Forgot the Cadillac Escalade- there aren't any for sale in my area with low miles. But the Escalade forum felt more like a hate forum from the owners so that didn't sound like a fun car to own. Few posters even said they wish they had bought the QX80 or the Yukon Denali instead of the Escalade.

Chevy Tahoe is also on the list but there aren't any available in the market right now within my price range (45K'ish). I may still see if I can get my hands on one. But from what I've read they are not very reliable.

I thought I'd wake up regretting not pulling the plug yesterday on the QX80, it was CPO too with 1 yr maintenance free from the dealer. I'm worried if down the line I may regret it if the Pilot continues to give me problems and if the $13K was the best offer I'll ever get for the 2013 AWD Touring.

 

I don’t think any of these cars will be more fun to drive. They are big heavy SUVs. I’d go with the Lexus, especially if it has the air supported suspension.
Escalade will not be fun to drive or own.

My best advice is test the mirrors and blind spots prior to purchasing. Spend lots of time in each car so you really know what it will be like during your long commute.

 

I am debating if it's time to turn in my 2013 Honda Pilot for something else more fun to drive. I have a love/hate relationship with the pilot. I hate the handling of the pilot. I drive about 3 hrs/day in stop and go traffic and the visibility even after playing with all the mirrors suck.

Below is what I've test driven so far. What else can I look at that would give me the same cargo space and second row room as the Pilot that is dependable? I don't like the new Pilot look so it's not on the list.

Infiniti QX80- this had been my dream car for two years running. However, I test drove a loaded 2018 one yesterday and the vehicle felt too big for my needs. Plus I've been on the QX80 forum which even though it's not very active, I've had sticker shock on the repairs amounts they've quoted. I don't see many of these on sale with 200K miles either and I see a bunch of Pilots for sale with 200K miles so I'm worried about long time dependability.

I've taken the Audi Q7 off the list because it doesn't look like it can haul half what the Pilot does. Like am looking to haul some 50 boxes of vinyl flooring planks and I doubt they'd fit in the Q7. I've been trying to get my hands on a Benz GLS but don't see any with the dark interior I want.

Anything else I should add to the list or keep driving the pilot for a couple of years more? Yesterday was the 3rd time I've come very close to trading the Pilot in. It needs a $1K cosmetic job to fix a dent on the driver tire side and has a cracked windshield and I was offered $13K to trade it in by the Infiniti dealer which is $2K more than what the Toyota dealer had offered me when I test drove the Lexis GX460.

Fun AND reliable larger size SUV?
Maybe a Mazda CX-9?

What tires do you have on your Pilot?
If you hate the handling, maybe you need a more performance oriented tire.

Has the timing belt been changed on your 2013 Pilot?
If, so maybe keep driving it for a while and see what else becomes available.

If not, and the QX80 is your dream vehicle, then get one.

Also, are you always hauling around 50 boxes of vinyl flooring planks - or is this just a one time task?
If it's just once, then rent a truck for that use.

 

I don't really care for the Mazda CX-9... but maybe I should throw it on my list to test drive.

I have another thread on the timing belt debacle I have going on where it looks like the indy shop botched the job and I'm having all sorts of lights and codes thrown at me, which is also what triggered the new (to me) car itch.

I thought the QX80 was my dream car but it just felt very bulky and top heavy when I test drove it yesterday. I no longer have a dream car... am on the hunt for one.

 

Been struggling with a similar problem in that I’ve never really loved the Pilot and we needed a family hauler. We ended up with a compromise and kept the Pilot but added a Q5 to replace my old IS300 that my wife had no interest in riding around in anymore. We drove a few Pilot replacements….

If I were you I’d also look at a late model GLE350 with the V6 gas engine. They tend to have a good reputation for reliability on the MB forums and likely aren’t a ton smaller inside. We LOVED the new GLE450, but the price and reliability problems with the current generation are just tough to get past. The prior generation though are known to be great as long as you avoid V8s and diesels.

Id still be tempted to see if you can make a Q7 work. Even the 4 cylinder is decent. With the 2nd and 3rd rows down it’s got a good bit of space and I can confirm from my test drive it’ll take corners at speeds that would be stupid to try in a Pilot and also a lot better brakes.

The Lexus will likely last forever but you’re right in the styling… I really struggle with that grill and think it’ll only be worse as it ages.

CX9 would also be up there on my list. I’d probably own one if my wife could see out of it the way she likes.

