Honda Pilot 2018 Philippines Review: Pilot you through every trip

Updated Nov 22, 2022

User's: 4.0/5
Check out the latest price, specs, interior, exterior, performance and pros & cons of the Honda Pilot 2018 Philippines in our comprehensive review.

In this review...

  1. Introduction
  2. Exterior
  3. Interior
  4. Performance
  5. Safety Features
  6. Prices
  7. Specs
  8. Pros & Cons
  9. Verdict

1. Honda Pilot 2018 Philippines: Introduction

At present, Honda has the Brio and Brio Amaze to compete in entry-level market, the Mobilio, BR-V and CR-V in 7-seat segment and the HR-V in compact crossover range. Even in luxury and executive vehicle world, the Japanese marque has put their belief in the Odyssey.

Foraying into large crossover SUV realm in the country, Honda has decided to serve its all-new Pilot as flagship which is allegedly born to square off against the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Mitsubishi Pajero and Ford Explorer.

Honda Pilot 2018 angular rear

Honda has decided to serve its all-new Pilot as flagship

The Honda Pilot, in the Philippines, is now in its third-generation. Thanks to the myriad of upgrades from generation to generation, the latest Pilot is exactly a good offering for all sorts of reasons. Due to its goodness, it is certain that many of you are currently wondering about this hot SUV.

For this reason, Philkotse.com will bring you our full-scale Honda Pilot 2018 Review with a view to making you acquaint with the current-generation Honda Pilot. Before getting started, keep in mind that this review will solely focus on the Honda Pilot 2018 EXL as it’s the only option in our shores.

The All-New Honda Pilot

2. Honda Pilot 2018 Philippines: Exterior

At first glance, the Honda Pilot 2018 exterior definitely draws the crowd in and gives you a lasting impression. It is the form that makes the Pilot striking.

Compared to the previous two generations which looked like two-box SUVs, the new Pilot fairly resembles a bigger version of the CR-V when featuring more aerodynamic in appearance.

Honda Pilot 2018 angular front

The Pilot 2018 exterior definitely draws the crowd in and gives you a lasting impression

Honda Pilot 2018 front fascia

The SUV comes with a more modern front fascia

In detail, the SUV comes with a more modern front fascia which is adorned by iconic Honda’s grille and headlights arrangement. Speaking of the lighting, the projector headlights go LED and so do signature daytime running lights.

Honda Pilot 2018 side view

Shaper curves and bold aerodynamic lines are also flowing through its body

Moving backwards, the greenhouse car is a bit more continuous and the windshield is more raked. Sharper curves and bold aerodynamic lines are also flowing through its body. A glass printed antenna, swapped back taillights and 18-inch aluminum also further glamorize the Pilot.

Honda Pilot 2018 angular rear

Moving backwards, the greenhouse car is a bit more continuous and the windshield is more raked

By and large, with the new body language, the 2018 Pilot is much sleeker and sportier, giving it a head-turning presence.

Honda Pilot 2018 rear view

By and large, the 2018 Pilot is much sleeker and sportier

Concerning the dimensions, the Pilot measures 4,941 mm x 2,296 mm x 1,773 mm (L x W x H). Despite being shorter in height than the outgoing model, the wheelbase is stretched to 2,820 mm that promises to make more room for the cabin.

The ground clearance of 185 mm is also satisfactory and permits the car to maintain smooth ride on tough roads.

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3. Honda Pilot 2018 Philippines: Interior

The Honda Pilot 2018 interior, without a doubt, is more upscale than its predecessor's. It has been thoroughly reworked to become more inviting, eye-catching and functional as well.

Honda Pilot 2018 interior

The new Pilot interior is more upscale than its predecessor's

Item by item, the dashboard is outstanding in the cockpit with a more premium shape. The multi-function leather steering wheel looks lavish, mounting nearby a new set of anolog gauges with a digital speedometer and a large multi-information display.

Entertainment system is comprised of an 8-inch touch screen audio system with iPod, iPhone and Bluetooth connectivity. On top of that, passengers at the back are also kept entertained with DVD player for drop-down DVD screen.

