Going to replace my Honda Pilot this year, what next?

[lozina]

I bought my 2004 Honda Pilot brand new back in Nov 2003. Its been an awesome car - I absolutely love it.

But its showing its wear and Id like to replace it this summer.

Obviously, a new 2012 Pilot probably tops my list (the coming 2013 model doesnt seem to have any significant udpates to it, right?)

Any other SUVs similar to Pilot that you think I should look into?

My only gripe about Pilot is I wish they had hybrid version. I would like to spend less gas. Everything else is perfect.

 

[Dari]

I bought my 2004 Honda Pilot brand new back in Nov 2003. Its been an awesome car - I absolutely love it.

But its showing its wear and Id like to replace it this summer.

Obviously, a new 2012 Pilot probably tops my list (the coming 2013 model doesnt seem to have any significant udpates to it, right?)

Any other SUVs similar to Pilot that you think I should look into?

My only gripe about Pilot is I wish they had hybrid version. I would like to spend less gas. Everything else is perfect.

Honda is coming out with a brand new hybrid system (for large vehicles) this fall for their Honda and Acura line. If you can hold off for another year or even another couple of months you may have a lot more options from the Honda family. I really want one of these cars but may end up with an X5 diesel because I hate HATE the gas mileage on my MDX. It sucks balls.

 

[desy]

The Journey post 2011 is supposed to be very nice, mercedes designed so its a good driver and new interior and drivetrain.
Its smaller but still has optional 3rd row seating and will be better on gas

 

[Jumpem]

Outback. I got 30mpg living in a rural area, and now 25mpg living in the suburbs.

 

[manimal]

I bought my 2004 Honda Pilot brand new back in Nov 2003. Its been an awesome car - I absolutely love it.

But its showing its wear and Id like to replace it this summer.

Obviously, a new 2012 Pilot probably tops my list (the coming 2013 model doesnt seem to have any significant udpates to it, right?)

Any other SUVs similar to Pilot that you think I should look into?

My only gripe about Pilot is I wish they had hybrid version. I would like to spend less gas. Everything else is perfect.

Whats the mileage on what you have?
Curious.

 

[lozina]

Whats the mileage on what you have?
Curious.

It's got 15 city/25 hwy which comes out to a combined 17 mpg

And with only ~19 gallon fuel tank its range is only 294 miles

I'm actually a little impressed with the new 2012 model's mileage (looking at AWD version)

The new one has 17 city/24 hwy but it comes out to a combined 20 mpg

And with a 21 gallon tank its range is 378 miles

not bad.

also it says "cost to drive" my 2004 model 25 miles is $5.57 compared to 2012 the cost is $4.74. very nice

 

[EagleKeeper]

Look at the Jeep lineup.

1) American built
2) My 09 Grand Cherokee 3.6L V6 gives 22+mpg at 70+ highway 18+ gallon tank
3) Diesel Engine exists

or
The Ford Escape has
1) American Built
2) my 09 seated 5 easily
3) Solid frame - tboned* a Ford Expedition at 40mph - Passenger cab had no damage
4) HYbrid exists

*I had 3-4 car lengths and the other vehicle made a left turn in front of myself.

 

[uli2000]

Look at the Jeep lineup.

1) American built
2) My 09 Grand Cherokee 3.6L V6 gives 22+mpg at 70+ highway 18+ gallon tank
3) Diesel Engine exists

or
The Ford Escape has
1) American Built
2) my 09 seated 5 easily
3) Solid frame - tboned* a Ford Expedition at 40mph - Passenger cab had no damage
4) HYbrid exists

*I had 3-4 car lengths and the other vehicle made a left turn in front of myself.

I don't think you can get the diesel in the Grand Cherokee after 2008. There's a new one coming out, but not till next year.

 

[EagleKeeper]

I don't think you can get the diesel in the Grand Cherokee after 2008. There's a new one coming out, but not till next year.

Jeep web site indicates 3.0L Turbo diesel for '12 models

 

[ballmode]

Do you need the seating the Pilot provides?

 

[RavenSEAL]

I'm a big fan of the new explorer after a friend's mom purchased it. That thing is NICEEEEEEEE

 

[rh71]

Do you need the seating the Pilot provides?

biggest question imo.

 

[SandEagle]

i like the look of the new Toyota Highlander over the Pilot

 

[lozina]

Do you need the seating the Pilot provides?

No I dont need more than 5 seating (2 front 3 in the primary back seat). In fact I closed down my last seating row the day I got my car from the dealer and got a rubber mat that covers the whole area and those seats have not come back up since then.

But that cargo area is quite important - I go on alot of camping trips and other road trips where I need to carry alot of gear.

 

[speedy2]

We have an '07 Acadia. I really like it. But, I wanted/needed the extra row. I think if we didn't need it, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee was very tempting. I would love to test drive one. And isn't there an SRT-8 Version? That would be fun lol

 

[BoberFett]

Do you need the seating the Pilot provides?

biggest question imo.

Yep, it's hard to find a 7 passenger vehicle that gets mileage which isn't completely atrocious. I've been looking.

