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2022 Honda Pilot EX-L and Touring: A Comprehensive Review

The Honda Pilot has been one of the top contenders in the midsize SUV segment for years, consistently bringing a blend of versatility, reliability, and family-friendly features. For the 2022 model year, the Honda Pilot EX-L and Touring trims have continued to impress automotive enthusiasts and regular consumers alike. This article dives into everything you need to know about these two variants: from performance to features, potential drawbacks, and everything in between.

Key Differences Between 2022 Honda Pilot EX-L and Touring

When considering the 2022 Honda Pilot EX-L and Touring trims, it’s important to know what sets them apart. While both trims offer the same solid engine and excellent driving experience, they differ significantly in terms of features, technology, and interior comfort.

  • Engine & Performance: Both EX-L and Touring trims are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, giving the Pilot solid acceleration and reliable power distribution. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) option is available for both trims, making them great for various driving conditions.

  • Pricing: The EX-L is priced at around $38,000 (MSRP) while the Touring comes in at about $43,000. This difference of nearly $5,000 is reflected in the Touring’s additional features and upscale feel.

  • Seating & Capacity: The EX-L trim offers seating for eight passengers, while the Touring provides an option for either seven or eight passengers, depending on whether you choose the captain’s chairs or a bench seat in the second row.

Interior and Comfort: EX-L vs Touring

Both the EX-L and Touring trims of the 2022 Honda Pilot focus on comfort and convenience, but there are differences in their approach to luxury and technology.

Interior Quality

EX-L Interior Features

The Honda Pilot EX-L boasts a leather-trimmed interior, which is a significant step up from the base models. Standard features include heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat. The EX-L also has a power moonroof and tri-zone automatic climate control for added comfort.

  • Infotainment System: The EX-L comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The system is intuitive but can be a bit laggy at times, which is something to consider.

Touring Interior Features

The Touring trim takes things up a notch with a more refined and sophisticated feel. It retains the leather-trimmed seating of the EX-L but adds more technology features and entertainment options.

  • Rear Entertainment System: A notable feature in the Touring trim is the advanced rear entertainment system. This system is perfect for families, providing rear passengers with a Blu-ray player, built-in streaming apps, and wireless headphones.

  • Premium Audio System: The Touring also features a 10-speaker premium audio system, which delivers a richer and more immersive sound experience compared to the EX-L’s 7-speaker system.

  • Navigation & Connectivity: The Touring includes a built-in navigation system with voice recognition and HondaLink® subscription services, making it easier to stay connected on the go.

Interior Space and Comfort

Both trims have spacious interiors, with ample legroom and headroom for all three rows. The seats are designed for long journeys, offering plush comfort and support. However, the Touring’s available captain’s chairs make it a more luxurious option for second-row passengers, albeit reducing the seating capacity from eight to seven.

Cargo Space

The 2022 Honda Pilot is one of the leaders in cargo capacity among midsize SUVs. Behind the third row, you get 16.5 cubic feet of space, which expands to 46.8 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet when all rear seats are down.

Pros & Cons of the Interior

  • Pros of EX-L: Comfortable seating for eight, well-laid-out infotainment, leather interior, spacious cabin.
  • Cons of EX-L: Infotainment can be laggy, fewer entertainment features compared to Touring.
  • Pros of Touring: Superior entertainment system, premium sound, captain’s chair option, navigation included.
  • Cons of Touring: Higher price point, loses one seat if captain's chairs are selected.

Performance & Driving Experience

Both the EX-L and Touring trims of the 2022 Honda Pilot offer the same driving performance, so there's no difference in how they handle. The 3.5L V6 engine is powerful yet smooth, delivering good acceleration and enough power for both city and highway driving.

Fuel Economy

The Pilot boasts an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel-drive models. If you opt for AWD, the numbers drop slightly to 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

Handling & Ride Quality

The Pilot’s handling is smooth, though some drivers may find its steering to be a bit on the lighter side. It absorbs bumps and uneven roads well, ensuring a comfortable ride for all passengers. However, some users note that due to its size, the Pilot can feel slightly cumbersome to maneuver in tight city spaces.

  • EX-L Ride: Balanced ride comfort and practicality, feels smooth on most roads.
  • Touring Ride: Similar driving dynamics as the EX-L, but with additional sound insulation making for a quieter cabin experience.

Technology and Features

EX-L Standard Features

  • Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Integration: Seamless smartphone connectivity for music, navigation, and hands-free calls.
  • Blind Spot Information System (BSI): Enhances safety by alerting the driver to vehicles in blind spots.
  • Power Tailgate: Provides easy access to the cargo area with just a push of a button.

Touring Exclusive Features

  • Wi-Fi Hotspot Capability: Keeps everyone connected on long trips, allowing passengers to stream and browse on multiple devices.
  • Hands-Free Power Tailgate: Added convenience by allowing you to open the tailgate with a simple wave of your foot.
  • Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™: Comes standard with the Touring, offering accurate directions with voice recognition for easy navigation.

Safety Features

Both trims come equipped with the Honda Sensing® Suite, which is a collection of advanced safety and driver-assist features designed to protect you and your passengers.

  • Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS): Helps to bring the car to a stop when a frontal collision seems unavoidable.
  • Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM): Alerts the driver if they are unintentionally drifting off the road.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set following interval behind detected vehicles for a safer and more relaxed driving experience.

Potential Drawbacks

While the 2022 Honda Pilot is a great choice for many families, there are some downsides to consider.

Drawbacks of the EX-L

  1. Infotainment Lag: The 8-inch touchscreen can sometimes be slow to respond, which may be frustrating for tech-savvy users.
  2. No Built-In Navigation: Unlike the Touring trim, the EX-L does not come with a built-in navigation system, which means you’ll need to rely on smartphone mirroring apps like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Drawbacks of the Touring

  1. Higher Price Point: The Touring’s price may be steep for some buyers, especially when considering it mainly adds entertainment and tech features to the EX-L’s offering.
  2. Fuel Economy: Like the EX-L, the Touring’s fuel economy is adequate but not exceptional for its class.

Alex Collantes’ Personal Take

"After test-driving both the EX-L and Touring trims of the 2022 Honda Pilot, I can confidently say that both are strong contenders for anyone looking for a reliable midsize SUV. The EX-L is a great all-around vehicle that provides comfort, practicality, and a well-rounded feature set. However, if you're looking for a bit more luxury and want to keep the kids entertained on long road trips, the Touring is worth the extra investment." - Alex Collantes, Automotive Enthusiast.

Which Trim is Right for You?

Choosing between the EX-L and Touring trims depends largely on your budget and what features matter most to you.

  • If you want a great balance between price, features, and comfort, and don’t need the extra tech and entertainment options, the EX-L is a solid choice.
  • If you're willing to pay a little more for extra comfort, entertainment, and convenience features, then the Touring is likely a better fit for you and your family.

Final Verdict

The 2022 Honda Pilot is a dependable, spacious, and well-equipped SUV that continues to meet the needs of families and drivers who want a reliable and feature-packed vehicle. Whether you go for the EX-L or the Touring, you’ll be getting a great vehicle that excels in comfort, safety, and practicality. While there are some drawbacks to each trim, they’re minor compared to the overall benefits.

For more in-depth comparisons, always refer to the Honda official specifications page or a reputable automotive comparison site to ensure you’re making the best decision for your driving needs.

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