Skip to main content

Before the new generation enters the market with the 2023 Honda Pilot, could it be the right time for you to buy one of the 2022 models? This final year of the third-generation Honda Pilot offers lots of standard equipment, a spacious and practical cabin, and it delivers with a stalwart V6 engine. Let’s see if this could be the right three-row SUV for you to drive.

The Honda Pilot SUV does nearly everything right

Black 2022 Honda Pilot SUV staged
2022 Honda Pilot SUV | Honda

For nearly two decades, the Pilot has been one of the best options for consumers looking for a midsize three-row crossover. When you don’t want the truck-like feeling of the full-size models, and a compact crossover doesn’t give you enough room, the Honda Pilot has been the SUV you could turn to for an excellent drive.

This SUV offers various qualities that make it a great choice, including:

  • Strong
  • Safe
  • Reliable
  • Spacious
  • Well-equipped
  • Seating for up to eight
  • Some off-roading capabilities

Where does the strength come from for the Pilot?

A 3.5-liter V6 engine continues to be used in the Honda Pilot. This engine attaches to a nine-speed automatic transmission to return 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. FWD models can tow 3,500 pounds while AWD versions pull up to 5,000 pounds. The fuel mileage is respectable at 20/27 for FWD models and 19/26 for AWD versions.

What safety features come in the 2022 Honda Pilot SUV?

Side view of blue 2022 Honda Pilot
2022 Honda Pilot | Honda

The Honda Safety Sense system includes:

  • Forward-collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Road departure mitigation
  • Automatic high beams

These features are part of every trim of this SUV.

How reliable is the Pilot?

According to RepairPal, the average cost of repairs for the Honda Pilot is $542 compared to the midsize SUV class average of $573. The frequency of necessary repairs for this Honda SUV is a little more than average at 0.51 times per year compared to 0.4 times for the class, and the severity is about average at 13% for the Pilot compared to 12% for the class.

These numbers land the Honda Pilot in the 13th spot out of 26 midsize SUVs, making it an above-average SUV for reliability.

How spacious is this Honda SUV?

Silver 2022 Honda Pilot driving on a mountain road
2022 Honda Pilot | Honda

The Sport and EX-L models offer seating for eight with the option for seven, while the Touring trim on up gives you a pair of captain’s chairs in the middle to limit seating to seven passengers. The legroom in the second row measures 38.4 inches, which is really good, while the third row offers 31.9 inches for legs.

The cargo space behind the third row is 16.5 cubic feet, just enough for some groceries. Folding down the two rear rows of seats opens up 109.2 cubic feet, which is more than enough for the materials needed for a weekend project.

What does each trim of the 2022 Honda Pilot offer?

Sport Trim

  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • Satellite radio
  • Two USB ports
  • 8-inch infotainment screen
  • Tri-zone automatic climate controls
  • Honda Sensing safety suite

EX-L Trim

  • Power-adjustable front passenger seat
  • Powered moonroof
  • Power tailgate
  • Leather upholstery
  • Second-row sunshades
  • Self-dimming rearview mirror
  • One additional USB port
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel

SE Trim

  • Wireless charging
  • Hands-free tailgate

TrailSport Trim

  • Standard AWD
  • Lifted suspension – 0.6 inches higher
  • 18-inch black alloy wheels
  • All-terrain tires
  • Fender flares
  • Orange-stitched leather upholstery
  • Wireless charging
  • Navigation system
  • One-touch power moonroof

Touring Trim

  • LED headlights
  • Paring sensors
  • Acoustic windshield
  • 590-watt/10-speaker audio system
  • Navigation system
  • Rear onboard entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen
  • Wi-Fi hotspot

Elite Trim

  • Panoramic roof
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Heated/ventilated front seats
  • Perforated leather upholstery
  • Blue ambient interior lighting

Black Edition

  • Black exterior elements
  • Red ambient LED interior lighting

How much does the 2022 Honda Pilot SUV cost?

Kelley Blue Book offers starting pricing for each trim of the Pilot SUV which is:

  • Sport – $37,580
  • EX-L -$39,810
  • SE – $40,410
  • TrailSport – $44,310
  • Touring – $44,370
  • Elite – $50,000
  • Black Edition – $51,370

Which version of the Pilot should you buy?

The choice of which of these Honda SUVs to buy depends on the equipment level and driving desires. The SE model is the sweet spot with the added wireless charging and a hands-free tailgate. If you want some off-road equipment, the TrailSport model might be more to your liking. Regardless, the 2022 Honda Pilot SUV can be excellent when you need three rows of seats and a trustworthy SUV that hits all the right spots.

Continue reading to the next article if you want to learn about the 2023 version of the Honda Pilot.

Related

Each Honda Pilot Generation Explained Ahead of the New 2023 SUV Arrival