Used 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L SUV Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L SUV.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Love my AWD Pilot in the snow!
Cathryn Couzens, Hartford, CT, 01/19/2017
2017 Honda Pilot EX-L 4dr SUV AWD w/Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
I really like the design of the 2017 Honda pilot. It's attractive on the outside, comfortable on the inside. A few concerns though. The rear seats could be a little more comfortable but at least they are not used every day. It also seems like the heat takes a while to really kick in which was not what I was expecting for a brand-new vehicle but perhaps because it's a large space … it takes a while. Also the Bluetooth has not consistently worked. Overall a five star car though, great in snow and ice and very good gas mileage for this type of vehicle.
9-speed models are not safe
BruceW, Santa Clara, CA, 11/16/2017
2017 Honda Pilot EX-L 4dr SUV AWD w/Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Pilot can be bought with the navigation system only in the top trim models and these also have the 9-speed transmission. I took a test drive on the freeway and when accelerating onto the freeway to merge safely with traffic I floored the accelerator pedal and then waited a full 4 seconds before the transmission downshifted and the car computer fed more fuel to the engine and the car … started to accelerate. When I simulated a passing situation by moving into the left lane and flooring the accelerator pedal the same thing happened. No response at all for 4 seconds and then finally the car started to accelerate. The published 0-60 MPH times with the Pilot are not at all accurate with the 9-speed transmission. Add 4 seconds to the time and you will appreciate why I do not consider the Pilot safe to drive on the highway. The other con for me was the feel of the electronic steering where there was no feedback and it was further complicated by the odd profile of the steering wheel that is rectangular rather than round. The storage space is exceptional with the Pilot and the navigation system that uses Garmin technology like that found in the Garmin 760 is outstanding and the best of any SUV at this time. I would only buy one of the two trim levels that have the 6-speed transmission and based on that I decided to instead buy a 2018 Chevy Traverse.
The Best for me!
Jim, Saint Augustine, FL, 01/01/2018
2017 Honda Pilot EX-L 4dr SUV AWD w/Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Awesome car! I drove all the rest in this class and this is the best!
Great car for seniors
Jim, Hillsboro, OR, 04/06/2022
2017 Honda Pilot EX-L 4dr SUV AWD w/Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Access in and out is very important to me as I've aged. Visibility is also important and we are most impressed with the backup camera views. Car is reliable and and affordable to operate. We love it.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L SUV
Pros & Cons
- Pro:A versatile, roomy interior with spacious rear seats
- Pro:Ride is smooth and compliant in most conditions
- Pro:Better fuel economy than rivals
- Pro:Multiple clever storage compartments
- Con:Nine-speed automatic transmission lacks refinement
- Con:Collision warning and adaptive cruise control are overly sensitive
- Con:Third-row access is narrow
- Con:Touchscreen interface isn't very intuitive
Which Pilot does Edmunds recommend?
Our recommendation for the Pilot is the EX-L trim level. It's a good balance of feature availability and price, but more importantly, it has the standard six-speed automatic transmission, which we prefer to the optional nine-speed transmission. The EX-L comes with plenty of features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a sunroof, a power tailgate, heated front seats and one-touch sliding second-row seats. And, if you're so inclined, you can add the available Honda Sensing package that includes features such as adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation.
Full Edmunds Review: 2017 Honda Pilot SUV
Driving
3.0With ample power and respectable handling, the Pilot is among the athletes in the three-row SUV segment. It's a winner on mountain roads, easily gets up to speed, and can manage light towing and slippery surfaces with the optional all-wheel drive.
Comfort
4.5Given its above-average ride quality and seat comfort plus ample space in first and second rows, the Pilot is a very comfortable SUV. Ease of use is very high, too, which makes the Pilot a convenient and easy SUV to live with.
Interior
4.0The Pilot exhibits typical Honda efficiency and build quality. Use of space is very good with lots of storage. Practical features such as the easy-entry third row and flat load floor with the second and third rows lowered make a difference when hauling cargo and people.
Utility
4.0Though it can't tow as much as truck-based SUVs such as the Chevy Suburban, the Pilot is still an extremely utilitarian vehicle. Its large, well-thought-out interior proves extremely useful when you stuff it full of passengers or their gear.
Technology
Though some controls in the Pilot are reasonably intelligent and intuitive, the active safety features err on the side of caution and can be intrusive. Also, the lack of a volume knob is a frustrating omission that you have to deal with on a daily basis.
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2017 Honda Pilot in Ohio is:
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