I suspect the other cars mentioned like the qx80, Tahoe, etc will just be big top heavy messes for handling just like the Pilot.

 

Been struggling with a similar problem in that I’ve never really loved the Pilot and we needed a family hauler. We ended up with a compromise and kept the Pilot but added a Q5 to replace my old IS300 that my wife had no interest in riding around in anymore. We drove a few Pilot replacements….

If I were you I’d also look at a late model GLE350 with the V6 gas engine. They tend to have a good reputation for reliability on the MB forums and likely aren’t a ton smaller inside. We LOVED the new GLE450, but the price and reliability problems with the current generation are just tough to get past. The prior generation though are known to be great as long as you avoid V8s and diesels.

Id still be tempted to see if you can make a Q7 work. Even the 4 cylinder is decent. With the 2nd and 3rd rows down it’s got a good bit of space and I can confirm from my test drive it’ll take corners at speeds that would be stupid to try in a Pilot and also a lot better brakes.

The Lexus will likely last forever but you’re right in the styling… I really struggle with that grill and think it’ll only be worse as it ages.

CX9 would also be up there on my list. I’d probably own one if my wife could see out of it the way she likes.

I suspect the other cars mentioned like the qx80, Tahoe, etc will just be big top heavy messes for handling just like the Pilot.

I just checked GLEs and there's none available within my price range with 200 miles. They also appear smaller than I'd like. I did see a couple of GLS450 in my price range...they are just the wrong interior color. I'll go test drive them though to feel the handling.

I was turned off the Volvo xc90 about 10 yrs ago when my friend got a used lemon that stayed on the shop. I do see one for sale within my budget, but again with the wrong light interior color I don't like too. If they have it available I'll go test drive it too. I also plan to test drive some Q7s too. Then probably take a cooling off period and weigh my options.

I'm at that point where I know if I test drive a car I feel I should absolutely 💯 own within my budget, I'll drop the Honda Pilot like a hot potato. But I almost feel right now like I am looking for a unicorn. If I get what is wrong with my car right now fixed and the dashboard stops acting like a light xmas tree throwing codes at me, I may drive it another 2 or so years.

 

One other you could consider is the xc90. Just get an extended warranty

 

Getting something more nimble and economical were my goals five (!) years ago when I picked up a CRV.

My long term regrets are lack of elbow and rear room v Pilot, loss of six cylinders, and honestly, relative lack of seat comfort. That said, I’ve done my SC run (950 miles) in a day. So perhaps I shouldn’t whine too much.

Now what I want from my next DD is the ability to tow with a rating over 5500lbs. A feature not on my list before. No Honda meets that need.,

With exceptions of Durango/Pathfinder/x5 and MB no Pilot size SUV meets the tow rating.
I was thinking 1500 pick up to. But man the $$$ they are new has gone up 20% since the pandemic.

 

Now what I want from my next DD is the ability to tow with a rating over 5500lbs. A feature not on my list before. No Honda meets that need.,

With exceptions of Durango/Pathfinder/x5 and MB no Pilot size SUV meets the tow rating.

2022 Pathfinder is rated to tow up to 6000lbs and will have a 9-speed transmission instead of a CVT.

 

Take a look at a Honda Passport. The Pilots sexier, nimbler, younger brother. SUV's and large vehicles are not really designed to be "fun to drive."

THIS, is fun to drive...... BMW Z4 Base price 98K

If the Z4 is out of the price range then how about a BMW M2? Base price 58K

Or a Toyota Supra......Base price 44K

The Mazda MX 5 has a base price of 28K

 

BMW's have the highest depreciation in 4 years of any vehicle. I spoke to some techs and they don't drive them. Sky high parts and labor costs.

 

The Porsche Cayenne was square in my radar when our Pilot fell on us. Same basic body features/size as the Q7, but with sportier suspension bits. Thinking was more then for the AWD performance as we moved from Los Angeles are to a place that has winters below 70º. Meanwhile, K likes the Pilot because she sits up high like she does in her absolutely bulletproof 4Runner. She didn't care for the Cayenne because of interior space, the lower seating and roofline, and all the interior gadgets she'd have to learn.

