Acceleration

2WD VP	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5.5

Any Pilot has strong, ready power with especially robust highway merging and passing performance. The transmission's smooth, quick shifts contribute to the powertrain's exemplary behavior.

Fuel Economy

2WD VP	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	3.6

In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD VP averaged 17.6 mpg. Test AWD EX-L averaged 16.4. Pilot uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

2WD VP	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	7	5.4

Pavement cracks and patches pass with little impact, though potholes register soundly. Pilot floats a bit and takes a moment to settle after big dips at highway speeds. It never loses its composure, however.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD VP	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	5	4.4

Generally carlike 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 also tend to torque steer. AWD models are better mannered in this regard and also cope easily with moderately muddy backwoods trails. Braking is strong and stable, though simulated panic stops generate copious nosedive.

Quietness

2WD VP	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5.5

Pilot is a quiet and solid crossover. Coarse-pavement tire thrum and highway wind noise are well-muffled. The V6 never rises above a muted growl. Only slight body drumming over washboard roads and lane-divider dots.

Controls

2WD VP	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	6.4

Hard to fault, though adjusting the illumination of main gauges to less than full brightness makes lighting for other controls too dim for easy reading. The steering-column shift lever doesn't block access to controls, but imprecise action means it often overshoots the Drive position. The navigation system is easier to learn and use than most, but its screen is small and the driver must stretch to reach the main toggle control.

Details

2WD VP	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5.4

Fit/finish are up to Honda's usual standards, despite the abundance of hard plastic trim.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD VP	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7.1

Supportive seats and generous headroom, but taller drivers may want more rearward travel and a steering wheel that tilts higher. Shorter drivers may find thigh bolstering too prominent. Thick front roof pillars block driver's view to some angles, but large windows and typically tall SUV driving stance mean good visibility otherwise. Pilot's trucklike ride height means a high step-in.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD VP	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6.1

Second-row bench affords good room and comfort for two adults, three in a pinch. Some competitors offer more usable legroom when a front seat is pushed far back. Third row is hard to access and sized mostly for kids, though even they have little leg space. Tall step-in is a demerit for 2nd-row entry/exit, and narrow passageways hinder access to the 3rd row.

Cargo Room

2WD VP	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	8.6

Ample load volume once you begin to fold down the seatbacks. Both rear rows drop easily to form a flat deck, and some rear shoulder belts detach for cargo-carrying convenience. The 3rd-row headrests must be removed to fold the rearmost seatback; they store in a lidded floorwell just ahead of the tailgate. Lack of opening liftgate glass disappoints. Ample interior storage includes a versatile front console, two-tier front-seatback pouches.

Value within Class

2WD VP	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	10	5.7

Pilot is the Honda Accord of midsize SUVs--pleasant, practical, and family friendly. There's no question about this wagon's laudable balance of utility and comfort, refinement, and power. Toss in Honda's reputation for reliability and resale value, and Pilot is a Best Buy.

Total Score

2WD VP	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
70	73	63.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		53
Average Score		63
High Score		76