The 2018 Jeep Wrangler skips over the on-road part of the driving test, and heads straight for the hills.
Pros The undisputed off-road champion Singular style Smooth and strong V-6 A few concessions to modernity inside
Cons Rough-and-tumble ride Poor on-road handling Expensive high-end editions Remarkably poor safety scores Soft tops are fussy to use
The Jeep Wrangler is completely redesigned for 2018. Note that this review covers the new Wrangler. The previous-generation model, the Wrangler JK, is covered separately.
PROS Unrelentingly capable off-road Maintains the rugged Jeep character Increased capability and comfort compared to old models Extensive customization options from the factory and aftermarket
CONS Mild towing capability for an otherwise highly capable rig Less cargo space than some conventional crossovers Standard V6 engine is a little underwhelming
Pros There are few vehicles more capable off-road than the Wrangler JK. Equipped with removable doors, a removable roof, and a fold-down windshield, the four-wheel-drive Wrangler JK is one of the most fun and proficient ways to explore off the beaten path or to feel the wind in your hair. It’s also hard not to fall for the Wrangler JK’s charming and simple design, which can trace its roots back to the Willys MB Jeep of World War II fame.
Cons The Wrangler JK’s off-road capability comes at the cost of its on-road manners. Live front and rear axles do the Wrangler JK’s ride quality no favors. The body also rolls precariously in turns, and the stability-control system regularly cuts in to prevent the droptop SUV from actually rolling over. Wind noise is exceptionally loud at highway speeds, and this Jeep drinks gas like it’s at an open bar. The available touchscreen infotainment system also is slow to respond to inputs and suffers from poor ergonomics.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility has been added to Pilots with the 8-inch touchscreen (EX and above). Otherwise, the Pilot carries over unchanged.
Pros A versatile, roomy interior with spacious rear seats Ride is smooth and compliant in most conditions Better fuel economy than rivals Multiple clever storage compartments
Cons Nine-speed automatic transmission lacks refinement Collision warning and adaptive cruise control are overly sensitive Third-row access is narrow Touchscreen interface isn't very intuitive
The 2017 Honda Pilot ranks 3 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. Though it’s a little more expensive than other midsize SUVs, its standard V6, roomy cabin, and available active safety features make the 2017 Honda Pilot a smart choice.
Pros Plush, roomy seats Adult-friendly third row Cavernous cargo bay Great safety scores
Cons Complicated audio and climate controls
The 2017 Honda Pilot is a capable, refined crossover SUV with all the goodness of a minivan, save for the sliding doors. The Honda Pilot was one of the first big crossovers to completely shun the old SUV idiom. No blocky, bluff styling, no truck-like frame, no rugged low-ratio transfer case or knobby off-road tires. The first Pilot had slim roof pillars, a cushy Civic-like cabin, and lots of seats.
Pros The boxy look's been banished Lavish new interior light-years ahead of the old Better seats, better cargo space Android interface, lots of ports for plugs Gas-mileage gains
Cons Maybe not as distinctive in styling 9-speed automatic can get confused Blind-spot monitors only on most expensive model One-touch seats only on EX-L and pricier models
