The 2022 Honda Pilot provides refuge for folks who put a premium on practicality but aren’t too keen on the minivan lifestyle. To be precise, the three-row SUV cannot match the space and comfort offered by the Honda Odyssey, with which it shares an engine and V-6 engine. What the Pilot does not have in sliding doors and third-row stretch-out makes up for by having the higher seating seat, all-wheel drive available, and the capability to haul up to 5500 pounds. The Pilot also comes with a large comfortable interior, a plethora of standard driver assistance, and well-known features. Unfortunately, its exterior is a bit dull compared to visually impressive rivals like Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Although it’s true that the 2022 Pilot isn’t flashy, nor is it thrilling to drive, some find it to be more appealing than an SUV.
Honda Pilot Best for 2022?
For 2022, the Pilot comes with more standard features including full LED headlights and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but these upgrades correspond with a significantly higher starting price. Honda dropped the lowest-tier LX in the LX and EX trim levels. The line-up now starts with EX-L, priced at just under $40k. This is nearly $7000 more than what the LX cost in the previous year. Also, there’s a newly-released Sonic Gray Pearl paint color. Honda promises to launch a new model in the coming year.
Engine Performance
The Pilot’s V6 has a sporty sound and plenty of power, and we like the unobtrusive behavior of the nine-speed automatic transmission. The Honda isn’t the biggest three-row crossover that you can drive; however, its dimensions can make it feel hefty when turning. The 20-inch wheels on the top trims can affect the ride quality, but they do enhance the overall look of the Pilot. The vehicle also rides well when stuffed with other people and things. The driver’s lack of body control can appear removed from the road in some instances. Its gentle steering makes it easy to navigate at parking-lot speeds; however, it contributes to the feeling of being detached when driving.
How is the interior?
The Pilot’s interior is spacious and practical and can be had with family-friendly options such as an in-cabin PA system. The majority of trims have the option of a third row for those who want to accommodate eight. Higher-end models eliminate the bench in favor of two captain’s chairs. This reduces the number of passengers to seven. But the roomy third row’s seating cushion makes it just for kids. The dashboard layout of the Pilot is easy-to-use climate control and a clearly-marked gauge cluster. There are 16 cup holders all over the interior. The SUV’s elevated seating location gives drivers an impressive perspective of their surroundings ahead. Large windows and low-profile roof pillars grant the Pilot the highest level of visibility. The Honda features a huge cargo space and useful storage compartments inside. It’s among the largest SUVs of its class; however, the cargo capacity differs between the seven- and eight-seat models since the Elite and Touring trims with seven seats include a second-row center console that cannot be removed. The cargo floor is adjustable and can be set to provide maximal space or to create an underfloor storage area.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The clunky central touchscreen is among the weak points of the Pilot. However, Honda did introduce a crucial volume knob back in the year. The LX’s base 5.0-inch display is adequate for basic use. At the same time, those with trims EX or above receive an 8.0-inch touchscreen equipped with SiriusXM satellite radio Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and voice commands, and additional app-related functions. Navigation is available with the EX and is standard on the Touring Elite and Touring Elite.