2022 Honda Pilot Configurations: Exploring a Versatile and Capable SUV
Introduction: A Family SUV Built for Adventure
The 2022 Honda Pilot is one of those family SUVs that seem to strike a perfect balance between versatility comfort and performance. It’s been a popular choice among midsize SUVs offering various configurations to suit different needs. Whether you’re looking for a spacious hauler for road trips or a daily driver with enough pep and practicality the Pilot has plenty of options to choose from.
With its blend of smart technology features ample seating and thoughtful design the 2022 Honda Pilot has earned its spot in many driveways. In this article we’ll go through the different configurations available and help you determine which one might be best for your needs.
What’s Special About the 2022 Honda Pilot?
The 2022 Honda Pilot comes with a variety of trims and customizable configurations that offer something for nearly everyone. It’s known for its spacious cabin solid build and smooth driving dynamics. Before we dive into the specific configurations let's take a look at why the Pilot remains a standout option in the crowded world of midsize SUVs.
- Comfort and Space: It comfortably seats up to 8 passengers making it ideal for family use.
- Reliable Performance: A powerful V6 engine is standard across the board.
- Technology Features: A range of driver-assistance features come included even in the base trim.
Available Trims of the 2022 Honda Pilot
The 2022 Honda Pilot comes in seven trims giving buyers a range of options. Here is a detailed breakdown:
- 2022 Honda Pilot Sport
- 2022 Honda Pilot EX-L
- 2022 Honda Pilot Special Edition
- 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport
- 2022 Honda Pilot Touring
- 2022 Honda Pilot Elite
- 2022 Honda Pilot Black Edition
Each trim level comes with its own set of features aimed at a different type of driver. Let's explore these trims one by one.
2022 Honda Pilot Sport
The Sport is the base trim of the Pilot lineup but it doesn’t skimp on features. It’s designed to be accessible and still comes packed with plenty of modern conveniences that will appeal to many buyers.
- Key Features:
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
Potential Drawbacks: The Pilot Sport lacks some premium features like leather seating and advanced driver assist tech that you’ll find in the upper trims. It may also feel a bit basic for those looking for a more luxurious driving experience.
"The Sport is a good starter for families but it feels like a blank canvas. It's like Honda wants you to start here and think about upgrading later" says Alex Collantes.
2022 Honda Pilot EX-L
The EX-L trim is a step up from the Sport and adds several comfort and convenience features that make long drives more pleasant.
- Key Features:
- Leather-trimmed seats
- Power-adjustable front seats
- One-touch power moonroof
- Power tailgate
Potential Drawbacks: While the EX-L adds a lot of nice extras it comes with a higher price tag that might not seem worth it if you’re just looking for basic transportation. Additionally it still lacks the advanced all-wheel-drive capabilities of the TrailSport edition.
2022 Honda Pilot Special Edition
The Special Edition trim adds a bit more flair to the Pilot giving it an extra touch of personality with exclusive 20-inch black wheels and a hands-free power tailgate.
- Key Features:
- Wireless phone charger
- 20-inch black alloy wheels
- Roof rails for extra storage options
Potential Drawbacks: The enhancements here are more cosmetic and not much of a significant upgrade on core functionality. For budget-conscious buyers the extra cost might not be justified compared to the EX-L.
"Honestly this one feels like you're paying for the looks more than anything else" says Alex Collantes.
2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport
If you like taking the road less traveled the TrailSport trim is Honda’s answer for those who want a little bit more adventure. It's marketed as the off-road capable version of the Pilot.
- Key Features:
- AWD as standard
- Enhanced suspension tuning for off-road
- Unique rugged styling elements
Potential Drawbacks: While the TrailSport has some improved off-road ability it's not a true off-road SUV like the Jeep Wrangler. It’s more like an SUV that’s been dressed up to look rugged but don’t expect it to tackle extreme trails without issue.
2022 Honda Pilot Touring
The Touring trim brings in more tech and entertainment options ideal for long trips with the family. It’s all about comfort and convenience.
- Key Features:
- Rear entertainment system
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- 10-speaker premium audio system
Potential Drawbacks: The Touring is great for families but the added tech does come at a cost. For those who don’t value in-car entertainment they might find the extra features unnecessary especially if everyone has a personal device.
2022 Honda Pilot Elite
The Elite trim pushes the luxury further featuring all the bells and whistles you’d expect in a higher-end SUV.
- Key Features:
- Panoramic roof
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- All-wheel drive standard
Potential Drawbacks: The Elite is getting into luxury SUV price territory and there might be other options from luxury brands that offer a more prestigious badge for the same money.
"The Elite feels like it's trying to compete with luxury brands but still feels a little too Honda if you know what I mean" comments Alex Collantes.