Practical reality: when I need to haul a load of something big/heavy, it's way cheaper/easier to rent a truck for the few hours and hand it back, vs. having to live with a too-big and too-$$$ vehicle for the rest of the year. K decided to upgrade some garden raised-bed planters and offered them to a neighbor's daughter who lives nearby. Daughter showed up with a Home Depot by-the-hour rental since they wouldn't fit in their van. I couldn't ever see even a Pilot-sized SUV as a commuter car, FWIW. The Cayenne was going to be that compromise but only because neither of us commutes anywhere. I put gas in my summer driver yesterday, second tank of the fuel this year. Pilot went to the theater Friday evening, is otherwise pretty much in not-winter hibernation.

 

The Porsche Cayenne was square in my radar when our Pilot fell on us. Same basic body features/size as the Q7, but with sportier suspension bits.

It shares the platform with the Q7 but the size and interior space is a lot less on the Cayenne. The Cayenne interior space wise is more like the Q5 than the Q7.

 

Also if you’re willing to go base engine XC90 you can almost get new…. Notice all the discounts.

2021 New Volvo XC90 T5 Momentum 7 Passenger SUV For Sale in Marietta, Atlanta Area | TV7833

Buy a New 2021 Volvo XC90, from Volvo Cars of Marietta. Explore these new models online, or visit our dealership in Marietta, GA to learn more and take a test drive! VIN: YV4102PK4M1769976

www.volvocarsofmarietta.com

 

I agree with @xGS. 😁👍
Performance tires can enhance your driving experience.
The 2013 Pilot can be nimble. You might consider upgrading to some sportier tires that will allow you to take high speed curves without the fear of putting it in the wall. Squishy touring tires make you feel like your floating a boat down a mud river.

 

I agree with @xGS. 😁👍
Performance tires can enhance your driving experience.
The 2013 Pilot can be nimble. You might consider upgrading to some sportier tires that will allow you to take high speed curves without the fear of putting it in the wall. Squishy touring tires make you feel like your floating a boat down a mud river.

I just got new Michelin Defender tires on the Honda not too long ago. I'll keep this in mind though after I get the Pilot back to functioning as it should. I wonder if discount tires would buy back the Michelins or should I sell them privately?

I inquired on the 2nd gen forum and Michelin were recommended... wish I had known about these though at that point.

 

I suggest you lease. It will help the used market get over the temporary inflated values it’s got. Perhaps in three years you’ll find the perfect CPO.

 

Yea...am not that frustrated with the pilot. If I can't trade it in for something I like I'll just grin and bear for another year... or two. Or maybe even just hold on to the Pilot for 3 years until the car market adjust back to normal.

TBH, I won't be surprised if I don't keep making a post threatening to ditch the Pilot every time it gives me a repair and maintenance headache like it's doing right now.

 

I work for Lexus in the service department. I love the GX460 however.... $$$$$$$$. From what I see once you hit 10-12 years they start having issues with the air suspension which is always expensive. Other than that they are amazing. I love my pilot. i feel it's roomy, comfortable to drive and fun. Just my opinion.

 

I've test driven the GX460 and I wasn't impressed. I agree that the Pilot has way more room... GX460 interior felt a bit cramped to me. I did find I liked the ride of the Pilot better too so go figure. I don't find the Pilot quiet as comfy or fun to drive, especially in stop and go traffic and when trying to merge on the expressway. I'll confess I'm not the best driver out there either so I bet that plays a part on the lack of comfort.

 

Ugh- now I'm even more conflicted than before. I feel that if I was somewhat mechanically inclined I'd keep the Pilot and suffer thru all the codes and lackluster handling. Lackluster handling I could have lived with some more but the codes are killing me. On the other the other hand, I'm just all around DIY burned out as I did a lot of stuff around the house in the course of 5 years and am just done. I want to contract out everything.

My life is stressful enough as it is without adding car troubles to it.

I'm emotionally drained right now and I know I maybe blowing the car issue a bit out of proportion as my patience is very thin. There is that nagging irrational fear that what if this is my window to trade in the Pilot and be able to get a good offer before everything goes haywire and then I'm left with a clunker no one wants. Or what if I trade in the Pilot and end up regretting it down the line?

 

My life is stressful enough as it is without adding car troubles to it.

Everything you're looking at minus the Lexus will likely be more trouble than your 2nd gen Pilot once it's sorted out with VCM disabled. I know it's not what you really want to hear... but if you're worried about reliability practically nothing new (minus a Toyota, Lexus, or Mazda) will compare to an "old school" Honda and these are mostly old school Honda engineering... minus VCM which you've already solved. Even new Honda's aren't in the same league. Yes... it's not fun to drive though. Ugh... I know.

