With so many new family-sized SUV models coming and going in the auto market, it's hard for any one automaker to stay on top. However, Larry Hopkins Honda is pleased to hear that in fact, Honda has. In a recent competition dubbed the "37,000 Three-row SUV Shootout," auto experts and a four-person family, the Kochs, from Hoffman Estates, Ill, named the 2012 Honda Pilot as the number one three-row family-sized SUV.

Sponsored by Cars.com, MotorWeek and USA Today, the competition put top-of-the-industry contenders together to test for performance, design and features. Over a three-day span of time, judges conducted round-robin comparisons, the Kochs personally evaluated models, and each SUV was required to complete a 230-mile highway drive in order to gage real-world fuel economy. In the end, all models did well but paled in comparison to the winning Honda Pilot.

What makes the 2012 Honda Pilot such a good choice for families? Larry Hopkins Honda is more than happy to share. First off, just because family members need added features for kids and job juggling, doesn't mean they have to sacrifice performance. The Pilot powertrain comes equipped with a 250-hp, 3.5-liter, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission with grade logic control. For added safety, the automaker has installed advanced safety features such as LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children), Vehicle Stability Assist and three-row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor. And while, all these technicalities are certainly vital, features like rear seat entertainment with DVD really grab the kids' vote.

Larry Hopkins Honda knows not everyone is in the market for a "family car" just yet. That is why we welcome you to drop by 1048 W. El Camino Real Sunnyvale, CA 94087 and test drive any of our other new Honda models. Also, if you have any other Honda questions, contact us online. Whether it's picking out a new model or getting service done to the one you already have, we are happy to help!