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.
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 2012 Honda PilotBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Chevrolet TraverseBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Ford FlexBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Kia SorentoBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Toyota HighlanderBrowse Used Listings |
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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. |
One of the best big crossovers for families needing seven-passenger capability, the 2012 Chevy Traverse is spacious and safe, though unexciting. |
One of our top-rated vehicles, the 2012 Ford Flex has real distinction, along with top-shelf turbo power, great seats and great features. |
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. |
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 / 28 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 (GS) |
| 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 | 4 Door | 4 Door | 4 Door |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic | Manual | Automatic |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2012 Honda Pilot vs. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse | 2012 Honda Pilot vs. 2012 Ford Flex | 2012 Honda Pilot vs. 2012 Kia Sorento | 2012 Honda Pilot vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
