2011 Honda Pilot Review

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The Honda Pilot continues into 2011 as a powerful crossover SUV, engineered for quality and durability, as well as high levels of functionality and comfort. The Honda Pilot earned its reputation as one of the original innovators in the crossover SUV segment, raising the prominence of on-road driving sophistication with three-row passenger capability and improved interior style. New for 2011, the availability of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System expands to the Pilot EX-L model, a feature previously exclusive to the top-level Pilot Touring model.

Powering the Pilot

The Pilot features unit body construction and a fully independent suspension, providing a more car-like driving experience with crisp, predictable handling and a smooth ride. The 250-horsepower V-6 engine provides both performance and enhanced efficiency with Variable Cylinder Management, a technology that can deactivate up to three of the engine's six cylinders when cruising or lightly accelerating. The available Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel-Drive directs power to the wheels with the most traction in rain, snow and slippery terrain. All models are equipped with a standard towing hitch receiver and a maximum tow rating of 4,500 pounds on 4WD models and 3,500 pounds on 2WD models. The unit-body construction makes extensive use of high-strength steel (52 percent) to minimize weight. The suspension is a fully independent system with front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link with trailing arm designs that contribute to responsive driving characteristics for an SUV. The 109.2-inch wheelbase facilitates a smooth ride and standard 17-inch wheels with P245 65 R17 all-season tires combine both on- and off-road performance. A turning diameter of 38.6 feet aids maneuverability in tight parking situations.

2011 Honda Pilot Design

Consistent with contemporary SUV styling, the exterior conveys a bold and substantial approach that also helps to maximize interior space, yet the Pilot still maintains a garage-friendly exterior length of less than 16 feet.The Pilot is very boxy and upright from most angles. The front end features rectangular headlights that border a six-sided grille.

Inside the ’11 Pilot

The interior of the 2011 Pilot emphasizes an expansive feel with an efficient and modern design that supplies 152.7 cu-ft. of passenger space within three rows of seats. Adjustable storage compartments in the center console can accommodate items large and small from handbags to mobile phones. The instrument panel's wide center stack intelligently groups similar controls for the audio system, climate controls and the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System and Honda DVD Entertainment System (if equipped). All models provide an auxiliary audio input jack for digital music players, and navigation-equipped models also include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and a USB audio interface. The first row provides a commanding view of the road for the driver and the passenger. The 60/40 split second row bench seat accommodates three passengers and slides forward for increased ease-of-access to the third row. The third-row bench seat, also split 60/40, is designed to offer sufficient knee room for an average size adult. There are four Lower Anchor and Tether for CHildren (LATCH) attachment positions, which provide options for three child seats in the second row and one in the third row. The 18.0 cu-ft of cargo space behind the third row matches or exceeds the trunk space of a typical large sedan and can accommodate items as large as a mid-size cooler or a folded stroller. The cargo area has a hidden storage well that provides 2.8 cu-ft. of space and can combine with the above floor storage area by securing the hinged cover against the seatback. The Pilot Touring provides a load-supporting cargo net (20 pounds maximum weight) to further subdivide the rear cargo area. For maximum cargo space, the second and third rows fold flat into the floor to create 87.0 cubic feet of storage capacity, while also providing sufficient width for 4-foot-wide items. The tailgate features a lift-up glass hatch for access to the cargo area.

Pilot Trim Levels

The 8-passenger Pilot is available in both front- and four-wheel drive configurations, each with a choice of four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. All trim levels feature an advanced 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot is powered by Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology, an engine cylinder-deactivation system that is capable of operating in either 6-cylinder mode for power or 4- and 3-cylinder modes for highway cruising. Standard equipment on the LX includes a lift-up glass hatch, CD player, front and rear air conditioning, cruise control and three rows of seating; EX trims add 17-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 6-disc CD changer and satellite radio, while EX-L trims are further outfitted with a power moonroof, heated front seats, leather upholstery and a rearview camera parking aid. The Touring trim gets exclusive premium features that include a power liftgate, an upgraded sound system with USB audio interface, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and a voice-activated navigation system. A rear DVD entertainment system is optional on EX-L trims and standard on the Touring.

Conclusions

Currently in its second generation, the Pilot continues to represent the refined, comfortable, and family-oriented vehicle choice with space for eight passengers and a wide variety of useful capabilities and premium features. Safety technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure that helps redirect crash energy around the passenger cabin and can enhance frontal collision compatibility. Additional safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist, commonly referred to as Electronic Stability Control; three-row side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); active front seat head restraints; and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist. For more information and the latest updates, visit the official 2011 Honda Pilot site.