2022 Honda Pilot EX-L vs Special Edition

It has been 20 years since the Honda Pilot was launched and in the span of these two decades, it has become one of the best midsized crossovers on the market. Now, the 2022 Honda Pilot has all the qualities that make it a consumer favorite. It offers several trims – two of which are often compared with each other – the EX-L and the Special Edition.

The following is a buying guide that helps you decide which is the best for you:

Features

The 2022 Pilot is part of the 3rd generation of Honda’s largest vehicle. It offers 7 trims in total, with the EX-L and Special Edition being 2nd and 3rd on the trim hierarchy. Both these variants are very well-equipped and they are quite similar when it comes to their features. The Special Edition is considered to be a more sporty-looking version though.

Powertrain and Numbers

These two trim levels are the same when it comes to their powertrains. They both come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes up to 280 hp and 262 lb.-ft. The gearbox is a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to a 2- or all-wheel drive system.

As a result of this setup, these vehicles are able to accelerate pretty quickly for their class. According to the testers, the Honda Pilot 2022 can provide a 0-60 mph time of about 6 seconds with all-wheel drive.

The towing capacity is also one of the best in the class. It goes all the way up to 5000 lbs. if you equip them right. At a minimum, both of these vehicles can tow up to 3500 lbs., which is also more than what most people need.

The fuel economy ratings are pretty respectable as well. The EPA has rated the 2WD configuration to be good for 20 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. Meanwhile, the AWD can get up to 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

Interior and Technology

The 2022 Pilot has a cabin that looks decent, isn’t too flashy and is highly functional. Every single button and knob is right where you’d want it to be. The spaciousness and comfort receive appreciation from all the 8 occupants of this car.

If you opt for one of these two trims, you’ll be getting a very cargo-friendly vehicle for three main reasons. The first one is that the trunk is very capacious. The second one is that the cargo floor is adjustable. The third one is that the center console in the middle row can be removed.

So, how do these two variants differ here? Well, there is a difference in terms of the interior and the standard amenities on both of them.

The following gives you the gist of it:

2022 Honda Pilot EX-L

The Pilot EX-L 2022 offers grey leather upholstery and is loaded with amenities despite being second on the trim hierarchy. You get tri-zone climate control, push-button ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a powered tailgate, a one-touch moonroof, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

But the steering isn’t the only component that is leather-trimmed, as so are the seats. Also, the front ones are heated, and there’s 10-way power adjustability for the driver’s seat (w/memory). The front passenger also gets 4-way power adjustability.

The infotainment system is top-notch here. You get an 8-inch touchscreen which is connected to a 7-speaker stereo. The setup is compatible with Apple and Android devices. There are a handful of USB ports for powerd and data transmission.

There are many safety systems. They include forward-collision warning (w/automated emergency braking), auto-beam headlights, lane-departure warning (w/lane-keeping assist), blind-spot monitoring (w/rear-cross traffic assists), and adaptive cruise control.

2022 Honda Pilot Special Edition

The 2022 Honda Pilot Special Edition comes with black leather upholstery, has all of the features mentioned above, and adds some more to the mix. You get a hands-free tailgate, and a wireless phone charging pad for your phone, along with some changes to the exterior.

2023 Pilot EXL

2023 CRV EX-L

Exterior and Driving

On the outside, this is a handsome vehicle that is large enough to be roomy on the inside, but it is also quite maneuverable. As far as the differences between these two trims are concerned, the 2022 Pilot Special Edition has black roof rails and 20-inch black wheels.

The EX-L has 18-inch aluminum wheels as standard but it offers a wider variety of wheel designs. You can also choose to have 18-inch chrome ones or machine-cut ones. The 20-inch black wheels offered on the Special Edition are also available.

The following colors are available on both the trims of the 2022 Pilot:

The 2022 Pilot EX-L offers Obsidian Blue Pearl as well, while Deep Scarlet Pearl and Sonic Gray Pearl are exclusive on the 2022 Pilot Special Edition.

As far as the driving is concerned, both of these trims do similarly since they have the same powertrain and suspension. The steering has been praised and the same goes for how smooth the ride is.

Reliability and Warranty

The reliability data from JD Power is the same for both these vehicles. The 2022 Pilot gets 81 out of 100 which puts it in the Great category. The reviews from the owners of this car are also positive when it comes to dependability.

You get two warranties for this SUV. The first is a limited one for 3 years/36k miles. The second is one for the powertrain components, good for 5 years/60k miles.

Verdict

So, who wins the 2022 Honda Pilot EX-L vs Special Edition debate then? Well, there isn’t much of a price difference so it just depends on your preferences. Both these vehicles are excellently equipped with the Special Edition being a step ahead with its wireless charging feature. It also looks more athletic with its black rims and roof rails.

To get the 2022 Honda Pilot in North Salt Lake, Utah, check out Performance Honda Bountiful here.