2009 Honda Pilot Touring Review
The Honda Pilot is a mid-size SUV based on the Odyssey platform. 2009 delivers us the second generation of this popular family-hauling recreational vehicle capable of carting up to eight occupants in rugged style and splendid comfort.
New visuals
The new Pilot has shed some of its sedan-like visuals for those less civil. I see a little influence from Land Rover’s LR3 and several other off-road bred SUVs reflected in the Pilot’s rugged-ized exterior. What the Pilot hasn’t shed is size; in fact it’s increased its bulk but only marginally. The new Pilot outstretches its predecessor by 76-mm (3-in) while extending an extra 26-mm (1.02-in) in width.
The extra dimensions favour interior volume, lending more legroom to the third row seat than previously. Longer rear doors combine with the extra real estate to improve economy class ingress/egress.
The Pilot’s new visuals are not exclusive to exterior sheet metal. The vehicle’s spacious cabin has also undergone the pen. The new cabin, which is larger in almost all dimensions, feels more substantive and looks further upscale. Unfortunately the modern appearance suffers slightly from an abundance of hard plastic comprising most of the dashboard.
Interior revision more than eye candy
Despite it’s cleaner high-tech design, I was disappointed to find that buttons have replaced the ultra-functional HVAC rotary dials of last year. Where functional improvement has been made, is in the design and location of the automatic transmission shift lever.
The previous lever was a typical steering-column-mounted affair that I always found awkward and imprecise to use. You’ll now find a shift lever mounted on the lower right portion of the instrument panel, where it functions with ease as straightforward as flicking a light switch.
The expanded load floor is now capable of carrying 4X8-foot sheets of plywood flat between the wheel wells. The glass in the rear tailgate can now be opened independently as well. Also, a sliding rear seat enables a more equitable meting-out of second and third row legroom. Overall, cargo and passenger space is impressive.
Improved fuel economy and performance
Last year’s 3.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC V6 continues to power the pilot however it now delivers more punch and improved efficiency. Output is up six horsepower to 250 @ 5,700 rpm. Torque has risen notably from 240 pound-feet @ 4,500 rpm to 253 @ 4,800 rpm.
Behind the wheel
Since its inception I’ve road tested a Pilot every year, and every year I find many reasons to laud this desirably conservative offering but 2009 has changed that. From sighting the restyled Pilot to climbing behind its wheel, I sensed an intention to convey greater strength- manning-up Honda’s SUV so to speak.
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.
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.
