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Honda Pilot - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Honda Pilot ranks 14 out of 31 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 28 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Pilot, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

After a major redesign last year, the Pilot sees no changes for 2010, and pricing should remain about the same. With interior space, a new muscular exterior, and a more powerful engine, test drivers say it's a great buy within its class.

"Though trucky on the outside, Pilot is as car-like as any vehicle in this class," says Consumer Guide. "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." However, the Pilot still comes with a few glitches, including some plastic interior materials and noticeable torque steer.

The Pilot comes in several trims, including the base LX, EX, EX-L and all-new luxurious Touring model. 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.

• "Clearly, Honda's customers got what they wanted -- a new Pilot that's still a compact 8-seater, but one that's more spacious, more fuel efficient and a bit more practical than before, all wrapped up in an angular new suit befitting a proper SUV." -- Road and Track
• "The new Pilot isn't perfect, but it is impressive in its flexibility, road manners and safety equipment. Its biggest problem is that although it is a car-type crossover, it masquerades as an S.U.V. brute, a look that may scare off Americans looking for a vehicle that won't savage the bank account." -- New York Times
• "For what this vehicle is supposed to be, it seems very capable. It's smoother, quieter and apparently more fuel efficient than its predecessor, and if you choose the new Touring trim level, equipped to be almost on par with its more expensive Acura sibling, the new Pilot is quite a bargain. If Honda would just take another look at the dashboard materials and the upright face, we'd probably be good to go." -- Autoblog
• "All-in, quibbles and nits pale to near-insignificance, and the Honda asserts itself as comfortable, roomy inside but trim outside and quite maneuverable. It delivers sensible, but not boring, driving, riding, storing, toting. Pilot comes across as pretty close to wonderful." -- USA Today
• "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
• "The 2010 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

Pilot Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)

Last year's performance improvements please most reviewers. The Pilot's V6 engine is now rated at 250 horsepower -- six more horsepower than in 2008 -- and its torque is up by 13 pound-feet. "It's still no MDX; but those who genuinely prefer comfortable, controlled cruising to high-intensity corner-carving will love the ... Pilot's even more surefooted demeanor and improved ride," says Motor Trend. Read More

Pilot Exterior - 6.8 (Mediocre)

The Pilot's traditionally nondescript exterior was updated for 2009 with a boxier, more SUV-like look that pleases most reviewers. However, not all reviewers are so fond of the new exterior, with some criticizing the grille. "The styling looks like a step backward," says the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "At a time when droves of buyers are deserting thirsty truck-based sport utility vehicles and flocking to more economical car-based crossover utility vehicles, the new Pilot looks more like a truck." Read More

Pilot Interior - 7.9 (Good)

The 2010 Pilot's eight-seat interior receives a makeover that includes more passenger and cargo room. While reviewers especially appreciate the spaciousness and third-row seats, they are disappointed with other facets of the cabin. "Fit and finish are generally up to class standards, though Pilot's interior is awash in cheap-looking hard-plastic trim," writes Consumer Guide. "LX and EX's cloth upholstery looks nice and feels sturdy. EX-L and Touring's leather interior feels only slightly more upscale." Read More

Pilot Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The federal government gives the 2010 Pilot top five-star scores for all seating positions in both frontal and side crash tests. The Pilot comes with a full complement of safety equipment, including a pedestrian safety system and several LATCH (Lower Anchor and Tether for CHildren) positions. Read More

Pilot Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Honda Pilot reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Pilot comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More