2018 Honda Pilot

Overview

With a high seating position, kid-friendly interior, and vast cargo space, the Honda Pilot midsize SUV has what it takes to win over buyers with families. Its V-6 engine is smooth, powerful, and relatively efficient, and the Pilot offers enough towing capacity for most owners. The configurable interior provides multiple options for carrying people, cargo, or a combination of both. Active safety tech is affordable and effective, but the Achilles’ heel of the Pilot is its fussy infotainment system, which already feels outdated. Overall, the Pilot may be the closest thing to a minivan without actually being a minivan.

What's New for 2018?

Honda’s three-row crossover sees only one change for 2018—a new red exterior color called Deep Scarlet—and remains as spacious and family-friendly as ever.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Pilot’s standard 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 is a strong performer, providing unexpectedly spry acceleration for such a large vehicle. Its fuel-economy numbers are at the top of its class, too. Unfortunately, the nine-speed automatic transmission on the Touring and Elite trims shifts abruptly; other models have a six-speed automatic, which we prefer, although both gearboxes can be reluctant to downshift at speed. There’s plenty of power on tap, but the Pilot's suspension tuning is too soft for our liking, and its lack of body control makes it feel aloof and disconnected from the road.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Pilot’s interior is spacious, practical, solidly built, and relatively upscale. Upper trim levels offer near-luxury touches and all sorts of family-friendly options, such as a DVD entertainment system. The dashboard layout is simple and attractive, with easy-to-use climate controls and a clearly marked gauge cluster. The Pilot has a downright cavernous cargo area and plenty of useful interior cubbies and cupholders. A huge center console and multi-level door pockets in all rows make the Pilot ideal for stowing most items.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Pilot EX and above trims have an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which includes multiple USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice command, and other useful functions. This system can be maddening to use due to its slow responses and fussy touchscreen volume slider. The base LX’s 5.0-inch screen is easier to use, but it offers just the basics: Bluetooth, FM radio, a backup camera, and a single USB port. Navigation is optional on the EX-L trim and standard on Touring and Elite models.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Honda Pilot’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.