The automotive landscape is teeming with family-friendly SUVs, but one stalwart continues to reign supreme— the 2022 Honda Pilot. It consistently secures a coveted spot on Consumer Reports’ recommended lists, and its enduring popularity begs the question: What sets the Honda Pilot apart in a fiercely competitive market?
Consumer Reports’ Seal of Approval
Purchasing a new car can be a daunting task, but the 2022 Honda Pilot carries the esteemed Consumer Reports seal of approval. This family-friendly SUV earns high praise with a commendable road test score and stellar comfort ratings. While its predicted reliability and owner satisfaction scores may not be flawless, they don’t detract significantly from the overall appeal, making the Honda Pilot a compelling contender for families on the lookout.
Competitively Priced with Family in Mind
Affordability is a key factor for families, and the 2022 Honda Pilot base model aligns with this concern. Boasting seating for up to eight passengers (or seven with captain’s chairs), it is equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and available in front-wheel drive, the Pilot strikes a balance between performance and efficiency.
Adding to its family-friendly features, the Honda Pilot includes LED headlights, a sunroof, and heated mirrors. The convenience factor is enhanced with remote engine start, proximity keyless entry, and push-button ignition. Inside, an 8-inch touchscreen display complements a 7-speaker sound system, seamlessly integrating with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With four USB ports, keeping your teens’ devices charged during trips to various activities becomes a breeze.
Safety: A Critical Consideration
While the 2022 Honda Pilot excels in many aspects, its safety ratings warrant careful consideration. Crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Pilot falls short of earning the prestigious Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards. The absence of uniformly good crashworthiness test ratings, particularly in the small overlap front: passenger side, raises concerns.
The updated side test, though not yet a part of the IIHS award criteria, delivers a marginal rating, adding another layer of caution. Trim level choices become pivotal, as headlight options vary— one earning a good rating and the other receiving only an acceptable rating.
A Family-Friendly Tradition
In continuation of its legacy, the 2022 Honda Pilot stands tall as a family-friendly SUV. However, the asterisk in its safety ratings prompts a thorough evaluation, especially when compared to competitors like the Highlander. As families weigh their options, the Honda Pilot beckons with a compelling mix of features and performance.
Navigating the nuances of the automotive market requires a keen understanding of what makes a family-friendly SUV truly stand out. The 2022 Honda Pilot has earned its stripes, garnering accolades and attention for its consumer-friendly attributes. From the reputable Consumer Reports recommendation to its competitively priced base model, the Pilot exudes appeal.
The Consumer Reports’ Nod
One of the most reassuring aspects of choosing the 2022 Honda Pilot as your family SUV is the resounding endorsement from Consumer Reports. This trusted resource in the automotive industry has bestowed its coveted recommendation on the Pilot, affirming its place among top choices for families. A robust road test score and impressive comfort ratings underscore the vehicle’s suitability for diverse family needs.
However, it’s essential to note that the Pilot doesn’t achieve perfection in every aspect of its evaluation. Predicted reliability and owner satisfaction scores, while not stellar, don’t diminish the overall allure of this SUV. Families seeking a reliable and comfortable vehicle should undoubtedly place the 2022 Honda Pilot on their consideration list.
Affordability without Compromise
In the realm of family-friendly SUVs, affordability is often a deciding factor. The 2022 Honda Pilot strikes a commendable balance, offering a base model that caters to families without breaking the bank. With seating for up to eight passengers (or seven with captain’s chairs), the Pilot’s versatility is evident. The 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, ensures a robust performance for daily commuting or family road trips.
The front-wheel-drive configuration, coupled with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission, contributes to the Pilot’s overall drivability. Beyond the basics, Honda goes the extra mile by including features like LED headlights, a sunroof, and heated mirrors in the base model. Remote engine start, proximity keyless entry, and push-button ignition add a layer of convenience, acknowledging the needs of busy families.
Inside the cabin, a user-friendly 8-inch touchscreen display takes center stage, complemented by a 7-speaker sound system. The inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility ensures seamless integration with smartphones, keeping families connected and entertained on the go. Recognizing the digital age’s demands, the Pilot provides four USB ports, a practical solution for charging devices during hectic schedules filled with sports and other activities.
Navigating Safety Concerns
While the 2022 Honda Pilot excels in meeting the criteria for a family-friendly SUV, it’s crucial to address its safety ratings, an area where it faces scrutiny. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted crash tests, revealing a mixed bag of results that demand attention.
The absence of the Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards is notable, indicating that the Pilot falls short of the highest safety standards set by the IIHS. The small overlap front: passenger side test receives an acceptable rating, leaving room for improvement. The updated side test, though not yet a formal part of the IIHS award criteria, raises concerns with its marginal rating.
Trim level choices become significant when evaluating safety, as the Pilot offers two headlight options. One receives a good rating, while the other falls into the acceptable category. This divergence emphasizes the importance of careful consideration when selecting a specific configuration of the 2022 Honda Pilot.
Conclusion
The 2022 Honda Pilot maintains its reputation as a family-friendly SUV, drawing in consumers with its blend of features, performance, and affordability. While its safety ratings present a point of contention, it’s crucial to weigh the Pilot’s overall appeal against its competitors, such as the Highlander.
For families seeking a reliable and well-rounded vehicle, the Honda Pilot remains a compelling choice. The Consumer Reports recommendation, coupled with a host of family-oriented features, positions the Pilot as a frontrunner in the competitive landscape of family-friendly SUVs. As the automotive industry evolves, the 2022 Honda Pilot stands as a testament to Honda’s commitment to meeting diverse family needs with style and functionality.
