The 2012 Honda Pilot arrives with revisions. The new pilot is one of the best SUV in the mid-size category. Many think that the truck-shaped SUVs have gone out of favor, but the fact is that they are the best choice when it comes to everyday economic uses.
The new grille in the front has changed the whole face of this vehicle. The softened edges have given it a more fashionable look. The new Honda Pilot has a more space in its interior for making a comfortable trip for the whole family.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $28,620.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 21 gallons (79 liters) | MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy |
| Length: 191.4 in. (486.1 cm) | Wheel Base: 109.2 in. (277.3 cm) |
| Height: 70.7 in. (179.5 cm) | Width: 78.5 in. (199.3 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4299 lbs (1950 kg) | Ground Clearance: 8.0 in. (20.3 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 18.0 cu ft(Behind 3rd Row) | Maximum Seating: 8 people |
| Engine: V6 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC® | Displacement: 3471 cc |
| Horsepower: 250 HP | Max RPM: 5700 RPM |
| Torque: 253 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic |
| Max Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs 2WD (907 kgs) | Max Towing Capacity: 4500 lbs 4WD (2041 kgs) |
| Option:Pilot LX 4WD | MSRP: $30,220; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy |
| Option:Pilot EX 2WD | MSRP: $31,470; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy |
| Option:Pilot EX 4WD | MSRP: $33,070; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy |
| Option:Pilot EX-L 2WD | MSRP: $34,720; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy |
| Option:Pilot EX-L 4WD | MSRP: $36,320; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy |
| Option:Pilot Touring 2WD | MSRP: $39,370; MPG: 18 city / 25 hwy |
| Option:Pilot Touring 4WD | MSRP: $40,970; MPG: 17 city / 24 hwy |
Performance
The three trim levels of the Pilot are the LX, EX, and the top EX-L. The LX models are of two types, the front wheel drive and four wheel drive models. Both are powered by a V6 3.5L/212 gasoline engine. It produces a power of 250 Hp with a torque of 253 Pounds per foot. The EX models also come with front wheel and four wheel drives. The EX-L model comes with touring equipment and rear entertainment console with DVD players. All models are powered by the same V6 engine.
Interior
The Honda Pilot is an eight-sweater SUV with cloth upholstery. The seats are arranged in three rows. The second row bench seat is foldable. The third row seat is foldable to form a flat surface. The large cabin of this vehicle is liked by all. Behind the third row, there is a decent cargo space.
The EX comes with a ten-way power adjustable driver’s seat. The EX-L comes with four-way adjustable passenger seats. The front seats are heated and all the seats are covered in leather upholstery in EX-L. Adequate leg rooms are available in all three trim levels.
The interior is pretty standard for its class. There is a standard front and rear separate climate control. The steering is equipped with tilt and telescopic adjustments. There is an audio system with seven speakers.
The DVD system with a ten speaker system is an attractive feature in EX-L model. The cargo volume available in this vehicle is about 18 foot3. This space easily increased to 47.7 cu ft and 87 cu ft when the third and second row seats are folded respectively.
Power & Handling
The V6 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission gives us a smooth ride on all kinds of roads. This vehicle can tow nearly 4,500 pounds in four-wheel drive, which is comparatively lower than many other vehicles which are in the same crossover class. It has a mileage of 18 mpg in city and 25 hwy. These numbers show that Honda Pilot is one of the most fuel efficient cars in its class.
The handling of the vehicle is pretty comfortable. There is a significant body lean while cornering or making any hard breaking. The four-wheel drive is pretty much of average capability. They are good to travel in mud, gravel, and snow; but cannot make true off road performance like hill climbing. It has antilock breaking system which gives a typical performance.
Safety
The federal government safety rating for Honda Pilot is four out of five. This vehicle scores a high rating of “good” in the tests conducted by Insurance Institute for Highway safety. There is front, front-side and side-curtain airbags for all three seats of this vehicle. There is break assistance and antilock breaking system.
There are options to connect child seat in all seats of the second row and one seat in the third row. There is a rear view camera in EX-L model. The display of this camera shows up in the rearview mirror. This is a good additional option because the rear-visibility is pretty low.
This is a suitable vehicle for a family that enjoys the outdoors. There are no sporty features, but comes with pretty standard economy features. The mileage is the economy range. The power output is not at par with that of other crossover.
This SUV is not sluggish, but test drivers say that the car is a little slower than other crossovers. Another defect is that the seats are not ventilated, which is common for all other cars in its class.
Reliability
There is a three year/36,000 miles warranty on the vehicle and a five year/ 60,000 miles warranty on its power-train.
Competition
The Pilot is Honda’s response to the Jeep Grand Cherokee (MSRP $26,995; 17 city / 23 hwy), Ford Explorer (MSRP $28,870; 17 city / 24 hwy), and the Toyota Highlander (MSRP $29,245; 18 city / 24 hwy).
Overall Rating
75 out of 100
What others say:
“Don’t let the macho-boxy look intimidate you; the Honda Pilot makes a lot of sense for large families—especially with improved mileage and a most tasteful front-end design for 2012.”Car Connection
“Generally car-like driving feel, with fine low-speed maneuverability and city-friendly turning radius. The tires’ tall sidewalls contribute to slightly lazy steering response in quick changes of direction. Pilot’s high center of gravity means fair body lean in sharp turns, but no undue noseplow. The 2WD models too easily spin their front tires in rapid acceleration from a stop and are prone to modest torque steer. AWD models are better mannered in this regard and also cope easily with mild off-road trails. Braking is strong and stable, though simulated panic stops generate noticeable nosedive.”Consumer Guide
“We found the six-cylinder engine and five-speed automatic to be smooth and refined, but acceleration is not that quick. In our tests we got 18 mpg overall. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“Though the 2012 Honda Pilot boasts strong fuel economy and roomy accommodations, it’s outpaced by more well-rounded choices.”Edmunds
“The 2012 Honda Pilot SUV nails the right combination of size, power, ability and value. Not as gargantuan as the Chevy Tahoe or Suburban, the Pilot can still accommodate eight people, has plenty of room for cargo and gets reasonably good gas mileage for its size.”KBB
