Barry Winfield wrote this 2009 Honda Pilot Review for Popular Mechanics. He rode the 2009 Honda Pilot around Palm Springs. There are also comments from readers at the end of the 2009 Honda Pilot Review
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – This boxy ride has been a big hit for Honda since it debuted in the summer of 2002. The Pilot was the first XXL-size three-row crossover ever, and it’s long been praised for efficient packaging and carlike driving qualities.
But time marches on, and the understated lines of the first Pilot have begun to look a bit dated. So Honda has developed an all-new version, though its design doesn’t stray too far from the current model—more stylistic evolution than revolution. On the mechanical front, however, there’s more power, better fuel economy (on regular gasoline) and greater towing capability—and that’s welcome news.
Now producing 250 hp and 253 lb.-ft. of torque (up 6 hp and 13 lb.-ft., respectively), the Pilot’s 3.5-liter V6 has a host of new technical features, including a two-stage intake, larger intake valves, a higher compression ratio and a cold-air intake. The variable- cylinder management system now operates in 3-4-6 mode rather than the old 3-6 type, allowing two cylinders from each bank to fire in certain widely varied load conditions. There are active engine mounts as well as a noise-canceling system to disguise any acoustic evidence of the Pilot’s variable-cylinder operation. We found the system far more transparent than the 3-6 system on the Accord we drove recently.
And on our short trip near Palm Springs, power from the Pilot’s new engine seemed entirely adequate for the task. A five-speed automatic transmission is still standard. Combined with various aerodynamic improvements and reductions in tire rolling resistance, the engine produces fuel consumption figures claimed to be 8 percent better, at 17/23 mpg city/highway (2wd) and 16/22 mpg (4wd).
The new Pilot’s body is 2.9 in. longer and 1 in. wider, with improved bending and torsional rigidity, and with better crash performance (five-star NHTSA and IIHS ratings across the board) due to the expanded use of high-strength steel, as well as a redesigned crash-impact energy-absorption system. Space in the third row is said to be the largest in class—even the doors open wider than before for easy access.
And there’s a big handful of thoughtful features for family driving: a flip-up rear glass hatch, a standard integrated tow hitch, enough space behind the third row of seats for a baby stroller or cooler, an underfloor storage compartment and a net for bilevel rear compartment stowage. Plus, all three rows of seats provide nets or compartments for oddments along with generous beverage-holder provisions.
Underpinning all this domestic convenience and safety is a chassis with new lightweight aluminum components and hydraulic lower suspension-arm bushings. The largest brake system ever fitted to a production Honda supplies the necessary retardation, with twin-piston calipers and 13-in. ventilated rotors on the front. Vehicle stability assist, traction control and ABS are standard on all models. A new hill-start system allows the driver to remove his foot from the brake on gradients greater than 10 degrees, without having the vehicle roll before he steps on the gas.
The Pilot’s extra towing capacity of 4500 pounds will likely be of great interest to boat and ATV owners everywhere, particularly since Honda claims that all equipment necessary for towing (heavy-duty radiator, oil cooler, trailer hitch, wiring harness, etc.) is already in place on the new Pilot. The company cites costs ranging from $350 to $770 required on rival vehicles for proper towing preparedness.
Honda has expanded the Pilot’s equipment and trim range by bringing four models to market. The range starts with an LX model and expands upward through EX and EX-L to a new Touring model which includes, among various other premium items, a power rear tailgate. Of the extensive list of luxury and convenience items fitted to or available for the Pilot, only the DVD rear entertainment system and VTM all-wheel-drive system remain options for the Touring model.
Pilot fanciers will be pleased to hear that none of the new features detract from the vehicle’s friendly driving characteristics. Honda’s big box still steers and rides in a way that belies its size and mass, now with improved levels of refinement as a bonus. On sale beginning in June, the 2009 Pilot will range in price from $27,500 to $40,000, depending on trim and options. —
Reader Comments
Website: popularmechanics.com
I just bought the 2009 4WD Touring Silver Billet Honda Pilot last Saturday,May 24 2008 and I drove it to Las Vegas Nevada around the evening and we were all so impressed with this vehicle. The comfort,luxurious,very smooth,saves gas,power,handling all in all it was a great buy. No complaints at all I am very satisfied and I can difinitely recommend this SUV to others without a doubt. It cost a little, but I guess because it’s 2009 model. It’s worth it.
5. RE: 2009 Honda Pilot Test Drive: Great Family Hauler Gets Smarter, More Efficient
You need to check these couple things: – Do you use good engine oil? – Is the air filter updated? – Do you check the tire pressure? These simple things can rob the fuel efficiency away.
4. RE: 2009 Honda Pilot Test Drive: Great Family Hauler Gets Smarter, More Efficient
I have an old EX Pilot 4WD without VCM. I get 17/22. Make sure that the auto climate control not put “Auto” mode with windows down. I agree with number 2 above that she/he needs to back off the right pedal at 1st (keep below 2500 RPM at 1st grear – and the 4th won’t shift to the 5th gear if pedal is at high RPM all the time). Also make sure to return the rear climate control to the driver so that the rear cliamte won’t run by itself(shut down the rear climate control function and return the control to the driver)
3. RE: 2009 Honda Pilot Test Drive: Great Family Hauler Gets Smarter, More Efficient
Something’s definitely wrong if she’s getting 10/13 mpg. I get 17-22 city/highway. Look at http://www.hondapilot.org for an owners’ forum that answers lots of Honda Pilot questions.
2. RE: 2009 Honda Pilot Test Drive: Great Family Hauler Gets Smarter, More Efficient
Your wife needs to back off the right pedal. My wife averages 19 around town and we have achieved at high as 26 on the highway (no AC, tailwind.)
1. RE: 2009 Honda Pilot Test Drive: Great Family Hauler Gets Smarter, More Efficient
The pilot is a fantastic car, roomy inside, rides nice my wife, who is rather short, really injoys driving it. only one problem, the poor gas mileage; 10 mpg city, 13 mpg on the highway.
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