The 2022 Honda Pilot AWD TrailSport gets 21 MPG combined. To be clear, this specific Pilot trim isn’t bought for exceptional fuel efficiency. It’s bought for its added off-road capability, rugged styling, and Honda reliability. The TrailSport is for families who occasionally go off-road, like a slightly more aggressive look, and aren’t too concerned with squeezing every mile from a gallon of gasoline. They understand the trade-off between capability and frugality.

City and highway performance

EPA estimates show the Pilot TrailSport gets 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic and the Pilot’s weight. The 3.5L V6, a proven and reliable engine, needs to work to move this SUV from a standstill. The highway number, while better, isn’t groundbreaking. It reflects the Pilot’s shape and the all-wheel-drive system always being engaged. Achieving the 25 MPG highway rating requires disciplined driving habits and avoiding high speed.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Honda Pilot AWD TrailSport at $2,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving, the type of driving you do, and fuel prices in your area. If you drive mainly in the city or drive aggressively, expect to spend more than $2,100 annually. However, if you mostly drive on the highway and drive efficiently, you might save a bit. Consider the EPA figure a reasonable benchmark for the typical Pilot TrailSport owner.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures offer a comparison, real-world fuel economy often differs. Reviews and owner reports for the 2022 Honda Pilot TrailSport suggest achieving the EPA’s combined 21 MPG is possible, but it requires effort. Many owners say they average closer to 19-20 MPG in mixed driving. Highway numbers can reach or exceed 25 MPG with careful throttle control and steady cruising speeds. However, using the all-wheel-drive system in tough conditions or towing with the Pilot will lower fuel economy. The EPA numbers are a best-case scenario, and your mileage will vary.

How it compares

The Pilot TrailSport’s fuel economy isn’t bad or good compared to its competitors. For example, the Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road, another reliable SUV with off-road features, gets 17 MPG combined. A Kia Telluride SX, while not focused on off-roading like the TrailSport, gets 21 MPG combined with its front-wheel-drive configuration. Even the Subaru Ascent, known for its standard all-wheel-drive, gets around 22 MPG combined. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, with its V6 engine and four wheel drive, delivers around 22 MPG combined in the Overland trim. Checking our PILOT MPG across all years, you’ll see fuel economy has stayed similar over the past few model years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Pilot’s Eco mode in everyday driving. Eco mode adjusts throttle response and transmission shift points to prioritize fuel efficiency, which makes a difference in MPG, especially in city driving or stop-and-go traffic. While it might feel less responsive, it’s a way to save fuel without altering your driving.

Check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer-recommended pressure, which you can find on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. This will improve fuel economy and extend the life of your tires.

Keep the weight down. The Pilot TrailSport is already heavy, so avoid carrying items you don’t need. Remove cargo from the roof rack when not in use because it creates drag and reduces fuel efficiency. Every extra pound adds to increased fuel consumption.

Drive smoothly. Avoid bursts of speed and hard braking because these consume fuel. Anticipate traffic and maintain speed when possible. Smooth driving improves fuel economy and reduces wear and tear on your vehicle.

Limit the use of accessories like air conditioning and heated seats, especially during short trips. These features add load on the engine and noticeably decrease fuel economy, particularly at low speeds. Use natural ventilation when possible, or wait until the engine is warmed up before using these features often. For all Honda fuel economy data, remember that results vary per model.