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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Honda Pilot

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Honda Pilot

Overview

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2012 Honda Pilot Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 8.0

The 2012 Honda Pilot SUV nails the right combination of size, power, ability and value. Not as gargantuan as the Chevy Tahoe or Suburban, the Pilot can still accommodate eight people, has plenty of room for cargo and gets reasonably good gas mileage for its size. On the downside, the Pilot offers only a V6 engine, can't tackle Jeep-style off-road situations, and can only tow up to 4,500 pounds (2,000 pounds for the 2-wheel-drive model). To spur sales, the 2012 Pilot SUV receives new styling that somewhat negates previous complaints about the vehicle's lackluster looks. Of course, with fierce competition from such heavyweights as the Mazda CX-9, GMC Acadia, Ford Explorer and Toyota 4Runner, the Pilot isn't a shoo-in for best-in-class, even with its lofty Honda pedigree. Lacking some more modern features, such as the Explorer's adjustable AWD terrain settings and SYNC communication technology, the Pilot may not cut it with avid off-road junkies and techno types. But, for those who simply seek dependable, efficient and comfortable transportation for themselves and their family, the 2012 Honda Pilot SUV is an easy choice.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you need a vehicle that provides 8-passenger capacity but are dead set against driving a minivan, the 2012 Honda Pilot makes an excellent alternative. Strong, safe and easy to drive, the Pilot SUV can tackle jobs no minivan would dare; and with 4WD, snow days for the kids are a thing of the past.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Honda has a bad habit of bundling popular options by trim alone. If you're someone who thinks you shouldn't have to move to the highest trim level just to get navigation or a power liftgate, there are better choices. Those who need to tow heavy loads or enjoy going far off-road will be better served by a V8-powered body-on-frame SUV such as the Chevy Tahoe or Ford Expedition.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.0
Driving Dynamics

8.2
Comfort & Convenience

8.4
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.2
Value

7.6
Safety

8.0

How It Ranks

#48

out of 65

MPG

#35

out of 66

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

8.9 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

The 2012 Honda Pilot SUV receives a major front-end makeover, with more rounded edges, a softer grille and more chrome trim. EX and EX-L trims gain updated audio systems that include a 2GB CD library, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, and streaming audio, while the EX-L gains an 8-inch color Multi-Information Display. All trims see a 1 mpg increase in fuel economy.

Driving the Pilot

Driving Impressions Despite its size, the 2012 Honda Pilot SUV rides and drives very much like a large car. The firm suspension limits body roll, squat, and dive, yet is not so...

firm as to punish its passengers with every passing pothole or road distortion. We found the Pilot's steering a bit heavily weighted, but it is very precise and offers good feedback in the turns. On the highway the Pilot SUV tracks straight, and even strong wind gusts can't deter it from its intended course. The interior seems quieter than many large SUVs we've tested, but that's not a scientific finding, only a sense we get from test driving so many of the Honda Pilot's competitors. We love the 3.5-liter V6 for its gutsy response when we demand to go fast, and for its smooth, silent operation. We also like the fuel economy, which is near the best in this class. Although we didn't have a chance to test the Pilot's AWD system in the snow, we did venture up some dirt fire roads and found the VTM-4 AWD setup to be fairly capable of keeping the Pilot SUV moving forward through dirt, loose gravel and mud. A lock mode on the Pilot's transmission mimics a low-range transfer case, keeping power permanently flowing to all four wheels at speeds under 18 mph.

Favorite Features

Rearview Mirror Camera Display
Available on the EX-L trim, this 2.5-inch LCD display – conveniently located in the rearview mirror – shows you what's behind the vehicle while in reverse.

Second Row Seating
The 2012 Honda Pilot SUV's second row offers excellent room for taller passengers and also provides LATCH systems for three child seats.

2012 Honda Pilot Details

2012 Honda Pilot Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

In keeping with Honda's simple but functional design philosophy, the 2012 Pilot SUV's interior is a study in efficiency. The dash and instruments are easy to operate and logically placed. There are no fancy light shows here, no radical designs that look neat but don't work well in the real world, just the basics. Of course, the Honda Pilot's interior is by no means stark, and in EX-L trim it is downright plush. Legroom is more than adequate in all three rows, an unusual and welcome attribute in this class. Rear cargo space with the third-row seat in place, however, is not so abundant. Luckily, there is a large cargo bin below the floor for storing items, as well as ample roof space for a carrier rack. Fold the seats flat, and the 2012 Honda Pilot SUV can be used like a small pickup truck, or a sturdy steel tent with cozy accommodation for two.

Exterior

With its new face, the 2012 Honda Pilot SUV somewhat softens its boxy and bland image, making it a bit more palatable to the fashion-conscious SUV driver. Still present are the Pilot's long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs, a design that not only makes the 2012 Pilot SUV look more solid and stable, but that allows for easy maneuvering in tight spots. Honda's ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure ensures maximum strength from the unit body, permitting the front end to absorb more energy in the event of an impact and keeping the passenger compartment (and its contents) from harm. Stylistically, the new 17- and 18-inch wheels really bring out the best in the Pilot SUV's design, while clever features such as the flip-up glass window on the tailgate and the standard integrated tow-hitch serve a more functional purpose.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A base 2012 Honda Pilot SUV comes with sport cloth seats, remote entry system, automatic headlights, power windows, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 17-inch wheels, front and rear air conditioning, an integrated rear cargo net and under-floor storage, auxiliary input jack and an AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and a subwoofer. The EX, EX-L and Touring Pilots add an 8-way power driver's seat, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, daytime running lights, Bluetooth and heated side mirrors. Exclusive to the EX-L is a rearview camera with a display screen imbedded in the rearview mirror.

