2017 Honda Pilot SL — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2017 Honda Pilot SL

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $40,575–$47,031
Fuel Economy 16 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $3,281/yr

Key Specifications — 2017 Honda Pilot SL

Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$40,575–$47,031

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

About the 2017 Honda Pilot SL

The 2017 Honda Pilot SL is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.7/10 — rated Recommended. 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. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.3/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. On safety, it scores 8.6/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

With 7.0/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.4/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.

Priced from $40,575–$47,031, 16 MPG, seating 7, the Honda Pilot SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. At 7.1/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. 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.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2017 Honda Pilot SL will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.

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 SL ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $40,575 starting price is about 12% above the segment's median of $36,079.

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

Which Pilot SL Year Should You Buy?

Across the Pilot SL 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)
2025 8.2/10$52,903 Read review →
2024 8.0/10$51,363 Read review →
2023 8.0/10$49,821 Read review →
2022 7.9/10$48,280 Read review →
2021 7.9/10$46,740 Read review →
2020 7.8/10$45,198 Read review →
2019 7.9/10$43,657 Read review →
2018 7.7/10$42,117 Read review →
2017 (this review) 7.7/10$40,575
2016 7.6/10$39,035 Read review →
2015 7.7/10$37,494 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2017 Honda Pilot SL

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • 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

Similar SUV to Consider

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

2026 Lexus RX
2026 Lexus RX
8.5/10
View →
2025 Lexus RX
2025 Lexus RX
8.5/10
View →
2024 Genesis GV70
2024 Genesis GV70
8.4/10
View →
2025 Genesis GV70
2025 Genesis GV70
8.4/10
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.