The 2012 Honda Pilot derives its power from a 3.5L V6, which delivers 250 horsepower. It comes mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2-wheel-drive Pilot provides 3,500 pounds of towing capability, while the 4-wheel-drive version can haul up to 4,500 lbs.

Honda contends the Pilot's frame has more high-grade steel than any other vehicle the automaker builds. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Pilot its "Top Safety Pick" and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Pilot its highest safety rating of five stars for both front and side impact collisions.

The entry-level LX style is only available with standard factory equipment. However, the standard equipment list is a lengthy one, and includes front and rear power disc brakes, remote entry, power windows and locks, hidden storage well in the cargo area and lift-up glass hatch on the tailgate, standard on the LX and the EX.

The mid-level EX adds available power front seats with heated leather trim. Also, drivers will enjoy the large power moonroof with a diffuser to minimize exterior noise while it is open. The EX also comes with an upgraded stereo, which for 2012 includes 7 speakers, Bluetooth and 2GB of music storage. To further appease rear passengers, the EX also provides a tri-zone climate control system with humidity control and air-filtration.

The top end Touring style adds front seat memory, as well as heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals. Most appealing, however, is the addition of the voice-activated Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with integrated rearview camera, which is standard on the Pilot Touring class and now optional on the EX-L. Rear passengers now get a standard rear seat entertainment system.

The EX-L and Touring models also get a powered liftgate that can be opened at the touch of a button.
The 2012 Pilot gets a few tweaks over last year's model. The revised front grille is a plainer, three-slat style. The other changes are simple equipment tweaks--the EX trim gets a new and improved stereo, 18-inch alloy wheels and 10-way power seats. The EX-L gets a power liftgate.
Practical; three-row seating; excellent safety; competitive pricing
Honda is recognized for the quality of its design and engineering, and the 2012 Pilot is no exception. However, the true value and strength of the Honda Pilot is its roomy interior, which features seating for up to eight passengers. The Pilot's 87.0 cubic feet of cargo space make it great for hauling too. With an entry price of about $28,500 and several trim levels from which to choose, the Pilot offers something for everyone.