2018 Honda Pilot Review: Reliable & Roomy Midsize SUV With Low Ownership Costs

Jan 12, 2023

The 2018 Honda Pilot lasts around 250,000 miles with some battery and brake noise issues reported. At $21,050 to $28,400, it’s a great value for a midsize SUV with a spacious cabin.

The Good

Passenger room is better than other SUVs, the engine offers good power and the cabin is quiet.

The Bad

The nine-speed transmission is clunky, the steering feels loose and advanced safety technology is only on the high-end models.

Is the 2018 Honda Pilot a Good Used SUV?

Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Honda Pilot since it holds up well over time while also being practical for a large family, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the spacious interior, low maintenance costs, along with the technology.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a midsize SUV, the seats hold up well over time, cargo space is better than many competitors as well.
Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread problems on the 2018 Honda Pilot. Avoid models from 2016 since there are some engine & transmission problems. Models from 2017–2022 are more reliable.
Performance 8/10 – Performance is okay for a midsize SUV, yet it’s not the fastest or sportiest choice on the market.
Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Pilot is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, as well as collision mitigation braking.
Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 23 MPG, giving 448 miles of range from the 19.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $12 cheaper than average at $194 per month.
Value 8/10 – The 2018 Honda Pilot is similar in price to other midsize SUVs while offering good reliability, giving it a high value score.

Positive Owner Reviews

Mar R

It does have a blind spot that I have had to work with.

It has a smooth ride, and it is very gas efficient. It is very roomy inside. Like keyless entry and backup camera.

J R

Spacious and drives great!

The car has lots of space, is good on gas mileage and goes well in adverse weather. The interior is spacious and the electronics are great. It has a remote start which helps cool the car in summer and warm in winter. I cannot think of anything negative.

Shivani K

Phenomenal ride and drive.

The drive is extremely smooth. Lane centering is amazing, kind of like having the car drive on its own. Gives added peace of mind. Rear entertainment works very well. Lots of space. Good legroom in back. Looks nice too. Have leather seats which are heated in back. Very nice.

Dena S

The best car for the family who does not want a minivan.

This car is very reliable and has not been problematic at all. My only complaint is that I am coming from driving a minivan and it took time to get used to the limited visibility in comparison to a minivan. This car rides incredibly smooth. It is reaction to the road and my driving is very good. It is a very nice car to drive. It also fits my family of 7 very comfortably.

Jeff R

Excellent experience-will purchase Honda again!

I was worried that getting less than the touring level would be less than satisfactory; however, I have been pleasantly surprised and have found that with the lx trim level I have all of the features I need, not a lot of extras that I will never use. I have had zero problems with performance, and Honda’s service has been a-plus. I got the extended warranty as I keep my vehicles long term.

Kristen V

Awesome car for mom! Perfect amount of space for multiple car seats.

I love the backup camera, the heated steering and seats, I love the cooling seats, navigation. I love that it has. 3rd row. I love that it notifies me when a car is next to me before I change lanes. I love that the car tells me to break if I am too close to another car. I love that it vibrates when I am veering into another lane even just a little. I love that it has a DVD player. I love a keyless start. I do not like that the car has to start up after I have come to a complete stop for a few seconds like at a traffic light or stop sign.

Erica W

Reliable and Economical Family Car

I love all of its interior features, but I do wish that it had a little better gas mileage and a sleeker exterior. Reliability is high, extremely comfortable with great storage space for families. I also love the size of the 3rd row, it is very comfortable and the trunk space is big for when you don't use the 3rd row.

Kaitlyn A

Honda Pilot- Best Family Vehicle

I absolutely love my vehicle. We have had no problems with it. The performance is great, it drives very smoothly and feels like a luxury car. It's very reliable and comfortable. I love the backup camera and the side view camera when using your right blinker. I also love the self driving feature when using cruise control. I love that it beeps when you get too close to something as well. It's been a great family car for us.

Negative Owner Reviews

Real Review.

