2006 Honda Pilot: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.