2012 Honda Pilot vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

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.