Verdict
B
Mid-size SUV · Japan · 2003-present
Honda Pilot
Eight-seat Honda crossover. The minivan substitute.
Years
2003-present
Generations
1
Segment
Mid-size SUV
The Pilot is what people who've graduated from the CR-V but won't admit they need a minivan buy. Three-row, V6-only, mostly transverse-engined — same Honda philosophy as the Odyssey but in SUV clothing. The 3rd gen (2016-2022) was forgettable; the 4th gen (2023-) finally has the styling presence the Pilot always lacked, plus a TrailSport variant with raised suspension that's actually capable off-road. Reliability is Honda-grade once you accept the 3.5 V6 has had timing issues across the lineup.
Generations
Click any generation for the deep dive
2023-present
4th Gen · YF8
Three-row crossover that's secretly the cheap minivan substitute.
→
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
2023-present · 4th Gen · YF8
- VCM (variable cylinder management) lifter wear on long-life engines (carryover concern)
- 10-speed harshness early production
- Infotainment quirks (HondaLink)
Rivals
Toyota Highlander · Mazda CX-9 · Hyundai Palisade · Kia Telluride