2012 Honda Pilot: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2012 Honda Pilot is a mid-cycle refresh with a redesigned front end, a quieter cabin, and better fuel economy. Honda also updated the interior layout and several audio, connectivity, and camera features.

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About the 2012 Honda Pilot

2nd generation Pilot (2009-2015), mid-cycle refresh year.

Honda positions the Pilot as a family SUV that does more than just school runs. Its core appeal is eight-passenger seating, a square body that makes cargo space easy to use, fold-flat seating for big loads, available 4WD, and useful towing hardware. Compared with more car-like crossovers, the Pilot leans into a more traditional SUV shape and a practical, road-trip-friendly cabin while still aiming for easy daily driving and strong fuel economy for its size.

The 2012 Pilot pairs a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 with three-row seating for eight. The LX focuses on practical utility, while the EX adds tri-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and a power driver’s seat. The EX-L brings leather, heated front seats, a moonroof, a power tailgate, and an 8-inch rearview-camera display; the Touring adds navigation, rear-seat DVD entertainment, premium audio, and parking sensors.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

Aerodynamic and engine-efficiency revisions improve EPA fuel economy on both 2WD and 4WD models.

Styling

Honda redesigned the grille, headlights, and front bumper. Inside, it revised the materials, dashboard, instrument panel, and center stack.

Tech

Audio and navigation hardware improve. The EX gains Bluetooth calling and audio streaming, the EX-L gains standard Bluetooth and USB connectivity plus an 8-inch display with a rearview camera, and the Touring gets upgraded navigation, a multi-angle rearview camera, and a stronger premium audio system.

Structural

Additional sound insulation and a standard acoustic windshield help reduce wind and road noise throughout the lineup.

2012 Honda Pilot specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 Honda PilotEX1 in stock	2012 Honda PilotLX1 in stock	2012 Honda PilotEX-L1 in stock	2012 Honda PilotTouring1 in stock
Engine	V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter	V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter	V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter	V6, i-VTEC, 3.5 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 5-Spd	Automatic, 5-Spd	Automatic, 5-Spd	Automatic, 5-Spd
Drivetrain	4WD	4WD	4WD	4WD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	18 mpg	18 mpg	18 mpg	18 mpg
MPG Highway	25 mpg	25 mpg	25 mpg	25 mpg
Horsepower	250 hp	250 hp	250 hp	250 hp
Torque	253 lb-ft	253 lb-ft	253 lb-ft	253 lb-ft
Max Towing	4500 lb	4500 lb	4500 lb	4500 lb
Trunk/Cargo	87 cu-ft	87 cu-ft	87 cu-ft	87 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	32.1 in	32.1 in	32.1 in	32.1 in
Seats	8	8	8	8
Doors	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Automatic Headlights
Front & Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Built-In Hard Drive
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Rear DVD Entertainment System
Satellite Radio
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
115V Power Outlet
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Heated Front Seats
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Power Driver Seat
Rear Window Shades
Third Row Seat
Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning

How the 2013 Honda Pilot compares

The biggest change for the 2013 Honda Pilot is a major standard-equipment upgrade across the lineup. The body, 250-hp V6 and five-speed automatic carry over, but every trim gets more climate, connectivity and camera equipment.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2012 Honda Pilot fully redesigned?

No. The 2012 Honda Pilot is a mid-cycle refresh of the second-generation model, not a full redesign. Its main updates are a new front end, a quieter cabin, improved fuel economy, and revised interior technology.

Is the 2012 Honda Pilot a meaningful upgrade over the 2011 model?

Yes, especially for shoppers who value a quieter ride, better fuel economy, and easier-to-use cabin technology. The underlying second-generation design carries over, so the difference is a substantial refresh rather than an entirely new vehicle.

Did the 2012 Honda Pilot get better fuel economy?

Yes. Honda improved the 2012 Pilot’s EPA fuel economy on both 2WD and 4WD versions through aerodynamic and engine-efficiency revisions.

Which 2012 Honda Pilot trims received the biggest technology updates?

The EX-L and Touring received the most notable technology upgrades. The EX-L has standard Bluetooth and USB connectivity plus an 8-inch display with a rearview camera, while the Touring adds upgraded navigation, a multi-angle rearview camera, and a stronger premium audio system.

Does every 2012 Honda Pilot have the quieter acoustic windshield?

Yes. The acoustic windshield became standard across the 2012 Pilot lineup, and Honda also added sound insulation to make the cabin quieter.