When you need a dependable vehicle to haul a growing family, sports gear, and weekly groceries without breaking a sweat, the midsize three-row market gets crowded fast. The 2022 Honda Pilot holds its ground as a practical workhorse, offering seating for up to eight passengers and a standard V6 engine that shrugs off highway grades. Unlike smaller compact crossovers that leave third-row passengers cramped, this midsize SUV prioritizes cabin volume and straightforward hauling utility.
Beneath the familiar exterior lies a traditional family transporter designed for everyday comfort rather than flashy styling trends. Let's look past the marketing noise to examine what the 2022 model actually delivers on the road, how its various trim levels compare, and whether it deserves a spot in your driveway.
Powertrain Performance and Driving Dynamics
Every 2022 Pilot relies on a tried-and-true 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain delivers smooth, predictable acceleration. You won't mistake it for a sports car, but merging onto fast-moving interstate traffic or passing slower trucks is straightforward and stress-free.
Fuel economy numbers are competitive for a heavy three-row vehicle. Front-wheel-drive models achieve an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while all-wheel-drive variants drop slightly to around 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Handling is tuned entirely for comfort. The steering is light and easy at low parking speeds, though it lacks direct feedback on winding country roads. Body roll is present in sharp corners, which is standard for a vehicle stretching nearly 197 inches in length, but the suspension absorbs highway bumps and rough pavement with composure.
Interior Space and Cargo Practicality
Space is the primary reason buyers choose the Pilot over smaller crossovers. The cabin offers up to three rows of seating, accommodating up to eight occupants in lower trims through a second-row bench. Upper trims introduce second-row captain's chairs, dropping capacity to seven while improving passenger comfort and middle-row access.
- First Row: Generous head and legroom with deep center console storage designed for bags, tablets, and water bottles.
- Second Row: Sliding and reclining 60/40 split seats make it simple to adjust legroom or tilt forward for third-row access, even with child safety seats installed.
- Third Row: Best left for children or shorter adults on longer trips, though it remains functional for carpools.
Cargo capacity is where the architecture truly shines. With all seats upright, you get 16.5 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Folding the rear seats flat expands cargo room dramatically, creating an open floor capable of swallowing bulky furniture, camping gear, or luggage for a cross-country road trip. A hidden storage well beneath the floorboards provides a secure spot to stash wet gear or valuables out of sight.
Trim Lineup and Key Features
Honda streamlined the 2022 lineup by dropping the old LX base model and introducing the rugged TrailSport trim, creating a clearer hierarchy across variants.
- Sport: The new entry point features 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, tri-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
- EX-L: Adds leather upholstery, a power tailgate, a two-position memory driver's seat, heated front seats, and auto-dimming rearview mirrors.
- Special Edition (SE): Builds on the EX-L with gloss-black 20-inch wheels, black roof rails, a hands-free power tailgate, and a wireless phone charger.
- TrailSport: Focuses on light off-pavement utility with standard all-wheel drive, a 0.6-inch suspension lift, 18-inch wheels wrapped in rugged terrain tires, and distinct exterior badging.
- Touring and Elite: Premium trims that incorporate a 590-watt ten-speaker audio system, a rear-seat entertainment system, a panoramic roof (Elite only), and ventilated front seats.
Every 2022 model comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies. This package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and collision mitigation braking. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is also standard on all trims above the base Sport. For official safety ratings and crash test results, you can review evaluations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Common Ownership Realities
While the Pilot earns high marks for everyday usability, prospective buyers should keep a few practical considerations in mind. The nine-speed automatic transmission, while smoother than older gearboxes, occasionally hunts for gears at low speeds during heavy stop-and-go traffic.
Cabin noise on coarse highway asphalt can be noticeable depending on the tire compound fitted to the specific trim level. Buyers looking at used models should verify maintenance history, particularly regarding fluid changes for the all-wheel-drive system (i-VTM4) to ensure long-term mechanical health. More details on vehicle reliability benchmarks can be found through Edmunds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2022 Honda Pilot have a V6 engine?
Yes. Every 2022 Pilot features a 3.5-liter V6 engine outputting 280 horsepower paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
What is new on the 2022 Honda Pilot?
Honda replaced the base LX trim with the Sport trim as the new entry point and introduced the rugged TrailSport trim featuring standard all-wheel drive and all-terrain styling.
Can the 2022 Honda Pilot tow a trailer?
When properly equipped, front-wheel-drive models can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while all-wheel-drive variants can handle up to 5,000 pounds.
Is the third row suitable for adults?
The third row is best suited for children or teenagers. While adults can fit for short drives, legroom and headroom become tight on extended road trips.