2022 Honda Pilot Black Edition
The Black Edition is the top-of-the-line trim for the Pilot and it’s all about making a statement. With black exterior accents and premium interior upgrades it's aimed at those who want their Pilot to stand out.
- Key Features:
- Exclusive black exterior accents
- Red ambient interior lighting
- 20-inch black alloy wheels
Potential Drawbacks: Aside from aesthetic upgrades the Black Edition doesn't add much over the Elite in terms of performance or tech. It’s all about the looks and some buyers may feel the extra cost is not justified.
Performance and Driving Impressions
Engine and Transmission
All trims of the 2022 Honda Pilot come with the same 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower. This engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that offers smooth shifts and ample power for highway driving and overtaking.
Pros of the Powertrain
- Smooth and Responsive: The V6 engine is both powerful and refined offering smooth acceleration.
- Capable Towing: With a towing capacity of up to 5000 pounds (when properly equipped) the Pilot can handle trailers or small boats with ease.
Cons of the Powertrain
- Fuel Economy: The V6 provides solid performance but comes at the cost of fuel efficiency. With an EPA rating of 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway for FWD versions it’s not the most economical option out there especially with rising fuel prices.
Ride Comfort and Handling
The Pilot is designed with family comfort in mind. The suspension absorbs bumps well and the cabin is well-insulated from road noise. The Pilot’s ride quality leans towards comfort rather than sporty handling which is exactly what most families would prefer.
Pros of Ride Quality
- Comfort-Oriented: The Pilot’s suspension is tuned to keep passengers comfortable even on longer drives.
- Quiet Cabin: Noise insulation is excellent making for a quiet and relaxed ride.
Cons of Ride Quality
- Body Roll: The Pilot is not sporty. It has noticeable body roll when taking corners and doesn’t feel particularly agile.
Interior Features and Space
Spaciousness for the Family
One of the biggest selling points for the 2022 Honda Pilot is its interior space. It offers three rows of seating and can comfortably fit up to 8 passengers. The third-row seats are actually usable for adults which isn’t always the case in the midsize SUV segment.
Pros of the Interior
- Lots of Room: Ample legroom and headroom in all three rows.
- Cargo Space: With the third row folded down the Pilot offers a generous 46.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
Cons of the Interior
- Third Row Access: While the third-row seats are spacious accessing them can be cumbersome especially for taller adults.
Tech and Infotainment
The 8-inch touchscreen is standard across all trims. Higher trims include a rear-seat entertainment system and premium audio systems.
Pros of Technology Features
- User-Friendly Infotainment: The system is straightforward and easy to use with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto making it easy to connect your phone.
Cons of Technology Features
- Outdated Graphics: Compared to newer SUVs the infotainment graphics look a bit dated which takes away from the premium feel of higher trims.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Standard Safety Features
The 2022 Honda Pilot comes equipped with Honda Sensing® a suite of safety features designed to keep you and your family safe on the road.
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
- Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Pros of Safety Features
- Comprehensive Safety Suite: The Honda Sensing suite is included in all trims giving peace of mind regardless of which version you buy.
Cons of Safety Features
- False Alarms: Some drivers report that the collision warning system can be overly sensitive giving false alerts which can be annoying.
Price Range and Value
Pricing for Different Trims
- Sport: Starting at $38,080
- EX-L: Starting at $40,310
- Special Edition: Starting at $41,910
- TrailSport: Starting at $44,810
- Touring: Starting at $46,560
- Elite: Starting at $51,370
- Black Edition: Starting at $52,870
Value for Money
Each trim level offers a different set of features at increasing price points. While the base Sport trim offers great value for those on a budget the Elite and Black Edition trims cater to buyers looking for premium features in a non-luxury brand.
"In terms of value the EX-L is the sweet spot for me because it adds all the comfort features I want without going overboard" Alex Collantes shares.
Conclusion: Which 2022 Honda Pilot Configuration is Right for You?
The 2022 Honda Pilot offers a versatile lineup that can meet the needs of a wide range of buyers. Whether you need the bare essentials with the Sport trim or are looking for off-road fun with the TrailSport or want a fully-loaded premium SUV with the Black Edition the Pilot has something for everyone.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for maximum comfort and technology features the Touring or Elite trims are a solid choice. However if budget is a key consideration the EX-L offers a great balance of price and features.
Drawbacks? Sure—fuel economy could be better and some of the safety features can be a bit touchy. But overall the 2022 Honda Pilot delivers spaciousness comfort and reliability which are the hallmarks of a great family SUV.
"The Pilot doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s a family SUV and a good one at that" Alex Collantes concludes.
References
- Honda Official Website: https://www.honda.com/2022-pilot
- MotorTrend Review of 2022 Honda Pilot: https://www.motortrend.com/cars/honda/pilot/2022/
- Car and Driver 2022 Honda Pilot Overview: https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/pilot-2022