The EX-L came with an Acid Filled battery (AF). So no, a AGM battery is not necessary. When I buy battery, I look for one with the highest cranking amps. But I'm sure a Costco battery would be just fine.

 

An AGM battery is not required.

Some have reported that Costco doesn't stock the H6 size battery to fit the Pilot.
See if they have, or can order, an Interstate MTX-48 H6.
Costco may not install the battery for you.

Home Depot has an Exide Sprinter Max battery - again, no installation.
Walmart has an EverStart Maxx battery - installation should be free if the store has an auto center.
Advance Auto has a Die Hard Gold battery, with free installation.
AutoZone has a Duralast Gold battery, with free installation.

 

Where ever you decide to buy, just be aware that our battery sits inside a battery box with a lid. Sometimes the post does not come up through the lid as far as it should. I experienced this with the AutoZone battery. In any case, it's important that the terminals are secured tight to the battery post. It may be neccessary to purchase some battery post extensions.

 

Where ever you decide to buy, just be aware that our battery sits inside a battery box with a lid. Sometimes the post does not come up through the lid as far as it should. I experienced this with the AutoZone battery. In any case, it's important that the terminals are secured tight to the battery post. It may be neccessary to purchase some battery post extensions.
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Funny, I've had to use these shims on 3 of my last Honda vehicles. Don't know what it is about Honda terminal clamps that make these shims a necessary requirement.

 

I suggest installing these in your Pilot. Who knows, it may fix some of the electrical gremlins that's plagued the vehicle. Cheap fix and it won't hurt.

 

My battery died a few months ago. Went over to Sam's Club and picked up a DieHard.

 

Get an AGM Battery only if you want to avoid Acid buildup around the positive terminal.

 

You don’t need an AGM battery. You can buy two batteries for the price of an AGM so when this one needs to be replaced again in 3-4 years you’ll be “ahead” =)