The 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L represents a significant step up in the three-row SUV segment, blending practical family utility with a surprisingly refined interior experience. This specific trim moves beyond the base model's essentials, focusing on comfort, technology, and materials that appeal to discerning buyers. Understanding the nuances of the 2017 Honda Pilot EX-L interior is key to appreciating its value proposition against rivals like the Toyota Highlander XLE or Chevrolet Traverse LT.
Premium Materials and Construction Quality
One of the first things you notice inside a 2017 Pilot EX-L is the elevated level of materials. Unlike the vinyl finishes found on lower trims, the EX-L wraps the dashboard, doors, and center console in a soft-touch, leather-like synthetic material. This choice not only looks more sophisticated but also feels warmer and more tactile to the touch. The designers paid attention to visual depth, incorporating contrasting silver or wood grain inserts on the center stack and climate controls, depending on the color scheme. The result is an environment that feels modern and intentionally designed, rather than purely functional.
Seating Comfort and Configuration
The second-row captain's chairs on the EX-L are a major highlight, replacing the standard bench seat found on base models. These contoured, bolstered seats offer significantly better lateral support and comfort for adult passengers, making long highway drives more pleasant. The available leather-trimmed heated front seats are a luxurious touch, providing both warmth during cold mornings and a cool surface on hot days. While the third row remains best suited for children or occasional use, the overall seating package in the EX-L prioritizes the comfort of the primary passengers who occupy the front and middle rows most frequently.
Technology and Infotainment Features
Navigating the 2017 Pilot EX-L's cabin is managed through an upgraded audio and navigation system. Unlike the base model's simpler radio, the EX-L comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen audio system that integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This integration is crucial in modern driving, allowing seamless access to smartphone apps, maps, and music with familiar interfaces. The system's responsiveness and clarity are impressive for its class, and the inclusion of a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines provides confidence during parking maneuvers.
Enhanced Safety and Convenience Features
Safety and driver-assistance technologies are more comprehensive in the EX-L trim. You'll find standard Honda Sensing suite, which includes features like Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Adaptive Cruise Control. These systems work together to reduce driver fatigue and enhance safety on long journeys. Convenience features like power liftgate and a memory function for the driver's seat and steering wheel (on certain configurations) add a layer of daily usability that makes the vehicle feel more premium and effortless to live with.
Practicality and Cargo Management
Despite its focus on luxury, the 2017 Pilot EX-L retains the practicality that defines the Pilot name. The third row can fold flat to create a massive cargo area, accommodating everything from grocery hauls to moving boxes. The EX-L benefits from thoughtful storage solutions, such as ample cup holders, door pockets, and a center console with variable storage configurations. The ability to remove the center armrest reveals a flat surface, further enhancing the versatility of the cabin space for larger items.
Refinement and Driving Dynamics
The interior refinement of the EX-L extends to how the vehicle drives. The suspension tuning strikes a balance between comfort and control, smoothing out road imperfections without feeling overly soft. The V6 engine provides ample power for merging and highway passing, and the transmission shifts smoothly. Combined with the quiet cabin at steady speeds, the driving experience feels composed and stable, reinforcing the sense of quality that the interior materials suggest.
