Best year to buy

Best Honda Pilot Year to Buy

The 2022 Honda Pilot offers the strongest balance of reliability and current used-market value in the years with enough listing data. This ranking compares 5 qualified model years instead of assuming newest is always best.

Data updated June 2026

Top pick
2022

72/100 reliability

Median asking price
$31,790

60 listings

Observed mileage
55,802 mi

Model-year average

Depreciation
28.7%

From original MSRP

Our verdict

Why the 2022 Honda Pilot is the best all-around pick

Its reliability score of 72/100 is rated good. The current listing sample shows a median asking price of $31,790 at an average of 55,802 miles. That combination beats years that are cheaper but carry materially weaker complaint and recall histories.

The leading complaint categories are still worth inspecting: Electrical System (18), Unknown Or Other (17), Forward Collision Avoidance (15). A high model-year score is a reason to shortlist the year, not to skip a pre-purchase inspection.

See the full 2022 Honda Pilot reliability and recall record →

Ranked shortlist

Best Honda Pilot years for a used-car shopper

#1

2022 Honda Pilot

Reliability
72/100
Median price
$31,790
Avg. mileage
55,802
Listings
60
Recalls
3
Complaints
105
Research 2022
#2

2023 Honda Pilot

Reliability
72/100
Median price
$39,030
Avg. mileage
43,792
Listings
60
Recalls
5
Complaints
93
Research 2023
#3

2024 Honda Pilot

Reliability
72/100
Median price
$42,201
Avg. mileage
37,237
Listings
60
Recalls
6
Complaints
82
Research 2024
#4

2025 Honda Pilot

Reliability
71/100
Median price
$47,090
Avg. mileage
17,108
Listings
60
Recalls
4
Complaints
111
Research 2025
#5

2018 Honda Pilot

Reliability
63/100
Median price
$19,997
Avg. mileage
101,840
Listings
60
Recalls
5
Complaints
408
Research 2018

How the pick is made

Reliability first, then real used-market value

The ranking starts with the 0–100 Auto Reliability Index score. It then adds a smaller adjustment for asking-price savings and data confidence, and a modest depreciation penalty. A year needs at least 20 observed listings, an average of at least 5,000 miles, and a valid depreciation result to qualify as a used-car pick. The method deliberately prevents near-new dealer inventory or a very cheap but problem-heavy year from winning.

The runner-up is the 2023. The newest qualified year is 2026; compare its warranty, equipment, financing and condition against the 2022 rather than paying for the newer badge automatically.

Source trail

Where this Honda Pilot data comes from

VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Honda Pilot research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data. Observed asking-price and depreciation benchmarks come from CarResaleValue's Honda Pilot market analysis.

Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.

Buyer questions

Honda Pilot research FAQ

What is the best Honda Pilot year to buy?

2022 is the strongest all-around Honda Pilot year in this dataset, with an 72/100 reliability score, a median asking price of $31,790, and 60 listings analyzed.

Is the newest Honda Pilot always the best value?

No. Newer vehicles often have lower mileage and newer safety technology, but they can carry a large price premium. This ranking weighs reliability most heavily, then observed asking prices, depreciation, and data confidence.

Should I buy a 2022 Honda Pilot without a VIN check?

No. A model-year ranking cannot reveal the title, accident, odometer, auction, or recall-repair history of one vehicle. Run the VIN and inspect the car before buying.

Check the actual car

Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.

Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Honda Pilot you are considering.