Testing out Honda's Pilot during the annual family road trip
Posted Jul 29, 2010 By Brian Turner
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Tweet ThisEMC Lifestyle - Many families measure the vehicle they're considering by how it will handle the toughest task they will ever put it through, and how easy it will be to live with the rest of the time. That yard-stick is, for most, the annual family vacation road-trip, and thanks to Honda Canada, I had a chance to see how their latest chapter in family sport-utilities, the Pilot, read on two separate summer treks.
For 2011, the second generation Pilot pricing starts with the well equipped LX 2WD model at $34,820 and the top of the line 4WD Touring level comes in at $48,420. My EX tester, courtesy of Honda Canada is tagged at $40,720. (All prices are before, freight, license fees, PDI, and taxes) I appreciate being able to try out a mid-level equipped unit, because it represents what the majority of potential customers are looking for in terms of pricing and options. The EX comes more than well equipped with everything you'd expect from Honda, and some surprising extras. Remote key-less entry, fog-lamps, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, tri-zone auto climate control, power driver's seat, automatic headlamps, are all in on the EX just to touch the highlights.
Power for all levels of the Pilot come from Honda's tried and true 24 valve 3.5 L V6 which is mated to a five speed automatic transmission. This power-plant is rated at 250 hp, which might seem slight to some, but it's maximum torque of 253 lb-ft comes in a only 4800 rpm, and that makes this 2000 kg sport utility very agile and quick on its feet. On the highway, passing and merging are controlled, and climbing long grades with a full vacation cargo and crew load is effortless. Honda has continued to develop this engine with all their fuel economy engineering they have applied to their entire vehicle line, and it has the ability to drop into a three or four cylinder mode to conserve fuel. The transmission computer control is supplied with a 'grade logic' which means no hunting or surging in the wrong gear when ascending or descending inclines. A class III tow hitch is standard on all Pilot models and the 4WD version is rated for an impressive 4500 lb trailer weight.
Honda's version of four wheel drive is their Variable Torque Management system which automatically directs power to the wheels with the most traction and a dash button operated 'lock mode' transfers maximum torque to the rear wheels in first and second gears. This drive provides seamless transfer at all speeds no matter what the road conditions or weather.
The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems can eat up the worst northern byways and gravel roads without waking up snoozing siblings or drawing the navigators attention to the fact that it can safely and smoothly operate at freeway speeds on secondary highways.
Interior room is as abundant as Ontario's great outdoors, as every Pilot has three rows of seating for up to eight travellers. Access to the third row is facilitated by extra wide rear doors and a one-lever tilt and slide feature on the second row seats. With all seats in use there is still 18.0 cubic feet of cargo space (the equivalent of a large sedan's trunk) and cargo roof rails are standard equipment and the trailer hitch is a receiver type which can accommodate rear mounted exterior cargo racks. An extra large console bin and glove box along with door, seat-back, and sidewall pockets keep everyone's gear in place while easily at hand. Power points and auxiliary jacks keep electronics going for all on board.
Firm seats with lots of adjustment, keep drivers alert and passengers alike comfortable on long road-trips and well insulated panels mean low levels of road noise.
In between our family treks, the Pilot was put to commuting tasks and that job was also handled with ease. A well assisted steering system, tight turning radius, and large mirrors and windows, made bumper to bumper runs a breeze and parking less challenging. Fuel economy ratings are 13.1 L/100 km city and 9.1 L/100 km highway (21.5 mpg and 31.0 mpg respectively). The 80 L fuel tank will deliver an approximate range of 675 km with a 50/50 mix of highway and city driving and cost about $75 to fill up at today's prices with regular unleaded. Front brake pads and rotors run $90 and $128 respectively and an air filter is $40. Dealership oil changes cost $40 on average and the P245/65R17 tires that are standard on all models are available from a very wide selection of manufacturers ranging from $130 to $350 each.
More families than ever are turning to sport utilities over mini-vans looking for greater abilities to serve their transportation needs. The Honda Pilot fills those needs with increased towing capability, greater ground clearance, sure-footed traction, superior cargo room, all without sacrificing passenger space and urban and highway comfort or safety.
Yours in service,
Brian Turner
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