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The Honda Pilot is a 4-door midsize SUV. The MSRP value for a new Honda Pilot ranges from $37,580 to $51,370. It comes available in five trim levels, including EX-L, SE, Touring, Elite, and the new Honda Black Edition.
The Honda Pilot performs well, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds, quicker than most similar midsize SUVs. The brakes are well-controlled for sudden stops and equipped with a smooth V-6 engine.
The all-wheel-drive Pilot is great for roads that are slippery, but it doesn’t bode well for off-roading, lacking hill descent control. As a three-row SUV, the Pilot comes with seating for up to eight passengers, and the front and second-row seats are supportive and comfortable.
However, the third row is too narrow, making access cumbersome. Riding around the city or the neighborhood, nevertheless, will be quiet and comfortable as the cabin is quiet and tri-zone climate-controlled.
The Pilot is gas-powered and fuel-efficient with an EPA rating for all-wheel drive vehicles at 19/26 city/highway mpg, or 22 mpg combined. Depending on front-wheel or all-wheel drive, it can tow between 3,500 pounds and 5,000 pounds.
The top three cars similar to the Honda Pilot are the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and the Honda CR-V. With similar features and some rivaling those of the standard Pilot, choosing one of these alternatives could be a viable option.
You may get more bang for your buck with an updated style.
1. Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is a compact SUV with generous legroom to spare. Like the Honda Pilot, the Chey Traverse is a three-row SUV. The new year car model has a stylish, updated look and a sleek design.
The Traverse is a 6-speed SUV with quick acceleration. It has a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower. It comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is optional.
It seats 7 or 8 passengers, has a third row, and, yes, plenty of room for adults to sit! The second and third-row seats fold down to haul cargo.
The cabin is quiet, steering is precise, and at an EPA estimate of 27 mpg, quite competitive fuel consumption. The Traverse tech-equipped version has plenty of USB ports and an easy-to-use entertainment system and a touchscreen.
Technology includes compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Play and responds to standard wireless hotspots.
2. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a popular midsize SUV with an MSRP value between $33,100 and $55,740. Another SUV with three rows of seats, like the Honda Pilot and other vehicles and, similarly, isn’t the roomiest.
The driver’s seat is adjustable and the second and third rows are a bit tight, while the rear access is clumsy. With a turbocharged 2.3 liter 4-cylinder engine and 300 horsepower, the Ford Explorer is an SUV with quick acceleration.
Other trims have a turbo-charged hybrid V6 engine, but all come standard with ten-speed transmission and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional.
The rear-wheel-drive version gets 24 mpg combined, and the all-wheel-drive versions get 23 mpg combined.
A tri-zone automatic climate control system is in every Ford Explorer, as well as a six-speaker sound system, 8-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration.
The base safety aid is a plus for every Ford Explorer for safe driving. Frontal collision mitigation, blind-spot, lane assist, and trailer sway features are part of all trims.
The Ford Explorer SUV is excellent for towing due to its rear-wheel-drive design. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds and its receiver hitch is easily accessible. Additionally, you have an increased blind-spot check system that allows you to view the length of the trailer.
3. Toyota 4runner
The Toyota 4runner is a rugged crossover SUV made for off-roading. It comes in seven colors and nine different trims. Much like the Honda Pilot, the 4runner is impressive in versatility and has a variety of options to suit buyers.
The cost for a new model runs between $37,305 and $52,120. Its 4.0-liter V-6 engine with 270 horsepower and 5-speed automatic transmission combination guzzles more gas than many of its competitors.
EPA estimates 17 mpg combined, or 16 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. Its max tow capacity is 5,000 pounds, which is great for hauling boats or small trailers.
The 4runner seats five passengers. Its height may be a drawback for small kids, although side-steps can help. The second and third rows are quite roomy, especially when once the seats fold back.
All standard 4runners come with adaptive cruise technology, forward collision mitigation, and lane departure warning.
The back cargo area has a 120-volt power outlet and reclining and folding second-row seating. It is an excellent choice for outdoor activities and off-roading if you’re willing to give up better gas mileage.
4. Toyota Highlander
The Highlander has a nice, sleek, industrial appearance that costs between $35,205 and $49,510 for newer models. Like most of the vehicles listed here, the Toyota Highlander is a three-row crossover SUV.
Its strong points are like the Honda Pilot as its engine is strong and its drive is smooth and comfortable. Compared to its cargo space, the Honda Pilot is a clear winner.
This midsize three-row SUV seats up to eight passengers with plenty of space in the second and third rows. The seats are comfortable although the third row is slightly cramped.
Unfortunately, the roominess stops at the second row as the third row feels a bit confined. Additionally, a smaller than average cargo area doesn’t do much for space to haul luggage or equipment. T
However, the Highlander offers a smooth driving experience and gives an above-average acceleration speed clocked at 7.5 seconds going from 0 to 60.
