2013 Honda Pilot - Review

By Bengt Halvorson July 30, 2012

"While the vast majority of utility vehicles have grown smooth, rakish, and overtly aerodynamic on the outside, the Honda Pilot stands apart. It's one of relatively few models on the market today that preserves the old two-box design that once separated SUVs from sedans and vans. And while the Pilot might look from a distance like one of those vehicles that's slid so far out of favor, inside and behind the wheel the Pilot redeems itself, as a standout package for family practicality.

Especially if you're a household that eschews minivans yet needs a roomy interior, and three rows of seating, the 2013 Pilot remains one of the best picks. The overtly boxy body yields an especially roomy interior, as well as great versatility for busy weekend-hauling needs. Yet with a carlike unibody design, bolstered structurally with some of the benefits of an SUV, the Pilot is able to draw from the best of both worlds. Ride quality is on the firm side, but the optional four-wheel-drive (actually all-wheel drive) system has a Lock mode and is a champ in deep snow or mud. Four-wheel-drive models can tow up to 4,500 pounds.

A five-speed automatic transmission is paired with the familiar 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 in the Pilot, and it altogether keeps with Honda's smooth, responsive, and sweet-sounding reputation for these powertrains. EPA highway ratings are now up to 25 mpg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient three-row vehicles. Once you get past the initial surprise of the tall driving position, you'll find handling to be reasonably crisp, with good maneuverability.

The Pilot has for years been a top safety achiever, and it includes side-curtain bags cover all three rows, along with the usual roster of security items. For 2013, a rear-view camera system is standard on all models and helps with visibility, which can be an issue in the blocky, tall Pilot.

The 2013 Honda Pilot remains offered in four different trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. All four are offered in 2WD or 4WD, but beyond that you need to ante up to one of the top two trims in order to get a lot of the more desirable options and convenience features.

We recommend the more affordable LX and EX models, as they're a better value and don't overlap in pricing with some luxury vehicles, as top-of-the-line Limited models do. They include rear air conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control, and a seven-speaker sound system. Leather upholstery, a Bluetooth hands-free interface, USB/iPod connectivity, a power tailgate, and a navigation system all remain only available on the EX-L and Touring."

 

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