By: Tarek Hawchar
As the oldest of its rivals in the market and missing out on the contemporary design language others are adopting faster, the 2022 Honda Pilot offers an attractive, premium look
Since the launch of the current third-generation Honda Pilot six years ago, the Japanese firm has been eager to update its largest, three-row SUV. In 2019, the mid-size, family-friendly SUV received mild styling updates, while offering plenty of new safety and tech features, including Honda Sensing suite that is now standard on all trim levels.
Aside from the rumor that Honda will redesign the Pilot for 2023, the 2022 Honda Pilot is undoubtedly the best version of the current third generation, thanks to its powerful and efficient V-6 engine, the luxurious and comfortable three-row cabin, and an array of advanced driver assistance systems.
Last year, at the 2021 “Qatar Car of the Year” (QCOTY) awards, the largest SUV in Honda’s line-up added “Best Mid-Size SUV” to its growing list of accolades.
Exterior
As the oldest of its rivals in the market—such as the Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride—and missing out on the contemporary design language others are adopting faster, the 2022 Honda Pilot offers an attractive, premium look.
Visually, the full-LED headlights and fog lights are now becoming standard equipment, and the sharp-looking headlights and the creases on the bonnet give the 2022 Pilot a menacing appearance.
Depending on the trim level, key exterior highlights include a bold front grille with aggressive chrome accents, squared-off wheel arches, alloy wheels in 18-inch or 20-inch sizes. You can also find a hands-free rear liftgate, body-color door handles, power side mirrors with integrated turn indicators, and LED taillights with integrated light bars, to name but a few.
In 2021, Honda introduced the new Pilot Special Edition (SE) that adds a black grille, black front and rear lower plastic claddings, black roof rails, and a Special Edition badge to complete the exclusive and premium look.
Honda introduced the new Pilot Special Edition (SE) in 2021, adding a black grille, black lower plastic claddings, black roof rails, and a Special Edition badge to complete the premium look and make it appear even more exclusive.
Dimensionally speaking, the 2022 Pilot has an overall length of 5004 mm and measures 2296 mm (including door mirrors) and 1794 mm in width and height, respectively. The wheelbase is 2818 mm, making the Japanese SUV one of the most compact three-row SUVs among its rivals.
With its spacious interior and hi-tech features, the 2022 Honda Pilot will make drivers and passengers feel right at home
Interior
With its spacious interior and hi-tech features, the 2022 Honda Pilot will make drivers and passengers feel right at home. Although some plastics are present, they are not everywhere, as most surfaces are soft, making the build quality exceptional.
For 2022, the dashboard comes with a cutting-edge infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters is available in some variants, and the instrument console now features a modern digital display between the two analog clocks.
The latest generation Rear Entertainment System (RES) is now available for rear passengers. With ceiling-mounted 10.2-inch display that swings down, the RES supports Blue-Ray and video streaming, while featuring a 115-volt power outlet and HDMI interface.
Depending on the grade, the eight-seater SUV features tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front and second-row seats, leather upholstery, 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and panoramic sunroof. There is also interior ambient lighting, a navigation system with voice recognition, wireless charging, Wi-Fi spot, and rear air conditioning ducts in the second and third-row seats.
The cargo capacity is 3086 liters (109 cubic feet) with the second row and the third row folded down, making it a great choice for all kinds of cargo
One advantage point of the family-friendly SUV is comfort and spaciousness. With its three-row seating configuration, the 2022 Honda Pilot is undeniably one of the roomiest SUVs in its segment. With its one-touch second-row seats and third-row seats, the Pilot’s cabin has room for everyone and everything. On all trim levels, retractable sunshades are available for the second row. The cargo capacity is 3086 liters (109 cubic feet) with the second row and the third row folded down, making it a great choice for all kinds of cargo.
As standard, the family-friendly SUV gets a full set of advanced driver assistance features, including the Honda Sensing package. Key safety features of that suite include a Forward Collision Warning (FCW), an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), a Blind Spot Information System, a Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, and a Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) to help in accident avoidance. Among other safety features are a Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
The 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine still has an output of 280 hp at 6000 rpm and 355 Nm of torque at 4700 rpm
Engine and Performance
Honda made no revisions to the engine of the 2022 Pilot. The 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine still has an output of 280 hp at 6000 rpm and 355 Nm of torque at 4700 rpm. The six-cylinder mill hooks to a nine-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels or all the four, depending on the trim level. Variable Cylinder Management technology (VCM) minimizes fuel consumption and increases fuel efficiency.
Whether you're driving around town or cruising on the highway, the 2022 Pilot will keep you comfortable. However, the driving is unengaging; the steering isn't responsive, and there is a lot of body roll.
Our Verdict
While a new generation is likely to arrive for the 2023 model year, the 2022 Honda Pilot still offers more of everything. It features an upscale and roomy three-row interior, a powerful naturally aspirated V-6 engine, and an entire set of advanced driver assistance systems. Even though it might look outdated compared to the more modern rivals like Kia, Hyundai, Ford, or Chevy, it’s still a bargain in most people's eyes!