Your Buyer’s Guide to the 2017 Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is a crossover SUV with three rows of seats and room for up to eight passengers. For 2017, Honda added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the EX trim and above, but other than that, the Pilot carries over from the 2016 model unchanged. Here is your buyer’s guide to the 2017 Honda Pilot.

Exterior

The Pilot comes in five different trims starting with the LX. This base-level trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, but for more features bump up to the EX trim. This adds foglights, heated mirrors, and LED running lights. Bump up again to the EXL to get a sunroof and a power liftgate. Next up is the Touring model, which adds roof rails and acoustic window glass to help reduce road noise. The Touring trim also gets 20-inch wheels. At the top of the trim levels, you get the Elite model. This adds LED headlights and makes several driver-assist safety features standard.

Engine

All the models come with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Honda pairs this with a six-speed automatic transmission, but you can opt for a nine-speed automatic in the Touring and Elite trims. The Pilot comes standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive offered as an option. Choose the all-wheel drive for a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

Performance

The V-6 in the Pilot is powerful and provides quick acceleration and a comfortable ride. In the models equipped with the nine-speed transmission, it shifts smoothly through the gears. One of the biggest benefits of the Pilot is its tight turning radius, which makes it maneuverable even in tighter spaces. The fuel economy varies depending on the transmission and whether it has with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. The best performer is the nine-speed automatic with front-wheel drive.

Interior

Inside the cabin, you’ll find plenty of space and lots of storage compartments. Choose the EX for an 8-inch touch-screen display and the Honda link infotainment system, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upgrade to the EXL for a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather seats, along with second-row seats with a one-touch sliding feature. If you want extra comfort features, the Elite has heated front seats and the option for heated second-row captain’s chairs.

Safety

The Honda Pilot comes equipped with both standard and optional safety equipment. All models come with a rearview camera, and starting with the EX trim, the Honda sensing package is an available option. This adds adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure warning and mitigation, and a road departure intervention system. Bump up to the Touring model to add front and rear parking sensors.

The 2017 Honda Pilot is a great choice for families looking for extra passenger seats without being in a minivan. It offers a sleek design with plenty of space and all the latest technology.

*Based on 2016 EPA mileage/highway estimates and driving range ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG and driving range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-PHEV-label.shtml

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $835.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

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