2012 Honda Pilot vs. Its Competition

2012 Honda Pilot 2WD 4-door EX-L Angular Front Exterior View

Meta Rating 7.6 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Bengt Halvorson

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Bengt Halvorson is Deputy Editor of High Gear Media's portfolio of car sites, overseeing the production of reviews, evaluating vehicles firsthand... More

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#2LEADERBOARD RANK
2660ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
108COMMENTS POSTED

Jan 26, 2012

The 2012 Honda Pilot looks more like a tough, truck-like SUV, but it's more like a tall wagon or minivan.

Its most direct rival is definitely the Toyota Highlander; like the Pilot, the Highlander has a more traditional, squared-off profile, but the Highlander is less overt and ridiculous styling-wise—and less likely to offend.

The Highlander has a nice, soft ride, but it's not nearly as responsive of a performer on the road.

The Ford Flex is another solid rival, and one of our editors' top picks; it has excellent interior comfort and distinctive, boxy styling that's more urban-hip than rugged.

And with the available EcoBoost V-6, the Flex performs better than the Pilot.

The Chevrolet Traverse is larger than the Flex, with a higher seating position closer to that of traditional SUVs, yet it handles and performs well and has a very well-appointed interior.

Another worthy entry, the Kia Sorento, feels slightly smaller than the Honda Pilot—mostly due to a more curvaceous body—and like the Highlander, it offers a more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine choice.

2012 Honda Pilot Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Chevrolet Traverse Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Ford Flex Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Kia Sorento Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Toyota Highlander Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.6 Don't let the macho-boxy look intimidate you; the Honda Pilot makes a lot of sense for large families—especially with improved mileage and a most tasteful front-end design for 2012.	8 One of the best big crossovers for families needing seven-passenger capability, the 2012 Chevy Traverse is spacious and safe, though unexciting.	9.2 One of our top-rated vehicles, the 2012 Ford Flex has real distinction, along with top-shelf turbo power, great seats and great features.	8 With the right size, the right gas-mileage numbers, and the right standard features, the 2012 Kia Sorento is an easy recommendation in the crossover class.	7.8 The 2012 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid to roomy, three-row family crossover wagons what the Camry is to mid-size sedans: comfortable, safe, and full-featured—but more than a little bland.
MSRP From
$28,620	$29,660	$29,465	$21,250	$28,240
Gas Mileage
17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas V6	Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	2WD Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD	Sport Utility Vehicle
Style Name
2WD 4-Door LX	FWD 4-Door LS	4-Door SE FWD	2WD 4-Door I4 Base	FWD 4-Door I4 (Natl)
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
8	8	7	5	7
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door Sport Utility	4 Door	Wagon	4 Door	4 Door
Transmission
Automatic w/OD	Automatic	Automatic	Manual	Automatic