I have to wonder how many of the reviewers actually own a 2018 Honda Pilot. I do. It's laughable compared to a Toyota. The interior is cheap. The road noise is terrible. I checked the dB and it was consistently around 85-87. The stereo is garbage. And I mean garbage. I can't hear it driving down the road unless it's super loud. The whole stereo user interface is terrible. You can't manipulate iTunes unless you're looking at the screen. The maintenance costs are high. Have to change rear diff at 5k miles if you live in mountains. Come on. What does "mountain" even mean to them. The lane assist camera is a complete joke. So instead of using my mirror I'm supposed to look at a screen that doesn't come close to giving me a clear picture? What's the point? Rear suspension noise is terrible. Go over a speed bump and you'll think you broke an axle. But according to Honda, that's just the noise that they're highly engineered new and improved shocks make. And now to the lovely transmission. The transmission is extremely slow to engage. When I shift into drive it will be a good two seconds before it engages. Spend the extra money and get an MDX. The Pilot is garbage.

Herman Burgess

Bad paint on these Honda pilot

Nothing

Marty

Big problems with sensing system

We have 5000 miles on our 2018 honda pilot elite. The sensing system has major issues. Seems like no one has a FIX. Now it's getting to become unsafe to drive.

John

Honda Pilot 2016/2017 have problems starting up.

I just bought the car brand new year ago and it has problems starting up with 40k miles in! My niece bought a Pilot 2016 with the same problems as well. We need to file a civil action lawsuit. Call me 601-595-1261.

mike

NO HEAT

Non-functioning heater in 2018 Pilot. They confirmed heater vent temperature of 28°F but will not fix! Buy something else unless you live in a warm climate.

mike

NO HEATER

Non-functioning heater puts out 28°F heat from vent. Verified by Honda but they refuse to fix it. Honda mechanic told me they designed a heater core that is too small. AVOID !!

mike

NO HEATER

Good 3-season SUV. No heat in winter.

Kara

Dashboard lights on

I have a 2016 Pilot AWD EX, bought new. About a year ago the Emissions light came on. Took it to the dealer, but it had gone off by then. Since then, it comes on and goes off periodically. I mentioned it to dealer for the second time while having the oil changed and he said he couldn’t find anything wrong. So about a week ago several lights came on, including emissions problem light, up hill starting assistance light, power steering problem light, and AWD problem light. The car was running fine. After a day, the lights went off. Then yesterday all the lights came back on and this morning I noticed it was idling rough. I called my dealer service department and explained what happened and he knew exactly what was wrong. Said he had seen 8-10 pilots in past year with same problem. It needs fuel injectors replaced! I have 70k miles so my warranty is up so it’s going to be around $2,000. He said the ones he’s replaced have been around 30k miles and we’re under warranty. I do regular maintenance at this dealership. I looked on an online forum for pilots and this is a common problem for 2016 pilots. I’ve owned a couple of Honda’s and I’ve never had a problem, so to hear this, I’m sick. I’m going to speak with Honda America, as advised by a person on the forum, and if I don’t get answers or resolution, I’m going to be one unsatisfied owner. I love my pilot and planned on keeping in for years. I’m not one to trade every 4-5 years. I buy it and drive it for a very long time. But, if this isn’t fixed, I’ll consider myself an ex-Honda owner and I won’t buy Honda again.

What Do Critics Say About the Honda Pilot?

Consumer Reports says the 2018 Honda Pilot is an extremely functional and pleasant midsize SUV, with high owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds rates the Pilot at 3.8/5, praising the smooth ride, but doesn’t like the clunky nine-speed transmission.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Pilot a 3.6/5, enjoying the outstanding passenger room, but owners don’t like the lower towing capacity.

What Common Problems Does the 2018 Honda Pilot Have?

Common problems found on the 2018 Honda Pilot include dead batteries, noise from the brakes, as well as some rare transmission issues shifting from first to second. Overall, most of the problems are fairly minor, leading to average repair costs as the Pilot ages.

Dead batteries are the most widespread complaint from 2018 Honda Pilot owners in the first 25,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in newer SUVs, which sometimes drain the battery while it is parked. Replacing a battery costs around $250, while diagnosing any parasitic draw is another $150.