 

[BoberFett]

We have an '07 Acadia. I really like it. But, I wanted/needed the extra row. I think if we didn't need it, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee was very tempting. I would love to test drive one. And isn't there an SRT-8 Version? That would be fun lol

How's the fuel economy in that thing? My girlfriend and I have been kicking tires for a while now (posted an old thread some time ago looking for suggestions) but her Expedition is suddenly dying very quickly so she's gotta find something soon. She loves the look and size of the Acadia/Traverse/Outlook (if you can find a used one) but is wary of the mileage. Some reports I've seen online it does OK, 20ish mpg mixed, while others seem to say it's mid teens with a mix of city and highway.

 

[speedy2]

How's the fuel economy in that thing? My girlfriend and I have been kicking tires for a while now (posted an old thread some time ago looking for suggestions) but her Expedition is suddenly dying very quickly so she's gotta find something soon. She loves the look and size of the Acadia/Traverse/Outlook (if you can find a used one) but is wary of the mileage. Some reports I've seen online it does OK, 20ish mpg mixed, while others seem to say it's mid teens with a mix of city and highway.

I'm seeing 20's mixed. I'm in a rural area, so I don't do any heavy city stop & go driving. But, the few visits to bigger towns I still see around 18-19 mpg. Highway really depends on speed. At 60, high 20's isn't uncommon. But, 70mph+ and you're at the rated 23-24mpg.

For it's size and a 3.6L engine with 275HP, I'm pretty impressed with it.

 

[LTC8K6]

2) My 09 Grand Cherokee 3.6L V6 gives 22+mpg at 70+ highway 18+ gallon tank

That would have been the old SOHC 3.7L V6.

The 3.6L Pentastar was not released until the 2011MY.

The new DOHC 3.6L is far superior to the old 3.7L.

 

[LTC8K6]

Jeep web site indicates 3.0L Turbo diesel for '12 models

Yes, but it's a VM Motori engine instead of a Mercedes, although it may debut with the 8 speed auto.

 

[Doppel]

No clue why nobody has yet mentioned the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. 28/28 is its MPG rating.

It is $38k, though, but it is the best mileage by a long shot of any 7-seater vehicle.

I loved the look of the current highlander when it came out but it already looks a bit old to me for some reason, even though it was refreshed for 2010 very slightly (current gen game out 2008). If it's anything like the rav4 they'll squeeze another few years out of the current body, though.

Some reports I've seen online it does OK, 20ish mpg mixed, while others seem to say it's mid teens with a mix of city and highway.

I guess with its size and EPA rating you'll only see 20ish with a heavy bias to highway and/or driving like a total grandma.

 

[Kroze]

We have a 2011 pilot and get an average of 17-18 mpg. If all highway we will get 20. Just something to think about. Unless you need a suv to carry 7 people I suggest checking out the Honda crv

 

[EagleKeeper]

Yes, but it's a VM Motori engine instead of a Mercedes, although it may debut with the 8 speed auto.

Well beyond my knowledge :\ I know just enough to not put diesel in a gas engine.

2) My 09 Grand Cherokee 3.6L V6 gives 22+mpg at 70+ highway 18+ gallon tank

That would have been the old SOHC 3.7L V6.

The 3.6L Pentastar was not released until the 2011MY.

The new DOHC 3.6L is far superior to the old 3.7L.

- never pay to much attention to decimal points - I just know it is a six.

 

[BoberFett]

I'm seeing 20's mixed. I'm in a rural area, so I don't do any heavy city stop & go driving. But, the few visits to bigger towns I still see around 18-19 mpg. Highway really depends on speed. At 60, high 20's isn't uncommon. But, 70mph+ and you're at the rated 23-24mpg.

For it's size and a 3.6L engine with 275HP, I'm pretty impressed with it.

Very nice, definitely gonna have to look more closely at that one.


Also, let me throw the RAV4 into the mix. It's actually quite spacious inside and gets great mileage. I figured it was a tiny little toy SUV, but the cargo area is pretty large.

 

[lozina]

No clue why nobody has yet mentioned the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. 28/28 is its MPG rating.

It is $38k, though, but it is the best mileage by a long shot of any 7-seater vehicle.

I loved the look of the current highlander when it came out but it already looks a bit old to me for some reason, even though it was refreshed for 2010 very slightly (current gen game out 2008). If it's anything like the rav4 they'll squeeze another few years out of the current body, though.I guess with its size and EPA rating you'll only see 20ish with a heavy bias to highway and/or driving like a total grandma.

Someone mentioned a Highlander, not specifically the hybrid ver. though but that's what I would gravitate to.

Yeah Highlander is a very nice option. Very strong contender. I was looking at Highlander back in '03 when I bought my Pilot and I recall the reasons I went Pilot was the roominess of Pilot for myself felt much nicer (I'm 6'3") the cargo room was significantly more and I felt like the exterior asthetics of Pilot was more pleasing.

The annual car show is coming up in nyc very soon so I'll be sure to take a close look at highlander now to see if I like it better now.