On the road
Honda remains without a V8 engine for a good reason. Its 3.5L V6 equipped with VTEC and four valves-per-cylinder provides plenty of gusto. Mated to the 5-speed automatic transmission, it is capable of travelling to 100 km/h in under 9.5 seconds, not bad for a 2,052 kg SUV. The V6 never really disappoints; it is quiet, refined and impressively frugal. The autobox is smooth and decisive. Honda's VTM-4 (Variable Torque Management) principally motivates the front wheels. When the going gets tough, the
rear wheels are electronically engaged. The driver, should he or she find himself or herself in a sticky situation, can manually engage the rear-locking differential by depressing the dash-mounted button.
The Pilot's drive is more car-like than truck-like. I really enjoy this fact. Not once was I annoyed at the Pilot's road manners. It behaves like a big car with added ground clearance. To be more precise, the Pilot feels confident and well engaged with the road at all times. Only over sharp amplitudes does the truck loose some of it composure. In these situations, it conducts itself as though it was over-sprung.
Managing ones way through the city with the big Honda is nearly a breeze. The steering requires little effort and the addition of the tailgate mounted camera make very it manoeuvrable in tight spots. Generally speaking, the cabin and the engine are quiet. Having done a very long trip a few years back with a Pilot, I can safely say that it is a great tool and friend on the open road.
Safety
The truck has standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, stability control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the Pilot 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for a frontal and lateral impacts for all occupants. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated it "Good" in its category.
Conclusion
The beauty about the Pilot or its luxurious twin, the Acura MDX, is that when the kids are in place and all the gear is loaded in the gigantic cargo area, you know you will make it to your destination. The Pilot gives the impression that you are at the helm of a minivan instead of an SUV. Many people will find comfort in that as they will sense themselves to be more
at ease with this truck's behaviour. Of the list of competitors, only the 4Runner comes close to offering as much the same package.
Good stuff:
Strong engine
Comfort
Reliability
Not so good stuff:
It could perhaps use a little more panache
Competitors:
Toyota 4Runner
Chevrolet Trailblazer / GMC Envoy / Buick Rainier
Ford Explorer
Nissan Pathfinder
Mitsubishi Endeavor
Hyundai Santa Fe
Kia Sorento
Honda remains without a V8 engine for a good reason. Its 3.5L V6 equipped with VTEC and four valves-per-cylinder provides plenty of gusto. Mated to the 5-speed automatic transmission, it is capable of travelling to 100 km/h in under 9.5 seconds, not bad for a 2,052 kg SUV. The V6 never really disappoints; it is quiet, refined and impressively frugal. The autobox is smooth and decisive. Honda's VTM-4 (Variable Torque Management) principally motivates the front wheels. When the going gets tough, the
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The Pilot's drive is more car-like than truck-like. I really enjoy this fact. Not once was I annoyed at the Pilot's road manners. It behaves like a big car with added ground clearance. To be more precise, the Pilot feels confident and well engaged with the road at all times. Only over sharp amplitudes does the truck loose some of it composure. In these situations, it conducts itself as though it was over-sprung.
Managing ones way through the city with the big Honda is nearly a breeze. The steering requires little effort and the addition of the tailgate mounted camera make very it manoeuvrable in tight spots. Generally speaking, the cabin and the engine are quiet. Having done a very long trip a few years back with a Pilot, I can safely say that it is a great tool and friend on the open road.
Safety
 |
Conclusion
The beauty about the Pilot or its luxurious twin, the Acura MDX, is that when the kids are in place and all the gear is loaded in the gigantic cargo area, you know you will make it to your destination. The Pilot gives the impression that you are at the helm of a minivan instead of an SUV. Many people will find comfort in that as they will sense themselves to be more
 |
Good stuff:
Strong engine
Comfort
Reliability
Not so good stuff:
It could perhaps use a little more panache
Competitors:
Toyota 4Runner
Chevrolet Trailblazer / GMC Envoy / Buick Rainier
Ford Explorer
Nissan Pathfinder
Mitsubishi Endeavor
Hyundai Santa Fe
Kia Sorento
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