Noise from the brakes is another complaint from owners at roughly 10,000 miles. The rear brake pads tend to wear out quicker than in some other midsize SUVs, leading to excessive noise. Replacing the brake pads costs roughly $300, and if you need new rotors they’re an additional $400.

Rare transmission issues shifting from first to second gear have also been reported by some owners in the first 20,000 miles with the nine-speed automatic transmission. There are some transmission software updates which most dealerships will install for free, which improves the performance. Some owners have also had to rebuild the transmission, which costs over $1,200.

There are three recalls on the 2018 Honda Pilot, which is similar to other midsize SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall is for the timing belt teeth, which may separate. Honda will replace the timing belt on affected models for free. The other recalls cover a hood latch and seat rivets, which are not mechanically serious issues.

How Long Will the 2018 Honda Pilot Last?

A well-maintained 2018 Honda Pilot can last around 250,000 miles, which is about 50,000 miles less than the top-rated Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other midsize SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $392 per year.

As a used 2018 Honda Pilot reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the A/C drier assembly for $400, engine oil pan costing $500, as well as the exhaust manifold gasket which costs $300.

Najah M

It is very reliable. I have not come across any major issues. When you are in need of an oil change, the car reminds you at 15%, 10% and 5%. If any one of the tires is running low on air, the car will tell you which tire is at what psi. It is a great car that was designed with really useful notification features. I have no problems with it.

Elizabeth M

I have not had any issues with my Honda pilot so far. I haven't even been into the dealer since I bought the vehicle more than 14 months ago.

Christopher R

No it def does not have any problems. And it is a smart car so when something is wrong it displays and hazard signal on the display in front of the steering wheel.

Sheila K

The Honda pilot is very reliable. We have owned the car for nearly a year and have had no mechanical issues. We have kept up with the routine maintenance.

Shona W

Very reliable, the adaptive cruise control doesn't always sense certain older model vehicles, but that’s why you still need to be an attentive driver.

Colt L

Yes. I have not had any major issues with it, and I strongly recommend Hondas to anyone because of their reliability.

Tammy P

Yes it is reliable, however it is still a pretty new vehicle and so I wouldn’t know if it’s reliable in the long term. I haven't had any breakdowns.

Kathy B

Yes it is very reliable I like it a lot, it usually doesn't give me problems which is why I choose to take it for long road trips

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is good with a standard 5-inch central display with Bluetooth connectivity. There’s an optional upgrade to an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well.

Safety technology is similar to other SUVs from 2018 with a standard rearview camera. Optional advanced safety features include adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, as well as rear cross traffic alert.

Is the 2018 Honda Pilot a Good Value?

Yes, the 2018 Honda Pilot is a good value since it’s a reliable choice with plenty of passenger room. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $21,050 to $28,400, making it more than a Kia Sorento or a Ford Edge. When new, the price range was $30,900 to $47,470. Depreciation is similar to other midsize SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Honda Pilot?

There are five models of the 2018 Honda Pilot offered, from the base LX all the way up to the more luxurious Touring and Elite models. The Pilot is also available with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.

LX is the entry-level model with:

18-Inch Alloy Wheels
Cloth Seats
Air Conditioning
Tilt-and-Telescoping Steering Wheel
60/40-Split Folding Third-Row Seat
5-Inch Central Display Screen
Traction Control System
Seven-Speaker Sound System
Rearview Camera
Bluetooth
Auxiliary Audio Jack and USB Port

EX is a step up, adding:

Automatic Headlights
Foglights
LED Running Lights
Heated Mirrors
Remote Engine Start
Honda LaneWatch Blind-Spot camera
Three-Zone Climate Control
Power-Adjustable Driver Seat
Intelligent Traction Management System
8-Inch Touchscreen Interface
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

EX-L is next in the lineup with:

Sunroof
Leather Upholstery
Power Tailgate
Noise-Reducing Windshield
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
One-Touch Sliding Second-Row Seats
Power-Adjustable Front Passenger Seat
Heated Front Seats
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror

Touring adds features such as:

20-Inch Alloy Wheels
Roof Rails
Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission
Engine Stop-Start
Driver Seat Memory Settings
Ambient Interior Lighting
Multi Angle Rearview Camera
10-Speaker Sound System

Elite is the flagship model which has:

LED Headlights
Premium Leather Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Blind-Spot Monitoring System
Panoramic Sunroof
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
HD Radio
Heated Second-Row Captain’s Chairs

280 HP 22 MPG

View Details

280 HP 22 MPG

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EX-L

280 HP 22 MPG

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Touring

280 HP 23 MPG

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Elite

280 HP 22 MPG

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What Engines Come In the Honda Pilot?

