2017 Honda Pilot

"Pilot" is well-known for its spacious and versatile interiors, 8-passenger seating, and decent towing and off-road capabilities. The latest 2017 Honda Pilot SUV is boosted with a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with decent power and torque counts for a mini-van type family vehicle. The car attracts buyers with its best-in-class cargo capacity and fuel economy along with a reasonable price tag.

 

The 2017 "Pilot" costs $30,595, $33,030, $36,455, and $41,670 for different trim levels named as 'LX', 'EX', EX-L, and Touring respectively. The all new models of "Pilot" features front wheel drive system though an all-wheel-drive option in all trims at an additional cost of $1800.The main highlights of the base (LX) trim includes 3.5L V6 engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, One-touch turn indicators, rear privacy glass, and a Multi-angle rearview camera.

Trim	LX	EX	EX-L	Elite	Touring
MSRP (FWD)	$30,595	$33,030	$36,455	NA	$41,670
MSRP (AWD)	32,395	$35,830	$39,855	$47,070	$43,470
Key Features	6-speed automatic transmission Variable Cylinder Management  Hill start assist  Intelligent Variable Torque Management  18-inch alloy wheels Multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Tire Fill Assist and location and pressure indicator One-touch turn indicators Rear privacy glass	Intelligent Traction Management Remote engine start LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Smart Entry Fog lights Honda LaneWatchTM16 Tri-zone automatic climate control system with humidity control and air filtration Drivers seat with 10-way power adjustment, including power lumbar support	One-touch power moonroof with tilt feature Power tailgate Leather-wrapped steering wheel Automatic-dimming rearview mirror One-touch 2nd-row seats Front passengers seat with 4-way power adjustment Leather-trimmed interior Heated front seats	Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD system Blind spot information system with cross traffic monitor Rain-sensing windshield wipers Panoramic roof LED headlights with auto-on/off and auto high-beam Heated steering wheel Perforated heated and ventilated front seats	9-speed automatic transmission with Shift-By-Wire (SBW) and paddle shifters 20-inch alloy wheels Roof rails Body-colored parking sensors Driver's seat with two-position memory Memory-linked side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down Blu-ray Rear Entertainment System (RES) with 115-volt power outlet, HDMI1 Interface and integrated 2nd-row speakers, including

The EX trim features additional features including Automatic headlight, LED daytime running lights, Honda lane watch, Blind spot monitoring system, updated 8-inch infotainment display, Tri-zone climate control, and 10-way power adjustable driver's seat. The EX-L trim offers one-touch power moonroof, Leather-wrapped steering wheel, Power tailgate, leather trimmed interiors, and Heated front passenger's seat with 4-way adjustment.

"With ample power and respectable handling, the Pilot is among the athletes in the three-row SUV segment. It's a winner on mountain roads, easily gets up to speed, and can manage light towing and slippery surfaces with the optional all-wheel drive." - Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

Honda Pilot LX is boosted with a 3.5L V6 engine which produces decent power and torque counts in the segment. The power count for the 3.5L engine measures at 280hp which is acceptable for the CSUV, though the competitors are offering a bit more power counts of 293, 310, and 290 hp for Dodge Durango SXT, GMC Acadia Denali, and Hyundai Santa Fe Limited respectively. In 2017 Honda Pilot, trim levels up to EX-L feature 6 speed automatic transmission while the upper trim levels feature 9-speed automatic transmission with Shift-By-Wire (SBW) and paddle shifters.

Models	Honda Pilot LX	Dodge Durango SXT	GMC Acadia Denali	Hyundai Santa Fe Limited
MSRP	$30,595	$29,995	$46,920	$30,800
Engine	3.5-liter V-6 engine	3.6-liter V-6 engine	3.6-liter V-6 engine	3.3-liter V-6 engine
Transmission	6-Speed Automatic Transmission	8- Speed Automatic Transmission	6-Speed Automatic Transmission	6-Speed Automatic Transmission
Horsepower	280 hp	293 hp	310 hp	290 hp
Torque	262 lb.-ft.	260 lb.-ft.	271 lb.-ft.	252 lb-ft.

