Should you buy the Honda Pilot? It's an excellent 3-Row SUV, but it's not for everyone. Here is Anna's story on why she and her husband sold her new Honda Pilot after only six months. Can you relate?
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SUVs are the hottest new car segment, but are they the best for families?
If you consider the Honda Pilot as a family hauler, you may want to think again. It's an excellent vehicle, but it's not for everyone. Here is Anna's story on why she sold her new Honda Pilot after only six months. "Oops, you live, and you learn," she says.
Here is Anna's story.
Anna's video on TikTok (@annaelundy) reveals her dilemma. Her husband spent a ton of money on it for her, but she doesn't love her new Honda Pilot.
She starts by saying, "The Honda Pilot is a wonderful car if you don't have multiple kids in car seats. If your kids are grown and you don't have car seats, I love the Pilot."
Maybe you can relate to Anna.
"We have three kids, one in an infant seat and two in convertible car seats, and all are rear-facing. When you look at the Pilot in the car dealership, it looks great."
"Wow, this is a lot of space. This is a ton of trunk space. However, when you put the car seats in the seats and put your stuff in the trunk, you quickly realize the space here is not going to cut it."
"In the Pilot, I had to install all the car seats in the middle, put my kid in the back (third row), and then couldn't use the trunk. I couldn't load the stroller, I couldn't load groceries, I couldn't bring the port-a-potty. Miserable."
"To have all three kids in the middle was not realistic. I couldn't even buckle my son up; he can't buckle himself up; if he fell asleep in the car, I couldn't pull him out, and it was just hard."
"The car seats in the middle fit, but with that being said, the middle console vents just hit the back of my kid's car seat. The vents in the third row were angled back, so literally no AC, and all they could feel was the cabin temperature."
"We had to crank the AC up and wait five minutes before we went anywhere. Otherwise, they would truly smolder, and we have to always drive with the AC on full blast."
Anna went on to say that the AC on full blast overstimulated her to the point that she even cried a few times in the car.
"That's when I hit my breaking point, and I confessed to my husband that I did not love the car that he spent a ton of money on for me."
"Another thing is that the cabin doesn't cool off as fast when driving in Eco mode. So, I had to switch from the Eco model to the Normal mode, and I was getting 18 miles per gallon. Not only was I disappointed in the AC, but it wants to rip me off and give me 18 miles per gallon."
Anna has buyer's remorse.
"To have just bought the car and be this unhappy, I didn't want to own it for the next ten years and still feel this huge buyer's remorse over it."
"So, my husband and I decided to sell the Pilot while still feeling on top. We lost a few thousand dollars on it, but we wanted a minivan. We are already looking at some that are well below our budget, and we feel good about the decision to see; we don't regret it at all."
"The Pilot was a really nice car. It was a beautiful car, but I have a feeling that I'll get in my minivan and never look back."
"My husband and I decided that this vehicle just was not as "young family friendly" as we had hoped it would be and, honestly, just really lessened our quality of life (not to be dramatic, but for real)."
Anna has excellent advice for car shoppers.
"When car shopping, take the car seats to the dealer or ask if you can take it home first. I've heard of that before where you can take the car home overnight, load your stuff there, and make sure it works for you and your family."
A report from Kelly, the Car Mom Official, gives her advice.
The sliding doors are an iconic minivan feature.
She says, "Sliding doors are a trademark feature of minivans and a game-changer for families. They provide easier access, especially when parked in tight spots or loading kids into car seats."
Car Seat versatility.
Kelly says, "Minivans, hands down, offer more versatility when it comes to car seats. A minivan's adaptability makes it the top choice if you've got multiple young kids in car seats. Minivans offer more car seat hardware and easier third-row access and are equipped with unique, family-friendly features. Full-size SUVs (like the Honda Pilot) aren't bad, but minivans have the edge in versatility."
Miles Per Gallon
She says, "Miles per gallon matters, especially for families on the go. With our Yukon XL, we get roughly 16 miles per gallon combined, while the Kia Carnival boasts a more efficient 22 miles combined."
Kelly's Hot Take, Minivan vs. SUV.
"My SUV is preferred, but it depends on your phase of life. Choosing between a full-size SUV and a minivan isn't easy. Both have their perks. As a mom of 3, how can I possibly choose? Personally, I love the convenience of sliding doors in this phase of my life, but the powerful presence of an SUV can't be ignored."
Conclusion:
Choosing between a full-size SUV and a minivan isn't as easy choice because both have their significant advantages. It's important to consider the phase of life when making such a significant choice. It could save you thousands of dollars.
My question is, why didn't the Honda salesperson who sold them the Pilot show them the more young, family-friendly Honda Odyssey?