The engine found in the 2018 Honda Pilot is an average 3.5L V6 which makes 280 horsepower at up to 23 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission, or an optional nine-speed automatic transmission. Performance is good, taking 6.5 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH. It’s also capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

What Colors Does the Honda Pilot Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Honda Pilot?

The 2018 Honda Pilot is a comfortable SUV, with plenty of room for both passengers and cargo. It has three rows of seats, and can accommodate up to eight people. The first and second rows of seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom, and the third row is suitable for children or small adults.

The seats are well-padded and supportive, and the cabin is quiet and well-insulated from road noise. The Pilot also has a lot of features designed to improve comfort, such as available heated and ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.

How Much Storage Space Does the Honda Pilot Have?

The 2018 Honda Pilot comes with a total of 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, which fits 3-4 suitcases. With the third row of seats folded down, the Pilot has enough room for 10-12 suitcases. If you fold down both the second and third rows of seats, the Pilot has a maximum of 109 cubic feet of cargo space which can fit over 20 suitcases.

The 2018 Honda Pilot also has convenient storage areas throughout the cabin, including a center console, door pockets, and a sunglass holder.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The third generation of the Honda Pilot was launched in 2016, and will be replaced by the fourth generation in 2023.

2015: New SE model added to the lineup between EX & EX-L models.

2016: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new engine, transmission, exterior styling, and technology.

2017: Standard Apple CarPlay & Android Auto on models with the 8-inch touchscreen.

2018: No major changes.

2019: Improved stereo system, standard Honda Sensing safety system, minor exterior styling changes.

2020: Black edition model added with dark trim and a more luxurious interior.

2021: Dual-zone climate control on the base LX model, standard 9-speed automatic transmission.

How Does the Honda Pilot Compare to the Competition?

The 2018 Honda Pilot is a very nice midsize SUV since it has good reliability ratings as it ages along with more passenger room than a lot of the other SUVs in the same price range.

The Toyota Highlander is a competitor, which is around $1,700 more. Interior materials are a bit nicer in the Toyota Highlander, while the Honda Pilot offers more passenger room. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since it lasts a little longer, although both are very good midsize SUVs worth checking out if you’re in the market.

The Acura MDX is another SUV which costs around $5,000 more. Both the Acura MDX and Honda Pilot are built on the same base platform, with nicer interior materials and more technology found in the Acura MDX. We recommend the Honda Pilot since it’s more affordable, although if you’re looking for a touch of luxury the MDX is a nice choice.

Ranks #6 Midsize SUV by Owners

2018 Jeep Wrangler JK

4.79

2018 Toyota 4Runner

4.78

Tie

2018 Honda Pilot

4.63

Do Owners Recommend the Honda Pilot?

Najah M

Yes. It is a large vehicle that can fit up to 8 people safely. There are multiple storage compartments and all the spaces of the car were designed to be used efficiently. You can drive handsfree with Bluetooth connectivity.

Elizabeth M

Yes, I love my 2018 Honda pilot ex. It was a little bigger than what I was looking for but I found it so comfortable to drive when I test drove it and there were no blind spots. I am only 5' tall so the fully adjustable seats are perfect for someone like me. I would rather do without the third row and have heated 2nd row seats but that is a minor issue.

Christopher R

Yes it is a good vehicle. The size of the vehicle is great for an 8-10 person family. It has great handle, traction, and smooth steering. Great storage when the 3rd row seating is down, even has a compartment storage in addition to the trunk. A beautiful size 8 inch touch screen display makes easy to function even while driving. You can also function some of the keys from the steering wheel. It is a smart car so it lets you know when it in need of service. It explains to you what type of service may be needed. It even shows you on the display behind the steering wheel. For eg: it'll display something like tire pressure is low letting you exactly at what psi it is currently. Overall it is good vehicle to have a use if you have a big family. The only thing you can only get 18-23 miles per gallon on this car. But overall this car is good.