The torque count for the 2017 Honda Pilot LX measures at 262 lb.-ft which is higher than the competitors like Dodge Durango SXT and Hyundai Santa Fe Limited. GMC Acadia Denali comes out as a winner in the segment as it features better power and torque counts in the segment. Though Honda Pilot's engine performance seems average on paper, the real-life performance is much better.

Acceleration

Honda Pilot LX shows impressive results in the acceleration segment. The crossover takes just 6.1 seconds in attaining a speed of 60 mph from still which is above average for a mid-range CSUV. On the other hand, competitors like Dodge Durango SXT, GMC Acadia Denali, and Hyundai Santa Fe Limited take 7.6, 6.3, and 6.7 seconds in the 0-60 acceleration test.

Models	Honda Pilot LX	Dodge Durango SXT	GMC Acadia Denali	Hyundai Santa Fe Limited
0-60 MPH	6.1 sec	7.6 Sec	6.3 sec	6.7 sec
Quarter mile	15.1 sec	15.8 sec	15.0 sec	15.2 sec
Engine	3.5L	3.6 L	3.6L	3.3L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	8.0	8.4	8.4	NA

The quarter mile results are again in favor of the Honda Pilot LX; the CSUV takes only 15.1 seconds in measuring a quarter-mile distance. The rivals like Dodge Durango SXT, GMC Acadia Denali, and Hyundai Santa Fe Limited show competitive results of 15.8, 15.0, and 15.2 seconds respectively. The CO2 emission is high for the crossover as it produces 8.0 tons of CO2 per 15K miles. At last, 2017 Honda Pilot LX offer best-in-class acceleration results in the segment.

Ride and Handling

Honda Pilot offers above-average riding experience in the large SUV segment. The car features best-in-class, agile acceleration for an 8-seater crossover, as it takes just 6.1 seconds in the 0-60 acceleration test. Interior seats are comfortable and spacious enough which offer decent level of comfort though the seats quality and interiors are more pleasing in the upper trims with heated, adjustable seats. The steering offers decent grip and precision.

In spite of high curb weight, the car feels lighter than most of the competitors in the segment. The 2017 Pilot features decent off-road experience as well along with smooth acceleration and Handling experience. The crossover excels in ride quality, convenience and usability than some other competitors in the segment. At last, the 2017 Honda Pilot impressed us with its overall riding and handling experience.

Braking

2017 Honda Pilot LX is equipped with Automatic Braking System (ABS) with brake assist and four-wheel disc braking system. The medium-sized braking pads in the Honda Pilot LX measure 12.6 and 13.0-inches for front and rear braking pads respectively. The crossover slides 128 feet while decelerating from 60 mph to still which is average in the segment.

Model	Honda Pilot LX	Dodge Durango SXT	GMC Acadia Denali	Hyundai Santa Fe Limited
Brake Front (in.)	12.6	13.0	12.6	12.6
Brake Rear (in.)	13.0	13.0	12.4	11.9
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4054	4913	3956	4026
60-0 MPH (ft.)	128	124	126	125

Dodge Durango being the heaviest takes a mere 124 feet to come to halt making it the segment leader. All the cars in the competition have better braking than the Honda Pilot.

2017 Honda Pilot LX impresses us with its best-in-class fuel efficiency. In spite of high curb weight of 4054 lbs., the crossover features decent fuel-efficiency in the CSUV segment. The fuel economy offered by Honda Pilot LX counts at 19 and 27 mpg on city roads and highways respectively. The rivals including Dodge Durango SXT, GMC Acadia Denali, and Hyundai Santa Fe Limited lag behind the 2017 "Pilot" in fuel-efficiency.

