The 2009 Honda Pilot is redesigned to have more space and better styling. The question is, it’s bigger, but is it really better?
Exterior-wise, the 2009 Pilot is one inch wider and three inches longer than the first generation. It is also restyled to look tougher, with a bulkier nose and a higher beltline. Overall, the new Pilot looks more like a conventional SUV, with a funky looking snout –which, unfortunately for Honda, many found garish.
Interior-wise, we applaud Honda for allowing more space so that adults in the third row can sit more comfortably. There is also a little more room behind the third room for luggage. The center stack is full of buttons that may seem a little intimidating at first, but once used to, can be operated by feel. The new Pilot’s dashboard consists of roughly textured hard plastic, which, for some, may look cheap.
The new Pilot is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and has 6 more horsepower than the first generation, totaling 250 horsepower. The i-VTEC system produces 253 ft. lbs. of torque that unfortunately, is negated by the new Pilot’s 140 added pounds. The new Pilot packs a 5-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy has increased slightly, thanks to Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management system, which shut downs half of the V6’s cylinders when they are not needed. EPA reports that the Pilot’s fuel economy is 17/23 for 2WD models and 16/22 for 4WD.
To summarize, the 2009 Honda Pilot is a comfortable ride that maneuvers well, but it is not as game changing as its predecessor.
2 Responses to "2009 Honda Pilot Crossover: Bigger… and Better?"