Is the Honda Pilot a mom car?

Yes. The Honda Pilot is widely viewed as a family-friendly SUV—spacious, safe, and versatile—qualities that make it a popular choice for parents and households that need three rows of seating and a practical cargo area.

Set against a crowded field of midsize three-row SUVs, the idea of a "mom car" is informal and sometimes gendered. In practice, the Pilot earns that label from its easy daily usability, strong safety features, and capacity to handle carpool duties, weekend trips, and everyday errands. This article breaks down why it’s considered a family-friendly option in 2024–2025, how it stacks up to peers, and who should consider buying it.

A family-friendly baseline

The term “mom car” often describes vehicles designed for practical daily life: ample passenger space, adaptable cargo, intuitive controls, and robust safety tech. The Honda Pilot checks many of these boxes, aiming to reduce friction for busy households and distraction-free driving on long trips or short commutes.

Honda Pilot at a glance

The Pilot is a three-row crossover SUV designed to move families and their gear with ease. It seats up to eight passengers (with a second-row bench) or seven (with optional second-row captain’s chairs) and offers flexible cargo configurations. Modern trim levels come with user-friendly technology, a comprehensive safety suite, and a comfortable ride that emphasizes practicality over sportiness.

Interior and practicality

The Pilot’s interior prioritizes space and versatility. Key features include easy-to-fold seats, sliding second-row seats for easier access to the third row, and a large center console with abundant storage. Families benefit from multiple USB ports, rear air vents, and configurable cargo space that can accommodate strollers, groceries, sports gear, and luggage for road trips.

The following highlights illustrate how the Pilot supports family use cases.

• Up to eight-passenger seating with second-row options (bench or captain’s chairs)


• Third-row seats that fold flat to expand cargo room


• Rear climate control, plentiful storage, and user-friendly controls


• Rear-seat reminders and practical convenience features for daily routines

In practice, these design choices translate into an approachable, predictable vehicle for everyday errands and longer family excursions alike.

Safety and technology

The Pilot emphasizes safety and ease of use with a broad set of driver-assistance features and reliable tech. Honda Sensing, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, and road-departure mitigation, is standard on most trims and adds a layer of peace of mind for busy drivers. Infotainment supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity available on higher trims, and a rearview system that helps with parking and maneuvering in tight spots.

• Honda Sensing safety suite standard on most trims


• Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking


• Rear-seat reminder and cross-traffic monitoring on select models


• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, with wireless options on higher trims

These features collectively reinforce the Pilot’s role as a practical family vehicle, reducing daily stress and helping families stay connected on the road.

Performance and efficiency

Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The system delivers ample on-road confidence for highway trips and city driving, with all-wheel drive available for improved traction in variable weather. Towing capacity is competitive for the segment when properly equipped, and overall mileage is in the typical range for a midsize SUV, varying by drivetrain and trim.

• 3.5-liter V6 engine around 285 horsepower


• Nine-speed automatic transmission


• Front-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive available


• Towing capability up to about 5,000 pounds with proper equipment

Overall, the Pilot balances power and efficiency for family use without spotlighting performance over practicality.

Price, trims, and options

Across its current lineup, the Pilot offers several trims, including family-oriented features and a rugged TrailSport variant for light off-road use. Pricing typically places it in the mainstream midsize SUV segment, with higher trims adding premium tech and comfort features. The absence of a hybrid option in the Pilot lineup is a consideration for buyers prioritizing fuel economy.

• Multiple trims with practical features and optional TrailSport


• Competitive pricing within the midsize SUV class


• No hybrid version in the current Pilot lineup

For families, the value proposition centers on space, safety, and day-to-day usability rather than luxury or niche performance.

Is it still a mom car in 2024–2025?

The nickname endures because the Pilot continues to deliver the core traits many families seek: roomy seating for up to eight, caregiver-friendly cargo flexibility, and a strong safety suite. However, the notion of a “mom car” is evolving. The Pilot’s broad appeal now extends to empty-nesters, shared households, and anyone who wants a dependable, spacious SUV. Some critics note that rivals with more upscale interiors, more efficient hybrids, or sportier handling can sway buyers who want a more premium feel or better gas mileage for daily commutes.

In practical terms, the Pilot remains a highly competent option for families needing three rows, a comfortable ride, and a versatile cargo area. It competes well with peers like the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and others, especially for shoppers who prioritize practical features and reliability over flashier styling.

How the Pilot compares to peers

To understand where the Pilot stands in 2024–2025, consider three broad areas: space and practicality, safety and technology, and value for money.

• Space and practicality: The Pilot emphasizes roomy seating and straightforward cargo configurations, often appealing to larger families or those needing to haul gear frequently.


• Safety and technology: Honda Sensing and a robust infotainment system make the Pilot a strong safety-focused choice in its class.


• Value: With competitive pricing and standard features across trims, the Pilot remains a strong value, though some competitors offer hybrids or more luxurious interiors at similar price points.

In sum, the Pilot remains a solid, widely accepted option for those seeking a family-friendly, three-row SUV, regardless of parental status, while facing the same trade-offs as its peers in interior materials and fuel economy.

