Honda Pilot

Overview: Is the Honda Pilot a Good SUV?

The Honda Pilot is a versatile and well-rounded midsize SUV that has been popular among families and adventure-seekers since its introduction in 2003. With its spacious interior, capable performance, and reputation for reliability, the Pilot has consistently been a strong contender in its segment. This overview focuses on the second through fourth generations of the Honda Pilot, which include the following:

• Honda Pilot Second Generation: 2009-2015
• Honda Pilot Third Generation: 2016-2022
• Honda Pilot Fourth Generation: 2023-present

Throughout these generations, Honda has continually refined and improved the Pilot, offering a range of trims and features to match buyer preferences. The Pilot competes against the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer, and other midsize three-row vehicles.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Honda Pilot cars for sale.

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Related: Here Are the Honda Pilot Years To Avoid

Key Features

The Honda Pilot offers:

• Midsize crossover SUV body style
• Three-row, seven- or eight-passenger seating
• 3.5-liter V6 engine
• Front-wheel drive (FWD / 2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Automatic transmission

Trims

The Honda Pilot's trims have varied across generations, but common offerings include the base LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, Elite, and the recently introduced TrailSport. Higher trims offer additional luxury, technology, and convenience features, while the Honda Pilot TrailSport boasts a more rugged appearance and enhanced off-road capabilities.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Honda Pilot's interior is designed with family comfort and practicality in mind. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with available leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The Pilot's infotainment system has evolved, with newer models featuring larger touchscreens, smartphone integration, and an available Wi-Fi hotspot. Later Pilot models include Honda Sensing, the company’s suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies. Another Pilot hallmark is a spacious third-row seat. This means 32.5 inches of legroom in the fourth generation, a gain of 2.4 inches over the previous edition, and among the best in its class. The Pilot's cargo area is generous, with up to 109 cubic feet of space when the second and third rows are folded down.

Review: Honda Pilot Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

How It Drives

The Honda Pilot delivers a smooth and composed ride, with responsive handling and a confidence-inspiring demeanor. It’s no performance SUV, but Pilot buyers are likelier to seek comfort and control than engagement behind the wheel. Buyers looking for sportier handling can turn to the Acura MDX, the Pilot’s corporate cousin.

The V6 engine, which has been offered in various configurations across generations, provides ample power for merging, passing, and towing. In later models, the available all-wheel drive system, known as Variable Torque Management (VTM4), enhances traction and stability in more challenging driving conditions. While not a dedicated off-roader, the Pilot can tackle light off-road duties, especially in the TrailSport trim.

Safety

The second-generation Honda Pilot received a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, more recent editions improved to a top five-star rating.

Reviews

According to Kelley Blue Book, owner reviews for the Honda Pilot are mixed. The second generation gets an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 and near-universal praise for reliability, comfort, and quality. However, the score drops to 3.5 for the third-generation Pilot as owners are not satisfied with the car’s reliability, quality, and value. The rankings appear to have improved for the fourth generation, but there’s insufficient feedback at this point because the latest Honda Pilot doesn’t yet have a long track record.

Learn More: Are Honda Pilots Reliable? A Complete Breakdown

Honda Pilot FAQs

Is it worth it to buy a Honda Pilot?

Yes, the Honda Pilot is a well-rounded and reliable midsize SUV that blends space, comfort, performance, and value. While the Pilot enjoys a good reputation for reliability, not all editions are perfect. As with any used car purchase, it’s always wise to have a pre-owned Honda Pilot inspected by a professional mechanic before purchasing.

Which is bigger, the Honda Pilot or the Toyota Highlander?

The Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are similar in size, but the Pilot offers slightly more passenger and cargo space. The Pilot's longer wheelbase and wider body contribute to its more spacious interior, making it a better choice for those prioritizing room for passengers and gear.

How much is a Honda Pilot?

A new Pilot starts at around $40,000 and rises to $52,000 for a Honda Pilot Elite. According to CoPilot’s nationwide listings, a used Honda Pilot is priced at $3,000 to $53,000, depending on age, condition, and equipment.

Is the Honda Pilot a reliable car?

The Honda Pilot can be a reliable car, but not all examples have strong dependability records. Consumer Reports has mixed reliability ratings for the Honda Pilot, which vary by generation and model year. Always examine an individual Pilot’s history and repair records to help determine its reliability potential. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is also essential.

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