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2009 Honda Pilot Full Review
Date Published: 7/19/08
Also in the 2009 Honda Pilot Review:
5.
6.
Honda Pilot Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2009 Honda Pilot Review
The 2009 Honda Pilot is redesigned, gaining passenger and cargo space and new styling. This midsize crossover SUV seats eight, with 60/40 split folding benches in the 2nd and 3rd rows. The 2009 Pilot grows one inch wider and almost three inches in overall length and wheelbase compared to the 2003-2008 model. LX, EX, EX-L, and upscale Touring models are offered, all with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The sole powertrain is a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. All Pilots get Honda's Variable Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation, which shuts down cylinders while cruising to save fuel. AWD models have a switch that can lock in a 50/50 front/rear power split. Standard safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. A power tailgate, front and rear obstacle detection, wireless cell-phone link, and navigation system with rearview camera are exclusive to Touring models. DVD entertainment is available on EX-L and Touring. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.
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2009 Honda Pilot Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Build quality | Fuel economy |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
| Visibility | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Any Pilot has ample power and fine throttle response in both city and highway driving. The transmission is smooth and responsive, but occasionally hunts for the ideal gear.
| 2WD LX | AWD Touring | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Any Pilot has ample power and fine throttle response in both city and highway driving. The transmission is smooth and responsive, but occasionally hunts for the ideal gear.
Fuel Economy
No opportunity to measure. Pilot uses regular-grade gas.
| 2WD LX | AWD Touring | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
No opportunity to measure. Pilot uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Pavement cracks and patches pass with little impact, though potholes register soundly. Pilot floats a bit and takes a moment to settle after big dips at highway speeds. It never loses its composure, however.
| 2WD LX | AWD Touring | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Pavement cracks and patches pass with little impact, though potholes register soundly. Pilot floats a bit and takes a moment to settle after big dips at highway speeds. It never loses its composure, however.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Generally carlike driving feel, with fine low-speed maneuverability and city-friendly turning radius. The tires' tall sidewalls contribute to slightly lazy steering response in quick changes of direction. Pilot's high center of gravity means fair body lean in sharp turns, but no undue noseplow. The 2WD models too easily spin their front tires in rapid acceleration from a stop and are prone to modest torque steer. AWD models are better mannered in this regard and also cope easily with mild off-road trails. Braking is strong and stable, though simulated panic stops generate noticeable nosedive.
| 2WD LX | AWD Touring | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 4.8 |
Generally carlike driving feel, with fine low-speed maneuverability and city-friendly turning radius. The tires' tall sidewalls contribute to slightly lazy steering response in quick changes of direction. Pilot's high center of gravity means fair body lean in sharp turns, but no undue noseplow. The 2WD models too easily spin their front tires in rapid acceleration from a stop and are prone to modest torque steer. AWD models are better mannered in this regard and also cope easily with mild off-road trails. Braking is strong and stable, though simulated panic stops generate noticeable nosedive.
Quietness
Overall, Pilot is a quiet and solid crossover. Wind noise is generally muffled, though road roar from tires intrudes at highway speeds. The V6 never rises above a muted growl. Pilot's body is prone to drumming over rough surfaces.
| 2WD LX | AWD Touring | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Overall, Pilot is a quiet and solid crossover. Wind noise is generally muffled, though road roar from tires intrudes at highway speeds. The V6 never rises above a muted growl. Pilot's body is prone to drumming over rough surfaces.
Controls
Gauges are well laid-out and easy to read. The dash-mounted shift lever is unconventional, but doesn't block access to controls and is simple to operate. Dash contains copious buttons and switches, but they are mostly easy to use. The navigation system is easier to learn than most, but the driver must stretch to reach the main toggle control. Comprehensive 2nd-row climate controls with separate LCD screen are a nice touch.
| 2WD LX | AWD Touring | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
Gauges are well laid-out and easy to read. The dash-mounted shift lever is unconventional, but doesn't block access to controls and is simple to operate. Dash contains copious buttons and switches, but they are mostly easy to use. The navigation system is easier to learn than most, but the driver must stretch to reach the main toggle control. Comprehensive 2nd-row climate controls with separate LCD screen are a nice touch.
