2019 Honda Pilot Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

The 2019 Honda Pilot is a capable, family-friendly midsize SUV that strikes a balance between everyday commuting comfort and weekend utility. Powered by a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, the Pilot’s performance is heavily influenced by its drivetrain configuration. For 2019, Honda offered two distinct automatic transmissions depending on the trim level, each pairing with a specific final drive (axle) ratio to optimize either efficiency or low-end grunt for Honda's intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD system.

Below is a comprehensive guide to the transmission and axle gear ratios for the 2019 Honda Pilot.

Transmission gear ratios

The 2019 Honda Pilot features two different automatic transmissions. Lower trims (LX, EX, and EX-L) are equipped with a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission. The higher-tier trims (Touring and Elite) receive an advanced 9-speed automatic transmission (built by ZF), which offers a wider gear spread for better acceleration and highway fuel economy.

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (LX, EX, EX-L)

9-Speed Automatic Transmission (Touring, Elite)

Available axle ratios

Unlike traditional body-on-frame trucks that offer a wide menu of rear axle choices (like 3.31, 3.73, or 4.10), the unibody Honda Pilot utilizes a transaxle setup with a fixed Final Drive ratio tied directly to the transmission equipped.

Note: While the 9-speed has a numerically higher final drive (4.330), its extremely tall 8th and 9th overdrive gears actually allow the engine to spin at lower RPMs at highway speeds than the 6-speed model.

How to identify your axle ratio

Because the 2019 Honda Pilot does not have an à la carte selection of rear differential ratios, finding your final drive ratio is simply a matter of identifying your trim level and transmission.

• Check your trim level: If you have an LX, EX, or EX-L, you have the 6-speed automatic with the 4.250 final drive. If you have the Touring or Elite, you have the 9-speed automatic with the 4.330 final drive.
• Door-jamb sticker: While domestic trucks use a door-jamb RPO sticker or a physical axle tag to denote the axle ratio, Honda's door-jamb sticker is primarily used to check the VIN, tire pressures, and gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR).
• VIN Decoder: You can run your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through an online VIN decoder or call a Honda dealership parts department. The VIN will confirm your exact trim, transmission, and by extension, your final drive ratio.

Towing vs MPG impact

Gear ratios—both inside the transmission and at the final drive—play a massive role in a vehicle's towing capabilities and fuel economy.

• Towing: A numerically higher final drive ratio (like 4.330) usually multiplies torque more effectively at the wheels, making it easier to pull heavy loads from a dead stop. When properly equipped with an ATF cooler and AWD, the 2019 Pilot can tow up to 5,000 lbs. The 9-speed transmission’s aggressive 4.713 first-gear ratio makes getting a trailer moving effortless compared to the 6-speed.
• Fuel Economy (MPG): A numerically lower ratio typically yields better fuel economy by keeping engine RPMs down at highway speeds. However, the 9-speed Pilot uses multiple overdrive gears (7th, 8th, and 9th) to offset its 4.330 final drive. This allows the 9-speed Pilot to achieve slightly better highway MPG ratings than the 6-speed model, despite the steeper axle ratio.

Common issues

While the 2019 Honda Pilot's driveline is generally reliable, there are a few documented issues to be aware of:

• 9-Speed Shift Quality: Some owners report harsh or hesitant shifting from the ZF 9-speed automatic, particularly in the lower gears. Software updates from Honda have largely mitigated this, but it is a known quirk of this transmission.
• Rear Differential Fluid Wear (AWD models): The i-VTM4 rear differential works hard to shuffle power left and right. The differential fluid (Honda DPSF-II) breaks down faster than traditional gear oil. Ignoring the maintenance minder for rear differential fluid changes can lead to a groaning or whining noise during tight turns.
• Torque Converter Shudder: Though less common in the 2019 model year than in the 2016-2017 Pilots, some 6-speed models can experience a slight vibration or shudder between 20-40 mph, usually resolved by a software update and a transmission fluid flush.

If you are experiencing strange noises, vibrations, or harsh shifting from your Honda Pilot’s transmission or all-wheel-drive system, it is best to have it inspected by a professional. Find a driveline shop on Repairius.