Honda
Element
Owner report available
Honda
Pilot
Owner report available
Honda Element vs Honda Pilot
The short answer
The Honda Element offers fuel economy, while the Honda Pilot excels at power instead. Choose the Honda Element if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Honda Pilot if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Element
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment among long-term owners, characterized by deep affection for the vehicle's unique practicality, durability, and versatility. The Element is consistently praised for its cavernous, configurable interior with a flat, rubberized floor, exceptional cargo capacity (including the ability to hold bicycles upright), and easy-to-clean surfaces ideal for pets, outdoor gear, and work materials. Its boxy design is celebrated for providing excellent outward visibility and a distinctive appearance.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" model year or trim. Owner discussions reference vehicles from 2003 through 2011 without singling out a specific year as superior, though the 2011 model is noted as the final year produced.
Known issues
- Engine misfires (codes P0302, P0303): recurrent issue linked to ignition coils, spark plugs, or more serious internal problems like valve issues or head gasket failure. Frequency: recurrent.
- Oil consumption/burning: very high oil consumption (2-3 quarts in 500 miles) reported in some high-mileage examples, often accompanied by knocking. Frequency: recurrent.
- Overheating/cooling system problems: coolant overflow, suspected cracked block or head gasket failure, particularly in high-mileage vehicles. Frequency: recurrent.
Pilot
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, practicality, and driving experience. The Pilot is consistently praised as a durable, high-mileage family vehicle capable of reaching 250,000+ miles with proper maintenance. Owners express deep emotional attachment, describing their Pilots as dependable partners through major life events.
Best version to buy
Second Generation (2009-2015) models, specifically the 2013-2015 years, are frequently cited as the most reliable and desirable used examples. These are described as "tried and true," benefiting from resolved early-generation issues while retaining the simpler, proven 3.5L V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission.
Known issues
- Rust and corrosion (particularly in Northeast climates on older generations): affects rear unibody, subframe mounting bolts, transmission fluid lines, and catalytic converters. Frequency: recurrent.
- Transmission problems (varies by generation): 2002-2003 models have "junk" transmissions; 2005-2008 models can experience torque converter shudder; 2023+ models with the 10-speed automatic exhibit jerkiness, gear hunting, and poor low-spee…
- Timing belt maintenance: critical service required approximately every 105,000 miles on V6 engines; failure leads to catastrophic engine damage. Frequency: very frequent (as a maintenance point, not a defect).
The verdict
The Honda Element is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Honda Pilot, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Honda Pilot is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Honda Element or the Honda Pilot?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Honda Element and the Honda Pilot. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Honda Element or the Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot seats more passengers than the Honda Element on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Honda Element is classed as a SUV, the Honda Pilot as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Honda Element or the Honda Pilot?
The EPA rates the 2011 Honda Element at 20–22 mpg combined and the 2026 Honda Pilot at 20–22 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Honda Element or the Honda Pilot?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.