July 2008
2009 Honda Pilot: First Drive
Redesigned SUV toughens appearance, but keeps its successful formula
Honda introduced the first eight-passenger car-based SUV when it debuted the original Pilot in 2002, trumping the midsized
Toyota Highlander in size and capacity. Loosely derived from the Odyssey minivan, the more muscular Pilot was an instant hit,
being more comfortable (and sensible) than a truck-based SUV and way cooler than a van. The Pilot also topped its category
in our tests.
The second-generation Pilot stays close to the general package and philosophy established by the original. The most noticeable change is that Honda made the new Pilot look tougher, with an aggressive grille and slab sides, just at the moment when America is turning against big SUVs with a vengeance. It uses the same punchy 3.5-liter V6, now with 250 hp, mated to a five-speed automatic. Stability control and curtain airbags are standard.
We bought a nicely equipped mid-trim EX-L model with AWD for $35,830.
Initial impression. The new Pilot drives very nicely. The ride is supple and controlled, imparting a solid and steady feel. Handling is responsive
without excessive body lean, and the nicely weighted steering provides welcome feedback. Road noise is still noticeable but
less pronounced than before.
The smooth, refined powertrain packs plenty of oomph. The engine has a cylinder shut-off system that supposedly saves fuel by disabling two or three cylinders when cruising. Still, we are averaging only 17 mpg, which is not great.
Access is easy and the front seats are comfortable. The cabin is furnished with many convenient storage cubbies and bins, but uncharacteristically for Honda, some interior plastics look shiny and cheap. The clumsy column shifter has been replaced with a dash-mounted shifter that's easier to manage. Controls are straightforward and simple to use. The EX-L's standard rear camera displays its image on the inside mirror when you back up—a nice touch, especially since this helpful safety feature does not require buying an expensive built-in navigation system.
The second row can slide fore and aft a little to more leg room for third-row passengers. The third-row seat is still tight
but is bearable for kids. It's split 50/50, making it easy to fold down to create added cargo room. Another nice touch is
that a towing package is standard.
CR's take. The new Pilot builds on the strengths of the original, and it again stands as an appealing, family-friendly vehicle. We will see how it stacks up against the Ford Flex and other competitors in the December issue of Consumer Reports, to be posted online in November.
Discuss Honda in the Cars forum. Read about Honda in the Cars blog.
The second-generation Pilot stays close to the general package and philosophy established by the original. The most noticeable change is that Honda made the new Pilot look tougher, with an aggressive grille and slab sides, just at the moment when America is turning against big SUVs with a vengeance. It uses the same punchy 3.5-liter V6, now with 250 hp, mated to a five-speed automatic. Stability control and curtain airbags are standard.
We bought a nicely equipped mid-trim EX-L model with AWD for $35,830.
The smooth, refined powertrain packs plenty of oomph. The engine has a cylinder shut-off system that supposedly saves fuel by disabling two or three cylinders when cruising. Still, we are averaging only 17 mpg, which is not great.
Access is easy and the front seats are comfortable. The cabin is furnished with many convenient storage cubbies and bins, but uncharacteristically for Honda, some interior plastics look shiny and cheap. The clumsy column shifter has been replaced with a dash-mounted shifter that's easier to manage. Controls are straightforward and simple to use. The EX-L's standard rear camera displays its image on the inside mirror when you back up—a nice touch, especially since this helpful safety feature does not require buying an expensive built-in navigation system.
CR's take. The new Pilot builds on the strengths of the original, and it again stands as an appealing, family-friendly vehicle. We will see how it stacks up against the Ford Flex and other competitors in the December issue of Consumer Reports, to be posted online in November.
Discuss Honda in the Cars forum. Read about Honda in the Cars blog.