The Highlander has good balance on windy roads plus traction when driving in rainy weather. Body movements feel comfortable, especially when driving on sharp and twisty roadways.
The Highlander boasts a 3.5-liter v6 engine with 295 horsepower and 8-speed automatic transmission. While the standard Highlander comes with front-wheel drive, all trims have optional all-wheel drive.
With a slightly above-average fuel economy, the Highlander gets a combined 23 mpg or 24 mpg rating depending on the drivetrain.
All-wheel drive options get 20/27 city/highway while the front-wheel-drive gets 21/29 city/highway, not bad for vehicles of this class.
Safety features available on all Toyota Highlander standards include frontal collision mitigation, adaptive cruise, automatic high beams, lane-keeping system, and traffic sign reader.
5. Honda Passport
The Honda Passport is most like the Honda Pilot – you might say it’s the Pilot’s shorter sibling. Both vehicles share many of the same features, such as versatility, great suspension control over small bumps, and body motion.
Both Honda vehicles are well-rounded, although the Honda Passport is a better-looking midsize crossover SUV. The stylishly rugged Passport will cost between $37,870 and $45,430.
Smaller than the Honda Pilot with two rows of seating but a more rugged look, the Passport has the better off-road capability. Still, it comfortably seats up to five people and the cabin makes for a quiet, comfortable ride.
Heated front seats are standard. In addition to heated side mirrors, sunroof, climate control, driver’s seat memory settings, and leather upholstery.
With a V6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission plus 280 horsepower, the Passport offers an excellent driving experience. The Passport accelerates from 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds, driving feels responsive, and the turns are light.
However, braking feels a bit loose when pushing on the pedal and is not the best for making sudden stops. The Toyota Passport all-wheel-drive models can tow up to 5,000 pounds while front-wheel-drive models are limited to 3,500 pounds.
An EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, or 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, is the average for this class of vehicles.
All passports come with blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping system, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors.
6. Volkswagen Atlas
A midsize three-row crossover SUV with prices ranging from $33, 475 to $50, 645. It is the largest Volkswagen SUV currently. As a roomy three-row SUV, it’s comparable and, in some ways, rivals the Honda Pilot.
The v6 engine is optional but does not accelerate as well as you’d want when driving at highway speeds. An Atlas equipped with a V6 engine takes 8.5 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph and is significantly slower than average compared to other similar vehicles.
However, the 4-cylinder interestingly runs faster than the 6-cylinder, at 8.1 seconds, but the brakes are smooth and easy to control.
Other vehicles like the Honda Pilot are slightly more comfortable than the Atlas in the front row as the seat’s bottom cushions are slightly long and feel a bit flat.
The back two rows can recline and the second-row slides. The second-row seats three people comfortably, while the back row is comfortable enough for adults.
Fuel efficiency estimates are 22-mpg combined city and highway, or 20 cities and 24 highway mpg with all-wheel drive, the same as the Honda Pilot.
The Volkswagen Atlas has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and 235 horsepower. Other Atlas models have a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 276 horsepower.
At its most basic, the Volkswagen Atlas comes equipped with front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, keyless entry and ignition, simulated leather, heated front seats, 6.5-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, Wi-Fi hotspot, and integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Basic safety features include forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts.
7. Mazda CX-9
The price range for this three-row crossover SUV is between $35,280 and $47,210. Upscale and stylish, the Mazda CX-9 has three rows of seating like the Honda Pilot.
What it lacks in space, it makes up for in a faster acceleration time and a nicer interior. The standard comes fixed with all-wheel drive and accelerates to 6o mph in about 7.6 seconds and is above average for a three-row midsize SUV.
The front row seats have support but end up a bit smaller than other vehicles in their class. While the first two rows are decent enough, the third row may not be as comfortable for adult passengers.
The CX-9’s weight is lower than average as well, pulling at a max of 3,500 pounds. The combined fuel economy of the Mazda CX-9 comes out at 23 mpg, or 20 city and 26 highway and is a little better than average for a three-row SUV.
The CX-9 can run on regular vs. premium fuel. Available in six trims, the Mazda CX-9 comes equipped with standard safety features like adaptive cruise control with stop and go operation, forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, and lane-keeping assistance.
8. Acura MDX
The MDX is an affordable midsize SUV with extensive features. The 2022 MDX model has improvements from its previous versions, like a more stylish exterior and interior, including wood and stainless steel speaker covers and additional legroom to boot.
Like the Honda Pilot, the MDX is another three-row seating midsize SUV. It will cost you between $48,000 and $72,050 depending on the model.
Where the MDX falls short is in acceleration. It takes 7.5 seconds to go from 0 to 60, which is below average for this type of vehicle.
With a V6 engine and 290 horsepower, it doesn’t perform as well as other midsize SUVs. Even the ten-speed automatic transmission isn’t at the top, although it has improved compared to the earlier MDX.
