Used 2022 Honda Pilot

The 2022 Honda Pilot is a mainstay of the midsize 3-row SUV/crossover class. It does virtually everything right. It’s strong, safe, and reliable, with a spacious and well-equipped cabin that seats up to eight. It can even tackle some mild off-roading.

For 2022, Honda has introduced two new versions — the Sport and TrailSport.

Although the new Pilot Sport is the entry-level model, it comes well-equipped with heated and power-adjustable front seats, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, and 3-zone climate control.

TrailSport is an off-road-oriented version. In addition to the existing all-wheel drive system, the Pilot TrailSport’s suspension is lifted by 0.6 inches. This model has also been given aggressive tires with stronger sidewalls, orange-stitched interior leather, and various badges.

For now, TrailSport is a trim level. It will eventually become a sub-brand for Honda trucks and SUVs.

Secure family transport with predictable and safe handling, a smooth ride quality, and a composed character. These are the driving traits of the Honda Pilot, and we’re grateful for them.

The engine has enough power for the kind of work the Pilot has to carry out and runs with a quiet refinement. It’s also one of the less thirsty V6 units in its class.

If a dirt road needs negotiating, the Pilot can probably handle it. Admittedly, its ground clearance of 7.3 inches is about an inch and a half lower than the Subaru Ascent, but it’s still usable. And the Pilot’s all-wheel-drive system has a terrain management system with settings for snow, sand, and mud.

With seating for eight in the Sport and EX-L trims, a choice of seven or eight in Touring trim, and seven in the Elite and Black Edition models, the 2022 Pilot is spacious and comfortable. It’s quiet, civilized, and bearable on long road trips as well. Which is when those 15 cup holders begin to see more action.

At 38.4 inches, rear legroom in the second row is more than adequate. The third row is, naturally, best for smaller and more pliable family members, but 31.9 inches of rear legroom isn’t bad.

This third seating row splits in 60/40 fashion and folds flat. Cargo space spans from 16.5 cubic feet to a maximum of 109.2 cubic feet.

The most remarkable exterior in the 2022 Pilot range is the top Black Edition with 20-inch alloy wheels and various body parts all as black as a raven’s wing. Also deserving of mention is the new Pilot TrailSport, which has special black-and-orange badging.

Otherwise, the Pilot has a somewhat understated appearance that seems to have been influenced more by necessity and practicality than any artistic flair. Which is a perfectly valid way to go about things in the 3-row midsize crossover world.

Oddly, roof rails are fitted to all trims except the EX.

CABINTALK
Available in the 2022 Pilot from Touring trim and up, this feature allows the driver to talk with those in the back through the Pilot’s speakers. If those rear passengers are wearing the wireless headphones that come with the rear-seat entertainment system, CabinTalk works with those as well.

TORQUE VECTORING
Although the 2022 Pilot is no enthusiast driver’s machine, the torque vectoring feature of the all-wheel-drive system does create a stable and efficient method for tight curves. It makes the outside rear wheel go faster than its inside counterpart.

The new-for-2022 Pilot Sport, is well equipped. In addition to the 280-horsepower V6, 9-speed automatic transmission, and 20-inch alloy wheels, it comes with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, satellite radio, two USB ports, 8-inch infotainment screen, 3-zone automatic climate control, plus the full Honda Sensing array of driver assistance features.

At the EX-L level comes a power-adjustable front passenger seat, powered moonroof, powered tailgate, leather seating surfaces, second-row sunshades, self-dimming rearview mirror, an extra USB port, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

SE has wireless charging and hands-free tailgate operation.

The new TrailSport comes with all-wheel drive and a suspension lifted by 0.6 inches, plus 18-inch black alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, fender flares, orange-stitched leather upholstery, wireless charging, navigation, and a one-touch powered moonroof.

The Touring version adds LED headlights, parking sensors, acoustic windshield, 590-watt/10-speaker audio system, navigation, rear onboard entertainment system (with a BluRay player and a 10.2-inch high-res screen), and Wi-Fi.

Elite trim is a 7-seater with a panoramic roof, rain-sensing wipers, heated steering wheel, heated/ventilated front seats, perforated leather seating surfaces, and blue ambient interior lighting.

The Black Edition is identical equipment-wise, but has various exterior elements in, unsurprisingly, black. The color of the cabin’s ambient LED lighting, meanwhile, is red. The vampire appeal is strong with this one.

Safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, road departure mitigation, and automatic high beams.

There aren’t many options for the 2022 Pilot, so it’s more a matter of finding the right trim level. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard with the TrailSport, Elite and Black Edition, and optional with  the other trims.

Touring offers the choice of an 8-seater arrangement with a center bench seat or a 7-seat setup with a pair of captain’s chairs. These chairs are standard in the Elite, and Black Edition.

Every 2022 Pilot is propelled by a 3.5-liter V6 generating 280 horsepower. A 9-speed automatic transmission sends that to the front wheels (FWD) in the lower trims. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard in the top two trims and optional elsewhere.

To save a little of the regular gasoline this V6 uses, there’s a stop/restart feature at idling that can be turned off if drivers find the restart action insufficiently smooth. Cylinder deactivation is another fuel economy measure.

Maximum tow ratings are 3,500 pounds (FWD) and 5,000 pounds (AWD).

3.5-liter V6
280 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
262 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg (FWD), 19/26 mpg (AWD)