After several years of strong sales and winning awards Honda has blessed their
midsize Pilot SUV with a mid-cycle update. Suppose that means I should
update my script, too. Let's start with the improvements. Exterior styling has been
zazzed, not sure that's a word, with a new front fascia, new grille, new taillights,
and other subtler details. Inside there's fresh trim around the vents, the front
seat armrests are wider, and the instrument cluster sports a new 7-inch
TFT display showing this cute animation for the different drive modes. Aw, go get
it Pilot. We'll get to more significant changes in a moment, but first let's
rehash the Pilot's core strengths. There's an obvious grab handle for easy throw
access. The third row reclines, the second row reclines and slides, there's a power
second row option that makes getting into the third row a push button affair.
The center console is large and features a handy sliding storage tray. It's very
easy to reposition the multi-level cargo cover, and also, look, Honda made one side
plastic and then the other side carpeted. So, if you have sand or something you can
use whichever side you don't mind getting messy. I choose plastic.
Carry on. The seats fold with zero confusion, and when you do they create a
completely flat load floor with the exception of this little area right here
in seven passenger versions. There's more than enough space for an average-sized
adult in each row, one behind the other. The seats sit high enough that you can
easily fit your feet beneath, maximizing available leg space, and there's more cup
holders and storage nooks than most families
could possibly use.
Overflowing with simple logical solutions, Honda's thoughtfulness
permeates all aspects of the Pilot's design. For example, there's a little bit
of plastic that keeps you from confusing the tailgate open and lock buttons, smart.
Lock. Tim. Softening our praise just a bit are a few shortcomings. Cargo space
behind the third row trails the Chevy Traverse and Ford Explorer. Three adults
can fit in the Pilot's third row, but it doesn't take long for things to get
uncomfortable. And though a multi-angle backup camera does come standard, the
Pilot does not offer a modern 360-degree camera system. As a concerned
parent / incompetent parker that disappoints me.
On a more positive technological note Honda Sensing is now standard on all
trims bundling lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise
control and collision warning with automatic braking. Honda Sensing safety
and convenience features each work in predictable helpful fashion, and if you've
somehow managed to crash anyway, the Pilot is an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
So, crash away. No, just kidding, don't do that. Another significant improvement
is the eight-inch touchscreen included on all but the humblest LX trim. The
screen seems less smudge prone than it used to be, the menus have been greatly
simplified and feature vivid icons, and there's now a volume knob. Looks like I'm
gonna have to find something else to complain about. Tim, I hate your bracelet.
Did you get his bracelet in the shot? That'd really helped the bit.
If the threat of conversation with friends and family
fills you with fear the Blu-Ray equipped 10.2-inch rear seat entertainment system
included on higher trims will help run interference. On a related note the
Pilot's Cabin Talk feature amplifies the drivers voice and projects it to rear
seat passengers via the vehicle speakers or wireless headphones. So, even if your
kids don't obey you they definitely heard what you said. Tim,
you're fired!
Powering all Pilots is a 3.5-liter V6 that provides strong acceleration and a
max towed capacity of 5,000 pounds. Managing the V6's output is a six-speed
automatic in lower trims, and in Touring and Elite trims a nine-speed
automatic. Besides 50% more gear changes, the nine-speed promises a one mpg bump
in city driving for the Touring trim. For the Pilot's mid-cycle update Honda
smartly retuned the nine-speed automatic. Now when you leave from a stop, unless you
mash the throttle, it starts in the second gear for smoother acceleration.
Geez, that's smooth.
The nine-speed's automatic engine start/stop system also restarts more quickly now
the less intrusive operation. If you prefer a Pilot with a traction-enhancing
torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system and don't find a modest one mpg draught
and fuel economy just bring an extra $1,900 to your Honda dealer.
Even though it's an eight-passenger SUV, driving the Honda Pilot is totally
manageable. Its maneuverable in tight quarters. The steering wheel feels
normal-sized, and the view out is good. That would be
even better with a 360-degree camera system. Around corners the Honda Pilot
steers with confidence, at the same time delivering a generally plush ride and
well controlled interior noise unless you really mash it. Yeah!
With destination charges a bass front-wheel drive Honda Pilot LX lands
around $32,500 and includes LED running lights, a basic
5-inch audio screen, six airbags, Bluetooth, one USB port, and push-button
start, though unlocking the LX still requires the fob. Tempting price aside
we'd suggest moving up to the EX trim. For an extra $3,000 you'll enjoy
smart keyless entry, blind spot warning, heated front seats,
OneTouch sliding second row seats, multi zone automatic climate control, and the
previously mentioned eight-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
integration as a bonus.The EX would be more abundant on dealer
lots, giving you a wider range of Pilots to choose from. Not that, that is an
Odyssey. It's the exact same color. Tricky, Honda, you're tricky. Though fancy, and a
loaded all-wheel drive Elite trim with ventilated front seats, wireless phone
charging, a foot activated tailgate, and a heated steering wheel has an MSRP around
$49,000. For a better pricing picture
check out KBB's fare purchase price, and maybe explore some new car listings on
KBB.com. Compared to similarly equipped versions of the Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota
Highlander, Ford Explorer, and others the Honda Pilot is competitively priced. Add
Honda's historically strong resale values and the Pilot stands as a serious
value.
It's not surprising, but when you take compelling features, cram them in an
utterly logical interior, surround the whole thing with tasteful styling, and
cap it all off with Honda's renowned reliability, the result is a mid-sized
SUV that's tough to beat. See, that was easy because I've done it before. It's
been like three years, but still got it.