The 2008 Honda Pilot is a three-row midsize SUV with a 3.5L V6 making 244 hp, seating eight, and towing up to 4,500 pounds.
Among the Honda Pilot 2008 specs, the headline figures are a 3.5L i-VTEC V6 with 244 horsepower, a 5-speed automatic transmission, and a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Four trims—VP, EX, SE, and EX-L—span from a well-equipped base model to a leather-lined version with navigation or rear entertainment. Here is what the numbers actually mean.
2008 Honda Pilot Engine Specs And Performance
Every 2008 Pilot shares the same powertrain: a 3.5-liter SOHC V6 with Honda’s i-VTEC valvetrain and Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which shuts down cylinders during light load to save fuel. Output is 244 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 240 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, running on regular unleaded gasoline. Honda’s official specifications confirm these figures.
The sole transmission is a 5-speed automatic with overdrive. Front-wheel drive is standard, while an on-demand all-wheel-drive system with a rear locking differential is optional. EPA fuel economy lands at 16 city / 22 highway for 2WD models and 15 city / 20 highway for 4WD models, from a 20.4-gallon tank. Maximum towing capacity is 4,500 pounds with the proper hitch equipment.
How Much Horsepower Does The 2008 Honda Pilot Make?
The 2008 Pilot makes 244 horsepower from its 3.5L V6. That is 11 hp lower than the 255 hp advertised for 2005–2006 models, but the drop is not a de-tune—it reflects the switch to the SAE J1349 net horsepower standard. The engine hardware is essentially identical, and real-world performance is nearly the same. Do not assume a 2008 model is slower than earlier years, and do not mix these figures when comparing used listings.
Dimensions, Trims, And Pricing
The Pilot measures 188.0 inches long, 77.5 inches wide, and 71.7 inches tall on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, with 8.0 inches of ground clearance. Curb weight ranges from 4,264 pounds (2WD VP) to about 4,524 pounds (loaded 4WD). Passenger volume is 153 cubic feet, and cargo space runs from 15.9 cubic feet behind the third row up to 87.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.
| Trim | 2WD MSRP | 4WD MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| VP (Base) | $27,595 | $28,995 |
| EX | $29,745 | $31,145 |
| SE (Special Edition) | $31,595 | $32,995 |
| EX-L (Leather) | $32,045 | $33,445 |
| EX-L w/RES | $33,645 | $35,045 |
| EX-L w/Navigation | $34,245 | $35,645 |
If you are shopping for one today, used-market prices average around $7,012 per CARFAX, though condition and mileage vary widely. See our pick of the best 2008 Honda Pilot models for buying guidance and top-rated examples.
FAQs
Does the 2008 Honda Pilot require premium fuel?
No. The 3.5L V6 is designed for regular unleaded gasoline. Using premium octane offers no benefit and is not recommended by Honda. The fuel system uses multi-point injection with VCM, and the engine’s compression ratio is tuned for 87-octane fuel.
What is the towing capacity of the 2008 Honda Pilot?
The maximum towing capacity is 4,500 pounds with the proper hitch equipment. Some configurations without the factory hitch package are limited to 3,500 pounds. A weight-distribution hitch is recommended for loads near the maximum rating.
How many people does the 2008 Honda Pilot seat?
The 2008 Pilot seats up to eight passengers in a 2-3-3 three-row layout. The second-row bench accommodates three, and the third-row bench seats two adults or three smaller passengers. The EX-L trim can be optioned with second-row captain chairs, reducing capacity to seven.
References & Sources
- Honda News. “2008 Honda Pilot Specifications.” Official press release with full engine, dimension, and feature data.
- Car and Driver. “2008 Honda Pilot Specifications.” Independent specs page confirming horsepower, fuel economy, and dimensions.