121 mi

Very Good Deal  

0 (5)

Tesla Model X 75D AWD

$48000

electric

18036 mi

Good Deal  

0 (5)

See More

Important Reminders for Parents

Parents should remember that they can use either the Latch system or a seat belt to install a car seat. Additionally, Latch anchors have a weight limit of 65 pounds, including the weight of the child and the seat itself. Always refer to your car seat and vehicle manuals for specific installation instructions and weight limits.

--BOTTOM ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Conclusion

The 2019 Honda Pilot is a reliable and family-friendly SUV that performs well in our Car Seat Check. While it may not fit three car seats, its spacious interior, easy-to-access Latch anchors, and advanced safety features make it an excellent choice for families. Whether you're transporting infants, toddlers, or older children, the Pilot offers the space and convenience you need for safe and comfortable family travel.

2016 Lexus ES 350

$23988

Gas

49923 mi

Very Good Deal  

0 (5)

2024 Acura MDX

$64030

Gas

45002 mi

Good Deal  

0 (5)

Mercedes Benz EQE

$102310

electric

12 mi mi

Very Good Deal  

0 (5)

See More