2012 Honda Pilot Review
The 2012 Honda Pilot is a mid-sized crossover SUV available in 4 trims, LX, EX, EX-L and Touring, powered by a 3.5 liter V6 producing 250hp//253lb-ft torque. It comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission and FWD is standard, with an AWD system being an available option. Just a few of the many standard features in the base LX include keyless entry, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, front/back air conditioning and much more. Upper trims add further luxury and convenience items.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The 2012 Honda Pilot offers impressive fuel economy, along with a spacious and fully customizable interior making it a top consideration for those in the market for a midsized SUV.
What’s New For 2012:
The Honda Pilot received a lot of exciting changes in 2012 including exterior restyling. The Pilot also received some improved noise insulation, along with upgraded cabin materials, modified instrument panel, an upgraded navigational system and more. The new Pilot is also more fuel efficient through improvements to the powertrain and aerodynamics.
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The Honda Pilot received a very good overall score for reliability with a 73 compared to the lowest scoring midsized SUV with a 20. Especially noteworthy is the Pilot’s refined powertrain, seating for 8, spacious interior, cargo room and impressive crash test scores. Based on the latest survey, reliability of new models is expected to be 27% above average.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
In safety tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Honda Pilot received the highest honor of being a 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick. In government testing by NHTSA the Pilot received an overall safety score of 4 Stars out of a possible 5, with 5 Stars awarded for side crash testing. The Pilot is outfitted with safety features such as stability control, antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags as well as full-length side curtain airbags.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Safety test scores
+ Impressive fuel economy ratings
+ Spacious interior, including 3rd row seating
Cons
– Center dash a bit busy
– Acceleration can feel sluggish
– Though pleasant to drive, lacks sharpness
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Honda Pilot has a lower starting price than both the Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Flex, along with the better fuel economy rating of 18MPG city/25MPG highway; compared to the Traverse and Flex with 17/24MPG. While the Pilot and Traverse can carry 8 passengers, the Flex is equipped for 7 and both the Pilot as well as the Traverse offer the most front legroom. The Pilot is powered by a 250hp engine, while the Flex is slightly more powerful with 262 horses and the Traverse has the more powerful V6 with 281hp. All three offer a standard warranty of 3years/36,000miles.
What Others Are Saying:
"The cabin is buttoned up well from road noise and wind noise to allow for a passenger over the weekend to drift off for a short nap during an expressway run. I would say the ride can be considered carlike, which is in stark contrast to its boxy, trucklike looks." –AutoWeek
"As family crossovers go, the Pilot is a great success . . . I notice all of the passenger-friendly features like copious storage cubbyholes; the huge, multifunction center console between the front seats; and the wide, comfortable second-row seats that easily slide and fold for access to the third-row seats.’ –Automobile Magazine
"It’s the one to look at very, very closely if you’re a family-first SUV buyer, not a style maven or lead foot.It still has room for eight, trumping other guys’ seven-passenger layouts." –USA Today
Read more about the 2012 Honda Pilot,at the Honda manufacturer site.
