Trading in a car is a big decision, especially when it’s been a reliable workhorse like your 2013 Honda Pilot. Many drivers appreciate the Pilot for its generous cargo space and comfortable second-row seating, making it a go-to choice for families and those who need to haul gear. However, the driving experience isn’t always thrilling. If you’re seeking an SUV that matches the Pilot’s practicality but injects more enjoyment into your daily commute, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore SUVs comparable to the Honda Pilot, considering factors like space, reliability, and driving dynamics, to help you find the perfect upgrade.
Evaluating SUVs: Space, Reliability, and Driving Fun
Before diving into specific models, it’s crucial to pinpoint what makes the Honda Pilot both loved and disliked. Owners often praise its cavernous cargo area and ample second-row legroom – essential for family comfort and utility. On the flip side, handling can feel cumbersome, particularly in stop-and-go traffic, and visibility can be a challenge despite mirror adjustments.
The goal is to identify SUVs that retain or enhance the Pilot’s strengths – space and dependability – while addressing its weaknesses, primarily driving enjoyment and handling. Reliability remains a key concern, as does overall value.
SUVs Considered and Test Driven
Several SUVs have been considered as potential replacements for the Honda Pilot. Let’s examine these options and understand why they might or might not be the right fit:
Infiniti QX80: Luxury and Size, but at a Cost?
The Infiniti QX80, once a dream vehicle, presents itself as a significant step up in luxury and size. Test driving a 2018 model revealed its imposing dimensions, perhaps feeling too large for everyday needs. Furthermore, concerns about long-term reliability and potentially high repair costs, based on owner forums, raise questions about its practicality compared to the Honda Pilot’s known dependability. The scarcity of high-mileage QX80s for sale, unlike the abundance of Pilots with 200,000 miles, further fuels these concerns.
Alt text: Side profile of a silver Infiniti QX80 SUV driving on a highway, showcasing its large size, an SUV comparable to Honda Pilot in dimensions but with a more luxurious appeal.
Lexus GX460: Rugged and Reliable, but Smaller and Stiffer?
The Lexus GX460, renowned for Lexus’s legendary reliability, initially felt smaller than the Pilot during a test drive. The ride was perceived as stiff, which might not be ideal for daily commutes. While Lexus vehicles are generally praised for their dependability, the GX460’s aging design and potentially smaller cargo capacity compared to the Pilot are points to reconsider. Another test drive might be warranted to reassess after the QX80 experience.
Alt text: Close-up of the front grill and headlight of a dark gray Lexus GX460, highlighting its robust and somewhat dated design, an SUV considered for its reliability but potentially less spacious than a Honda Pilot.
Toyota Highlander: Too Compact?
The Toyota Highlander, a popular and reliable SUV, was quickly deemed too small. A significant drawback was the lack of a power-adjustable passenger seat, a feature often expected in this vehicle class and found in the Pilot. The Highlander, while a strong contender in the mid-size SUV segment, may not offer the comparable cargo and passenger space sought as a Honda Pilot alternative.
Alt text: Interior view of a Toyota Highlander, focusing on the front seats, illustrating the perceived smaller cabin space compared to the Honda Pilot which led to its rejection as a comparable SUV.
Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS: Size and Availability Challenges
The Audi Q7 was dismissed due to concerns about cargo capacity, particularly for hauling larger items like boxes of flooring. It’s perceived as less spacious than the Pilot in practical cargo terms. The Mercedes-Benz GLS, another luxury SUV, is of interest, but finding one with a dark interior, a specific preference, has proven difficult in the current market.
Exploring Further SUV Alternatives Comparable to Honda Pilot
Given the initial test drives and considerations, expanding the search for SUVs comparable to the Honda Pilot is worthwhile. To truly match the Pilot’s strengths while improving the driving experience, consider these additional categories and models:
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Larger Mid-Size SUVs with Improved Handling: Explore models like the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, or Mazda CX-9. These SUVs often offer comparable or near-comparable cargo space to the Pilot and are designed with a focus on more engaging driving dynamics than traditional, truck-based SUVs. The CX-9, in particular, is often praised for its handling and stylish design, though cargo space might be slightly less than the Pilot.
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Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade: These Korean SUVs have rapidly gained popularity for their spacious interiors, long lists of features, and strong value propositions. They often match or exceed the Pilot in passenger and cargo space and have received positive reviews for their comfortable ride and user-friendly technology. Reliability ratings are also increasingly competitive.
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Acura MDX: As a luxury brand from Honda, the Acura MDX offers a step up in refinement and driving experience while retaining Honda’s reputation for reliability. It shares some similarities with the Pilot but typically offers more premium features and a more engaging driving feel.
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal SUV Upgrade
Choosing the right SUV comparable to the Honda Pilot involves balancing practicality with driving enjoyment and personal preferences. While luxury SUVs like the Infiniti QX80 and Lexus GX460 offer appeal, concerns about size, handling, and reliability need careful consideration. The Toyota Highlander might fall short on space, while the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS present other challenges.
Exploring larger mid-size SUVs like the Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse, Mazda CX-9, and the Kia Telluride/Hyundai Palisade duo could reveal options that better align with the desire for Pilot-like space and improved driving dynamics. Ultimately, further test drives and detailed comparisons, focusing on cargo capacity, handling, and long-term reliability, will be key to making an informed decision and finding the ideal SUV upgrade. Perhaps revisiting the Lexus GX460 with adjusted expectations or exploring the Acura MDX could also yield positive results.
