When you’re looking at three-row SUVs, a common question arises: is honda pilot a good car? Families researching the Honda Pilot typically want to know if its three-row cabin is as practical as it is spacious.
The short answer is yes, but the full picture involves more than just passenger room. This article will break down the Pilot’s strengths and weaknesses across all the areas that matter to you. We’ll look at safety, reliability, comfort, and value to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your family’s needs.
Is Honda Pilot A Good Car
Overall, the Honda Pilot is an excellent choice for a family SUV. It consistently earns top marks for safety, offers a smooth and comfortable ride, and has a reputation for long-term reliability. While it may not be the most exciting SUV to drive, it excels at its core mission: transporting people and their gear comfortably and safely.
Its cabin is thoughtfully designed with families in mind, featuring easy-to-clean materials and plenty of clever storage. The infotainment system is intuitive, and driver-assistance features come standard on most trims. For daily errands, road trips, and everything in between, the Pilot is a dependable and capable partner.
Key Strengths Of The Honda Pilot
- Top-Tier Safety Ratings: The IIHS consistently awards the Pilot its highest safety picks.
- Spacious And Practical Interior: Three rows of comfortable seating and ample cargo space.
- Strong Reliability History: Honda’s reputation for building durable vehicles holds true.
- Smooth And Comfortable Ride: Tuned for passenger comfort over sporty handling.
- Standard Honda Sensing Suite: Important driver aids are included on most models.
Potential Drawbacks To Consider
- Modest Towing Capacity: Lower than some key competitors like the Toyota Highlander.
- Less Engaging Driving Dynamics: Focus is on comfort, not performance.
- Fuel Economy Is Average: Not a standout in its class for efficiency.
- Third-Row Space: Adequate for children, but can be tight for adults on longer journeys.
In-Depth Review Of Honda Pilot Features
To truly understand if the Pilot is right for you, we need to look closer at its key features. This section covers the interior, performance, safety, and how it compares to other vehicles in its class.
Interior Comfort And Cabin Space
The Honda Pilot’s interior is a highlight. It feels open and airy, with high-quality materials used in areas you touch most often. The layout is logical, with physical knobs for climate control—a welcome feature for easy adjustments while driving.
Seating is comfortable across the first two rows, with ample head and legroom. The third row is best suited for children, though adults can fit for shorter trips. A major advantage is the wide opening to access that third row, making it less of a chore to get back there.
Cargo And Storage Practicality
With all seats in use, cargo space behind the third row is competitive. Where the Pilot shines is with the rear seats folded down. The second and third rows fold flat to create a massive, continuous load floor.
- Clever underfloor storage in the rear.
- Large center console and door pockets.
- Available front passenger seat storage bin.
Performance And Driving Experience
The Pilot uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Power delivery is smooth and adequate for merging and passing. The transmission shifts seamlessly, contributing to the relaxed driving feel.
Handling is secure but not sporty. The suspension absorbs bumps well, ensuring a comfortable ride for all passengers. It’s a vehicle designed to isolate you from road imperfections, not engage you with them. The available all-wheel-drive system provides confidence in wet or light snowy conditions.
Towing And Hauling Capabilities
The Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. This is sufficient for a small boat or trailer, but it falls short of rivals like the Ford Explorer. For heavy towing needs, you might need to look elsewhere. Payload capacity is also respectable for a family’s gear.
Safety And Reliability Ratings
Safety is a paramount concern for families, and the Pilot delivers. It earns top scores from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The standard Honda Sensing suite includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Assist System
Honda’s reputation for reliability is well-earned. The Pilot consistently scores above average in dependability studies from J.D. Power and other analysts. Repair costs are typically reasonable, and its long-term value retention is strong.
Comparing The Honda Pilot To Key Competitors
No car exists in a vacuum. To see how the Pilot stacks up, let’s compare it to three of it’s most popular rivals: the Toyota Highlander, the Ford Explorer, and the Kia Telluride.
Honda Pilot Vs. Toyota Highlander
The Highlander is the Pilot’s most direct competitor. Both offer excellent reliability and safety. The Highlander often has a slight edge in fuel economy, especially with its hybrid option. However, the Pilot frequently offers more standard power and a more spacious feeling cabin. The choice here often comes down to personal preference for interior layout and driving feel.
Honda Pilot Vs. Ford Explorer
The Explorer offers more powerful engine options and a higher maximum towing capacity. It can feel more truck-like to drive. The Pilot counters with a smoother, more car-like ride and often higher perceived interior quality. The Explorer’s infotainment system can be more complex, while Honda’s is generally simpler to use.
Honda Pilot Vs. Kia Telluride
The Telluride has won many awards for its upscale interior and feature content. It often feels more luxurious for the money. The Pilot fights back with Honda’s sterling reputation for reliability and long-term durability. The Telluride might offer more bells and whistles initially, but the Pilot is a proven long-haul companion.
Ownership Costs And Value Proposition
Understanding the long-term costs is crucial. The Pilot’s strong resale value helps offset its purchase price over time. Fuel costs will be typical for a V6 three-row SUV, so budget accordingly. Insurance rates are generally competitive for the class.
Maintenance schedules are straightforward, and widespread dealer network means service is convienient. While not the cheapest SUV to own, its durability often leads to lower costs over a 5-10 year period compared to some competitors.
Fuel Economy Estimates
The front-wheel-drive Pilot gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. All-wheel-drive models see a slight decrease. These numbers are average for the class; you won’t save a fortune on gas, but you won’t be shocked at the pump either.
Who Is The Honda Pilot Best Suited For?
The Pilot is an ideal choice for families who prioritize safety, comfort, and hassle-free ownership above all else. It’s perfect for school runs, soccer practice, and family vacations. If you value a smooth ride and intuitive technology over sporty handling or max towing, the Pilot fits perfectly.
It may not be the best fit for driving enthusiasts, those who regularly tow heavy loads, or buyers seeking the absolute latest in interior luxury from a base model. But for the vast majority of families, its blend of attributes hits the sweet spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Honda Pilot A Reliable Vehicle?
Yes, the Honda Pilot has a strong history of reliability. It consistently receives above-average scores from industry experts, and repair costs are typically manageable. Its long-term durability is one of its key selling points.
How Does The Honda Pilot Perform In Safety Tests?
The Pilot performs excellently in safety tests. It is consistently a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, achieving top marks in all crashworthiness categories. The standard Honda Sensing suite provides a robust set of driver-assistance features.
What Are The Main Competitors To The Honda Pilot?
The main competitors include the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Chevrolet Traverse. Each offers a slightly different mix of space, features, performance, and value.
Is The Third Row In The Honda Pilot Comfortable For Adults?
The third row is best suited for children or adults on shorter trips. While access is easy, legroom and seat comfort are limited for full-sized adults compared to the first two rows. For regular adult use, you might want to consider a larger SUV like a minivan or full-size SUV.
What Is The Towing Capacity Of A Honda Pilot?
The Honda Pilot can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equiped with the towing package. This requires the appropriate hitch, wiring, and often a cooling system upgrade. Always check your specific trim level and configuration.