Hot selling Honda Pilot arrives at dealers this week with one small change

What’s new for 2018 Honda Pilot? It’s due to arrive at your local Honda dealer the first week in December. From where I sit, Honda Pilot is a carryover from 2017 with one small change.

Honda Pilot is one of the highest rated 3-row SUVs in North America. Say what you will in your argument as to what constitutes a true SUV. You won’t find a ladder frame truck chassis here, yet our on and off road testing proves Honda pilot to be ranch duty worthy.

Granted, Honda Pilot is not a Chevy Tahoe or Ford Explorer, not everyone wants or needs a V8 powered 7,000lb SUV, Pilot is mid size, yet Pilot is large enough to seat up to 8 passengers; comes in either front wheel or all wheel drive, and can tow up to 5,000 lbs.

Honda’s midsize Pilot, when compared to the competition, always finishes in the top-5 with the automotive press, and scores top marks as to initial quality, long-term residual value, great utility, class leading fuel efficiency, and owners satisfaction with consumers.

It turns out the Honda Pilot is off-road worthy and tougher than one might think

I’ve yet to meet a Honda Pilot owner that didn’t love their Pilot. Available in several trim variants from the entry level LX FWD to the off-the-charts posh confines and capabilities of the near Acura MDX quality Pilot Elite AWD, there’s a Pilot for anyone requiring the size and utility of a 3-row SUV. Yes, I’ve spent a few weeks behind the wheel of Honda Pilot.

The first time I experienced the reengineered V6 powered, 9 speed AT shifted Pilot was at a racetrack in Kentucky. I found Pilot to be drive refined and capable to the point of undermining MDX sales. Well. that probably didn’t happen. As to that “change” thing.

2018 Honda Pilot, looking to the numbers

For 2018 Honda Pilot’s base price jumps from $30,745 to $30,900 + destination charges, a mild increase. Note: Honda SENSING, Honda’s award winning advanced active safety and driver assist technology is available throughout the lineup. Furthermore, the personal electronic connectivity obsessed will find ample electronic interface, charge ports, and an exceptional 2nd and 3rd row theater experience available for Pilot.

Me, I like driving it! Honda Pilot affords the interior comfort and ride dynamic of a full size sedan. It’s comfortable, quiet, yet truck duty worthy. I anticipate Pilot sales to increase in 2018 with increased dealership variant availability.

For those of you looking for a “deal” on Pilot, 2017 is effectively the same vehicle. Look for year end incentives in December. Happy hunting!

Here’s your trim walk

Trim/Drivetrain, Transmission, MSRP1

EPA MPG Rating3 (city/highway/combined)

LX / 2WD
6AT
$30,900
19/27/22

LX / AWD
6AT
$32,800
18/26/21

EX / 2WD
6AT
$33,330
19/27/22

EX / AWD
6AT
$35,230
18/26/21

EX w/Honda Sensing / 2WD
6AT
$34,330
19/27/22

EX w/Honda Sensing / AWD
6AT
$36,230
18/26/21

EX-L / 2WD
6AT
$36,760
19/27/22

EX-L / AWD
6AT
$38,660
18/26/21

EX-L w/Honda Sensing / 2WD
6AT
$37,760
19/27/22

EX-L w/Honda Sensing / AWD
6AT
$39,660
18/26/21

EX-L w/Navi / 2WD
6AT
$37,760
19/27/22

EX-L w/Navi / AWD
6AT
$39,660
18/26/21

EX-L w/RES / 2WD
6AT
$38,360
19/27/22

EX-L w/RES / AWD
6AT
$40,260
18/26/21

Touring / 2WD
9AT
$41,970
20/27/23

Touring / AWD
9AT
$43,870
19/26/22

Elite / AWD
9AT
$47,470
19/26/22