2017 Honda Pilot: Versatile and Reliable

With seating for up to eight people and five trim levels, the 2017 Honda Pilot is one of the more versatile mid-size SUVs on the market. 
The Pilot was fully revamped last year to bring it more in line with the look of its smaller sibling vehicle, the CR-V compact SUV. The lower front area has black underbody trim and the headlight clusters and front grille form somewhat of a triangular shape. Optional equipment includes front fog lights, LED headlights, roof rails, 20-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate and panoramic moonroof. 
The Pilot's trim levels are the LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Elite.
The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 280 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Touring and Elite models come with a nine-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional. For better fuel economy, the engine operates with cylinder deactivation, and the Touring and Elite models have start/stop engine capability to boost efficiency. 
Fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway with all-wheel drive and 20 and 27 with front-wheel drive.
The interior is comfortable and functional. The second row of seats comes as either a bench or two captain’s chairs. The bench can be easily folded down with the touch of a button to provide more cargo space. The third row seating is more compact, but still is suitable for children. 
Optional features in the EX model include HondaLink infotainment with Pandora internet radio, an extra USB port, HomeLink remote, an upgraded eight-inch display screen and tri-zone automatic climate control. Other optional amenities include heated/ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, navigation, acoustic glass for a quieter cabin, Blu-ray rear entertainment system and remote engine start. 
Safety technology on the Pilot includes LaneWatch and Honda Sensing, which provides a collision avoidance braking system, front crash warnings, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. 
The Pilot starts at around $31,000 and ranges to just shy of $49,000.
For a versatile, high-quality vehicle that is dependable, the Pilot is a great choice. 

2018 Hyundai Sonata: Smooth, Comfortable Sedan

The Hyundai Sonata midsize sedan deserves a great deal of credit for the Korean automaker's ascent into respected-brand territory a few years back. For the 2018 model year, the car gets some styling touch-ups and a new eight-speed automatic transmission. 
The new eight-speed transmission is found in the 2.0-liter turbo model. Overall, the Sonata has four global engines: two turbos that were found in the previous version, the Eco trim's 1.6-liter that makes 178 horsepower and the 2.0-liter that makes 245 ponies. 
On the outside, the latest Sonata has a larger grille featuring horizontal bars or mesh on the 2.0-liter turbo model, along with a large Hyundai logo. The hood gets a beefed up look as well. At the back there are new taillights and the license plate area is relocated to the new bumper, from the trunk. 
Additional styling touches on the 2.0-liter turbo include black headlight and daytime running light surrounds, a black lower front bumper, black side-mirror caps and dark-chrome trim.
The Sonata's interior features modified controls, a new steering wheel and an 8-inch display for the optional multimedia system with navigation. The 2.0-liter turbo version features a flat-bottom wheel and more bolstered seats. 
The Sonata provides a smooth ride with adequate acceleration and braking, just what most midsize sedan drivers would expect. And with the comfortable interior, it makes for a nice road trip car. 
The Sonata starts at around $23,000 and ranges to a little over $33,000.
If a smooth, comfortable, attractive midsize sedan is on your wish list, the Sonata is worth a look. 

2018 Hyundai Elantra: Value and Good Looks in a Small Sedan

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra is a zippy small sedan that is now available in five trim levels. 
The Elantra has a big hexagon-shaped grille with sporty, narrow headlights. The rear has a contoured shape with angled taillights that add to the sporty theme. 
There are five trim levels: the SE, Value Edition, Eco, Sport and Limited.
LED daytime running lights, power side mirrors and 15-inch wheels are standard features. Options include HID headlights, heated side mirrors, LED taillights, hands-free smart trunk, a power moonroof, chrome exterior accent and larger 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Elantra's SE and Limited trims have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Eco trim is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 128 horsepower and is linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Sport's engine is a, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 201 horsepower and comes with a six-speed manual or optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Gas mileage for the SE with manual is rated at 26 mpg city, 36 highway. The automatic version is rated at 29 and 38. The Eco is rated at 32 and 40 mpg, and the Sport with manual is 22 and 33 mpg. The automatic Sport is 26 and 33 mpg.
The Elantra's interior is comfortable and nicely arranged..
Optional features include leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats and heated rear seats. 
Driving dynamics are solid if not spectacular with the Elantra. Handling is good, Acceleration is adequate. 
But the best attributes of the Elantra are its fuel economy and comfort. It's an all-around good small sedan.
Pricing starts at about $17,000 and ranges to a bit over $23,000.
Value and good looks make the Elantra a solid competitor in the small sedan market.