Amanda A

Yes, the Honda pilot is a great vehicle. We purchased this vehicle to use when we were expecting our second child because we needed more space. It has provided us safety and plenty of room for our family

Tiffany C

Yes, best car I've ever owned. I have over 24,000 miles on my vehicle and I haven't even had it a full year!

Alex P

Yes. I love it so much. It's reliable, slick, and exactly what I wanted to feel safe on the road and also feel the most 'myself.'

Esther S

Yes. It’s a good vehicle for when you have kids and lots of cargo. It’s comfortable and has decent gas mileage. It also is reliable.

Steven H

Yes it runs smoothly and is comfortable and reliable for long road trips, we can fit the entire family of 3, our stuff and the shopping we do when away

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Nicolae C on June 25, 2021

The 2018 Honda pilot SUV has a lot to offer shoppers in the market.

The 2018 Honda pilot SUV has a lot to offer shoppers in the market for a family hauler. It has almost as much interior room as a minivan but provides a lot more capability. Available in front-wheel or all-wheel-drive configurations, the pilot comes standard with a strong v6 engine.

anisa B on June 25, 2021

I totally recommend it is a very good car.

I love the steering wheel capability. I like how easily you can turn the steering wheel it is very different from other cars. Another thing I like about the car is the spacing in their. And how the seats are very comfortable & I do not have any dislikes I recommend it.

Elizabeth M on June 18, 2021

3rd row SUV with plenty of room and stow away seats to haul bigger items.

No problems. Love the room, style, everything. Only downside is the cup holders are too big for most cups. Could use adjustable cup holders in it so more versatile cups can fit in them. Great traction control, love the camera on the mirror to see the right side when turning or merging to the right side.

Blessed F on June 15, 2021

Honda pilot 2018 is a comfortable ride.

Honda pilot is durable, fuel economical and easy to use. This vehicle has the best technology and can go a long mile. It is very reliable. This vehicle has a good air condition, nice speaker, goodwheel. It is a good midsize SUV that should appeal to shopper who wants a lot of space and comfortable ride.

Mckenzie W on June 10, 2021

I love my Honda pilot review.

This is a great vehicle, my family loves it. Many seats allow me to fit my entire family comfortable and it is very spacious and great for road trips. I have had no problems so far with my vehicle, and it has been reliable, I have no complaints about this vehicle.

Kathryn H on May 29, 2021

Fantastic midsize SUV, I absolutely love my pilot!

I looked at almost every midsize SUV on the market, and the pilot was the only one that checked all my boxes. It is 3 rows, but still very roomy. It has enough “bells and whistles” without being overwhelming. My favorite feature is the blind spot camera that turns on when I turn on my right blinker - life saver in Houston traffic. Additionally, the inside feels very luxurious considering the price. The trunk is very spacious, also. Of course, Honda’s reliability reputation was a huge deciding factor for me also. I've had zero problems in the 2ish years I have had the vehicle.

AJ on May 22, 2021

Real Review.

Victor B on May 21, 2021

Reliable, spacious, and comfortable.

The Honda pilot is a great vehicle. It's comfortable and reliable. The only drawback is that it's not available as a hybrid. It's not that great on gas. The design could be more sporty. In addition, the paint seems to chip. Other than this I highly recommend this to a large family.

Author R on May 16, 2021

Great service and well brand.

It provide me the best service. Great model, well service, good brand. It is very comfortable to me that relevant to me and good mileage. Well performance. Overall I love my car. It provide the great value of money and time that is very enjoyable to me.

Daniela M on May 7, 2021

2018 pilot elite; perfect for a big family!

The only thing missing from the elite is the blind side camera. The 2016 hrv has it, so why not the 2018 pilot? Other than that, it has great features, including the rest I love the car very much! I bought it because I have two babies and needed more room than the hrv offers.

Laura C on May 3, 2021

8 passenger SUV looks like a van.

