2004 Honda Pilot Granite Edition Road Test

The Pilot's V6 power is fed through a smartly shifting 5-speed automatic transmission before being channeled predominantly

Simply pushing a dash-mounted VTM-4 button will lock-in an equal power split between the front and rear wheels. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

to the front wheels by Honda's Variable Torque Management (VTM-4) system. When spin at the front is detected or expected, Honda's VTM-4 all-wheel-drive mechanism instantly alters the front-to-rear power split and directs greater torque to the rear wheels - or whichever set of wheels has the most grip on things. When the vehicle is stuck, or likely to become so, simply pushing a dash-mounted VTM-4 button will lock-in an equal power split between the front and rear wheels. Although this may not be a true 4-wheel drive setup, it accomplishes much the same results when the ultimate in traction is required. I have tested VTM-4 technology on heavily snow-covered roads in the past and found it to be highly effective at maintaining traction in situations that surely would have defeated basic all-wheel-drive setups.

All four wheels are clamped by antilock disc brakes, which at the front are vented. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

I am happy to report that Honda's no-nonsense approach to the Granite did not detract from the superior braking package that Pilots are normally fitted with. All four wheels are clamped by antilock disc brakes, which at the front are vented. A four-channel electronic brake distribution system augments the powerful pinchers by ensuring maximum braking force is directed equally to each of the Pilot's four corners. I had occasion to test this setup while cruising the highway at fractionally above the posted limit of 110 km/h (68 mph). A disoriented deer suddenly bounded onto the shoulder directly ahead of us. Having been witness to the damage one of these creatures can do to a full-size Cadillac, I was in no mood to test the Granite's off-road bumper trim against it - plus, safe evasive action should always be taken to protect any living creature when at all possible. So after a quick check in the rearview for tailgaters, hammer the brakes I did! Apart from the Pilot's nose diving slightly toward the pavement, nothing unsettling occurred. The vehicle dusted-off speed with remarkable urgency, enabling me to pass-by Mr. Deer at a speed that was safe, given the animal's proneness to unpredictability. Throughout this emergent maneuver, the Pilot maintained its composure, which of course, aided in maintaining my composure.