Honda’s midsize Pilot SUV offers seating for eight, available four-wheel drive and the ability to take people and their stuff to places not reachable by paved roads. Now in its second generation, the Pilot comes in four models: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. The Pilot provides 18.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row seat and a hidden storage well adds 2.8 cubic feet and can be combined with the above-floor area. The second and third row seats fold flat into the floor creating 87.0 cubic feet of space and accommodate items up to four feet wide. Good versatility is expected from Honda. MD motorists will appreciate the large cargo space.
Honda MD | Honda Dealer
A 3.5-liter, i-VTEC, V-6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission powers the Pilot. The engine develops 250 horsepower and 253 lb.-ft. of torque. An available four-wheel drive system shifts power among the wheels based on which of them has more traction. The engine uses Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management allows the engine to run on six, four or three cylinders, providing power when needed and fuel economy while cruising. The two-wheel drive Pilot achieves 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, while the four-wheel drive model gets 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
Maryland Honda | Pilot SUV
Honda’s Grade Logic Control helps keep the Pilot in the correct gear when driving up or downhill, preventing the transmission from gear hunting. The VTM-4 automatic four-wheel drive applies power to all four corners as needed. The system’s manual lock mode can be used in first or second gear at speeds up to 18 mph and delivers maximum torque transfer to the rear wheels. Pilot can tow up to 4,500 pounds when equipped with 4WD and 3,500 pounds with 2WD models. Enough to tow a boat and haul your gear for a weekend on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Honda includes safety features such as front, side and three rows of side-curtain airbags, stability and traction control, antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. The Pilot’s unit-body is designed to redirect energy around the passenger cabin. Four LATCH points allow for three child seats in the second row and one in the third.
Honda Maryland | Honda Dealership
Among the standard features found on the Pilot are front and rear air-conditioning, keyless entry, tilt/telescoping steering column, cruise control, power windows with auto up/down for driver and front passenger, power locks, AM/FM/CD, seven-speaker audio system with Radio Data System, trip computer digital compass, auto headlights, and a Class III towing receiver. Depending on model, features on upper trim levels include tri-zone automatic climate control with humidity control, 10-way power driver’s seat, six-disc CD changer, XM Radio, roof rails, fog lights, heated front seats, leather seats, power moonroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror with rearview camera display, navigation, premium audio, rear-seat entertainment system, power liftgate and alloy wheels. All told, SUV shoppers will find a lot of value in this Honda. Maryland drivers can compare and test drive the 2011 Honda Pilot at Honda of Annapolis.