What kind of headlights does a Honda Pilot have?

Most recent Honda Pilots (2023–2025) come standard with full LED headlights (low and high beam) and automatic high-beam functionality across all trims in the U.S.; older models largely used halogen units, with LEDs appearing first on higher trims before becoming standard. The exact headlight type varies by model year and trim, so identifying your specific Pilot’s configuration depends on when it was built and its equipment package.

Headlight technology by model year (U.S. market)

The following overview summarizes the factory headlight types installed on the Honda Pilot across generations and highlights notable trim-level distinctions that affect lighting. This is intended as a quick reference; always confirm specifics in your owner’s manual or by VIN.

• 2023–2025 (4th generation): Standard full LED headlights (low and high beam) with auto on/off and automatic high-beam headlights on every trim; LED daytime running lights are included. Many trims also add LED fog lights.
• 2019–2022 (3rd gen refresh): LED low-beam headlights became standard; high beams varied by trim—upper trims (e.g., Touring, Elite, Black Edition) typically featured full LED, while some lower trims in early refresh years retained halogen high beams.
• 2016–2018 (early 3rd generation): LX/EX/EX-L models used projector-style halogen low beams with halogen high beams; Touring and Elite trims upgraded to full LED headlights.
• 2009–2015 (2nd generation): Halogen reflector headlights across the lineup (low and high beam), with no factory LED headlight option.
• 2003–2008 (1st generation): Halogen reflector headlights (low and high beam) were standard on all trims.

Across these eras, Honda progressively migrated the Pilot from halogen reflector systems to LED units, first as a premium feature and ultimately as standard equipment in the latest generation.

Trim-level lighting details for 2023–2025 Pilots

While all 2023–2025 Pilots share LED headlights with automatic high-beam, trims differ in supplemental lighting and styling cues that can affect nighttime visibility in challenging conditions.

• Sport and EX-L: Standard LED headlights and LED daytime running lights; automatic high-beam; typically no front fog lights from the factory.
• TrailSport: LED headlights plus factory LED fog lights and off-road–oriented styling elements; tuned for improved visibility in low-contrast conditions.
• Touring and Elite: LED headlights and LED fog lights standard; additional convenience features (e.g., rain-sensing wipers on Elite) but no separate adaptive/matrix headlight system.

These trim differences primarily influence auxiliary lighting (like fog lamps) and convenience features rather than the core headlight technology, which remains LED across the board.

Bulb types and service considerations

Depending on your Pilot’s age and trim, headlight service can involve replacing a simple halogen bulb or, with newer LED units, servicing or replacing part of the headlamp assembly. The notes below outline common configurations, but consult your owner’s manual or parts catalog to verify exact bulb specifications.

• 2003–2008: Typically halogen 9006 (HB4) low beam and 9005 (HB3) high beam in reflector housings; front turn signals commonly 7443.
• 2009–2015: Generally halogen H11 low beam and 9005 high beam in reflector housings; trim packages did not include factory LED headlights.
• 2016–2018: LX/EX/EX-L use halogen H11 low and 9005 high in projector/reflector setups; Touring/Elite employ non-user-replaceable LED headlight assemblies.
• 2019–2022: Standard LED low beams; high beams vary—some lower trims use halogen 9005 high beams, while upper trims use full LED assemblies.
• 2023–2025: Full LED headlight assemblies (low and high beam) on all trims; replacements typically involve the headlamp unit rather than individual bulbs.

For LED-equipped Pilots, headlamp components are integrated and designed to last significantly longer than halogen bulbs; however, collision damage or module failure usually requires replacing the assembly rather than a simple bulb.

How to confirm what your specific Pilot has

If you’re unsure which headlights your Pilot uses, these steps will help you identify the exact setup for maintenance, upgrades, or compliance checks.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look for the “Lights” or “Specifications” section for bulb types and whether your lamps are serviceable LEDs.
2. Inspect the headlamp housing: LED units typically have multiple small emitters and no removable bulb socket; halogen systems have accessible bulb caps behind the housing.
3. Use your VIN: A Honda dealer or parts site can decode the VIN to confirm the factory-installed headlight type and part numbers.
4. Look for trim cues: Touring/Elite (2016–2018) and all 2023+ trims are strong indicators of LED headlights; earlier LX/EX generally indicate halogen.
5. Observe the beam color: LEDs produce a whiter light (often around 5000–6000K) compared with the warmer hue of halogen bulbs.

Combining a manual check with a quick visual inspection usually provides a definitive answer and ensures you purchase the correct parts.

Regional and accessory variations

Export markets and dealer-installed accessories can differ from U.S. specifications. Canadian and other regional models may package fog lights or headlight technologies differently by trim, and accessory LED fog lamps or appearance packages can alter the front lighting setup. Always verify equipment against your VIN and local market documentation.

Summary

Today’s Honda Pilot (2023–2025) is equipped with standard full LED headlights and automatic high-beam across all trims, reflecting the model’s shift to modern lighting tech. Earlier Pilots relied on halogen reflectors, with LED headlights debuting on upper trims in 2016 and expanding to most trims by 2019. If you need to service or replace components, confirm your exact configuration via the owner’s manual, VIN lookup, and a quick visual inspection of the headlamp housing.

Why are Honda headlights so dim?

Faulty wiring or a malfunctioning alternator may cause your vehicle’s headlights to appear dim. Headlights can also appear dim if they’re misaligned, preventing the driver from seeing other parts of the road under low-visibility conditions.

Do Honda Pilots have LED headlights?

All Pilot trims come with LED headlights. All trims come with auto high-beam.

What kind of headlight bulb for 2018 Honda Pilot?

Fit 2006-2018 for HONDA PILOT Headlight Bulbs, 9005/HB3 High Beam and H11/H9 Low Beam and H11/H8/H16 Fog light Halogen Bulbs 300% Brightness High Performance Halogen Bulbs Combo 6PCS.

How do I know what type of headlights I have?

To identify your car’s headlights, observe the light color (yellow=halogen, white/blue=HID, instant bright white=LED) or check the owner’s manual. You can also remove the bulb to inspect it (halogens are visible with a filament, HIDs are glass tubes) or look for markings like “D2S” on the housing for HIDs. If you cannot remove the bulb, or it requires replacing the whole assembly, it is likely an LED light. 
1. Observe the Light Color and Startup 

• Halogen: Produces a dim, yellowish light that may take a moment to reach full brightness. 
• HID (High-Intensity Discharge): Lights have a distinct startup sequence, flashing on and then becoming bright white or bluish-white. 
• LED (Light-Emitting Diode): Lights are instantly bright and have a clear white color. 

2. Check the Bulb by Removing It (If Possible) 

• Halogen: The bulb will have a visible filament inside the glass. 
• HID: These are specific, glass-tube bulbs that are different from halogen bulbs. 
• LED: You typically can’t remove an individual LED bulb; instead, you have to replace the entire headlight assembly. 

3. Inspect the Headlight Housing and Markings 

• HID: Look for specific bulb size codes on the projector shroud or lens, such as D1S or D2S. 
• LED: There will be no bulb to remove, only the intact assembly. 

4. Use Your Vehicle’s Documentation or VIN 

• Owner’s Manual: This is the most reliable source for bulb type specifications, such as size and wattage. 
• VIN Lookup: You can provide your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to the dealership to get information on your factory-installed headlights.