2020 Honda

captain’s chairs and a handful of upperscale items. Auto-dimming and powerfolding side mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a wireless charging pad are all worthy. The second-row captain’s chairs on the Elite and Black Edition trims reduce the seating capacity from eight to seven.

Plenty of other features are also included, a signature of Honda’s long-standing quality-in-quantity approach. The list includes: roof rails, sound-reducing front door glass, front and rear parking sensors, handsfree operation for the liftgate, and heated rear seats. A Wi-Fi hotspot and a 10-speaker premium audio system and rear entertainment system provide technology competency.

The Pilot drives similarly to its SUV, truck and van siblings. It has a steady, confident and largely quiet ride. On mountain roads, the Pilot advances without hesitation and can pass slower vehicles despite its size and V6 engine. Gas mileage averages are disappointing, 19 miles per gallon in city driving, 26 mpg on the highway.

When its easy-to-maneuver seating is positioned with second and third rows down, the Pilot has a cavernous cargo area. It stores two bicycles without issue and would easily provide a makeshift sleeping area.

With its lengthy list of standard features and blackened appearance, the Black Edition is the most expensive SUV in the Honda lineup at $50,715.

Beyond the always top-selling HR-V, the Pilot was Honda’s second-best-selling SUV in 2019 at slightly more than 135,000 units.

No doubt, the Black Edition has its audience. But with a new selling price of more than $50,000, its biggest completion is likely its own automotive family. Less Honda is more Honda.

James Raia, a syndicated columnist in Sacramento, publishes a free weekly automotive podcast and electronic newsletter. Sign-ups are available on his website, theweeklydriver.com. He can be reached via email: james@ jamesraia.com.