2011 Honda Pilot

The eight-passenger 2011 Honda Pilot takes the prize for best midsize SUV. With ample space for people and cargo and a reputation for reliability, it beats all rivals in its price range, including the 2010 Toyota Highlander (Base MSRP: $25,855 to $34,670). The Pilot has not changed much since last year, except for adding optional navigation on the EX-L trim and a standard backseat DVD player on the Touring trim. For a full analysis of this vehicle, see our report on the 2010 Honda Pilot (Base MSRP: $28,045 to $40,395).

Fuel economy carries forward unchanged: 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway/19 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, losing 1 mpg all around with four-wheel drive. The Pilot's 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine can shut down half of its cylinders to boost fuel economy. It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Standard safety features include antilock brakes, traction and stability control and front, front-side and curtain airbags. The Honda Pilot earns the highest scores in all front, side and rear crash tests, with a 4-star rating (out of 5) for rollover avoidance in government tests. However, its rollover roof strength is judged only "Marginal" in a test at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.