2009 Honda Pilot

Honda has managed to satisfy conflicting and seemingly opposite consumer demands, which is quite a trick!

Existing and potential customers wanted the next generation Pilot mid-sized SUV to not only look more rugged and have more power, but be bigger inside and use less fuel. The first generation Pilot, introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model became an integral part of Honda's truck line, which now includes the CR-V, Element and Ridgeline. These vehicles represent almost one-third of the company's business in Canada and competition in the mid-size segment, where the Pilot does battle, has become pretty intense. So, when it came time for a replacement the pressure was on.

Because the outgoing model was so successful, there existed a database of knowledge and opinions to draw from while considering its replacement. Added to this was feedback from Honda stores as to why consumers who had looked at the existing model, walked away. It came as no surprise both buyers and "intenders" were looking for a vehicle to suit a wide variety of needs and activities, carry both people and their stuff and be able to get them where they wanted to play. These people are looking for a vehicle that can do this but also be used every day, whether commuting or running errands. Safety and fuel efficiency were also top-of-mind concerns.

Another issue that popped up was that the first generation Pilot didn't look rugged enough, that it lacked SUV character. "Don't make it look like a minivan, but do make it look like it can go off road," was an oft-heard phrase.

More rugged looking
One look at the new 2009 Pilot tells you concerns about appearance have been laid to rest. The new Pilot is definitely more rugged-looking, from its over-sized headlamps and pug-like nose to the chiseled flanks and squared-off rear end that is complete with dual exhaust outlets and a standard trailer hitch. It also stands taller atop bigger wheels and tires and both the wheelbase and length have been increased by 7.4 cm. The roof is a full inch lower and the width is up by the same amount, resulting in a more aggressive stance.

The inside has also been totally revised from the windshield to a new split tailgate with flip-up glass. The call for more refined features and third row attention has resulted in a number of interesting changes, including an entirely new trim level atop the range. The longer and wider body allows more space with all of the increase going to the second and third rows. Legroom is 28-mm in the 2nd row and 48-mm in the 3rd. The second row has fore-aft and tilt adjustments and the third row is relatively easy to access by a tumble-away second row. There is a two-tier storage system and 12 per cent more space behind the third row, enough to accommodate strollers or coolers. The new flip-up glass allows access without having to open the entire tailgate. If you noted that mention of strollers, you'll probably be happy to learn the new Pilot can accommodate up to four child seats - in all three second row positions and one in the third. Or, you can fit a four-foot-wide sheet between the wheel wells.

The instrument panel is dominated by a wide center stack that flares in width at the top to accommodate a big colour screen for the available navigation system. The switchgear is organized in groups: HVAC, audio and navigation. There is a "jog knob" for the navigation system but still there are far too many buttons and switches. The shift lever has been moved from the steering column to the lower left of the center stack and the steering wheel can be adjusted for both rake and reach.

Neat touches abound
There are a number of neat touches throughout including automatic humidity control, a sub-woofer and auxiliary audio input in all trim levels and a center console with twice the storage space of any competitor.

Powering Canada's most fuel-efficient eight-passenger SUV is a Pilot-specific version of the 3.5 litre-V6 introduced in the new Accord last year. It produces 250-horsepower (an increase of six over the outgoing engine) while using seven per cent less fuel. This was possible due to a number of touches, like a two-stage magnesium intake manifold, bigger intake valves, higher compression ratio and improved cooling. It also has a new generation of Honda's Variable Cylinder Management system and the ability to run on three, four or six cylinders depending on load. Also helping the cause are reduced rolling resistance tires, less brake drag, a lower coefficient of friction, a low-drag ac compressor and light weight materials for the hood and other areas.

Despite this, the Pilot has gained about 64 kilos - negating much of the power gain from the new engine. The six is silky smooth and thanks to clever work on balance and vibration issues and an active noise-cancellation system, it is all but impossible to detect how many cylinders are in operation at any given time. A small "ECO" message in the dash lights up when you are behaving and the road is flat. The new engine and other changes allow the '09 Pilot to accelerate 10 per cent faster when towing a load. This is easily accommodated thanks to the standard Class III hitch and 4500 lb towing capacity.

Off-road credentials intact
The Pilot has a five-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive in base trim. All others come in all-wheel-drive only. Approach and departure angles have been maintained at 28-degrees, ground clearance at 203-mm and a new hill start system is standard to ease nail-biting off-road moments.

Honda has been making it a point to generate a positive image on two specific fronts - safety and environmental awareness. The Pilot benefits from both. The new platform utilizes the company's Advanced Compatibility Engineering system which addresses the issue of crashes between vehicles of different sizes and bumper heights. The '09 Pilot also has ABS, six airbags, and electronic stability control to round out the safety portfolio. On the environmental front, this is the cleanest mid-size SUV in a crowded field and 95 per cent of the materials used to make it are recyclable in one manner or other.

With a body that is 41 per cent more rigid, the suspension could be tuned for improvements in both ride and handling. Combined with the bigger tires, the ride is quite comfortable with a distinct lack of head toss usually associated with large vehicles sitting this high up. The bigger brakes are appreciated when you figure out this isn't a sports car and have to erase some forward momentum in a hurry.

Pricing held despite added content

Perhaps as significant as the improvements across the board is the fact Honda has held Pilot pricing. Despite added content, performance and size pricing have been kept at 2008 levels. The two-wheel-drive LX starts at $36,820. In addition to all the standard equipment offered previously, it now has tilt and telescope steering wheel, upgraded audio system, Class III hitch, hill descent control and larger 17-inch tires on alloy wheels. The four-wheel-drive LX with its 4,500 lb. tow rating remains at $39,820. The EX 4WD starts at $42,220 including new features like three-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, an eight-way power driver seat and upgraded audio. The previous range-topper, the EX-L is $44,250.

A new Touring model rests atop the range bumping against the $50,000 mark. It comes with all the toys including a rear seat entertainment system, heated second row leather seats, GPS-based navigation with bilingual voice-recognition, rearview camera, Bluetooth hands-free interface and a USB input for the entertainment system.

Honda has managed to improve power, performance, comfort, space and features while holding the line on pricing. That's how you stay competitive!

REVIEW SUMMARY

Here are the salient points and overall rating of this new model, as established by our reviewer:

SUMMARY – 8.8 out of 10

PROS
- Lots of inside space relative to the shadow is casts
- Spunky, fuel-efficient high-tech engine
- Good blend of on and off-road ride

CONS
- pretty ugly face
- two many buttons on center stack
- big blank spot on IP without nav system