Honda Pilot vs. Competitors
Overview
Three-row utility vehicles are high on the list of the popular vehicles right now, and there’s no sign that this trend is slowing. Due to their capabilities for carrying cargo and multiple passengers, the segment’s appeal extends to a wide range of drivers. The 2020 Honda Pilot presents a slew of features and benefits, and it tops competing SUVs in numerous ways. It’s versatile, comfortable, and spacious, and it returns exceptional fuel economy, especially for its power and size. It continues to be a winner every model year, but it still must go head-to-head with the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Nissan Pathfinder, and Subaru Ascent. Let’s explore some of the Pilot’s advantages in more detail.
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Efficiency and Cargo Space
Even with the Pilot’s decently strong 3.5-liter V6 engine (280 horsepower and 262 pounds-feet of torque), it returns exceptional fuel economy. With the front-wheel drivetrain, it’s able to get 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Conversely, the Traverse (18 city/27 highway), Palisade (19 city/26 highway), and Telluride (20 city/26 highway) all fall short in comparison. The Pilot’s engine also has a special control system called variable cylinder management that can shut down half its cylinders at cruising speeds to maximize fuel efficiency. The Ascent’s, Explorer’s, and Pathfinder’s engines don’t have this fuel-saving ability. In addition, the Pilot leads these rivals in cargo space. Behind the first row, it provides 109 cubic feet, whereas the Pathfinder (79.5 cu. ft.), Palisade (86.4 cu. ft.), Ascent (79.5 cu. ft.), Telluride (87 cu. ft.), Explorer (87.8 cu. ft.), and Traverse (98.2 cu. ft.) are less accommodating.
Features of Convenience
The Pilot offers a unique feature where if the windows are left open, the driver will be able to close them using the keyless remote. The Traverse’s, Telluride’s, and Ascent’s windows can only be operated from inside when the car is on. What’s more, the Pilot has standard speed-sensitive windshield wipers which adjust their pace based on how fast the vehicle is moving, saving the driver from constantly having to adjust wiper settings themselves, which we all know can be annoying when driving speed changes frequently in the rain. The Ascent’s, Telluride’s, and Palisade’s standard wipers do not have this capability.
Also, while the Pathfinder offers wipers that adapt their pace to the speed, they can’t turn on or off or alter speed as rainfall intensity changes, which the wipers on the Pilot’s Elite and Black Edition trims can. To top it off, the Pilot’s Touring, Elite, and Black Edition trims’ side mirrors tilt from their original positions when the vehicle is put in reverse to provide drivers with a better view of their surroundings during parallel parking. The Explorer’s mirrors do not have this automatically adjustable element.