The MDX makes up for its lack of power with its comfortable seating. Like the Honda Pilot, the MDX is spacious and seats up to seven people. Overall, it offers a quiet ride except when you reach highway speeds.
The first and second rows are roomy, while the third is tight but well suited for kids. The second-row seats are removable for captain’s chairs installation without much effort.
All MDX models come standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, ten-speed automatic transmission, and four-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available.
Gas mileage is average for this class of vehicles with a combined EPA rating of 21 mpg, or 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Like most other midsize SUVs, the MDX can tow up to 5,000 pounds when fully equipped.
The Acura MDX has many safety features and technology included in the standard models, which is a nice benefit.
You get AcuraWatch, which is a bundle of safety features and other techy elements like heated front seats, USB ports, wireless charging pad, wi-fi hotspot, and a panoramic sunroof.
9. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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One of the longest surviving three-row hybrid SUVs in the U.S. It’s also one of Toyota’s largest SUVs. Its upgraded style is edgy, bold, and a bit over the top. The MSRP values this Toyota between $38, 855 and $50, 960.
The highlight of this hybrid SUV is its fuel economy, giving a 36 mpg combined city and highway rating, making it above average compared to other midsize SUVs.
For the size, acceleration is good, going from 0 to 60 in 8.2 seconds with efficient emergency braking.
Powered by both a four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine and a continuously variable transmission hybrid system and 243 horsepower, the Highlander Hybrid comes with standard front-wheel drive.
All-wheel drive is optional for every trim. With three rows of seating, the first and second rows are comfortable, roomy, and seat up to eight passengers.
However, the third row feels confined and remains one of the least spacious of most three-row SUVs. For long trips, this SUV is a good pick unless you’re driving on some tricky roads.
All standards come equipped with adaptive cruising, forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, back cross-traffic alert, road sign assist, and automatic high beam assist.
10. Honda CRV
The Honda CR V debuted in 2017 and it’s one of the oldest small SUVs on the market today. It remains at the top of the list of midsize SUVs and is highly recommended.
It costs between $26,400 and $36,200. The CR-V is well-rounded like the Honda Pilot and has you covered whether you’re looking for space, comfort, or a fun drive.
The CR-V is roomy once inside and the back row is one of the most spacious compared to other SUVs of its size, fitting four adult passengers in the back with no problem.
One strike against the CR-V is its pick-up speed. Going from 0 to 60 takes a whopping 8.2 seconds, but for a daily commuting vehicle, it doesn’t disappoint. It has a four-cylinder turbocharged engine and 190 horsepower.
Towing capacity on the CR-V is below average for small SUVs with a max tow of 3,500 pounds.
However, for fuel efficiency, this car comes out on top with a 29 mpg combined city and highway rating for all-wheel-drive models and 30 mpg combined on front-wheel-drive models.
Every CR-V comes standard with Apple CarPlay smartphone integration as well as Bluetooth and audio streaming. Safety equipment is like other vehicles in its class, like collision monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance.
11. Hyundai Palisade
A midsize, three-row crossover SUV like the Honda Pilot in its versatility and spacious seating and cargo room. A new Palisade will go from $33, 350 to $48,740 according to MSRP value.
Similarly, the Palisade offers a quiet ride with similar safety features. It accelerates from 0 to 60 in 7.6 seconds, which is the average speed for three-row SUVs.
Emergency braking is up to par at high speeds and daily commutes. With a 3.8-liter V6 engine, the Palisade has an output of 291 horsepower and 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Palisade has three rows of seats which can accommodate 6 to 7 people with a decent amount of room for comfort in every row.
The second row is optional for captain’s chairs and the driver’s seat may be adjusted to a preferable height. The gas used can be regular, premium gas is not necessary.
The Palisade has an average EPA rating of 21 mpg combined city and highway. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but all trims have an all-wheel-drive option. A fully equipped Palisade can tow up to 5, 000 pounds.
12. Kia Telluride
Like the Honda Pilot, the Telluride is a three-row midsize SUV. It is the first of its generation, introduced in 2020 and priced between $33,090 and $44,890. Both SUVs have an average acceleration speed.
The Telluride kicks it from 0 to 60 in 7.5 seconds and the emergency brakes work as efficiently with easy control and consistency.
It has 8-speed automatic transmission and a 3.8-liter V6 engine that gives 291 horsepower output. The start/stop engine fuel-saving feature is quiet and works well.
The Telluride is roomy and can seat up to eight people. Unlike other SUVs which often disappoint when it comes to third-row roominess, the Telluride can fit adult passengers nicely in all three rows.
The Telluride can use regular gas vs. premium and comes with standard front-wheel drive with all trims, allowing for optional all-wheel drive.
Unfortunately, it falls below average for its class in fuel efficiency at a combined 21 mpg city and highway, or 19 cities and 24 highway. Towing capacity for this SUV is up to 5, 000 pounds.
The standard features for all models include smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay and several USB ports in all three rows.