2007 Honda Pilot: Road Test

Archived Review

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2007 Honda Pilot 2WD LX

2007 Honda Pilot 

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  • MSRP: $27,095 -$35,445
  • Invoice: $24,544 -$32,089

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Our road test for the 2007 Honda Pilot includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Honda Pilot from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Honda Pilot, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Honda Pilot help you decide if a 2007 Honda Pilot is right for you.

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ACCELERATION

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

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 4

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 7 5.5

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 4.5

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. 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 5.6

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 slight body drumming over washboard roads, lane-divider dots.

CONTROLS

2WD LX AWD EX-L w/nav. sys. Class Average
7 7 6.6

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 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 6.1

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

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 5.9

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 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 67 58.4

Total Score: 66

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
48
Average Score
58
High Score
69

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