2013 Honda Pilot — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2013 Honda Pilot

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $23,450–$28,243
Fuel Economy 10 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $5,250/yr

Key Specifications — 2013 Honda Pilot

Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$23,450–$28,243

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2013 Honda Pilot

With an overall Carivo score of 7.3/10, the 2013 Honda Pilot earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.1/10, while Performance at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.8/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.1/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 6.5/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $23,450–$28,243, 10 MPG, seating 7, the Honda Pilot sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. Value lands at 7.0/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2013 Honda Pilot, but it needs the right buyer. Its technology and performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2013 Honda Pilot ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $23,450 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 35%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Pilot Year Should You Buy?

Across the Pilot model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 8.2/10$40,695 Read review →
2025 8.2/10$40,695 Read review →
2024 8.1/10$39,510 Read review →
2023 8.0/10$38,324 Read review →
2022 7.9/10$37,139 Read review →
2021 7.9/10$35,954 Read review →
2020 7.8/10$34,768 Read review →
2019 7.9/10$33,583 Read review →
2018 7.8/10$32,398 Read review →
2017 7.8/10$31,212 Read review →
2016 7.7/10$30,027 Read review →
2015 7.7/10$28,842 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2013 Honda Pilot

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 10 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2013 Honda Pilot (6 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module
27/09/2018 · 18V661000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Insight and Acura TSX and TSX Wagon, 2014-2015 Honda Crosstour and Pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico,…
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module
27/06/2019 · 19V502000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour,…
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module
16/05/2019 · 19V378000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011…
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module
09/01/2018 · 18V042000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V…
Air bags
18/01/2013 · 13V016000
Honda is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Pilot and 2011-2013 Odyssey passenger vehicles manufactured from March 13, 2008, through December 21, 2012. One or more rivets that attach the airbag module to the airbag cover may be missing.

Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.

Similar SUV to Consider

Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.

2025 Toyota RAV4 Base
2025 Toyota RAV4 Base
8.4/10
View →
2025 Toyota RAV4
2025 Toyota RAV4
8.4/10
View →
2026 Toyota RAV4
2026 Toyota RAV4
8.4/10
View →
2024 Toyota RAV4 Base
2024 Toyota RAV4 Base
8.3/10
View →

More Honda Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.