For families seeking a roomy, three-row SUV without venturing into minivan territory, the 2022 Honda Pilot offers a compelling solution. While it doesn’t match the versatility or expansive interior of its sibling, the Honda Odyssey, the Pilot still provides ample space and practicality for families of up to seven. With a shared platform and robust V-6 engine, it brings a balance of functionality and performance.
A Versatile Family SUV with Plenty to Offer
The 2022 Honda Pilot compensates for its lack of sliding doors and limited third-row legroom by offering a higher driving position, optional all-wheel drive, and an impressive 5,000-pound towing capacity. Additionally, it features a suite of standard driver assistance technologies and a comfortable, spacious cabin designed for family use.
Key Highlights of the 2022 Honda Pilot
Multiple Trim Levels to Suit Your Needs
The Pilot is available in a variety of trims: Sport, EX-L, Special Edition, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition. Among these, the Special Edition strikes an excellent balance between cost and features, offering leather-trimmed seats, roof rails, sunshades, a sunroof, and wireless charging, among other amenities.
Higher trims, such as Touring and Elite, include premium upgrades like an advanced audio system, rear-seat entertainment, and luxurious seating materials. The Black Edition adds a distinct all-black exterior trim for a bold aesthetic.
Performance and Driving Experience
Powered by a lively V-6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Pilot delivers smooth acceleration and dependable performance. While its large size can make handling feel a bit heavy during sharp turns, its ride quality remains comfortable, even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo.
Fuel Economy That Impresses
For a vehicle of its size, the Pilot’s fuel efficiency is commendable. Front-wheel-drive models achieve 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while all-wheel-drive versions manage a combined 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Spacious Interior for Family Comfort
The interior of the 2022 Pilot is designed with families in mind. It offers a variety of seating configurations, with most trims accommodating eight passengers. Higher trims replace the second-row bench with captain’s chairs, reducing seating to seven but enhancing comfort.
Practical features like an in-cabin PA system and 16 cupholders add convenience, while a configurable cargo floor ensures flexibility for luggage and gear. Despite its third-row seating being better suited for children, the Pilot offers best-in-class visibility and ample cabin space.
Exterior Design That Could Use a Refresh
While functional, the Pilot’s exterior design feels dated compared to rivals like the Kia Telluride. Its simple and understated aesthetic doesn’t command attention on the road. Standard features like LED headlights, a power tailgate, and a one-touch power moonroof (on EX-L trims and above) add convenience, but a design overhaul is long overdue.
Why Consider the 2022 Honda Pilot?
Despite its understated styling, the 2022 Honda Pilot remains a practical, reliable, and spacious choice for families. Its robust towing capacity, comfortable interior, and variety of trim options make it a strong contender in the crowded three-row SUV market.
