2015 Honda Pilot
The package: Midsize/large, front- or all-wheel-drive, five-door, eight-passenger, V-6 powered, crossover utility vehicle.
Overall length: 191.4 inches.
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6.
Transmission: Five-speed automatic.
Power/torque: 250 horsepower/253 foot-pounds.
Towing capacity: 4,500 pounds.
Side air bags: Front seat-mounted; roof-mounted side-curtain, all three rows.
EPA fuel economy: 18 mpg city/25 highway (2WD); 17/24 (4WD).
Price as tested: $33,950, including freight and options (SE 2WD model with rear entertainment).
Crossovers are the new family station wagons, and among the top entries in the growing list of great midsize models is the Honda Pilot, a three-row, eight-passenger model that exemplifies Honda’s expertise in producing a family-friendly vehicle that is just as good around town as it is on long trips.
A redesigned Pilot is on the way for 2016, but for 2015, the vehicle is offered in 14 trim levels — LX, SE, EX, EX-L, and Touring — with several additional variations, depending on what extras are added. The EX-L and Touring models come with leather interiors — that’s what the “L” stands for. Four-wheel drive is available at all levels.
The 2015 prices range from $29,870 (plus $830 freight) for the base LX two-wheel drive to $41,620 for the top-of-the-line Touring four-wheel drive with navigation and rear entertainment.
There’s an uplevel cousin of the Pilot in the Acura stable, called the MDX, which is a bit more elegant and has more standard amenities. But the Pilot isn’t far behind in comfort and convenience, and is less-expensive — the MDX for 2015 runs from about $43,000-$57,000; the redesigned 2016 versions are about the same.
All 2015 Pilot models come with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, rated at 250 horsepower and 253 foot-pounds of torque, connected to a five-speed automatic transmission. It’s a smooth, powerful drivetrain that moves the vehicle effortlessly.
But the five-speed gearbox will be replaced with a pair of new transmissions for 2016 — a six-speed or, in the higher trim levels, a nine-speed automatic for 2016. There also will be a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine, as well.
With the 2015 models, the Environmental Protection Agency ratings are 18 mpg city/25 with front-wheel drive, and 17/24 with four-wheel drive. The V-6 engine does have variable cylinder management, which shuts off up to three of the cylinders during highway cruising to save fuel.
Standard on all 2015 Pilots are remote keyless entry, rearview camera and an integrated Class III trailer hitch.
The cabin of the Pilot is fairly quiet at highway speeds, although there is a bit of wind noise.
Pilot’s ride is comfortable, yet its suspension is strong enough to hold the vehicle steady on curves. Steering is crisp and responsive. Because it’s a crossover, it has the handling characteristics of a sedan rather than a truck-like attributes of the traditional sport utility vehicle.
Storage areas abound in the cabin of the Pilot. These are great for keeping personal items such as cellphones secure and within easy reach, and other valuables tucked away out of sight when the vehicle is parked in public places.
There are three 12-volt power outlets are within reach of the driver and front passenger, along with a 110-volt outlet for a game console or a laptop, for example.
Other standard features include front and rear air conditioning with air filtration, tilt and telescopic steering column, cruise control, power windows/mirrors/door locks, AM/FM/compact-disc audio system with seven speakers (including subwoofer) and the Radio Data System, trip computer, digital compass, automatic headlights, and heat-rejecting tinted glass.
EX models add tri-zone automatic climate control with humidity control and air filtration, a 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, a six-disc in-dash CD changer, security system, XM radio, body-color side mirrors and door handles, alloy wheels, roof rails, fog lights, exterior temperature indicator, and a universal garage opener.
The EX-L adds leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a four-way power front passenger seat, a one-touch power moon roof, acoustic windshield glass, and an automatic-dimming rearview mirror.
High-end models also have corner and backup sensors, exclusive alloy wheels, power tailgate, and outside-mirror integrated turn signals.
Standard safety features include Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, which, among other things, makes it match the bumper heights of most other vehicles on the road.
Among other safety gear are electronic stability control; three-row, side-curtain air bags with rollover sensors; driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side air bags; active front head restraints; and antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist.
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