 

I'm having a little trouble following this because you are looking at many different classes of vehicle and I can't follow the priority of requirements for your purchase.

Are you looking two row or three row?

Luxury or "regular"? Luxury is nice but affordable repairs are out of the question if you can't do them yourself on most luxury vehicle. Pay to play.

I feel you are looking for the width of a Pilot vs. the smaller CR-V size vehicles but you don't necessarily want a 3rd row if it still has generous cargo room, which the Passport, Edge, Murano, Santa Fe all do.

How much of a priority is sporty driving? A Durango R/T or Explorer ST could fit the bill for you as three rows, there are sporty versions of the Edge and Grand Cherokee in the 2 row class.

To be perfectly honest, if you want something fun to drive, reasonably comfortable, lots of personality, etc. - get a Wrangler 4 door. My mom wanted a bunch of different things and when I told her to get a Wrangler she told me that was a "f-ing stupid idea". Guess what she has had for 6 years now and drives over her 2 year old Mercedes GLC and swears she will get again? Fun to drive, lots of personality, pretty quick, very unique (meaning not the same mundane styling of every other crossover) dash design, roomy and comfortable seats and good storage capacity. You can get them stripped out or luxed up (Sahara trim), you can get plastic fenders and bumpers or painted, soft top or hard top or hard top with a full length power soft "sunroof", etc. You can mod it to make it even more your own.

Every time I drive my mom's Wrangler I come away thinking how much fun it was. And they recently drove to Myrtle Beach in it (9ish hourse) and my dad (6'2" and big) and mom had no complaints at all.

 

I'm having a little trouble following this because you are looking at many different classes of vehicle and I can't follow the priority of requirements for your purchase.

Are you looking two row or three row?

Luxury or "regular"? Luxury is nice but affordable repairs are out of the question if you can't do them yourself on most luxury vehicle. Pay to play.

I am having trouble narrowing down to what I want too!!! 3rd row would be good, luxury preferred.

I feel you are looking for the width of a Pilot vs. the smaller CR-V size vehicles but you don't necessarily want a 3rd row if it still has generous cargo room, which the Passport, Edge, Murano, Santa Fe all do.

How much of a priority is sporty driving? A Durango R/T or Explorer ST could fit the bill for you as three rows, there are sporty versions of the Edge and Grand Cherokee in the 2 row class.

Meh... none of those sound appealing (minus the Passport). I test drove a Durango a while back when I became obsessed with the QX80, don't remember what trim but I wasn't impressed with the interior. I'll add it to the test drive list and see how it handles now that the QX80 fog has cleared.

I'll also look into the Wrangler too. I saw a very nice green Sahara that is way out of my price range. The rest of the Wrangler inventory looks meh... I may still see if I can get in the green one just to have a feel.

 

I've driven different GX over the year. Not fun vehicles. Very secure and competent but not fun.

 

Ah, yes. That has been my takeaway too on the two I've test driven couple years ago. Sticking it off my going nowhere list...

 

FWIW, I've had one of those 4x8 folding utility trailers for at least a couple dozen years. Anything big or dirty goes on that. Takes 5-10 mins for setup/breakdown, takes up a relatively small garage footprint when folded, etc. I originally bought it to haul jet-skis, but those were upgraded to bigger and bigger toys over time, so the little trailer was repurposed to utility duty only. Under $500 most places, including a plywood plus carpet deck and some tie-down rings and hooks as add-ons.

 

Now that's an idea I haven't thought of. But in reality, as am getting over the DIY house projects , I'll probably not need the hauling capacity the Pilot offers.

We were planning on taking the Pilot on an annual road trip where it would haul 7 folks, but I've been really thinking about a small RV for road trips when the kid is out of school... its not a fully formed thought yet as I personally hate to drive.

 

In no particular order, test drive the following
Acura MDX;
Ford Explorer; or
Dodge Durango.

All have packages available to give a sportier ride.

If you can do with the smaller size, the CX9 is a gem. Think of it as a plus sized two row rather than a size counterpart to the 2d gen Pilot.

All will be more fun to drive and less of a headache to own, in cost or actual reliability, than anything from Europe. If you want something European or German, lease and return. You cannot own a car out of warranty when the dealers want 150-200 an hour in most major metro areas to work on them. The private shops that work on them in that area will key prices off the dealers less a discount, and have to make the major investments in factory tools and know how that underlie the high dealer costs, so you will pay less at a good private shop, but not that much less.