Model	Honda Pilot LX	Dodge Durango SXT	GMC Acadia Denali	Hyundai Santa Fe Limited
MPG (city)	19	19	18	18
MPG (highway)	27	26	25	25
MPG (combined)	22	21	21	21

The combined fuel economy of the Pilot LX stands somewhere near at 22 mpg while the rivals i.e. Dodge Durango SXT, GMC Acadia Denali, and Hyundai Santa Fe Limited offer combined fuel-efficiency of 21 mpg. At last, the 8-seat crossover will impress you in the fuel economy segment.

"Soft-touch trim is everywhere, correcting the major faux pas of the last-generation Pilot. There's a finer attention to detail everywhere—and at the EX-L trim level, an acoustic windshield blots out some noise." - The Car Connection

2017 Honda Pilot LX offer best-in-class seating capacity of 8 passengers along with impressive passenger volume and comfortable interiors on the board. The plastic material used in the dash and interiors feels somewhat better than the competitors. The rear seats are foldable and adjustable. The standard interior features of the LX trim include tilt and telescopic steering wheel, standard cooling system and a standard 5-inch display screen though the upper trims feature tri- zone climate control, remote engine start, heated power-adjustable seats, updated 8-inch infotainment system and interior ambient lighting.

Interior Dimensions

Model	Honda Pilot LX	Dodge Durango SXT	GMC Acadia Denali	Hyundai Santa Fe Limited
Passenger capacity	8	5	6	7
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.1/62.0/40.9	39.9/58.5/40.3	40.3/NA/41.0	39.9/59.4/41.3
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.2/62.0/38.4	39.8/58.3/38.6	NA/58.7/39.7	39.4/58.3/40.4

2017 Honda Pilot LX features a small 5-inch infotainment system with 7-speaker sound system. The connectivity features include USB, AUX Bluetooth on the board. The infotainment system isn't attractive and convenient because of the small screen in the Honda Pilot LX (base trim). The trims above LX feature a bigger 8-inch infotainment display with better sound output system and connectivity features including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Cargo Capacity

Cargo capacity is an important factor while considering a family crossover. The Pilot LX is boosted with a convenient boot with best-in-class cargo capacity. The crossover features 16.5 ft. cube of cargo volume when third line is in operation which is higher than competitors like GMC Acadia Denali and Hyundai Santa Fe Limited's cargo volume of 12.8 and 13.5 ft. cube.

Model	Honda Pilot LX	Dodge Durango SXT	GMC Acadia Denali	Hyundai Santa Fe Limited
Cargo Volume to seats 1 (ft.3)	83.9	84.5	79.0	80.0
Cargo Volume to seats 2 (ft.3)	46.8	47.7	41.7	40.9
Cargo Volume to seats 3 (ft.3)	16.5	NA	12.8	13.5

The cargo capacity increases to 46.2 ft. cube after folding the third row which is still marginally higher than GMC Acadia Denali and Hyundai Santa Fe Limited's 41.7 and 40.9 ft. cube but lower than 47.7 ft. cube of Dodge Durango SXT. 2017 Honda Pilot offer reasonable boot space considering its higher seating capacity and family vehicle nature. The car features easy-foldable seats with ample of boot capacity for passenger. It can easily accommodate two large size passenger bags even without folding the third row which is commendable.

"The Pilot's soft corners and rounded fenders are more appealing than the boxy shapes that preceded it. We've seen the look elsewhere--Traverse--but that doesn't diminish the elegance of the shape, or the better detailing." - The Car Connection

2017 Honda Pilot LX's exteriors feature decent build quality. The car looks reasonably good considering its family crossover nature. The main highlights of the exteriors include sporty design, 18-inch alloy wheels, large headlights and three large bonnet grills with Honda branding in the middle. The dimensions of the Honda Pilot LX measure 194.5, 78.6 and 69.8 for length, width and height respectively.

