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The Honda Pilot EX-L is one step up from the base model in the 2022 lineup. This trim just might be what you want when you’re looking for some added features, but those added items come at a higher price. Could this be the three-row SUV you want to drive with your family, or is there another model that makes more sense?

What additional features does the Honda Pilot EX-L SUV offer?

Black 2022 Honda Pilot EX-L SUV posed
2022 Honda Pilot EX-L | Honda

When you move up to the EX-L trim, you’ll find:

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

These features are in addition to what you find in the base, Sport trim of the Pilot SUV.

How much should you pay for a 2022 Honda Pilot EX-L?

This SUV starts at $39,810, which is a little more than the Sport’s starting price of $37,580. If you add AWD to either trim, you’ll pay $2,000 for this feature. Are the features found in the EX-L trim worth spending more for the Honda Pilot?

Do all of the new features come in the EX-L trim?

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

The 2022 Honda Pilot comes in several trims. The base model brings some of the new features, including:

  • 8.0-inch touchscreen
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto

While these are excellent benefits you’ll also find in the EX-L model of the Honda Pilot SUV; the LED headlights are not part of the package until you reach the higher Touring trim.

How many people can sit in the Pilot EX-L SUV?

The EX-L and Sport trims only come in eight-passenger seating configurations. If you want the option for second-row captain’s chairs, you’ve got to move up to the Touring trim. Above that, the Elite and Black Edition models only offer seven-passenger seating.

The third-row seat in the Honda Pilot EX-L splits in a 60/40 configuration and folds flat. This opens up more cargo room for the gear you need to take on the road. With all seats upright, this SUV has 16.5 cubic feet of space in the rear.

Fold the second and third rows down, and you’ve got 109.2 cubic feet of space. That’s more than enough for a load of materials for a weekend project, a mountain bike, or for all of the hiking and camping gear you need for a weekend in the wilderness.

Torque Vectoring can make all the difference in this Honda SUV

Honda brings an AWD system to the Pilot EX-L does more than just give you a system that sends power to all four wheels. The Honda AWD system includes torque vectoring for the Pilot. This feature allows the outside wheels to turn faster than the inside wheels, which creates a tighter turning radius.

Can you use the Honda Pilot EX-L for your outdoor adventures?

The Pilot SUV doesn’t stand tall off the ground, but the 7.3 inches of clearance might be enough for your camping and hiking adventures. This SUV can bring you to the trailhead or put a boat weighing up to 5,000 pounds in the water.

The 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, giving you good power on the road or when driving on a dirt path.

Should you buy this SUV?

If you want a step up from the base model but don’t want to spend a lot more, the EX-L trim of the Honda Pilot is an excellent option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more features for comfort, convenience, and safety, the Honda Pilot offers higher trims.

Next, find out how lane departure warning works, or watch the Honda Pilot EX-L video below:

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