Are you a growing family on the hunt for a reliable and spacious vehicle? Look no further than Honda’s lineup of affordable SUVs with 3rd-row seating! These versatile machines offer the perfect blend of functionality, comfort, and Honda’s legendary reliability, making them a popular choice for families on the go. This guide dives deep into both Honda’s 3-row contenders: the Pilot and the Odyssey, helping you navigate your options and choose the perfect fit for your needs.
The Honda Pilot: Adventure-Ready Comfort for the Active Family
The Honda Pilot reigns supreme as a capable and comfortable 3-row SUV. Boasting a bold exterior and a spacious interior, the Pilot tackles everyday adventures with ease.
Seating and Space:
- Seating for 7 or 8: Choose between configurations with a bench seat or captain’s chairs in the second row, offering flexibility for families of all sizes.
- Third-Row Comfort: While the third row might be better suited for smaller passengers on shorter trips, it comfortably folds flat when not in use, maximizing cargo space.
- Cargo Capacity: With the third row folded, the Pilot offers a generous 82.9 cubic feet of cargo space, perfect for hauling sports equipment, luggage, or groceries for the whole crew.
Performance and Capability:
- Powertrain: The Pilot packs a punch with a 3.5L V6 engine offering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for merging onto highways and tackling inclines.
- Fuel Efficiency: Despite its size, the Pilot delivers EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (FWD models), making it a practical choice for everyday driving.
- Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD): When the weather gets rough or you crave off-road adventures, opt for the available AWD system that provides additional traction and confidence behind the wheel.
Features and Technology:
- Standard Features: The Pilot comes loaded with a plethora of standard features like a sunroof, a rearview camera, the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance technologies (including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control), and a user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM integration.
- Available Upgrades: Higher trim levels offer upgrades like a heated steering wheel, leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a rear entertainment system, making long road trips a breeze for everyone.
The Honda Odyssey: The Minivan Reimagined: Family-First Functionality
While technically not an SUV, the Honda Odyssey deserves a mention as it perfectly complements the Pilot in the 3-row Honda lineup. Often overlooked, the Odyssey offers a unique blend of minivan practicality with a touch of Honda refinement.
Seating and Space:
- Seating for 8: The Odyssey boasts comfortable 8-passenger seating with a spacious and versatile interior.
- Second-Row Magic Slide Seats: This innovative feature allows for easy access to the third row, even with car seats installed in the second row.
- Cargo Capacity: With the second and third rows folded, the Odyssey offers a cavernous 155.8 cubic feet of cargo space, perfect for hauling everything from camping gear to furniture.
Comfort and Convenience:
- Family-Friendly Features: The Odyssey prioritizes family needs with features like a built-in vacuum cleaner, a rear entertainment system with multiple screens, and sunshades for the second-row windows.
- Spacious Cabin: The Odyssey provides ample headroom and legroom for passengers of all sizes, ensuring everyone stays comfortable on long journeys.
- Smooth Ride: The Odyssey prioritizes a smooth and comfortable ride, making it ideal for families with young children.
Performance and Efficiency:
- Powertrain: The Odyssey utilizes a 3.5L V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, providing sufficient power for everyday driving.
- Fuel Economy: The Odyssey delivers EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, making it a practical choice for a minivan.
The Great Honda Showdown: Pilot vs. Odyssey
Now that you’re familiar with both contenders, let’s break down the key differences to help you choose the champion for your family:
Choosing Your Champion: Pilot vs. Odyssey
Focus:
- Pilot: The Pilot leans towards an SUV experience, offering a bolder design, a higher seating position, and available AWD for those seeking some light off-road capability.
- Odyssey: The Odyssey embraces its minivan roots, prioritizing ultimate passenger comfort, ingenious storage solutions, and family-oriented features like a built-in vacuum and a rear entertainment system.
What is a Honda SUV 3 Row ?
There is only one Honda SUV that has 3 rows of seating: the Honda Pilot. The Pilot is a midsize SUV that can seat up to eight passengers, depending on the trim level. It offers a good balance of passenger space, cargo space, and fuel efficiency.
Here are some of the key features of the 2023 Honda Pilot:
- Seating for seven or eight passengers
- Powerful V6 engine
- Choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
- Up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity
- Spacious interior with plenty of cargo room
- Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist safety features
Passenger Needs:
- Pilot: While the third row can accommodate adults for shorter trips, it might be better suited for children on longer journeys.
- Odyssey: The Odyssey’s Magic Slide Seats and more spacious third row make it the champion for families who frequently utilize all three rows.
Cargo Capacity:
- Pilot: With the third row folded, the Pilot offers a generous 82.9 cubic feet of cargo space, ideal for larger items like bikes or sports equipment.
- Odyssey: When both the second and third rows are folded, the Odyssey boasts a whopping 155.8 cubic feet of cargo space, making it the undisputed king of cargo hauling.
Driving Experience:
- Pilot: The Pilot offers a more car-like driving experience with a higher seating position and available AWD for a touch of off-road prowess.
- Odyssey: The Odyssey prioritizes a smooth and comfortable ride, perfect for families with young children who might be prone to car sickness.
Fuel Efficiency:
Both the Pilot and Odyssey offer comparable fuel efficiency, with the Pilot achieving slightly better ratings on the highway (FWD models).
Making the Final Call
The perfect choice between the Pilot and Odyssey hinges on your family’s specific needs. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- Choose the Pilot if: You prioritize a more rugged SUV aesthetic, occasionally crave some off-road capability, and your cargo needs are moderate.
- Choose the Odyssey if: You prioritize ultimate passenger comfort in all three rows, require ample cargo space for frequent hauling, and value family-oriented features like a built-in vacuum and a rear entertainment system.
Beyond Price: Ownership Considerations
While upfront costs are certainly a factor, remember to consider long-term ownership expenses. Both the Pilot and Odyssey are renowned for Honda’s legendary reliability, which translates to lower maintenance costs and potentially higher resale value down the road.
Test Drive and Decide
The best way to truly know which Honda is right for you is to get behind the wheel and experience it firsthand. Schedule test drives for both the Pilot and Odyssey to see which one feels most comfortable, spacious, and functional for your family’s needs.
Financing Your Honda
Honda offers various financing options to help you secure your ideal 3-row SUV. Explore their website or visit your local Honda dealership to discuss financing options and find a plan that fits your budget.
The Takeaway
Honda’s lineup of 3-row vehicles, the Pilot and the Odyssey, cater to a wide range of family needs. By understanding their strengths and considerations, you can make an informed decision and conquer the carpool with comfort and confidence!
quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Pilot | Odyssey |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | ~$38,465 | ~$39,150 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 passengers | 8 passengers |
| Cargo Space (max) | 109 cubic feet | 140.5 cubic feet |
| Fuel Economy (combined) | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Driving Style | Adventure-oriented, off-road capable | Comfort-focused, family-oriented |