New Pilot improves the formula
Among an elite group of sport-utility vehicles that helped to elevate the "crossover" segment in the last decade by introducing a combination of smooth ride comfort, accommodating interior packaging and overall efficiency (lacking in the more traditional SUV offerings), the Honda Pilot concocted a recipe for success. It included enhanced ride quality, a top crash safety rating, more interior space and improved fuel efficiency.
The second-generation eight-passenger 2009 Pilot is designed around the concept of an "intelligent adventure vehicle" with the practical needs of a family in mind. The Japanese automaker sought to improve on the successful Honda formula by adding more SUV-rugged aesthetics, more on-road refinement and enhanced interior functionality.
Power for the 2009 Honda Pilot is generated by a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine with torque communicated to the pavement through a five-speed automatic transmission. The V6 powerplant utilizes the latest generation of Honda's fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology. The new VCM system operates in six-cylinder mode for power and four- and three-cylinder modes for efficiency, an improvement over the previous Pilot's VCM system.
The available Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive system (VTM-4) was designed to deliver decision-free all-weather traction and medium-duty off-road capabilities, while minimizing the weight and fuel economy drawbacks of a conventional four-wheel drive system.
The 2009 Honda Pilot rides on a redesigned crossover SUV platform which allows improved refined handling and ride comfort to co-exist seamlessly with all-weather and medium-duty off-road capabilities. The fully independent suspension consists of MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link suspension with trailing arms at the rear.
Inside the passenger cabin, improvements for the 2009 Pilot concentrate on increasing the spaciousness, knee room, general comfort and accessibility while maintaining the optimal mid-size SUV exterior. A 2.9-inch longer and 1-inch wider exterior contribute an additional 4.1 cubic feet of space inside, with the second and third row seating and rear cargo areas gaining the benefit of the increased room.
The new Touring model features some of Honda's newest technology: the latest generation of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink mobile phone connectivity, available DVD entertainment system with DTS surround sound, a power tailgate and a rearview camera.
Engine: 3.5-liter V6, 250 hp at 5,700 rpm and 253 lbs.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm.
Transmission: five-speed automatic
Cargo capacity: 87.0 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 4,500 lbs. Our First Look: 2009 Honda Pilot