The 2013 Honda Pilot is an eight passenger SUV that is placed in the segment of midsize SUVs and for the current year, only a few changes are made to the exterior and interior of the car. The Pilot is designed to deliver impressive body language, classy cabin with high tech features for the convenience of the driver and passengers and good cargo capacity. This is the crossover that is engineered by the brand to deliver durability, reliability, high quality, comfort and functionality. The slightly updated Pilot received some outstanding features that stand it in the line of SUVs that are packed with high end electronic features.
Styling, Comfort and Utility
The 2013 Honda Pilot is offered in four different trim levels including LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. The difference between these trim levels is the level of convenience, luxury and electronic features however, the Powertrain is kept same throughout the lineup and is available in either front wheel drive or All wheel drive.
The exterior styling of the 2013 Honda Pilot resembles the previous models of the model that carries a conventional rectangular boxy SUV look that shares some lines with the Mercedes G-Class. The base model LX sits on standard 17 inch steel wheels whereas all the other trim levels sits on 18 inch alloy wheels. Other exterior features include flip up window positioned on the tailgate, bold headlamps, fog lamps (on certain times) and taillights.
The interior of the 2013 Honda Pilot is highly comfortable with impressive utility that is packed with some new standard features. The base level LX comes standard with tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, USB ad rearview camera. The total cargo capacity is 152.7 cubic feet with three row seats. For maximum cargo room one can fold the second and third row.
- The new standard features of the EX include 10 way power driver seat and automatic headlights.
- The EX-L adds heated front seats, sunroof, power liftgate, leather upholstery, 4 way power front passenger seat and satellite radio.
- The Touring model adds roof rails, 10 speaker premium sound system, driver seat memory functions and parking sensor.
With Pilot, Honda is also following its tradition by offering two additional trim levels on the basis of its equipments. The EX-L with DVD and the EX-L with Navigation. Both the options are packed together on the Touring where one can enjoy the convenience of Navigation and the entertainment with DVD. The Top and special Touring trim level adds driver’s seat memory, front and rear obstacle detection and rear side-window sunshade.
Under The Skin
The 2013 Honda Pilot carries the same Powertrain to keep their drivers engaged and so there is nothing to new to share with the potential buyers. It is obvious that the Pilot is packed with the same powerful 3.5 liter V6 that produces 250 horsepower and 253 lb ft of torque and is paired with a five speed automatic transmission. The Pilot comes standard with Front Wheel Drive configuration however, the All Wheel drive version is optional for all the trims. The EPA estimated fuel economy is 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway with front-wheel drive that drops to 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with All-wheel drive. The towing capacity of the 2013 Honda Pilot is up to 2,000 pounds (FWD) and up to 4,500 pounds (AWD).
Occupants Safety
Front seat side and full length side curtain airbags for three rows, antilock brakes, traction control, stability control and electronic stability assist are the standard safety features of the 2013 Honda Pilot.
Pricing and Availability
The pricing details of the different trim levels of the 2013 Honda Pilot are, LX at $29,520, EX at $31,770, EX-L at $35,020 and Touring at $39,670. The Pilot is available in the market for sale.
Key Rivals
The key competitors of the 2013 Honda Pilot are Mazda CX-9, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Acura MDX, Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer.
Pros
- Comfortable and composed ride
- Useful interior storage options
- Roomy third row
Cons
- Integration of some poor quality plastic interior finishing
- Available good rivals offering an engaging ride
- Disappointing brakes
The Verdict
Since its launch, the Pilot lineup has received good and positive words of mouth and the 2013 Honda Pilot is something exceptional because of the additional new features. In terms of safety and entertainment features, the 2013 Honda Pilot offers a tough time to its rivals.