2018 Honda Pilot EX-L

The 2018 Honda Pilot is a three-row family SUV that seats up to eight, slotting between the compact CR-V and the larger Odyssey in Honda's lineup. It competes with the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, and Nissan Pathfinder, offering more passenger space than most in this class. The V6 provides smooth, confident acceleration for daily driving, though the nine-speed transmission can feel hesitant at low speeds. The cabin is roomy, with comfortable seating for adults in the first two rows and a third row that folds flat to open up generous cargo space. Honda Sensing, including collision mitigation braking and lane keeping assist, is standard across the lineup, and higher trims add navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system. Leather seating and the larger 8-inch touchscreen set the EX-L apart from the EX and Touring trims below and above it. All trims share a 3.5L V6 making 280 horsepower, but the EX-L's AWD system and six-speed automatic handle slippery roads with confidence. The EX-L's available Intelligent Traction Management adjusts the AWD for snow, sand, and mud, making it a genuine all-weather family hauler.