Member of the mid-size SUV segment since 2003, the Honda Pilot has been totally revamped for 2009. Already available at dealerships across the country, it retains the same truck-like design instead of falling prey to the big crossover mania. The boxy shape of the Pilot is unmistakable; in fact, it's even boxier than the previous generation's.
Overall, the lines are sleek and very clean, with no unnecessary ornament except maybe for the complex grille design. This production model is essentially identical to the Pilot Concept unveiled last January at the Detroit auto show.
The cabin boasts a gigantic though ergonomic center stack. Fit and finish is neat but somewhat overshadowed by the abundance of plastics. Since my tester was a top-of-the-line Touring model, the list of features was impressive. Operation of the various controls and accessories lives up to Honda's quality reputation--no complaints there. Likewise, overall build quality is very good.
One of the biggest improvements made to the Pilot is the expanded interior. Sure, third-row occupants still have to make a number of sacrifices, but everybody else benefits from a comfortable, cleverly laid-out seating arrangement. Moreover, readily accessible storage compartments are everywhere to be found.
Under the hood, Honda engineers again relied on the 3.5L V6 engine, although output is up to 250 horsepower (6 more than last year). The Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) feature is now offered on all models, and an interesting addition makes its debut; while the previous generation of the system could deactivate half of the cylinders un light driving, the engine can now use three or four cylinders in certain situations to substantially improve fuel economy, since the VCM will intervene more frequently... provided that you drive moderately, of course.
In normal driving conditions, the Pilot averages 8.7 to 9.1 L/100 km in the city and 12.7 to 13.1 L/100 km on the highway according to the automaker's ratings, which is pretty decent.
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| The boxy shape of the Pilot is unmistakable; in fact, it's even boxier than the previous generation's. |
Overall, the lines are sleek and very clean, with no unnecessary ornament except maybe for the complex grille design. This production model is essentially identical to the Pilot Concept unveiled last January at the Detroit auto show.
The cabin boasts a gigantic though ergonomic center stack. Fit and finish is neat but somewhat overshadowed by the abundance of plastics. Since my tester was a top-of-the-line Touring model, the list of features was impressive. Operation of the various controls and accessories lives up to Honda's quality reputation--no complaints there. Likewise, overall build quality is very good.
One of the biggest improvements made to the Pilot is the expanded interior. Sure, third-row occupants still have to make a number of sacrifices, but everybody else benefits from a comfortable, cleverly laid-out seating arrangement. Moreover, readily accessible storage compartments are everywhere to be found.
Under the hood, Honda engineers again relied on the 3.5L V6 engine, although output is up to 250 horsepower (6 more than last year). The Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) feature is now offered on all models, and an interesting addition makes its debut; while the previous generation of the system could deactivate half of the cylinders un light driving, the engine can now use three or four cylinders in certain situations to substantially improve fuel economy, since the VCM will intervene more frequently... provided that you drive moderately, of course.
In normal driving conditions, the Pilot averages 8.7 to 9.1 L/100 km in the city and 12.7 to 13.1 L/100 km on the highway according to the automaker's ratings, which is pretty decent.
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| Honda engineers again relied on the 3.5L V6 engine, although output is up to 250 horsepower. |