Dimensions and Weight

Model	Honda Pilot LX	Dodge Durango SXT	GMC Acadia Denali	Hyundai Santa Fe Limited
Curb weight (lbs.)	4054	4913	3956	4026
Length(in)	194.5	201.2	193.6	193.1
Width(in)	78.6	75.8	75.4	74.2
Height(in)	69.8	70.9	66.0	66.5
Ground clearance (in)	7.3	8.1	7.2	7.3
Wheelbase (in)	111	119.8	112.5	110.2
Track width (in) F/R	66.3/66.3	63.9/64.1	64.5/64.5	64.1/64.5

2017 Honda Pilot LX features above average ground clearance of 7.3 inches while competitors like Dodge Durango SXT, GMC Acadia Denali and Hyundai Santa Fe Limited offer ground clearances of 8.1, 7.2, and 7.3 inches respectively. The track width (F/R) of the CSUV counts at 111 and 66.3/66.3 (F/R) which is higher than the rivals though the 111-inch wheelbase offered by 2017 Honda Pilot is smaller than the rivals.

Safety ratings and reliability

2017 Honda Pilot LX is boosted with advanced safety features including collision Mitigation braking system, road departure Mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, Lane keeping assist system and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The trims above LX are also equipped with Blind spot monitoring and Honda lane watch systems on the board. LATCH, rear child safety locks are standard in the 2017 Honda Pilot.

Safety Features

• Collision Mitigation Braking System 
• Road Departure Mitigation System
• Lane Keeping Assist System
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Information System
• Cross Traffic Monitor10
• Collision Mitigation Braking System (Cmbstm)
• Road Departure Mitigation System
• Lane Keeping Assist System
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Information System
• Cross Traffic Monitor10

The crossover features front driver and passenger airbags along with side and head safety airbags on the board. The automatic braking system with brake assist and four-wheel disk brakes is also present in the 2017 Pilot LX. for safer parking, there is a Multi-angle rearview camera present in the Pilot 2017. The uppermost "Touring" and "Elite" trims feature smart parking Assist System along with dual parking sensors on the board. The 2017 Pilot impress us with its safety features in the segment. The NHTSA and IIHS results are also impressive for the 8-seat crossover.

NHTSA

Overall Rating	5 Star
Overall Frontal Crash Rating	4 Star
Frontal Crash Rating Driver Side	5 Star
Frontal Crash Rating Passenger Side	4 Star
Overall Side Crash Rating	5 Star
Combined Side Barrier and Pole Rating Front Seat	5 Star
Combined Side Barrier and Pole Rating Front Seat Rear Seat	5 Star
Side Barrier	5 Star
Side barrier Driver	5 Star
Side barrier Rear Passenger	5 Star
Overall Side Pole Star Rating	5 Star
Rollover Rating	4 Star

IIHS Crashworthiness

Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	Average
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

Crash Avoidance & Mitigation

Front Crash Prevention	Superior
Headlights	Average
LATCH	Average

Honda Pilot vs Dodge Durango SXT

Both Dodge Durango SXT and Honda Pilot LX are equipped with decent engines though the acceleration and thrust is better in the Honda Pilot LX. The Pilot excels in segments including safety, interiors, seating, and fuel economy. On the other hand, Dodge Durango SXT outshines the 2017 Pilot in cargo capacity, ground clearance, infotainment system, and braking

Honda Pilot vs GMC Acadia Denali

GMC Acadia Denali features better power and torque counts when compared with the Honda Pilot LX. The Acadia Denali excels in segments like infotainment system, braking and interiors. On the other hand, $15k cheaper, 2017 Pilot excels in acceleration, fuel economy, cargo capacity, and ground clearance.

Honda Pilot vs Hyundai Santa Fe Limited

2017 Honda Pilot LX and Hyundai Santa Fe Limited are closest competitors of each other in the mid-range family crossover segment. The Hyundai Santa Fe Limited excels in segments including braking, infotainment system and interiors when compared with the Pilot LX. On the other hand, Honda Pilot excels in cargo volume, acceleration, passenger capacity, and fuel economy.

2017 Honda Pilot LX is boosted with a decent engine with good acceleration counts in the segment. The 8-seater family crossover features convenient seating, decent looking exteriors, best in class cargo capacity and fuel economy along with impressive riding and handling experience though it lacks in some segments including infotainment system and braking. At last, we can conclude that Honda Pilot LX is a good option to consider in the CSUV segment.