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Honda Pilot - What the Auto Press Says

The 2011 Honda Pilot ranks 14 out of 23 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 33 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Pilot, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2011 Honda Pilot’s strengths are a spacious third-row seat, lots of storage cubbies, and a powerful engine, but it can’t keep up with competitors when it comes to interior quality and braking performance.

With a starting price around $28,000, the eight-passenger 2011 Honda Pilot isn’t the most expensive or the most affordable SUV in its class. On top of that, its base fuel economy rating (17/23 mpg city/highway) is about average. So what makes the Pilot stand out from the large sea of midsize SUVs? Not much, according to test drivers. With so many fish in the sea, the Pilot just blends right in.

 “Honda's sterling reputation will likely clinch plenty of Pilot sales, but we think discerning consumers who test-drive the competition will find that the Pilot is a surprisingly lackluster effort from the illustrious Japanese automaker,” says Edmunds. “It's got a usable third-row seat and perfect crash-test scores, but otherwise this Honda is outclassed by more well-rounded rivals."

Along with its spacious third row and excellent safety scores, the Pilot boasts a powerful V6 engine and impressive towing capacity. It comes with seating for eight, which is impressive since most three-row SUVs seat only seven. There are even three LATCH positions for car seats in the second row (most SUVs provide only two), and another in the third row.

However, those strengths may not be enough to make up for the Pilot’s weaknesses. These include longer-than-average braking distances, poor-quality interior materials and confusing dashboard controls.

Other SUVs to Consider

If you want a more affordable and fuel-efficient SUV, consider the Dodge Journey. It has the least expensive starting price in the class and saves you about $8,000 as compared to the Honda Pilot. It also comes with three rows of seats (though it seats seven rather than the Pilot’s eight) and boasts a better 19/25 fuel economy rating. However, it doesn’t improve on the Pilot’s cheap-feeling interior and it comes with a sluggish base engine.

If you’re willing to spend more, check out the Ford Flex. It costs about $1,000 more than the Honda Pilot and comes with an even more spacious third row (but like the Journey, it seats seven rather than eight). Its 17/24 fuel economy rating is only a slight improvement over the Pilot’s, but the Flex offers a more family-friendly interior. Options include a second-row refrigerated console, dual-headrest DVD entertainment system, and reclining and power-folding second row. Plus, the retro-styled Flex looks a heck of a lot cooler than the boxy Pilot.

Details: Honda Pilot

The only notable change for the 2011 Honda Pilot is that Honda’s Satellite-Linked Navigation System is now an option for the EX-L model (previous, it was available on the Touring model only).

The Pilot comes in several trims, the base LX, EX, EX-L and luxurious Touring. Though front-wheel drive is standard, it's available in all-wheel drive. Be sure to check for current Honda deals that may be available on a new Pilot.

• "The 2011 Pilot is priced competitively for its segment, but its interior lacks the quality of some of its rivals. Drivers may also be put off by the boxy design of the Pilot." --Automobile.com
• "Though trucky on the outside, Pilot is as car-like as any vehicle in this class. That's a good thing, as this crossover's combination of performance, utility, and passenger accommodations make it worthy of a high place on your shopping list." -- Consumer Guide
• "The…Honda Pilot provides room and entertainment for many passengers, but its cabin tech isn't of the highest caliber and innovative engine technologies don't deliver on their promise of increased fuel economy." -- CNET
• "If Honda would just take another look at the dashboard materials and the upright face, we'd probably be good to go." -- Autoblog
• "We're not sure that consumers will continue to favor boxy SUV styling in the face of ever-increasing fuel prices. However, for families who are too self-conscious to be seen in an Odyssey, the Pilot does a good job of looking tough on the outside while coddling its passengers in comfort." -- Automobile Magazine

Pilot Performance - 7.7 (Good)

Test drivers say the 2011 Honda Pilot is an adequate performer with good power, but it falls short in several key areas. One of these is braking distance -- it takes longer than many competitors to stop, especially in panic situations. Read More

Pilot Exterior - 6.8 (Mediocre)

The 2011 Honda Pilot's exterior has a boxy look that pleases most reviewers. However, some of them criticize the front grille. Read More

Pilot Interior - 7.7 (Good)

The 2011 Honda Pilot's interior stands out because it seats eight in a class where most three-row SUVs seat seven. But while reviewers especially appreciate the spacious third-row seat, they are disappointed with the poor-quality cabin materials and confusing dashboard controls. Read More

Pilot Safety - NA

The 2011 Honda Pilot has not yet been crash tested. However, the federal government gave the 2010 Pilot excellent scores in crash tests. Read More

Pilot Reliability - NA

The Honda Pilot comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More