Optional Equipment

Most of the additional features for the 2012 Honda Pilot SUV are tied to trim level and are not available as stand-alone extras. These options include a 512-watt AM/FM/6-disc CD premium audio system with 10 speakers, leather seats, power moonroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, corner and rear backup sensors, power tailgate, side-mirror turn signals, HD navigation system with voice recognition and rearview camera, 115-volt power outlet, a USB port and second-row integrated sun shades. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system is available only on the EX-L and Touring trims.

Under the Hood

The 2012 Honda Pilot's engine comes equipped with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology, allowing for an uptick in horsepower and torque, as well as improved fuel economy. This VCM technology, similar to the system used in the current Honda Accord, allows the vehicle to seamlessly run on three, four, or six cylinders, depending on driving conditions and requirements.

3.5-liter V6
250 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
253 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 (2WD), 17/24 (AWD)

Pricing Notes

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2012 Honda Pilot LX SUV starts just over $29,000 and tops out just shy of $42,000 for a loaded all-wheel-drive (AWD) Touring trim with navigation and the DVD Rear Entertainment System. Its base price is on par (or lower) than the entry prices of the GMC Acadia and Ford Explorer, and even the Pilot's Touring trim level remains competitively priced in its segment. Be sure to take a look at the Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price to see what consumers in your area are currently paying for the Pilot SUV. As for residual values, the 2012 Honda Pilot is projected to hold values on par with the Chevy Traverse and Ford Explorer, better than the Mazda CX-9, but below the Toyota 4Runner.

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2012 Honda Pilot Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.9

Out of 10

Based on 220 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.0/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

8.8/10

Great Vehicle, Great Value.

By Former Benz-GL450 Owner (AL) on Sunday, July 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,200

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "comfortable, great MPG, great value for the $"

Cons: "plastic feeling on the interior, black helps"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I grew tired of the cost of owning my GL-450 and decided to look at the Pilot. I thought at first that I was going down in vehicle. I have found that I enjoy the room, the ride, and more than ever the cost of owning this vehicle. Great MPG for the size. I am very happy with my new vehicle."

5 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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I max out the pilot

By Marc (VA) on Friday, July 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "8 comfortable seats, 5000 lb towing capacity"

Cons: "Not free"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought the Pilot EX-L AWD and it has worked out for every demand I have for it. I have 6 kids and everyone has a reasonably comfortable seat with all 8 people in the car with a stroller in the trunk. This includes 2 car seats and a booster. Front passenger leg room is great as I am 6'1"+. The stereo is better than my 06 MDX. The Aux input allows smart phone to switch between GPS and music and phone so the NAV package might sync via Bluetooth but that is a pretty minor perk for several thousand more. The center console is more useable than any other vehicle I have owned. Towing: I pull an 18 ft bow-rider. You can feel it is back there but there are no problems with highway or city handling and I have never slipped on the ramp. Clearance and hitch height is also very good. Seats fold down easily. Extra room in the floor of the trunk. Having the separate flip up back window allows loading and unloading of the trunk without having everything fall out, all over the driveway. So this vehicle pretty much does it all and does it well. No mechanical problems at all, but only 2 years old. When I bought the pricing was a good 8 grand better than the highlander. Reliability ratings pretty much knock this out of the park over everything else with comparable room and gas mileage."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Great Vehicle and Family Car - Super Safe -

By earnold (IL) on Wednesday, July 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 64,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Cons: "Little under powered for towing"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Overall my wife and I love this vehicle. We will probably always have one in the household. The drive is smooth and noise is minimal. Lots of room for two small children and the third row seat will allow for separation as they get older. Maintenance cost are what I would expect for a larger vehicle. (Larger tires and brakes cost more...) Good looking and versatile."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great Vehicle and Family Car - Super Safe -

By earnold (IL) on Wednesday, July 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 64,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Cons: "Little under powered for towing"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Excellent choice for growing family of 5

By joe (LA) on Sunday, June 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "child access, ride comfort, looks great!!!"

Cons: "could use a little more HP for high traffic areas"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I recently purchased a touring pilot and have no regrets. I needed something for my wife and I and our three kids to get around comfortably and the pilot is definitely the answer. My kids love it and are very comfortable getting in and out and with their seating area. My wife and I love driving it, although I would agree it could have a little more horsepower, for the most part it's nimble enough to get in and out of traffic, but could be a little more responsive at the accelerator. The car drives fantastic and handles well, especially on the road system we have in the south. It makes for a pleasant drive daily. I would highly recommend this vehicle for it's user friendliness, well defined control layout and ease of access in and out of the vehicle. In fact the vehicle is so impressive inside and out that a good friend of mine took one look and test drive, of my pilot, and bought it the next day!!!!"

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Just hit 195,000 miles!

By Cindy (CA) on Friday, May 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 195,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Roomy, easy to drive, low maintenance"

Cons: "Wish the gas mileage was a little better"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love my Honda Pilot...it's a 2007 and I just hit 195,000. Considering getting a new one because I "anticipate" issues at this mileage; but, everything still is GREAT!"

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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