2022 Honda Pilot: The Compact SUV That Redefines Space, Power, and Practicality

For those navigating city streets or tackling weekend adventures, the 2022 Honda Pilot delivers an unmatched blend of interior room, reliable performance, and refined design—making it the benchmark in the midsize SUV segment. With its roomy cabin, adaptive engine options, and safety-forward engineering, this fifth-generation Pilot sets a new standard for families and professionals alike. From its compact footprint disguised as a near-full-size vehicle to its robust powertrain delivering both efficiency and torque, the 2022 model exemplifies Honda’s commitment to seamless utility and modern driving experience.

At the heart of the 2022 Honda Pilot’s appeal is its intelligent interior layout and generous interior dimensions. The SUV seats five with roomy legroom and adjustable airbags ensuring comfort for passengers of all ages. Standard interior height and trunk volume position it as a top contender in its class, easily rivaling larger rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Highlander.

Exterior Dimensions: Balanced Height and Space

Standing tall at 186.9 inches, the Pilot strikes a perfect balance between approachability and presence.

With a length of 195.8 inches and a width of 75.9 inches, it offers a curb-shifting 78.7-inch wheelbase—critical for maximizing interior volume without sacrificing agility. The vehicle’s proportions reflect careful design: a shorter front overhang paired with a rounded rear enhances maneuverability in tight urban environments while preserving a commanding daytime visibility. Trunk capacity reaches an impressive 15.3 cubic feet, expandable to 36.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded—a practical advantage for daily errands and weekend trips.

The front fascia integrates subtle curves and bold LED headlights with ambient lighting, projecting a confident, contemporary stance without feeling overly assertive. Though slightly larger than compact SUVs, the Pilot’s footprint remains intimate enough for city parking and conservation-focused driving.

The body structure remains grounded, prioritizing a low center of gravity that supports stable handling even at higher speeds.

Honda’s use of high-tensile steel and optimized weights enhances rigidity while keeping curb weight at a competitive 5,228 pounds—sufficient for its powertrain options without dragging.

Interior Comfort and Cargo Capacity: Engineering Practicality

Inside, the 2022 Pilot delivers ergonomic seating and thoughtful accessibility. The standard premium-grade upholstery—available in Gen5 leather or durable fabric—features folded armrests and a center console with power lift-gates that elevate access to cargo areas. The 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space can accommodate moderate loads, with a stack height of 57.7 inches ideal for laptops, camping gear, or groceries.

Legroom reaches 99.6 inches on average, second to few in its class, fostering all-day comfort. The three-row seating configuration maximizes versatility: front passengers benefit from 11.6 inches of leg space, while the ミiddle row offers generous 30.8 inches of armrest clearance—allowing children or newer drivers to settle comfortably. Visibility remains uncompromised, thanks to sweeping rearview mirrors, a 360-degree view camera standard, and clearly marked door hinges.

Standard air sentiment and dual-zone automatic climate control set the stage for a calm, customizable cabin environment—whether navigating rush hour or a cross-country trek.

Powertrain and Performance: Smoothness Meets Efficiency

Under the hood, the 2022 Honda Pilot offers two compelling powertrain choices tailored to diverse driving needs. The base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 180 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0–60 mph time in just 7.3 seconds—a surprise for a vehicle of its size. This performance supports confident highway merging and quick acceleration through city traffic without sacrificing refinement.

For better fuel economy, a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four delivers 156 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, achieving up to 27 mpg combined. This efficient option aligns with Honda’s focus on intelligent powertrain mapping, reducing emissions while maintaining responsiveness in city driving. Both engines drive through a six-speed automated manual (optional in trims) or a seamless nine-speed automatic, offering balanced, low-rpm cruising for highway freedom and sharper urban delivery.

Setbacks are minimal: the engines’ compact design frees interior space, eliminating the packaging issues often found in larger SUVs. Additionally, Honda’s earth-conscious design philosophy reduces idle RPMs without compromising drivability.

Safety and Tech: Built-In Protection Meets Smart Assistance

Safety anchors every pillar of the 2022 Pilot’s design, with Honda Sensing technologically advanced suite available standard across all trims. This suite includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane-Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Departure Mitigation, and Switchblade headlights—collectively reducing accident risk in complex driving scenarios.

Complementing active safety, the Pilot delivers a sharply intuitive infotainment system. A 9-inch HD touchscreen enables Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, while a 12-speaker premium audio system sets a premium auditory tone. A 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster offers real-time performance feedback, and optional Navigation and Weather apps keep drivers informed and connected.

Honda’s sensor suite—comprising 27 cameras, 8 radars, and a 360-degree surround-view camera—ensures comprehensive environmental awareness, even at low speeds in crowded parking lots or suburban lanes.

Trim Levels and Value: Customization Without Compromise

The 2022 Pilot’s trimming strategy ensures broad buyer appeal. The base LX model includes essentials: Honda Sensing, 7-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and winch compatibility. The Sport edition enhances style with 19-inch black-finished alloy wheels, stylized grilles, and darker accents—adding sportiness without overspending.

Top trims like EX-L and TTA elevate comfort and convenience with extended-wheelbase designs, power-operated rear seats, power sliding rear windows, and advanced driver monitoring. Each tier preserves the Pilot’s core strengths: refinement, utility, and long-term reliability.

With competitive pricing anchored around $33,000 for a base model, the Pilot delivers premium value.

Owners gain access to Honda’s industry-leading warranty, with a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage that spans beyond maintenance—shielding buyers from unexpected repair costs.

The Verdict: Why the 2022 Honda Pilot Stands Out

The 2022 Honda Pilot stands as a masterclass in modern compact SUV engineering. Its balanced proportions suit both urbanity and adventure, while its powertrain choices deliver efficiency without sacrificing performance. Interior space remains among the class’s strengths, enhanced by thoughtful tech and safety systems that evolve with driver expectations.

Whether for daily commuting, family transport, or weekend trails, the Pilot proves that compact size need not limit capability. With ongoing refinement and unwavering reliability, this vehicle doesn’t just compete—it sets the benchmark. For drivers seeking a safe, smart, and spacious midsize SUV, the 2022 Honda Pilot delivers an experience worth spreading the word about.