The Honda Pilot is a mid-size SUV that has been a staple in many families’ garages for over two decades. With its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive feature list, it’s no wonder why the Pilot remains one of the most popular vehicles on the market.

First introduced in 2002, the Honda Pilot was designed to provide families with a practical and reliable vehicle that could handle both daily driving duties and weekend adventures. Over the years, the Pilot has undergone numerous redesigns and updates, each aimed at improving its performance, fuel efficiency, and feature set.

Design and Features

The current Honda Pilot features a number of impressive design elements that make it stand out from other mid-size SUVs on the market. One of the most notable features is its spacious interior, which offers ample room for passengers and cargo. The Pilot’s cabin is designed to provide a comfortable and premium feel, with features such as heated and ventilated seats, a multi-angle rearview camera, and an 8-inch touchscreen display.

In addition to its impressive interior, the Honda Pilot also boasts a number of innovative safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These systems work together to provide drivers with a heightened sense of awareness and control on the road.

Performance

The Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, which provides seamless acceleration and responsive shifting.

On the road, the Pilot handles well, with a comfortable ride and precise steering. Its suspension is tuned to provide a balance between comfort and handling, making it suitable for both daily driving duties and longer road trips.

Fuel Economy

The Honda Pilot offers impressive fuel economy for its class, with an estimated 22 mpg combined (19 city/27 highway) on front-wheel drive models. All-wheel drive models achieve an estimated 21 mpg combined (18 city/26 highway).

Comparison to Competitors

When compared to other mid-size SUVs on the market, the Honda Pilot holds its own against stiff competition. Its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive feature list make it a compelling choice for families.

For example, the Toyota Highlander features a similar spacious interior and comfortable ride, but its V6 engine produces slightly less power than the Pilot’s. The Ford Explorer also offers a spacious interior, but its V6 engine is paired with an older six-speed automatic transmission that lacks the smoothness of the Pilot’s six-speed auto.

Off-Road Capability

The Honda Pilot is designed to provide impressive off-road capability for its class, thanks in part to its available all-wheel drive system. This system sends power to both front and rear wheels as needed, providing traction on slippery or uneven surfaces.

On the road, the Pilot also handles well, with a comfortable ride and precise steering. Its suspension is tuned to provide a balance between comfort and handling, making it suitable for both daily driving duties and longer road trips.

Safety

The Honda Pilot has earned top safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Its impressive safety feature list includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and a multi-angle rearview camera.

Trim Levels

The Honda Pilot is available in several trim levels, including:

• LX: Base model with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, front-wheel drive, and a 5-inch touchscreen display.
• EX: Mid-level trim with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, front-wheel drive, and an 8-inch touchscreen display.
• EX-L: Top-of-the-line trim with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, all-wheel drive, and a premium audio system.

Specifications

• Engine: 3.5-liter V6
• Horsepower: 280 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
• Torque: 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
• Transmission: Six-speed automatic
• Drive type: Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
• Seating capacity: Up to eight passengers
• Cargo space: 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, up to 83.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded

Recommendation

The Honda Pilot is an excellent choice for families who require a practical and reliable vehicle that can handle both daily driving duties and weekend adventures. Its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive feature list make it a compelling choice in its class.

Whether you’re looking for a mid-size SUV with impressive off-road capability or simply want a comfortable and feature-rich vehicle for your family, the Honda Pilot is definitely worth considering.