Wish the back seats reclined like the front seats, wish I had gotten the built in wireless charging pad. Android auto/apple auto is very convenient to hook phone up to. Wish I had feature for side mirrors to fold in with a touch of a button. Remote start, push to. Start.

Theresa P on April 28, 2021

Great family car and has tons of seats!

This is a great family car and my boys love watching DVDs when we are driving around town. It is a smooth ride, is very luxurious and is very reliable. We also love the panoramic sunroof including the shade that comes along with it. We also love the power of the car and the amount of seats it has. The only thing that I do not like about it is that when all the rows of seats are up, there is very little trunk/cargo space.

Ann B on April 27, 2021

We loved our family vehicle.

It is comfortable, roomy and very convenient. We love the added entertainment system. Also, all the extra added features like the back up camera, sensor, automatic start, the convenience of one push of button for the seats. Also, all the USB chargers.

Stephanie L on April 17, 2021

Love my comfortable Honda pilot.

I love this SUV for a family. I especially liked the trunk and how it has extra room for a third row if needed. I have had no problems with it up until now. It runs so smoothly and has many smart features which I enjoy. It is truly amazing how it has cameras on the side mirror and in the back when reversing.

Kristen K on April 14, 2021

Too big but it has good useful cameras.

It is a bigger car. It is wider by a few inches and it is hard to tell if you are in the lane or not. I love the cameras because it helps with changing lanes and reversing. I like that it is a button to start the car and not turning the key because I always struggle if I hold it too long or not.

Jonathan F on April 13, 2021

It was really so nice and interesting.

The car is really unique and quality is very good. I am using the car from 2018. It is giving a good service until now. I use the car my personal and business issue. I use it 4 or 5 day in a week. It is really wonderful. I have not gotten any problem of this car.

Jeff R on April 10, 2021

Excellent experience-will purchase Honda again!

JoAnn K on April 9, 2021

Needs improved Bluetooth connection and stability.

We have been happy with Honda over the years as we have owned and leased various models and styles. The 2018 pilot has a third row seat with a total of 8 seats which was difficult to find as most SUV’s now have a max of 7 seats. The ex l has leather interior and Bluetooth with navigation. The Bluetooth in my opinion is finicky and will sometimes lose pairing or connection even when using the USB plug.

Elana T on April 8, 2021

The Honda pilot is a great family car. Affordable and safe!!

Our pilot is great. We love the way it drives. We have two boys and there’s plenty of room for everything we need to carry. We’ve taken several cross country trips and done so in comfort. The rear and side view cameras are also great safety features.

Travis on April 8, 2021

Reliability, holds its value

Had a 2018 EXL until we had another child and traded it on an odyssey. Absolutely loved the Pilot. Comfortable, rode fantastic, good looking and was fun to drive. Took it on several family trips and the cargo room was nice. Super reliable never had an inkling of a problem. Would highly recommend to anyone.

Holly R on April 5, 2021

2018 Honda pilot first brand new car ever bought.

I love my pilot. It is roomy enough for 4 boys and luggage for a beach trip. My husband has difficulty with not enough leg room in the front for his 6’3” frame, but it is perfect for me and my kids. It runs great and every Honda I have ever owned last forever. My old 2003 pilot has over 200,000 miles and still runs great! The CarPlay and Bluetooth features work well and are handy. There are a good amount of cup holders.

Alison F on April 3, 2021

Why not offer captain chairs?

I love the leather feeling of the hairs. The no keys aspect of it is really great too. I like my sunroof as well. I have a dark grey car which makes it super pretty. There aren't many negative aspects to this car other than we didn't have the option for captain chairs so it's a bit of a hassle when someone has to sit in the back

Frank S on April 3, 2021

Highly reliable vehicle with roomy interior.

The Honda pilot is the most reliable vehicle I have ever purchased. In the past two years of owning it, I have not had any service issue whatsoever. Aside from the regular oil change it requires very little maintenance. It has superb handling characteristics and is very comfortable for long trips. Roomy interior and comes with many amenities.

