2012 Honda Pilot Facelift Revealed With Promise of Best Fuel Economy in Its Class
While not often talked about, Honda‘s Pilot SUV has grown to become a staple of the brand’s U.S. model lineup. With the second-generation model introduced in 2009, it’s about time for an update and so Honda has decided to refresh the truck for the 2012 model year.
Included in the makeover is a new three-bar corporate front grille and a few other mild tweaks that actually do a lot to improve the ‘ute’s look.
Planning to continue on a long tradition of fuel economy, Honda has also replaced the 5-speed automatic transmission with a 6-speed unit, promising that it will rank as the most fuel efficient three-row crossover on the market. Currently the Pilot gets a best of 17/23-mpg for 2WD models or 16/22-mpg for 4WD versions.
In addition to those updates look for a mild workover for the cabin, a new navigation system and some small trim upgrades – including the wheels shown.
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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I think one can get 32 MPG with the Sorento, but we have to consider this is related to a small engine, the Pilot has a bigger one and gives less mileage but has more climbing power, better towing and also additional passengers' room. I will go for a Pilot for its resale value, that way I could recover some of my gas expenses.
Is the 2012 Pilot a 5-speed or 6-speed vehicle? I seem to be getting conflicting information here. The online brochure I read says 5-speed, Autoguide says 6-speed. Please which is correct?