Details
Fit and finish are up to class standards, despite an abundance of hard plastic trim. LX and EX's cloth upholstery looks nice and feels sturdy. EX-L and Touring's leather interior feels more upscale.
| 2WD LX | AWD Touring | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Fit and finish are up to class standards, despite an abundance of hard plastic trim. LX and EX's cloth upholstery looks nice and feels sturdy. EX-L and Touring's leather interior feels more upscale.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Supportive seats and generous room all-around. Thick rear roof pillars block the driver's view to the rear corners, but large windows and typically tall SUV driving stance mean good visibility otherwise. Pilot's truck-like ride height means a high step-in.
| 2WD LX | AWD Touring | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
Supportive seats and generous room all-around. Thick rear roof pillars block the driver's view to the rear corners, but large windows and typically tall SUV driving stance mean good visibility otherwise. Pilot's truck-like ride height means a high step-in.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Better than average 2nd-row space, with good room and comfort for adults. Tall step-in is a demerit for 2nd-row entry and exit. Third-row access is tricky for adults, though is helped by 2nd-row seats that slide far forward. Three-abreast seating in the 3rd row is for kids only, though two average-sized adults will be comfortable on short trips.
| 2WD LX | AWD Touring | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Better than average 2nd-row space, with good room and comfort for adults. Tall step-in is a demerit for 2nd-row entry and exit. Third-row access is tricky for adults, though is helped by 2nd-row seats that slide far forward. Three-abreast seating in the 3rd row is for kids only, though two average-sized adults will be comfortable on short trips.
Cargo Room
A Pilot strong point. Load volume becomes ample once you begin to fold down the seatbacks. Both rear rows drop easily to form a flat deck; 3rd-row latches are positioned rearward and are easily reached from the back of the vehicle. Opening liftgate glass adds versatility. There is space for a couple golf bags or a folded stroller behind the 3rd row. The built-in rear cargo net can be affixed to the side panels to form a second loading "hammock" for smaller, lightweight items. Ample small-items storage includes a versatile front console, two-tier front-seatback pouches, and plenty of compartments and cubbies.
| 2WD LX | AWD Touring | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8.7 |
A Pilot strong point. Load volume becomes ample once you begin to fold down the seatbacks. Both rear rows drop easily to form a flat deck; 3rd-row latches are positioned rearward and are easily reached from the back of the vehicle. Opening liftgate glass adds versatility. There is space for a couple golf bags or a folded stroller behind the 3rd row. The built-in rear cargo net can be affixed to the side panels to form a second loading "hammock" for smaller, lightweight items. Ample small-items storage includes a versatile front console, two-tier front-seatback pouches, and plenty of compartments and cubbies.
Value within Class
Honda's new Pilot retains a distinct SUV flavor without sacrificing car-like road manners and overall refinement. Power, economy, and passenger/cargo accommodations are all enhanced over the outgoing model, making Pilot a midsize SUV must-see.
| 2WD LX | AWD Touring | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 6.1 |
Honda's new Pilot retains a distinct SUV flavor without sacrificing car-like road manners and overall refinement. Power, economy, and passenger/cargo accommodations are all enhanced over the outgoing model, making Pilot a midsize SUV must-see.
Total Score
| 2WD LX | AWD Touring | Class Average |
| 70 | 71 | 65.5 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 56 | |
| Average Score | 65 | |
| High Score | 76 |
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2009 Honda Pilot Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/16/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD LX 4-door wagon | $27,595 | $24,996 | $670 |
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| AWD LX 4-door wagon | $29,195 | $26,442 | $670 |
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| 2WD EX 4-door wagon | $30,395 | $27,526 | $670 |
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| AWD EX 4-door wagon | $31,995 | $28,972 | $670 |
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| 2WD EX-L 4-door wagon | $33,595 | $30,418 | $670 |
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| AWD EX-L 4-door wagon | $35,195 | $31,863 | $670 |
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| 2WD EX-L 4-door wagon w/DVD | $35,195 | $31,863 | $670 |
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| AWD EX-L 4-door wagon w/DVD | $36,795 | $33,309 | $670 |
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| 2WD Touring 4-door wagon | $36,795 | $33,309 | $670 |
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| AWD Touring 4-door wagon | $38,395 | $34,755 | $670 |
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| 2WD Touring w/DVD 4-door wagon | $38,395 | $34,755 | $670 |
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| AWD Touring w/DVD 4-door wagon | $39,995 | $36,201 | $670 |
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
LX
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, front-seat active head restraints, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front and rear air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, adjustable 2nd-row split folding seat, 3rd-row split folding seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, active noise reduction, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, Class III trailer hitch, 245/65R17 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential.
EX adds to LX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, heated power mirrors, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, roof rails, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential.
EX-L adds to EX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, power sunroof, automatic day/night rearview mirror, conversation mirror.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential.
EX-L w/DVD adds to EX-L:
Comfort and Convenience Features
DVD entertainment system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential.
Touring adds to EX-L:
Safety
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system w/voice recognition, rearview camera, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), iPod adapter, wireless cell phone link, mirror-mounted turn signals, side sunshades, power liftgate.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential.
Touring w/DVD adds to Touring:
Comfort and Convenience Features
DVD entertainment system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 Honda Pilot Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Honda Pilot 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 109.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 71.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4499 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 87.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 8 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.5 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /268 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 250 @ 5700 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 253 @ 4800 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed automatic | 16/22 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Honda Pilot 4-door wagon |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2009 Honda Pilot Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Honda Pilot Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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