Jennifer C on April 2, 2021

Honda Pilot Elite 2018 is outstanding

I love the interior options the vehicle has. Heated and cooled seats. The heated steering wheel is great. The dual control entertainment system is amazing so we don't have to listen to the kids shows while on trips. It has been very reliable, comfortable, the price was reasonable, the reputation of the car makes me feels comfortable when driving my family.

Lisa T on April 1, 2021

It's very family friendly and is the perfect size for all of our needs.

I love the size of the vehicle. I also like the sporty look of the vehicle. I wish it had more options at the available price point.

Carolina H on March 29, 2021

Family vehicle with plenty of space.

Plenty of space, a comfortable ride, utility, fuel economy, ease of handling, a large list of standard features, infotainment system user-friendly, excellent visibility. Smooth shifting on the 6-speed automatic transmission, swift acceleration, the third row seats.

Michael S on March 29, 2021

All in all a very family friendly vehicle. Spacious for cargo and children.

Wonderful vehicle for children. Easy to drive. Comfortable and spacious. Easy to park. A lot of safety features. Adaptive cruise control, lane assist to make sure you are staying in the lane, and blind spot monitoring which definitely helps when you are on the highway.

Caroline S on March 25, 2021

Sleek, modern and fun to drive!

My vehicle handles well, is efficient on gas mileage, is comfortable, and has many modern conveniences. I love driving my Honda pilot - it is my second one I have owned. I will definitely plan to buy another Honda pilot next. I would recommend this vehicle to someone else in a heartbeat!

Kenja D on March 24, 2021

It is a nice car. It is very easy to drive.

The Honda pilot is a trendy alternative to a minivan, but its third row is not as roomy and it is hardly more stylish. Still, this SUV boasts an available all-wheel-drive system, lofty seating height, and a fair amount of ground clearance—traits that many crossover shoppers desire. This Honda also has a speedy and fuel-efficient v6 powertrain that does not disappoint. However, those looking for a gratifying driving experience may want to look elsewhere. The pilot does provide a cavernous cabin, with ample cargo space and small-item storage, and its host of standard driver assists and popular infotainment features help it compete with rivals such as the Volkswagen atlas and Toyota highlander.

Michael J on March 19, 2021

Extremely reliable - we currently have over 325,000 miles on it and it is looking that there are many more miles to come.

I love the all wheel drive so that we can get around in the winter without any problems. It has been great that it allows for eight passengers. Our Honda has been extremely reliable - rarely problems starting or running. My main complaint is that it does not get very good gas mileage - at least not when compared to many other vehicles that are on the road.

Scott L on March 18, 2021

Reliable. Roomy. Family-friendly. Great vehicle.

Roomy for our family of four. Great handling and great entertainment system.

Cheryl A on March 18, 2021

It is very roomy inside so you can fit lots of luggage or gear and handles very well.

It is very roomy. Has a very smooth ride. It has a good reputation

Jeff M on March 18, 2021

Standard safety features that other companies charge extra

It delivers a smooth ride and handles well. Has many safety features that i previously didn't have.

Ralph M on March 15, 2021

Loving a car can be complicated.

Complicate features require consulting the manual to operate the radio and turn off lights. We couldn't get the rear seat belt to work without the manual. Also, runner boards should come with the vehicle. And the find your car feature is too complicated for comfort.

Colby C on March 12, 2021

2018 Honda pilot car review.

Something that I dislike about this vehicle is that the seats are not that comfortable. Another thing that I dislike about this car is that the car has too many seats that I rarely use. Something that I enjoyed about this car is that the car looks really good.

William D on March 12, 2021

I love this vehicles very much. And high light 4 sit.

My vehicle have no problem but some time this vehicle is damaged. Performance is too good. Reliability is also good. I hope this vehicles comfort and features will too good. I like this vehicle very much. I love this brand. And it give me very comfort. This vehicles model is too good.

Art M on March 10, 2021

Let's ride in confidence and comfort.

Comfort is very good on long trips at 70 to 75 mpg 29.5 love the pilot would get second one cannot think of things I would add to the car. It is front wheel drive. In FL I do not need 4 wheel drive you are up high you can see very well rides and sounds like a well built auto.

Savannah W on March 9, 2021

Great family car, road trip car, and just cruise around car.

