Elite vs Black Edition?

[joshgosh55]

I'm looking at a new-to-me SUV and after seeing how the market is, a Pilot seems like a great option for the family. I'm specifically looking at the Elite and the Black Edition trims, since I want all the bells and whistles without buying brand new. I'm just trying to figure out which is the better choice. I know they're essentially the same car, but I'm curious about the cosmetic differences and if anyone has had a change of heart after owning one. Has anyone here had experience with both and can offer some real-world pros and cons? What were the little details that made you lean one way or the other?

Also, and this is a big one, what years do I need to absolutely stay away from with these trims, and what are some major red flags to watch out for? I've heard some things about certain model years having transmission or electrical issues and I want to be as informed as possible before I start test driving. Any advice from seasoned Pilot owners would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Zainee]

Black Edition's basically an Elite with blacked-out trim and red lighting....but for reliability, avoid 2016–2018 with the rough 9-speed. Best bet is 2020+ for smoother drivetrains., hey! and always check service records, diff fluid, and transmission behavior

 

[Ringerr]

Have you checked both Pilot trims in person and verified their service history, especially avoiding 2016–2019 models with known transmission and electrical issues?