Here are what other commenters said:
75Kaybee
The minivan is the way to go if you have multiple small kids in car seats. I fought it kicking and screaming but loved my minivan and gifted it to my son to drive.
Meagan_B
I viewed the Odyssey and Pilot when pregnant with our third. Choosing the Odyssey was the easiest and best decision! 1.5 years later and zero regrets.
Qball0077
I love my Honda Pilot black edition. Not sure what issues you had.
MandaB122
Loveeeeeee my pilot!!
Caitlin Kennelly
I said I'd never buy a van- yet here we are with a Toyota Sienna, and I LOVE it!
PEJF18375017319973111233
You need a Honda Odyssey 😉
Life in the Dannenberg House
Every mom not trying to by a minivan. I have lived my best life in my Toyota Sienna for 6 years and still love her.
ta198839
We did the same thing with the Toyota Grand Highlander…back to the Tahoe! Way better
Sarah snow
I have a 2023 Toyota Sienna and LOVE it. I didn't want a minivan, but it made the most sense for our family, and I've never regretted the purchase once.
It's Your Turn.
If you have a young family, what's your experience with the Honda Pilot? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my "10 Best SUVs For Car Seats" report here.
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via @annaelundy
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I get being frustrated, but…
I get being frustrated, but crying?! Give me a break! I've never owned a minivan and never will. Yuck. I tried the Acura MDX (luxury version of the Pilot) for a few years and it was extremely handy. But it was honestly too big. Sold it to my dad and went back to a Honda Accord. Dad still drives the MDX. Has 215k mi on it now. 🥰
What’s with women and…
What’s with women and minivans? Note most minivans buyers are men not women. Are they trying to look tough or sporty? Ugh. I’m a guy. I don’t have kids. But when traveling with a bunch of friends to go skiing scuba diving or packing up for a ball game I rent minivans hands down. And they’re significantly cheaper too.
If you have three young kids…
If you have three young kids, huge SUVs and minivans are your choices. What I would ask is, why didn’t you check that out before buying?
It's a good thing you sold…
It's a good thing you sold it while it still runs or you didn't get killed by the airbag
Don't blame the salesperson…
Don't blame the salesperson. If you go into a showroom and say you want an SUV the last thing he/She will do is risk confusing things by suggesting you look at a van. Not getting a van when you have little kids is almost crazy. More space, way more, easy to get kids in and out, cheaper to buy, better mileage, powered sliding doors, easier to park, some even have 4wd. Seriously, the only advantage 3 row SUVs have is towing ability. But nobody wants a van.... And only 4 are now made.
Anna paid the stupid tax,…
Anna paid the stupid tax, don't be like Anna. If one dealer will not let you load car seats in and try things out, go to a dealer that will.
Really dumb article! How…
Really dumb article!
How many Families have 3 kids in car seats and pick the wrong vehicle? Not many.
Blaming the salesman for an SUV choice?
Im thinking both husband and wife must be blondes.
...most people around the…
...most people around the world walk, commute on bicycle or scooter at best (donki or camel are optional;-) ....we, Americans got so brainwashed, spoiled and fat, that we will complain about coffee being too hot!
Pilot's fine for 2 car seats…
Pilot's fine for 2 car seats in the middle row. 1 kid is like none, 3 is like 20. minivan's much easier if you need that many carseats and boosters.
i have a honda pilot. i have…
i have a honda pilot. i have 4 children and twins on the way. 7, 4, 3, & 2. it doesnt matter what car you have lol if the kids can't unbuckle themselves its already a struggle. Im not rich but I love a suv thats not overly huge and i can fit into most parking spots and parallel parking. i would definitely upgrade to a newer honda pilot. mini vans are not cute to me lol.
I love love love my Honda…
I love love love my Honda Pilot Elite would not trade for nothing but a new one. It rides nice I sit high my grand kids love it. My 18 yr old granddaughter loves driving it. The car seats go in the back. The front and middle have ample room. The sun roof sky light is amazing. We have a wagon which fits nicely in the back. Also allowing room for 3 duffle bags loaded with swim gear. I think Honda did an excellent job not like some suvs that installed the cup holder on the floor in between
I LOVE my pilot! I have the…
I LOVE my pilot! I have the black edition and it is so different than the other ones. I understand this mom’s frustrations but it comes down to your family. I would I consider mine as a young family. I have a 3 and 6 year old. The older one just moved from convertible to a booster. It is great! I have so much more room to fit the car seats than other cars. And if we need to use the third row to pick up grandma or others. There is plenty of leg room for whomever needs to sit back there. If you’re like me and use the the third row sparingly, there is so much room! I can fit a double BOB stroller, and still have plenty of room for a potty, groceries, luggage, etc. It’s definitely a car to check out, even with a young family!