I really love this vehicle. Its 4 wheel drive so I feel safe driving it on dirt roads and sandy paths. It has 3 rows which is perfect when I drive my friends and family around. It also has a lot of space for road trips. The car has great gas mileage I can drive from my house to family in AZ and I do not have to fuel up. I would say it also is very spacious. Lots of legroom and the chairs are very comfortable. I would say my old car has overhead air and this one does not but the air really blows out good.

Darcy J on March 9, 2021

Style vs 2014 vs 2018 Honda pilot.

We have the 2018 base model Honda pilot. We traded in our 2014 Honda pilot to "upgrade" to the 2018. I am not very impressed. The new 2018 model is so basic it doesn't even have a CD player! It's also a noisier ride than the 2014 which is likely due to the more aero dynamic body style. I enjoy my Honda pilot but preferred the 2014.

Mary S on March 8, 2021

The new pilot... Hit or miss.

Hondas are extremely reliable. I love the pilot but wish they hadn't changed the body style. The new model looks more like the odyssey than the traditional pilot. I like a lot of the newer features. The backup/right turning camera is very clear and a great feature. Then interior is very comfortable and the pilot rides very smoothly. There is ample space when the 3rd row is down but limited space when it is in use.

Kelsey H on March 7, 2021

2018 Honda pilot performs well for my needs.

Very reliable, performs well in rain/snow, sizable and spacious but not too large, third row seat is a huge bonus, GPS display is much better than other years. Leather seats are comfortable and do not get too hot in the sun, old pilot had fabric and that was good too.

Angela B on February 26, 2021

Honda pilot-great for families or couples on the go!

Pilot gets amazing gas mileage and is comfortable for the whole family. Third row seating is convenient and when folded down the trunk has a lot of space. There is also a hidden storage area in the trunk that is very roomy. Leather interior is easy to clean up and the heated seats are amazing during the cold months.

Mikel G on February 25, 2021

The Honda pilot is the best family car I never knew I needed!

After having our second baby, we needed more space! The Honda pilot was just what we needed for our growing family with a middle and back row seating allowing us to have either 8 passengers or enough space in the back for grocery trips! I also love that in the back, there is a storage compartment that opens that I use for when we go shopping to keep items cold till we arrive home.

Ximena L on February 24, 2021

Security economic very comfort.

Security economic safe comfortable. Very strong easygoing will have this car for more than 10 years only after 3 year I was changed for one next model. Very good on capacity drive soft expressway highway. Economic in gasoline. Best experience drive the pilot.

Tracy S on February 22, 2021

2018 Honda pilot review for moms.

This is the smoothest driving car I have ever driven! It has plenty of space for our child, two dogs, and sports equipment. It is easy to drive, easy to park, and easy to care for. The mileage is excellent for the type of vehicle it is and the v6 engine is plenty powerful.

Nick K on February 17, 2021

It is very reliable and comes from a line of vehicles that historically will last and not have a very high cost of ownership.

Has many safety features, e.g., lane assist, adaptive cruise control. Very comfortable. Also, so far it has been very reliable. At this point--we have had the car for 6 months--I have no complaints.

Gonzalo C on February 15, 2021

I feel it's on top of all the safety you can get on it.

I like the look of it. I feel very safe driving it. And it's just the right size for my family.

Edgardo E on February 15, 2021

It's a familiar car for enjoy a beautiful and comfortable road.

I like my car course is comfortable, I like the space for my family, I like the excellent performance on the road.

Susan R on February 14, 2021

The Honda pilot is a comfortable, roomy smooth vehicle with great features.

Very comfortable. Very smooth ride. Slight sound of wind even though windows are closed. Love apple play. Folding and opening seats for more storage can be tricky (for me.) We bought insurance to cover little dings and nicks and we'll use it- glad to have the option to purchase it.

Lee G on February 7, 2021

The Honda pilot SUV is the ultimate experience of power & comfort.

For a SUV it is a super smooth ride & there's ample space for up to 8 people. The Honda pilot ex v6 has more than enough horsepower to go off-road or to race that sports car! For making a weekend trip or even a long trip across the country, you'll be delighted with how smooth & comfortable the ride is.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.