2022 Honda Pilot

We would recommend you go for the 2022 Honda Pilot Special Edition as it offers the best balance between features and price. Fitted with black 20-inch wheels and features like a hands-free power tailgate, leather-trimmed upholstery, roof rails, sunroof, and wireless charging, the Special Edition model fits the bill perfectly.

The 2022 Honda Pilot comes in over 7 trim levels, namely Sport, EX-L, Special Edition, TrailSport, Touring, Elite, and Black Edition, with prices starting from an MSRP of $36,830 for the base trim. Honda has revamped the trim structure of the Pilot for the 2022 year as it has eliminated the EX and LX trim from the lineup. However, with that, it has added more features as standard across all the trims which includes features like an 8-inch touchscreen unit with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED Headlights, Honda Sensing suite, and more.

The Elite and Black Edition trim comes with AWD as standard, while AWD comes in as an option in the other three trims. Then there are two new trims on offer, namely Sport and TrailSport. Sport acts as the base trim now, and it also gets the latest Honda Sensing driver assistance features as standard now.

The Pilot's V6 has a sporty sound and plenty of power - CarAndDriver.com

The biggest leverage of any Honda car is its robust powertrain under the hood. Constant refinement and a modern design approach have bumped up the power numbers significantly. The 2022 Honda Pilot gets a 3.5-Liter naturally-aspirated V6 block coupled with a now-standard ZF 9-speed Automatic transmission. Generating around 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque output, the SUV has left a great impression of robust delivery. With a lengthier, lower stance, and a lighter body, the SUV may gain a couple of seconds for the 0-60 mph sprint.

The 2022 Honda Pilot can sprint 0-60 mph in around 6.2 seconds and cover a quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds, which makes it the fastest in this class. Rivals like Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander accelerate the same in 6.9 seconds and 7.2 seconds respectively. The Pilot handles well for an SUV in this segment and offers a plush ride for its passengers on the inside as well.

From the above table, it can be clearly depicted that the most powerful of the lot is the Ford Explorer followed by the Toyota Highlander and the Pilot. Steady acceleration and athletic control are virtues of the new Honda Pilot. In the terms of pricing, the Honda Pilot is on the farther end while the most affordable ones are Explorer and Ascent.

When it comes to three-row SUVs with massive powerhouses underneath, fuel economy is not that good. Honda is known for its exceptional refinement in any configuration. Honda will keep the ZF 9-speed Automatic transmission as standard across all trims. This results in better fuel economy and overall performance. The 2022 Pilot delivers 20 miles per gallon in the city and over 27 miles to the gallon out on the highway, which results in a combined fuel economy of 23 MPG. 

The most fuel-efficient in the segment is the Toyota Highlander but gets a medium-range due to a smaller 17.9-gallon fuel tank. However, the Subaru maxes out in the range department and can travel the most distance in a full tank of fuel.

Despite being spacious for people and thier stuff, the Pilot's interior is a bit behind the curve with its dated and bland design - MotorTrend

Honda has always been upbeat in providing plush interior space with maximum utility and engagement. The 2022 Honda Pilot resonates a good mix of luxury and performance from its interior space. Ruggedness along with a premium touch across the interior space gives a compelling look and feel. The fourth-generation model is expected to get a tweaked interior layout with an updated infotainment setup.

With a seating capacity of 8, the Honda Pilot features plush seats wrapped in premium leather. Steering mounted controls make accessibility easier. The central stack is taken by an 8-inch touchscreen interface coupled with a premium sound system. With more legroom and headroom, seating comfort is the best-in-class. Overall ergonomics of the SUV are straightforward with a sporty touch. Latest connectivity options including smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth Wireless, come as part of the 2022 package.

With a plush seating arrangement spread across three rows, the 2022 Honda Pilot offers one of the most capacious cabins in the class. Competitors like the Ford Explorer and Subaru Ascent also offer ample headroom, shoulder room, and legroom but have a lower seating capacity. The trunk volume of the Ford Explorer is the best followed by Ascent and Pilot. Ample space behind each row offers great utility.

Other features that can be found inside the 2022 Honda Pilot are:

• Leather-wrapped seats
• Redesigned steering wheel with mounted controls
• Extended supports for maximum comfort
• Smartphone Integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Premium sound system
• 8-inch Infotainment display

Generally speaking, the Pilot has aged gracefully - Motortrend

The 2022 Honda Pilot receives no major changes in terms of the design from the 2021 model. The design language suits all Honda cars with an edgy front and sleeker sides. A new Sonic Pearl Gray color option has been made available in the latest iteration of the Pilot and is the only significant change for this year.

The front of the SUV showcases a huge chrome-finished grille along with LED headlights and LED DRLs. Massive alloy wheels ensure good traction on all road surfaces and establish dynamic superiority in the long run. The addition of sporty curves throughout the shoulders makes the body agile during cornering and maintains good stability at high speeds. The cargo capacity of the car is expected to increase with a longer body.

The Pilot carries on the design that can be seen in the Odyssey Minivan and the Ridgeline pickup. Competitors like Ford Explorer and Subaru Ascent fall in the heavier side but get similar dimensions as the Pilot. Some of the exterior features in the 2022 Honda Pilot are:

• LED Taillights
• Auto On/Off LED headlights and LED DRLs
• Chrome-finished front grille with Piano Black inserts
• 20-inch aluminum wheels
• Roof Rails
• Remote Powered Tailgate
• Auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors

Honda has been on the top of the game with its scrutinized quality benchmark and providing advanced safety features. The 2022 Pilot comes packed with the latest safety and driver assistance package, maximum passenger protection, and driving quality. Honda Sensing Suite of safety now comes in as standard across all the trims in the lineup. As far as crash tests are considered, the 2021 Honda Pilot gets an overall 5-star rating from NHTSA, whereas the IIHS gives it an overall "Good" rating. The same, if not better ratings can be expected form the 2022 MY as well.

The 2022 Honda Pilot safety package includes:

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Traction control
• Collision Mitigation Braking System
• Road Departure Mitigation System
• Lane Departure Warning
• Forward Collision Warning
• LED Daytime Running Lights

2022 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Ford Explorer

A bigger 3.5-Liter V6 is included in the Honda Pilot while the Explorer gets a Turbo-4 motor. In terms of power numbers, the Explorer outshines the Pilot SUV. The exterior design of the 2022 Pilot is much more appealing with a lengthy body. Due to an increase in dimension interior space is also better than the Explorer.

The seating capacity of eight along with multiple creature comforts offer a relaxed drive. Advanced safety systems and driver aids have been added to both cars, improving the overall drive quality and ensuring complete passenger protection against collision.

2022 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent competes aggressively by maintaining high standards. In terms of power, the 2022 Pilot dominates along with athletic handling and agility. Both cars offer a plush interior cabin. The exterior design of Pilot is evidently striking with Ridgeline-inspired design philosophy.

The front gets LED headlights and DRLs while the sides are more compelling with massive alloy wheels. The latest standard safety features are included in both SUVs. Though, the 2022 Pilot gets additional advanced driver assistance technologies.

Honda’s biggest selling point is its reliable powertrain underneath. The 2022 Pilot gets a powerful 3.5-Liter V6 along with now-standard ZF 9-speed Automatic transmission. The duo generates robust power for the long run. The handling capability of the car is one of the best-in-class.

The 2022 Pilot comes with an Interior space that reflects a good mix of luxury and sporty vibes. The latest package includes a series of advanced driver aids that enhances driving as well as passenger protection. Overall, the 2022 Honda Pilot certainly comes out on top as one of the best midsize SUVs that you can buy in the market right now.