Pilot will remain the flagship model of Honda’s SUV lineup. The redesign, scheduled for the next season, will make it more aggressive and the interior more comfortable. The colors of the 2022 Honda Pilot will be updated. Besides the standard lineup, expect a few special models, such as Black Edition, hybrid, or some similar version. Definitely, the most interesting configurations will be Touring and Elite.
First spy photos of the redesigned model appeared some while ago. Well, fans are expecting the hybrid version, and the prototype seems to wear an opening over the front wheels. It indicated the 2022 Honda Pilot might also get a plug-in system. The company is not unveiling plans yet, but the redesign is due for 2022 for sure. Pilot needs to catch up with the competition. The mid-size three-row SUV class is one of the hottest segments in the US right now. The 2019 facelift didn’t fulfill the expectations of fans. Meanwhile, the company made minor updates. On the other hand, Ford launched an all-new Explorer and Toyota brought the most efficient hybrid system that makes its Highlander return 35 mpg.
2022 Honda Pilot Changes – What’s New?
Well, the 2022 Honda Pilot is going to be a fresh model. It could start a new generation. Spy photos are showing the SUV with a heavy camouflage, indicating the changes will be huge. Well, we haven’t seen anything big in Honda’s SUV lineup, ever since the arrival of the Passport. But, even the mid-size model is not all-new, since it is heavily based on the Pilot.
Rumors are not confirmed yet and we don’t have a concept that will underpin the 2022 Pilot. The carmaker wants to keep everything under the radar because of the competition. Everything is staying a mystery until the vehicle’s redesign becomes official.
Special Editions: Black Edition, Touring, Elite
One of the reasons of the SUV’s popularity is the wide choice of packages. The 2022 Honda Pilot will carry over most of the options from its predecessor. Some of these trims are available on most vehicles the company is producing. The base versions will remain LX. The EX offers more options, and you can upgrade it with a leather interior (EX-L). The Touring is already a premium version, and the 2022 Honda Pilot Elite is going to offer the most advanced features the carmaker can bring. The last update added Black Edition, but we believe it will be a limited-time offer that will expire with the new generation of the Pilot.
2022 Honda Pilot Configurations, Hybrid and Specs
The 2022 Honda Pilot will keep a 3.5-liter V6 engine as the base choice. This is one of the most reliable units in the market. The SUV offers 285 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. It is something we expect from such a vehicle. Honda dropped a six-speed auto transmission and a nine-pace gearbox is now the only case. It sends power to the front wheels. Some rumors are speculating about shifting the power to rear wheels. This is going to be an interesting move for Honda. All-wheel drive will still be optional. After a redesign, the SUV should be lighter and it can eventually result in improved gas mileage.
The 2022 Honda Pilot Hybrid would definitely do it way better. Electric support will bring the SUV close to 30 mpg. But, there are no precise details about this unit. Recently, Honda delivered one of the most efficient systems for its compact CR-V crossover. It was a response to Toyota Rav4 and its 40+ mpg gas mileage. Now, it is time for Honda to step into a larger market with a hybrid. Spy photos showed it could be even the PHEV. But, after that, we got zero feedback about this version.
Expectations
When the Pilot hit the latest generation, it made a huge and immediate impact. Fans expect the same from the upcoming vehicle. The focus is on the exterior. Designers have to make it more aggressive and aesthetic. Pilot is very similar to the Passport and only true fans can spot the differences. Nevertheless, the interior also needs an update. The 2022 Honda Pilot will remain a three-row SUV. But, we could see it as a seven-seater, instead of default capacity for eight persons. Upper trim levels are there with buckets in the middle row. The infotainment system will be updated and options reshuffled among trim levels.
2022 Honda Pilot Release Date and Price
The SUV is not becoming cheaper, that is for sure. But, the final price will depend on all the options Honda is about to add. A hybrid will add about $3,000 and the plug-in variant up to $7,000-$8,000, at least. The offers can get into the luxury segment. The Black Edition is above $50,000 already. The new 2022 Pilot is going to be available in dealerships by the end of the year. Expect a premiere and unveiling of changes this spring or summer.