2017 Honda Pilot EX-L

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 EX-L skips the Touring's navigation and rear-seat entertainment, saving you money while keeping leather seats and the power tailgate. Under the hood is the same 3.5L V6 making 280 horsepower, paired with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive that gets you 21 mpg combined. The EX-L adds heated front seats and a power moonroof as standard, so it feels a step up from the EX without the Touring's price bump.