Good luck.

 

I am debating if it's time to turn in my 2013 Honda Pilot for something else more fun to drive. I have a love/hate relationship with the pilot. I really love the cargo space and how much am able to haul without needing to rent a truck. The second row leg room is also very good which was the main reason I chose the car as I had to upgrade from the RDX. I hate the handling of the pilot. I drive about 3 hrs/day in stop and go traffic and the visibility even after playing with all the mirrors suck.

Below is what I've test driven so far. What else can I look at that would give me the same cargo space and second row room as the Pilot that is dependable? I don't like the new Pilot look so it's not on the list.

1. Infiniti QX80- this had been my dream car for two years running. However, I test drove a loaded 2018 one yesterday and the vehicle felt too big for my needs. Plus I've been on the QX80 forum which even though it's not very active, I've had sticker shock on the repairs amounts they've quoted. I don't see many of these on sale with 200K miles either and I see a bunch of Pilots for sale with 200K miles so I'm worried about long time dependability.

2. Lexus GX460- car felt smaller than Pilot. Handling was very stiff too. I also think the Lexus body doesn't age well. I may need to test drive it again after being disappointed by the QX80. But most Lexus owners I know swear by their reliability.

3. Toyota Highlander- way too small. Hated the passenger seat wasn't a power one.

I've taken the Audi Q7 off the list because it doesn't look like it can haul half what the Pilot does. Like am looking to haul some 50 boxes of vinyl flooring planks and I doubt they'd fit in the Q7. I've been trying to get my hands on a Benz GLS but don't see any with the dark interior I want.

Anything else I should add to the list or keep driving the pilot for a couple of years more? Yesterday was the 3rd time I've come very close to trading the Pilot in. It needs a $1K cosmetic job to fix a dent on the driver tire side and has a cracked windshield and I was offered $13K to trade it in by the Infiniti dealer which is $2K more than what the Toyota dealer had offered me when I test drove the Lexis GX460.

Have you tried the 2016+ pilot?

The interior is very quiet on the road, handles fairly well for a vehicle its size, easy to drive, driver assist features are nice for long drives (LKAS, ACC), great visibility.

 

I don't like the look of the new Pilots. I test drove a few and ended up going with the 2013 instead.

The front cabin felt awkward, and I couldn't rest my arm on the driver's door and I could barely reach the door rest on the new Pilot so it's not in consideration.

 

Our 2008 Pilot is at 170K miles and runs great. When the time comes to change we might do a 4-Runner or a Lexus GX460. But that s down the road. Way down the road.

 

If you plan on towing much at all, strongly consider a GM V8 (Tahoe/Escalade). Anything else is not a substitute. I’ve towed with my pilot and it is borderline at best. Love love my wife’s 2020 Advance package MDX, but towing is still marginal.

You’re smart to test drive many. You name some good ones, but you may add the Telluride to your list. Several mags hype it quite a bit.

 

To the OP, I didn’t see if you considered the Acura MDX as it is the sportier fun to drive version of the Honda Pilot. Also have you checked out the newer 2016 forward Honda Pilots? They are more streamlined than the boxier models they replaced.

 

Stay away from Dodge unless you enjoy frequently the dealer often. IMO from past experiences.
Have you checked out a Tesla model X

 

The new Acura MDX. It has better handling. If you wait a little, you can get a turbo.

Have you tried the current Pilot? I think it handles better than 2003 I had. Passport is even better with stiffer suspension. It's fairly quick too.

 

surprise not many people vote for the MDX. king of the 3row suv

 

We had a Jeep Grand Cherokee with over 130K trouble free miles that we traded in on our Pilot. I wanted more room as was worried the new "L" version of the model with the Macintosh stereo system would be my downfall as it is more than I wanted to spend. The Pilot is far noisier than our Grand Cherokee was, its ride is worse on the highway and far worse on rough roads. We find the materials in the Pilot to be poor grade plastic; Kia is much better looking. Our Pilot does get about a mile per gallon better than the Grand Cherokee and the tranny is smoother. We spent over $3K on stereo and sound deadening to bring the Pilot to the level of our old Grand Cherokee. If I were to do it again, I'd bight the bullet and get another Grand with the Mac system in it; far superior vehicle in my opinion.