Honda Pilot 2018 entertainment system

Entertainment system is comprised of an 8-inch touch screen audio system with iPod, iPhone and Bluetooth connectivity

Honda Pilot 2018 DVD player

Passengers at the back are also kept entertained with DVD player for drop-down DVD screen

As for convenience features, the center console now holds a T-bar shifter sided by dual cup holders. Many other large bins are still in car to store more stuff.

In addition to that, joining the long list of in-car amenities are a triple-zone automatic airconditioning system, power door locks and windows, and informative instrument binnacle.

Honda Pilot 2018 seating

The big size allows the Pilot to store more things and people​

Honda Pilot 2018 seating

Only by pressing one touch button, the second row seats could be easily folded and slided

The big size allows the Pilot to store more things and people. A commodiate cabin can house up to 8 adults in comfort. Passengers will be completely supported by 4-way adjustable power leather seats. Only by pressing one touch button, the second row seats could be easily folded and slided to help you access the third row.

Again with a touch of button, the tailgate will open to let you load cargo in. Normally, the Pilot has got a trunk capacity of 305 liters but with seats down, a larger volume of 827 liters would be created.

Honda Pilot 2018 cargo space

With seats down, a larger volume of 827 liters would be created

4. Honda Pilot 2018 Review: Performance

“Confidence inspiring performance” is what Honda depicts its largest SUV. Thanks to a new Earth Dreams Technology Direct Injection 3.5-liter V6 i-VTEC mill, let’s go anywhere you please with the Pilot.

In fact, this potent engine which is much more powerful than that of Honda Pilot 2017, is able to generate 284 hp at 6,200 rpm and 353 Nm of peak torque at 5,000 rpm.

Coupled with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and the Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) all-wheel drive system, the new Honda Pilot 2018 EXL is actually fun to drive.

Honda Pilot 2018 engine

The Pilot runs a new Earth Dreams Technology Direct Injection 3.5-liter V6 i-VTEC engine

In particular, Honda’s signature Eearth Dreams 6-speed transmission with dynamic torque-vectpromg capacity well combined with a traction control system enables the SUV to effortlessly overcome sand, mud and even snow. And undoubtedly, moving this car in city is just a piece of cake.

Despite a bigger size, the 2018 Pilot is easier to maneuver than the previous Pilot. In order to help you pass crowded streets in Metro Manila with ease, the Honda Pilot, surely has its own essential characteristic, including cross traffic alert and cameras system.

Honda Pilot 2018 on the road

Despite a bigger size, the 2018 Pilot is easier to maneuver than the previous Pilot

Fuel economy is truly worth noticing when our SUV only consumes 5.4 km/L at around 20 km/h in city roads and 12.5 km/L on the highway.

Concerning driving and handling, from the driver’s seat, it seems that you’re behind the Accord’s wheel. Sight lines are good and there is no blind spot at all. The steering is light but responsive. Because of the portly and soft suspension system, minute corrections are needed when pushed.

That said, it accidentally brings more feelings of driving a real SUV: agile, predictable and safe.

Honda Pilot 2018 towing capacity

The Pilot can tow bulky and heavy goods

For the most part, the Honda Pilot can be regarded as the most fierce player that can push back coutless contenders in its class, even the Ford Explorer, in aspects of undulating cracks and mitigating.

Notably, the 6-speed automatic transmission successfully fulfills its job of selecting the most appropriate gear in all road conditions, allowing you to easily tow bulky and heavy goods on hilly roads.

>>> Get to our review section for all vehicles in Honda PH line-up

5. Honda Pilot 2018 Philippines: Safety Features

One of the best qualities in the Honda Pilot is the up-to-the-minute Honda’s all round safety system: Honda Sensing®. This is a new suite of niceties which will keep you safe at all times. Along with a handful of standard features such as:

  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
  • Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
  • Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM)
  • Blind Spot Information (BSI)
  • Hill Start Assist (HSA)

The Honda Sensing® also adds:

  • Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
  • Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
  • Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)

6. Honda Pilot 2018 Price in the Philippines

Admittedly, a price tag of ₱3,385,000 is a little steep. It is even nearly half a million pesos expensive than the Ford Explore which is the current best-selling model in mid and large crossover SUV segment.