Get a Toyota Grand…
Get a Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.35miles to the gallon. Thank me later :)
Unfortunately, you bought…
Unfortunately, you bought the Honda Pilot for yourselves and not for your kids. With kids and carpools x 16 years, we owned 2 Honda Odyssey minivans and they were terrific! Switched to a Pilot during college and grad school; lots of room for dorm / apartment move ins/outs and everybody's happy. Both the Odyssey and Pilot are great vehicles; you just have to be realistic about what your (kids) needs are.
We had 2 minivans, 2005…
We had 2 minivans, 2005 Toyota sienna and a 2006 Chrysler town and country, but they were showing their age. We sold the minivans and got a Ford f150 and a Honda pilot (both 2016). I am in a family of 6, and we switched vehicles 2 years ago. We loved the minivans and their capabilities. We could tow a popup along with our entire family and stuff in the sienna. As your kids get older, you might switch to the Honda pilot.Minivans are the best option for new families. We love our Honda pilot.
Had ani insurance claim for…
Had ani insurance claim for a cracked
Windshield had all dash warnings lit on my 2021 pilot black edition.Service at dealer wanted to sell me 4000 worth of bs because vehicle was out of warranty. I was told front camera radar sensors lane departure and cruise control issue was because it wasn’t replaced with OEM.windshield by insurance. Too long of an ordeal to detail my nightmare.
All I see here is a great…
All I see here is a great SUV that was purchased by a couple of dummies who didn’t know what they wanted - eye candy at the dealership they bought with their eyes, not their needs so they proceeded to tear it down and criticize it. They should’ve bought a minivan from the beginning..
Drove my Honda Pilot for 2…
Drove my Honda Pilot for 2 yrs, took long trip with my nephews, all under 10 yrs old without any issues. I love my Honda Pilot and concidering buying the new edition.
We have four kids (including…
We have four kids (including twins). After child number 3 we went with a minivan and it was a perfect fit for us. Dual sliding doors, 3 rows of seating and a center aisle. Like your own personal airliner and we needed it! Since my wife and I work different shifts and have occasional different days off, we eventually opted to replace both our cars with minivans, both Grand Caravans. The stow-n-go seating system was worth its weight in gold, especially when taking the kids on trips.
And I could easily fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood inside when using the van in project mode. We upgraded one van to the Chrysler Town & Country and it had great service even at 140k miles.
It's replacement, the Pacifica has an option for all wheel drive which would provide added peace of mind, especially where we lived in Western New York.
Love the van, respect the van!! And I'm a guy saying that!
Precisely why I went with…
Precisely why I went with Chevy traverse. So much space!!! Pilot is just so mainstream Same goes for highlander
I love my Pilot, but I had…
I love my Pilot, but I had an awesome Odyssey when my kids were young. YOU should have done your research before buying the Pilot. I get 28 MPG with my Pilot, never use the economy button and never have trouble with the middle row or back being hot or stuffy. Not sure why your mpg was so bad?
I own a Honda Pilot and I…
I own a Honda Pilot and I regret it. Honda should have put a recall on the pilots frame and subframe because I quickly rusts to the point of not being safe and all the suspension parts are unable to be supported in the rear. Look into it before ever purchasing a pilot. It is a common issue with owners of these cars and Honda should put out a recall or face criminal charges for selling vehicles so new that rust so fast and easily making it unsafe and total the cars by suspension in the rear being so rusted there's nothing to hold the rear suspension parts in place. My rear subframe and frame are so rusted thru that my suspension came thru the floor in the back and now I am unable to drive it safely and it will never pass inspection again and I was told the frame is so rusted it is considered a totaled car. Honda has a kit to purchase for this being extremely expensive and shouldn't need a suspension kit after such little time. This is how they get away with it. Recycled metal for frame and refuse to issue a recall on the pilots even tho it's been a complaint from many pilot buyers of many different years going back to as new as 2018 models. It's ridiculous. NEVER PURCHASE A HONDA PILOT! ENGINE US GREAT BUT FRAME WILL RUST BEYOND REPAIR QUICK.If you don't believe this will happen to you,, when it does I told you so. Pilots are crap hands down. Not safe for children at all
Rookie mistake! Any…
Rookie mistake! Any experienced parent already knows everything you are complaining about regarding the SUV-minivan debate. The minivan will win with small children every time. And, you didn't buckle your car seats into the new car before buying; Wow! Bet you won't make that mistake again.
I bet if this the logo was a…
I bet if this the logo was a Mercedes she would shut up. This woman is a retard
I don't have no complain…
I don't have no complain from my Honda Pilot Touring 2024 I love it my family love it bes I recomend it to anyone.