Honda Pilot (3rd Gen)
16-22 · Honda Pilot
The best 3-row family SUV for actual families. Not the flashiest, but the most honest about what matters.
Scores last updated: June 14, 2026
Score breakdown
Our take
What it really is
The 3rd gen Pilot uses Honda's J35 V6, a proven engine with 200k+ documented longevity, mated to a 9-speed automatic or 6-speed for AWD. The platform prioritizes passenger comfort and practicality over driving dynamics.
Why it's on this list
5-star NHTSA. IIHS TSP+. Genuine 8-passenger capacity. The 3rd row is adult-usable at 33.6" legroom, rare at this price point. Honda LATCH system in all three rows.
The honest trade-offs
The 9-speed automatic had early reliability concerns on 2016-2017. Honda addressed this under warranty. Highway fuel economy at 22 MPG combined is below class leaders. The driving experience is competent, not engaging.
What to buy and what to avoid
2018-2022 for the resolved transmission software and updated Honda Sensing. Elite trim for captain's chairs in the second row if you regularly carry 6 adults. Avoid base LX. The safety suite gap is meaningful.
Annual cost of ownership
Key specs
Safety
Rust vulnerability
Reliability data
Repairability
References
Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.
- [1]datasetRepairPal
Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability
- [2]governmentNHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings
- [3]governmentNHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes
- [4]datasetIIHS Safety Ratings
Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status
- [5]governmentEPA Fuel Economy Guide
MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size
- [6]forum threadCarComplaints
Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band
- [7]datasetiSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used
- [8]publicationBankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile
Looking to buy a Honda Pilot?
Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.
Modernize this car
CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.
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