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With a track record for reliability and space for your whole brood, the Pilot is a great choice for active families. Many of the Pilot’s features will make Honda owners feel right at home. The Pilot is based on the Odyssey, so it drives in much the same fashion. The 3.5-liter V-6 is good for 250 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque, and the vehicle can tow up to 4500 pounds. The Pilot is one of the best-driving crossovers in its segment. The steering is nicely weighted, engineers have dialed in the suspension so that there’s little body roll, and the ride quality is neither too soft nor too stiff. On the inside, all Pilots get Honda’s eight-inch i-MID display, which shows audio and navigation (if equipped) information, as well as the images from the standard rearview camera. The Pilot has three rows of seats and can carry eight passengers, although it’s not as roomy as a minivan. There are other vehicles in this segment — such as the Mazda CX-9 — that are more attractively styled and more powerful, but the Pilot manages to outsell the CX-9 more than four to one, thanks to its reputation for reliability, its convenience and space, and the cachet of the Honda name.

COMPETITORS

Ford Explorer

Mazda CX-9

Nissan Pathfinder

Toyota 4Runner

new for 2013

The Pilot was lightly refreshed in 2012, but now receives a standard eight-inch i-MID information display with Bluetooth and USB audio connectivity, as well as standard automatic climate control and a rearview camera. Obsidian blue pearl paint replaces Bali blue pearl paint.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Front, side, and side curtain air bags are standard, as are ABS, traction and stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

MPG

CITY 17–18

HWY 24–25

PRO

Simple, efficient interior

Rides and handles well

Three rows of seating

CON

Boxy styling

Can be expensive

Base Price Range: $30,250–$42,000

SPECIFICATIONS

DRIVE: Front-wheel, 4-wheel

TRIM LEVELS: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring

BODY STYLE: SUV/crossover, 8-passenger

ENGINE: 3.5L V-6, 250 hp, 253 lb-ft

TRANSMISSION: 5-speed automatic

PASSENGER VOLUME: 152.7–153.7 cu ft

CAPACITIES: Towing 2000–4500 lb; cargo (behind third/middle/front seats) 18.0/47.7/87.0 cu ft