The Honda Pilot was extensively enhanced for the 2013 model year. The Honda Pilot 2013 was released last month, and it is arguably the most fuel-efficient eight-passenger SUV in the market. Another new vehicle model in the segment, the Ford Flex has also been released. The revamped 2013 Ford Flex comes with a better design and a larger feature list. The Ford Flex has not really been a hit since it got to America in 2008. Will the new Flex model get a better reception? Yes. Do I think the new Flex is a better vehicle than the Pilot? No.
Read my 2013 Ford Flex vs 2013 Honda Pilot review to see how I arrived at this conclusion.
The staid three-bar grille on the previous model has been replaced a chrome band surrounded by new headlamps on the 2013 Ford Flex. The front bumper now houses a slim air intake. The new Flex is offered in 3 trims: SE, SEL and Limited;
While many utility vehicles have dropped the conventional styling for a smooth, rakish look, the Pilot kept to the old two-box SUV design. Just like in the previous model, the 2013 Honda Pilot is offered in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring trim (an option more than the Flex). Each of the trims comes in either all-wheel-drive or 2-wheel-drive version.
All the 2013 Pilot trim levels are powered by a 250-horsepower 3.5-litre i-VTEC V-6 engine paired with different measures that help in reducing friction and improving the fuel efficiency. The estimated EPA ranges in the city and on the Highway are 17 – 18 mpg and 24 – 25 mpg respectively.
The base trim of the Ford Flex 2013 model is built with a 285 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque 3.5-litre V-6. The EPA ratings of this engine are 18 and 25 mpg in the city and on the highway respectively for front-wheel-drive models. An EcoBoost engine that delivers 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque is also available.
The Ford upgraded the feature list of the 2013 Flex to include some convenience features such as an adaptive cruise control, MyFord Touch system, collision warning with brake intervention, twin 4.2-inch LCD screens and blind-spot monitors.
The Honda Pilot 2013 model also comes with some new standard features like USB integration, BluetoothAudio, automatic climate controls, 8-inch Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and a rear-view camera.
With the EcoBoost engine, the 2013 Ford Flex performs better than most crossovers and it can move as quickly as some sporty sedans. It sports a cohesive design with a unique look. But most users of minivans are in that market mainly because of the roomy interior they offer, and that is exactly what the 2013 Honda Pilot is all about. It offers an upscale interior with three rows of seating and innovative features, add all these to the choice of 2WD and 4WD, and you will get a truly versatile vehicle. The Honda Pilot remains one the best in the segment, at least for one more year.
The 2013 Pilot is priced from $29,420 to $39,570 and the Ford Flex 2013 model ranges from $30,885 to $39,230.
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