What’s the Best 2022 Honda Pilot Trim? Here’s Our Guide

Although the current-generation Pilot is nearing the end of its lifecycle, the Honda remains a competitive player in the three-row SUV category. A spacious interior and strong acceleration will keep this SUV at the top of many shopping lists, but which trim level is the best?

For the 2022 model year, Honda is revising the Pilot's trim structure, replacing the LX and EX trims with a new entry-level trim that has yet to be detailed. Check out our trim guide below to find out which Pilot may be right for you, and see pricing by trim at the end.

2022 Honda Pilot Base Model Pros and Cons

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Honda hasn't provided details on the new base model, but promises it will be well-equipped. Previously, the base LX came standard with a puny 5.0-inch infotainment screen that was compatible with neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto. For the new model year, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration could become standard across the lineup. Although it's definitely an upgrade from the tiny screen, the interface can be a little tricky to use.

As is the case with the lower trims, the base Pilot should seat up to eight people in its spacious cabin. Unlike many of its rivals, this SUV can fit average-height adults in the third row. Privacy glass makes the Pilot more relaxing in the back of the cabin.

Just because you're getting the base model doesn't mean you're skimping on safety features. The base Pilot should come well equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and auto high beams.

Every Pilot gets a 3.5-liter V-6 good for 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. That means even the base model should benefit from quick acceleration. In our three-row SUV comparison test, the Honda Pilot bested its competition in the 0-60 mph run, hitting the mark in 6.2 seconds. Buyers have a choice between FWD and AWD on most trims, and that will include the base model, if it's anything like the outgoing LX. We figure the price tag will fall in the mid-$30,000 range.

2022 Honda Pilot EX-L Pros and Cons

Already, the Pilot is starting to feel upscale. Step inside, and the EX-L is bathed in black leather upholstery, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity is standard. The driver's seat gets 10-way power adjustability, including lumbar, and both front seats are heated. Electronically controlled second-row seats provide easy access to the third row with the push of a button.

Other key goodies include a one-touch power moonroof, four-way power front passenger seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Second-row sunshades, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and HomeLink remote system add to the comfort. Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is standard.

The model comes standard with LED headlights and a power tailgate, although it's not a hands-free, foot-activated door like on higher trims. As the content level steps up, so do prices. The EX-L starts at just over $40,000, a price level that some buyers don't want to breach.

2022 Honda Pilot Special Edition Pros and Cons

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Moving up from the EX-L to the Special Edition, most changes are cosmetic. A blacked-out grille complements black roof rails and slick 20-inch black wheels on this trim, also called SE. When paired with the Crystal Black Pearl paint job, it looks particularly stealthy. A hands-free tailgate and wireless phone charger are thrown in for good measure. Starting at almost $41,000, the Special Edition is just slightly more expensive than the EX-L. Not a bad deal.

2022 Honda Pilot Touring Pros and Cons

At the Touring trim, buyers have the option of a seven-seat configuration. This brings along two heated captain's chairs in the second row. In our experience, these seats are quite comfortable for adults (and spacious enough to fit a baby seat). If you stick with the eight-seat version, the outboard seats are heated, while the middle seat remains without this amenity.

Touring models also receive the CabinTalk in-car PA system so the driver can chat with passengers in the rear. A rear seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen, front and rear parking sensors, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability round out the tech upgrades. There are illuminated beverage holders in the front and second row for seven-seat models. Chrome door handles jazz up the exterior, which also gets LED headlights. All these features come at a price of almost $45,000.

2022 Honda Pilot Elite Pros and Cons

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The Pilot Elite is available exclusively in seven-seat configuration with captain's chairs, which gain ventilation. A panoramic moonroof may be the flashiest addition to this trim, with other new features including rain-sensing windshield wipers, power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. Whether these updates are worth the $50,000+ price tag is up for debate. It's worth noting that AWD is standard from this trim on.

2022 Honda Pilot Black Edition Pros and Cons

Also available exclusively as a seven-seater, the Black Edition changes things up just slightly from the Elite. As you may guess from its name, this model gets black exterior trim all around, including 20-inch black wheels. It also receives a unique interior with Black Edition badging, red accents, and red ambient lighting. When we drove a Pilot Black Edition, however, we thought the interior looked a bit dated and dull compared to rivals. Expect to shell out almost $52,000 for this SUV.

Which 2022 Honda Pilot Trim Is Best?

We have a hard time justifying the Black Edition's high price tag, especially since we're not impressed by the interior. The EX-L trim will serve more buyers well, as it has essential creature comforts to keep drivers happy, plus a power liftgate. If you want to snag those comfy captain's chairs, the Touring model is a posh pick for a reasonable price.

2022 Honda Pilot Prices:

• Base Model: mid-$30,000s (est. )
• EX-L FWD: $40,285 (MT's pick)
• Special Edition FWD: $40,885
• Touring FWD: $44,845
• Elite AWD : $50,345
• Black Edition AWD: $51,845

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