The fourth-generation Honda Pilot is set to turn four this year, making it an ideal time for a facelift in the crowded midsize, three-row SUV category. The new Pilot features a more squared-off face and includes a host of interior and driving refinements, as well as tech updates, to keep the SUV competitive. While these tweaks haven't made the Pilot a much more desirable family hauler, they have made it a little better.
5-liter V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, which remains standard across all trims. The starting price is $43,690, including a $1,490 delivery charge. Optioning all-wheel drive adds $2,100 to the total.
3-inch infotainment display, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interior has been improved with sound-deadening material, enclosed fender liners, and new leather seats on higher trims. However, the steering system has been retuned to provide greater precision on-center but may take some getting used to.
The V6 engine is smooth and stout, but unremarkable. The Pilot's efficiency is average, with a 21-mile-per-gallon average in Southern California canyon cruising. A hybrid option would be ideal, but the Pilot remains a gas-only affair.
Ultimately, the Pilot is well-screwed together with no glaring faults and plenty of interior space, but it doesn't strike an impression.
The refreshed Honda Pilot offers significant improvements in terms of standard features and interior refinements, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a practical SUV. However, its understated design and unremarkable driving experience may not appeal to those seeking excitement or cutting-edge technology.
