2017 Honda Pilot — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2017 Honda Pilot

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $31,212–$36,178
Fuel Economy 16 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $3,281/yr

Key Specifications — 2017 Honda Pilot

Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$31,212–$36,178

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

About the 2017 Honda Pilot

Our scoring places the 2017 Honda Pilot at 7.8/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.6/10, while Performance at 7.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.3/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.6/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.

Performance scores 7.0/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.1/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $31,212–$36,178, 16 MPG, seating 7, the Honda Pilot sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.5/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Our take: The 2017 Honda Pilot is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

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 2017 Honda Pilot ranks #428 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 83% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $31,212 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 13%.

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 2017 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 (this review) 7.8/10$31,212
2016 7.7/10$30,027 Read review →
2015 7.7/10$28,842 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2017 Honda Pilot

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • 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 16 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2017 Honda Pilot (4 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.

Structure / Body / Hood
29/11/2021 · 21V932000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.
Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump
18/12/2023 · 23V858000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda…
Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification / Front passenger
21/05/2026 · 26V332000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V,…
Structure / Frame and members
04/06/2026 · 26V365000
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky,…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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