2006 Honda Pilot Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Pilot gets freshened styling, curtain side airbags, and is available with 2-wheel drive for 2006. This SUV shares its basic design with the costlier MDX from Honda's upscale Acura division. Pilot seats eight vs. MDX's seven, and has 8.8 cu ft more cargo volume. It also has softer suspension settings and smaller wheels. Pilot comes in LX and EX models, plus a top-line EX-L with leather upholstery and heated front seats. All are now available with front-wheel drive as well as all-wheel drive. All use a 244-hp V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2WD Pilots get Honda's Variable Cylinder Management system that deactivates three cylinders when cruising or decelerating to save fuel. AWD models lack low-range gearing, but a dashboard button locks in a front/rear power split. All Pilots have antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and traction/antiskid control. Front side airbags are standard and are joined by curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows and include rollover deployment. The 2nd and 3rd seating rows are 60/40 split folding benches. A navigation system and DVD entertainment are exclusive EX-L options.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.

New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.

News

AWD Pilots may soon get the 2WDs' fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation feature, perhaps for 2007. Otherwise, this SUV should see no major change until its first ground-up redesign. That had been rumored for 2008, but now looks more like '09.

At that point, Pilot may add a "clean diesel" V6 being developed for U.S. sale, according to a recent Honda announcement. Though a diesel option is strictly our guess, it would make sense given the prospect of permanently higher gas prices and the much higher fuel efficiency of diesel power. We'll keep you posted.

2006 Honda Pilot Road Test

Pros	Cons

Build quality	Fuel economy

Passenger and cargo room

Visibility

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2WD LX	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5

Strong, ready power. Especially robust highway merging, passing performance. Transmission's smooth, quick shifts contribute to powertrain's exemplary behavior.

Fuel Economy

2WD LX	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	3.8

Test 2WD LX averaged 17.6 mpg. Test AWD EX-L averaged 16.4. Pilot uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

2WD LX	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5.4

Pavement cracks, patches pass with little impact, though potholes register soundly. Pilot floats a bit, takes a moment to settle after big dips at highway speeds, but never loses composure.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD LX	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	5	4.1

Generally carlike driving feel, with fine low-speed maneuverability and city-friendly turning radius. But tires' tall sidewalls contribute to slightly lazy steering response in quick changes of direction. High center of gravity means fair body lean in sharp turns, but no undue noseplow. The 2WD models too easily spin front tires in rapid acceleration from a stop, and also tend to torque steer--pull to the side--in full-throttle work. AWD models better mannered in this regard, and also cope easily with moderately muddy backwoods trails. Braking strong, stable, though simulated panic stops generate copious nosedive.

Quietness

2WD LX	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5.2

As refined as any rival. Quieter, more solid than most. Coarse-pavement tire thrum, highway wind noise well-muffled. V6 never rises above muted growl. Only slightest body drumming over washboard roads, lane-divider dots.

Controls

2WD LX	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	6.3

Hard to fault, though adjusting illumination of main gauges to less than full brightness renders lighting for other controls too dim for easy reading. Steering-column shift lever doesn't block access to controls, but imprecise action means it often overshoots Drive position. Navigation system easier to learn, use than most, but screen is small and driver must stretch to reach main toggle control. Cabin has fine fit/finish, but hard plastic surfaces abound.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD LX	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	6.7

Supportive seats, generous head room, but taller drivers may want more rearward travel and a steering wheel that tilts higher. Shorter drivers may find thigh bolstering too prominent. Thick front roof pillars block driver's view to some angles, but large windows and typically tall SUV driving stance mean good visibility otherwise. Trucklike ride height requires most occupants to hoist themselves aboard.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD LX	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	6.2

Second-row bench affords good room, comfort for two adults, three in a pinch, but some competitors offer more usable leg room when a front seat is pushed back. Third row is hard to access and sized mostly for kids, though even they have little leg space. Tall step-in a demerit for 2nd-row entry/exit, narrow passageways hinder access to 3rd row.

Cargo Room

2WD LX	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	8.3

Ample load volume once you begin to fold down seatbacks. Both rear rows drop easily to form a flat deck, and some rear shoulder belts detach for cargo-carrying convenience. But 3rd-row headrests must be removed to fold rearmost seatback; they store in lidded floorwell just ahead of tailgate. Lack of opening liftgate glass disappoints. Ample interior storage includes versatile front console, two-tier front-seatback pouches.

Value within Class

2WD LX	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	10	5.7

Pilot is the Honda Accord of midsize SUVs--pleasant, practical, and family friendly. There's no question about this wagon's laudable balance of utility and comfort, refinement and power. Toss in Honda's strong reputation for reliability and resale value, and Pilot is a bona fide Best Buy.

Total Score

2WD LX	AWD EX-L w/nav. sys.	Class Average
64	66	56.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		43
Average Score		56
High Score		66

2006 Honda Pilot Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/27/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD LX 4-door wagon	$26,995	$24,294	$550

AWD LX 4-door wagon	$28,195	$25,372	$550

2WD EX 4-door wagon	$29,545	$26,585	$550

AWD EX 4-door wagon	$30,745	$27,664	$550

2WD EX-L 4-door wagon	$31,845	$28,652	$550

AWD EX-L 4-door wagon	$33,045	$29,730	$550

2WD EX-L 4-door wagon w/DVD	$33,445	$30,090	$550

AWD EX-L 4-door wagon w/DVD	$34,645	$31,168	$550

2WD EX-L 4-door wagon w/navigation system	$34,045	$30,629	$550

AWD EX-L 4-door wagon w/navigation system	$35,245	$31,707	$550

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 engine w/cylinder deactivation, 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.