Also in the 2010 Honda Pilot Review:
5.
6.
Honda Pilot Full Review
7.
8.
9.
The 2010 Honda Pilot should see no major changes following its redesign for the 2009 model year. This midsize crossover SUV seats eight, with 60/40 split folding benches in the 2nd and 3rd rows. LX, EX, EX-L, and upscale Touring models should return for 2010, all with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The sole powertrain will likely remain 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 will probably remain exclusive to Touring models. DVD entertainment should continue to be available on EX-L and Touring. This evaluation is based on test drives of the 2009 Honda Pilot.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
| 2WD LX |
AWD Touring |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
5.7 |
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
| 2WD LX |
AWD Touring |
Class Average |
| 4 |
4 |
4 |
No opportunity to measure. Pilot uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
| 2WD LX |
AWD Touring |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
6 |
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
| 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
| 2WD LX |
AWD Touring |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
6.3 |
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
| 2WD LX |
AWD Touring |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
7 |
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
| 2WD LX |
AWD Touring |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
5.7 |
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)
| 2WD LX |
AWD Touring |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
8 |
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)
| 2WD LX |
AWD Touring |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
7.3 |
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
| 2WD LX |
AWD Touring |
Class Average |
| 9 |
9 |
9.3 |
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
| 2WD LX |
AWD Touring |
Class Average |
| 8 |
8 |
8.2 |
Honda's Pilot retains a distinct SUV flavor without sacrificing car-like road manners and overall refinement. Power, economy, and passenger/cargo accommodations are all among the best in the segment, making Pilot a midsize SUV must-see.
Total Score
| 2WD LX |
AWD Touring |
Class Average |
| 70 |
71 |
72.3 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score |
|
70 |
| Average Score |
|
72 |
| High Score |
|
76 |
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
|
|
|
|
| 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.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test |
Honda Pilot 4-door wagon |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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%.
Also in the 2010 Honda Pilot Review:
5.
6.
Honda Pilot Full Review
7.
8.
9.