2017 Honda Pilot Elite

The 2017 Pilot is Honda's three-row family SUV, slotting above the CR-V and competing with the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer. The V6 delivers strong, linear acceleration for a family hauler, and the steering is light but accurate around town. The ride is composed on the highway, though the suspension is tuned a bit firm over sharp bumps; that firmness pays off in stable cornering. The cabin is roomy for eight, with a spacious second row and a third row that folds flat to open up generous cargo space. Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise and collision mitigation braking, is available on most trims, and upper trims add a rear-seat entertainment system. The Elite is the top Pilot trim, adding ventilated front seats, a panoramic roof, and the full Honda Sensing suite as standard. Its 3.5L V6 makes 280 horsepower through a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, and it's rated at 22 mpg combined. The Elite is the only Pilot with heated second-row captain's chairs and a 115-volt power outlet in the cargo area.