And away we go
The 2009 Pilot feels a little bigger on the road than the original version did. Still, this mid-size SUV is on the light and agile side, never becoming ponderous or sluggish in its handling. The extra might of its revised engine is noticeable over that of the previous generation.
The 2009 Pilot performs admirably in the passing lane and on steep ascents. Operationally, its V6 mill is polished and refined. The 5-speed autobox backing-up the sophisticated powerplant functions smoothly, with gear changes that are subtle and on-cue. Unlike some competitors, The Pilot is not equipped with electronic manual-mode shift capability.
The Pilot isn't a slouchy riding rig. Its underpinnings are fairy rigid, certainly more so than some domestic offerings in the segment. Upshot of the firmness is agility and handling. For its size, the 2009 Pilot sports fairly spry cornering dynamics. The trade-off is ride quality, which I would prefer to be a little more absorbent.
Closing comments
Honda's Pilot has been a favourite of active families since its inception. It's proven itself to be a safe, reliable mid-size SUV available in both 2WD and 4WD. The latest iteration rewards its purchasers with improved third row accommodation along with more power and better fuel economy not to mention radicalized styling.
My completely loaded Touring edition was pennies away from cresting $50K, which places it perilously close to Acura MDX territory.
photo:Rob Rothwell
The 2009 Pilot feels a little bigger on the road than the original version did. Still, this mid-size SUV is on the light and agile side, never becoming ponderous or sluggish in its handling. The extra might of its revised engine is noticeable over that of the previous generation.
The 2009 Pilot performs admirably in the passing lane and on steep ascents. Operationally, its V6 mill is polished and refined. The 5-speed autobox backing-up the sophisticated powerplant functions smoothly, with gear changes that are subtle and on-cue. Unlike some competitors, The Pilot is not equipped with electronic manual-mode shift capability.
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| For its size, the 2009 Pilot sports fairly spry cornering dynamics. |
The Pilot isn't a slouchy riding rig. Its underpinnings are fairy rigid, certainly more so than some domestic offerings in the segment. Upshot of the firmness is agility and handling. For its size, the 2009 Pilot sports fairly spry cornering dynamics. The trade-off is ride quality, which I would prefer to be a little more absorbent.
Closing comments
Honda's Pilot has been a favourite of active families since its inception. It's proven itself to be a safe, reliable mid-size SUV available in both 2WD and 4WD. The latest iteration rewards its purchasers with improved third row accommodation along with more power and better fuel economy not to mention radicalized styling.
My completely loaded Touring edition was pennies away from cresting $50K, which places it perilously close to Acura MDX territory.
photo:Rob Rothwell
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