Summary

In 2024–2025, the Honda Pilot continues to fit the traditional mold of a family-oriented SUV: spacious, safe, and practical, with a flexible interior and strong driver aids. While the label “mom car” is informal and can feel reductive, the Pilot’s core strengths align with what many families need for everyday life and long trips. It remains a compelling choice for households that require three rows, a versatile cargo area, and a dependable ride, all while offering benefits that extend beyond any single demographic.

What vehicle does the car mom drive?

The Car Mom drives a 2023 Ford Expedition Max with a bench seat for her four children. However, she doesn't own this car personally; it's a demo car from a family-owned dealership, and she switches between different vehicles every 4,000 to 5,000 miles. This allows her to test drive various makes and models for her reviews, which include SUVs and minivans.
 

• Current "personal" vehicle: She uses a 2023 Ford Expedition Max with a bench seat to accommodate her four children, who are all in car seats. 
• Actual ownership: She doesn't own this car; she drives demo cars provided by the dealerships where her family works. 
• How she gets cars: She rotates through different demo vehicles every 4,000 to 5,000 miles and doesn't choose which one she drives. 
• Purpose: This setup allows her to test and review a wide variety of cars for her audience. 

Should I buy a Honda Pilot or Toyota Grand Highlander?

The Honda Pilot is a more traditional SUV with a standard powerful V6 engine and a versatile removable middle seat, while the Toyota Grand Highlander is larger, offers more cargo space, and provides more powertrain options, including hybrids, with more standard tech features. The best choice depends on family needs: choose the Pilot for a powerful engine and flexible seating, or the Grand Highlander for maximum cargo and passenger space or better fuel efficiency through its hybrid options.
 
You can watch this video to compare the interior features of both SUVs: 50sWhich Ride?YouTube · Apr 5, 2025
Honda Pilot

• Best for: Families who want a powerful, traditional V6 engine and the flexibility to quickly change between 7 or 8-passenger seating with a removable middle seat. 
• Pros:
  • Standard V6 engine 
  • Unique removable second-row middle seat for on-demand captain's chairs 
  • More comfortable third-row legroom 
  • Often considered to have a more engaging driving experience with tighter steering 
• Cons:
  • Less overall cargo space than the Grand Highlander 
  • Only comes with a gas-only powertrain 

Toyota Grand Highlander

• Best for: Families who need the most space for passengers and cargo, or who want the option of a more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. 
• Pros:
  • Larger cargo and passenger volume 
  • Multiple powertrain choices (gas, hybrid, Hybrid MAX) 
  • More standard tech features and a larger infotainment screen 
  • Offers more available premium features like ventilated second-row seats 
  • Includes complimentary maintenance with ToyotaCare 
• Cons:
  • Lacks the Pilot's removable second-row middle seat 
  • Driving feel may be less involving than the Pilot 

You can watch this video to compare the engine options of both SUVs: 1mAutoMobiYouTube · Sep 20, 2025
Which one should you choose?

• Choose the Honda Pilot if: Your priority is a powerful V6 engine and a flexible interior that can be quickly converted to a 7 or 8-passenger layout, and you don't need the maximum possible cargo space or a hybrid. 
• Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if: Your priority is the most interior space, either for cargo or passengers, and you want the option of a more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain or more advanced standard technology features. 

What is the number one mom car?

Top popular cars for moms

• Honda CR-V: midsize SUV for moms who prioritize safety.
• Mazda CX-30: top small SUV for city commutes.
• Toyota RAV4: the optimal blend of value, comfort, and safety.
• Kia Soul: the best value compact car 
• Hyundai Tucson: practical hybrid SUV for moms.

What are the downfalls of a Honda Pilot?

Common cons for the Honda Pilot include transmission issues like jerking or hesitation, a potentially cramped third row for adults, and subpar acceleration and braking performance. Some model years have been associated with specific problems, such as electrical malfunctions, airbag defects, and premature brake/suspension issues. Other drawbacks can include a small standard infotainment screen and a lack of luxury features compared to some competitors.
 
Performance and driving

• Acceleration: Acceleration can be lackluster, with some reviewers noting it feels slow to respond, especially when accelerating from a stop or during passing maneuvers. 
• Braking: While stopping is generally smooth, the Pilot's emergency stopping distances are longer than those of some rivals. 
• Transmission: Some model years have reported transmission problems, including rough shifts, hesitation, and jerking. 
• Handling: Some have described the steering as vague and cornering as cumbersome. 

Interior and technology

• Third row: While the third row can fit adults, it is often cramped and better suited for children or short trips. 
• Infotainment: The standard touchscreen is considered small on lower trims compared to competitors. Some wireless features like the charger or phone pairing can be inconsistent. 
• Luxury features: The Pilot can lack certain luxury features found in competitors, such as cooled second-row seats or standard head-up displays on more trims. 

Reliability and build 

• Specific model years: Certain model years, such as 2003, 2004, 2005, 2011, 2016, and 2017, have been cited as having recurring issues with transmissions, airbags, or electrical systems. 
• Brake issues: Some owners have reported brake vibration, which may be due to warped rotors. 
• Windshield cracks: Some users have noted issues with windshields cracking easily, possibly due to thinner glass or a larger surface area. 

Other drawbacks

• Fuel economy: The Pilot may not be as fuel-efficient as some competitors. 
• Visibility: While generally good, some find the available surround-view camera system difficult to use due to a small screen and poor resolution. 
• Customization: There can be a lack of consistency in features across different trims, which may limit customization options for some buyers.