The first big challenge came twenty minutes in. It was water- and lots of it. The entire width of the roadway was flooded for some 500 metres ahead. A brief pause for composures sake, and we slowly waded through the tire-deep road-swamp. Water sloshed everywhere, bringing thoughts of shorted electrical components and a very wet walk back to the highway.
No such bad luck. Pilot emerged wet and dirty at the end of the first miniature lake, and subsequently had no problems with the rest of them- each larger than the last. Even when hidden ruts presented themselves beneath the surface, the 3.5 liter V6 engine delivered enough snap to pull itself free. Only minimal scraping presented itself beneath, thanks to the ground clearance.
Spinouts and VTM-4 Lock
Nearing Nelson Lake, the melt-water washed rapidly over parts of the road, carrying chunks of it away and leaving huge holes behind. The look of the terrain would have made many an owner second guess proceeding- but tackling the big ruts on a wheel-by-wheel basis (diagonally) proved no problem. The 4WD system, though automatic, can be locked to ensure slip-free traction over such obstacles.
It was also useful in one particular situation when the Pilot went into a nasty mud-rut, came out sideways, and wound up deposited gently but firmly into a soft snowbank. A nasty looking situation, but it backed out with minimal fuss.
Adventure: successful
Eventually, we'd arrived at the Lake comfortably- albeit the Pilot was in need of a serious bath. Ruts, deep water and slippery mud dispensed with, the ride back would be a cinch.
At the end of the day, the Pilot had tackled most anything the trip threw its way with relative ease, though a set of more appropriate tires would make it nearly unstoppable. Most impressive was its comfort and economy along the way. Mileage over a week of driving averaged a very respectable 14L / 100km, with highway mileage at real-life speeds delivering a car-like 10.5 L / 100km.
Pilot's still a handsome and rugged looker- though behind the competition in the horsepower and interior style departments. It's not underpowered or ugly inside- but the price now opens the doors to a market that's far more competitive than it was when the Pilot model came out some years ago.
It remains a logical vehicle for the Honda family who's found themselves with a boat or recreational vehicle(s) to haul around on weekends- or one who wants to make spontaneous trips down the road-barely-traveled to play in a bit of mud.
A welcome restyle is expected soon.
photo:Chris Koski, Chris Pritchard, Justin Pritchard
No such bad luck. Pilot emerged wet and dirty at the end of the first miniature lake, and subsequently had no problems with the rest of them- each larger than the last. Even when hidden ruts presented themselves beneath the surface, the 3.5 liter V6 engine delivered enough snap to pull itself free. Only minimal scraping presented itself beneath, thanks to the ground clearance.
 |
| Though notably solid, the interior is getting old. |
Spinouts and VTM-4 Lock
Nearing Nelson Lake, the melt-water washed rapidly over parts of the road, carrying chunks of it away and leaving huge holes behind. The look of the terrain would have made many an owner second guess proceeding- but tackling the big ruts on a wheel-by-wheel basis (diagonally) proved no problem. The 4WD system, though automatic, can be locked to ensure slip-free traction over such obstacles.
It was also useful in one particular situation when the Pilot went into a nasty mud-rut, came out sideways, and wound up deposited gently but firmly into a soft snowbank. A nasty looking situation, but it backed out with minimal fuss.
Adventure: successful
Eventually, we'd arrived at the Lake comfortably- albeit the Pilot was in need of a serious bath. Ruts, deep water and slippery mud dispensed with, the ride back would be a cinch.
At the end of the day, the Pilot had tackled most anything the trip threw its way with relative ease, though a set of more appropriate tires would make it nearly unstoppable. Most impressive was its comfort and economy along the way. Mileage over a week of driving averaged a very respectable 14L / 100km, with highway mileage at real-life speeds delivering a car-like 10.5 L / 100km.
Pilot's still a handsome and rugged looker- though behind the competition in the horsepower and interior style departments. It's not underpowered or ugly inside- but the price now opens the doors to a market that's far more competitive than it was when the Pilot model came out some years ago.
It remains a logical vehicle for the Honda family who's found themselves with a boat or recreational vehicle(s) to haul around on weekends- or one who wants to make spontaneous trips down the road-barely-traveled to play in a bit of mud.
A welcome restyle is expected soon.
photo:Chris Koski, Chris Pritchard, Justin Pritchard
Article Gallery