2012 Honda Pilot
Starting MSRP $28,620–$40,970
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National October 7, 2011Vehicle Overview
Honda's midsize Pilot crossover is available in front- or four-wheel-drive form and has been modestly restyled for 2012. All trim levels have a 3.5-liter V-6 that features fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation technology. The Pilot seats eight and competes with crossovers like the Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9 and GMC Acadia.
New for 2012
The 2012 Pilot features a new front end with a restyled grille, bumper and headlights. Inside, dashboard controls have been reorganized, the gauges have a new appearance, and there's more color uniformity among the various trim panels.
The stereo and navigation systems also see upgrades. EX and EX-L trim levels gain Bluetooth streaming audio, and the available navigation system adds FM traffic information, 15 gigabytes of music storage and a higher-resolution screen.
The Pilot's EPA-estimated gas mileage has improved for 2012. Front-wheel-drive models get 18/25 mpg city/highway while the four-wheel-drive version gets 17/24 mpg.
Exterior
The Pilot is boxy and upright from most angles. The front end features rectangular headlights that border a new three-bar grille. Exterior features include:
- Standard 17-inch steel wheels; 18-inch alloy wheels optional
- Optional roof rails
- Optional power liftgate
- Optional fog lights
- Optional body-colored side mirrors and door handles
Interior
The Pilot seats eight in three standard rows of seats. Standard features include air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a CD stereo with an MP3 jack. Optional features include tri-zone automatic air conditioning, a backseat entertainment system, sunshades for the second-row side windows, a premium stereo and a USB port for connecting an iPod to the stereo. Other interior features include:
- Optional satellite-linked navigation system with a backup camera
- Optional load-supporting cargo net (20-pound maximum cargo weight)
- Optional heated front seats and leather-trimmed seating
- Optional Bluetooth connectivity
Under the Hood
All Pilots are powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 250 horsepower and 253 pounds-feet of torque. The engine drives a five-speed automatic transmission and uses Honda's Variable Cylinder Management technology to maximize fuel economy. Mechanical features include:
- Heavy-duty radiator, power-steering-fluid cooler and Class III trailer hitch are standard
- Two-wheel-drive Pilots can tow 2,000 pounds; four-wheel-drive models can pull 4,500 pounds
Safety
Standard safety features include:
- All-disc antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system with traction control
- Side-impact airbags for front seats
- Side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats
- Active front head restraints
- Front and rear parking sensors (Touring)
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Joe Wiesenfelder | Cars.com National | October 17, 2011 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | October 7, 2011 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Carrie Kim | Mother Proof | February 3, 2012 |
| Scott Burgess | The Detroit Newspapers | October 15, 2011 |
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