Steering wheel feel: difference between 2011 and 2012 models

[all_about_size]

Hi All,

I found it interesting that the 2012 (we just bought one) steering is significantly "lighter" (more power-assisted) than the 2011 model that we test drove before ordering the 2012. I've somewhat gotten used to the tighter steering wheel, and found the 2012's steering a little on the light-side. For those with 2011 models, or those have test-driven both, did you notice the difference? I'm just curious to learn whether the lighter steering of the model is isolated to a few vehicles or is across the board.

Best,
Sydney

[1YESfan]

I haven't driven a 12 but I finally sat in one today and did some closer inspection. Happy I have my 11, btw even though things seemed a little more refined and sedan-like with the new model. Seemed like the steering wheel was a bit smaller in diameter but I could be wrong.

I will just repeat what others have said about steering feel in others posts and threads. The 12 now has car/less wide tires now which might not only affect/increase mileage but will affect/lighten up feel as well. Number one issue would be tire pressure. The higher the pressure, the lighter the feel and I guarantee if you checked your tires now, you most likely drove home with over the recommended inflation pressure. Congrat.s on your purchase, hope you got a good price! :-)

[all_about_size]

Thanks 1yesfan. We actually did play around with the tire pressure - 2psi above and below the recommended level, but it didn't do much to the steering feel. Funny that when we change slightly on our BMW 3 series we could noticeably feel the difference on the steering.

Also, there seems to have a bit more "play" (less precise) than the 2011 model as well. Anyway, I guess Honda is softening it up a bit for family driving...

Well, did only ok on the price (see the price thread) :-)

Best,
Sydney

[boxman2012]

I posted about this about 2 months ago when we got our 2012 EXL 4WD. The steering feels light (too light in my opinion). When we test drove the 2012's, not all felt the same - we thought maybe it was due to tire pressure - that that has not changed anything much. Perhaps its due to the new tires. But I also read somewhere that they changed the power-steering pump a bit for 2012. Dealer has no idea. Who knows. What I find about the steering is that its still fairly precise but it's feel is way too light at above 25 or 30 MPH. Slower than that it feels better. Generally speaking, I though power assist is increased as slow speeds and decreased at higher. Thew 2012 Pilot seems the oppostie to me. Do you notice that as well?

[all_about_size]

Boxman - I didn't notice the variable steering feel at different speeds. It just felt light in general, especially when I switch from driving our BMW sedan.

Anyhow, it is still a nice vehicle and would have been a better vehicle if Honda retained 2011 steering feel.

Best,
Sydney

[cwessner]

I had a 2011, bought right when they came out and will be getting my 2012 sometime in the near future, so will post the differences I see. I did notice that it seemed lighter during my test drives.

[cwessner]

I picked up my 2012 last night and it is def alot lighter of a feel. . I would agree with the earlier person that it is too light. Miss that part from my 2011 but like the rest on this new one :-)

[RedWagon04]

Just bought a 2012 after test driving both the 11 an 12. The steering is without a doubt lighter on the 12....liked the 11 better....the 12 seems a little sloppy.

[N_Jay]

Steering wheel feel can be affected by minor diferences in alignment.