In truth, the story doesn’t end at the Pilot only. Most of Hondas are also pricier than other rivals in the same segment. Nonetheless, you might not know that it’s a viable strategy from Honda that truly helps the brand build its reputation up, to be more exclusive and valuable, concretely. So, considering this then put the Pilot on your wishlist.

Honda Pilot 2018 Price in the Philippines
 Model Price
 Honda Pilot 3.5 EX-L AT 2018  ₱3,385,000

>>> Find cheaper deals for Honda Pilot for sale in the Philippines

7. Honda Pilot 2018 Specs in the Philippines

Honda Pilot 2018 Specs in the Philippines
Overall
Name Honda Pilot 3.5 EX-L AT
Year Introduced 2016
Vehicle Classification Luxury Crossover SUV
Price ₱3,385,000
Dimensions
Length 4,941 mm
Width 2,296 mm
Height 1,773 mm
Wheelbase 2,820 mm
Ground Clearance 185 mm
Turning Circle 11.4 m
Number of Doors 5
Number of Seats 8
Trunk Capacity 305 L
Max Cargo 827 L
Suspension & Tires
Front Suspension Independent, MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Independent, Multi-link
Front Brakes Vented Disc
Rear Brakes  Disc
Tires Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport AS 245/60 R 18 V (f & r)
Wheels Alloy
Engine & Performance
Engine Size 3.5 L
Displacement 3,471 cc
Aspiration Normally Aspirated
Number of Cylinders 6
Number of Valves 24
Transmission Category 6-Speed Automatic
Power Train All-Wheel Drive
Max Output 284 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Max Torque 353 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
Fuel Delivery Direct Injection
Fuel Capacity 74 L
Fuel / Min. Octane Gasoline / 91~
Observed Fuel Economy / Average Speed 
  • 4.53 km/L (13 km/h ave.)
  • 13.58 km/L (56 km/h ave.)
Cruise Control Yes, Adaptive
Exterior
Headlights LED Yes, with Daytime Running Lights
Fog Lamps Yes, Front
Auto Lights Yes
Rain-sensing Wipers Yes
Interior
On-Board Computer Yes
Steering Wheel Adjustment Tilt/Telescopic
Steering Wheel Material Leather
Seating Adjustment Power, Front (w/ Driver Memory)
Seating Surface Leather
Folding Rear Seat
  • 60/40 (second row)
  • 50/50 (third row)
Convenience Features
Power Windows Yes
Power Mirrors Yes, with Fold
Power Door Locks Yes
Power Steering Yes
Steering Wheel Controls Yes
Climate Control
  • Dual Zone (first row)
  • Single Zone (second row)
Entertainment System
  • 8-Inch Display Audio
  • Stereo
  • CD
  • DVD
  • MP3
  • USB
  • Bluetooth
  • HDMI
  • 7 Speakers
Safety Features
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
  • Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
  • Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM)
  • Blind Spot Information (BSI)
  • Hill Start Assist (HSA)
  • Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
  • Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
  • Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)

8. Honda Pilot 2018 Review: Pros & Cons

 Honda Pilot 2018 Review: Pros & Cons
Cons
  • Strong performance
  • Decent fuel economy
  • Up-to-date styling
  • Generous cabin and cargo
  • Advanced safety features
Pros
  • High-priced
  • Overly sensitive safety technologies
  • Single gasoline engine variant

9. Honda Pilot 2018 Review: Verdict

Everything considered, from the modern design, spacious cabin to excellent performance, the Honda Pilot 2018 Philippines is a winning vehicle. In the current market, the Pilot is still one of the most favorite family vehicles in the Philippines.

Though it’s not absolutely perfect, especially when it comes to price, we still heartily recommend checking out the Pilot if you’re shopping for a large three-row crossover.

Honda Pilot 2018 in the yard

All things considered, the 2018 Honda Pilot is a winning vehicle

Finally, we’re keeping alive the hope that our Honda Pilot 2018 Review has helped you fill in the gaps in your knowledge of the latest Pilot.

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