News Car Infomation - Car reviews website

The first-generation Honda Pilot was a trendsetter, spearheading the initial wave of carlike SUVs that gave rise to the crossover SUV craze. The redesigned 2009 Honda Pilot seems designed to set a trend as well — namely, a trend toward angular, Jeep-like styling in the midsize crossover SUV segment. We’re not sure whether it will catch on, but no one will call the Pilot’s new look generic. The real question, though, is whether the virtues of the first-generation Pilot — one of our favorite midsize crossover SUVs — have been retained.

The answer is yes and no. On the bright side, Honda has made a point of enlarging third-row accommodations so that actual adults can fit back there, in part by adding an extra inch of width and 3 inches of length. Traditional Pilot traits like a well-cushioned ride, a smooth powertrain and optional four-wheel drive are also present and accounted for. However, the 3.5-liter V6, which receives only mild revisions for second-generation duty, feels sluggish compared to other V6s in this segment. Despite this lack of power, fuel economy is about equal to more muscular competitors. More distressing, though, were the long stopping distances we observed at our test track — this alone makes it difficult to recommend the Pilot.

Another departure from the past that’s not entirely welcome is the 2009 Pilot’s befuddling array of buttons for operating the audio and climate control systems, as opposed to the no-brainer layout in last year’s model. But those attracted to the new Pilot’s distinctive styling may be willing to forgive such idiosyncrasies. Maximum cargo volume remains essentially the same at 87 cubic feet, which should satisfy all but the most haul-happy families. Fuel economy, while still nothing to write home about, has improved a smidge.

Competition is stiff in the midsize crossover SUV segment. GM offers the impressive Buick Enclave/Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook quadruplets, while the Ford Flex, Hyundai Veracruz, Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander are equally viable contenders. If we had our way, Honda would have done a little more to distinguish the 2009 Pilot from both the competition and its likable but aged predecessor. It’s certainly still worthy of consideration, but unless you’re smitten with the new Pilot’s tough-guy styling, we’d recommend giving other midsize crossover SUVs a thorough look as well.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options: The 2009 Honda Pilot is a midsize crossover SUV offered in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. Each is offered in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The LX comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, an integrated trailer hitch, power side mirrors, keyless entry, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, full power accessories, cruise control, 60/40-split second- and third-row seats and a seven-speaker CD/MP3 audio system with an auxiliary input jack. The EX adds foglights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a power driver seat, an in-dash six-CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, tri-zone automatic climate control and satellite radio. The EX-L upgrades to leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof and a rearview mirror-mounted back-up camera. The high-end Touring model includes a 10-speaker audio system, a navigation system with voice recognition and an integrated back-up camera, Bluetooth, a power liftgate and a USB audio interface.

There are no available options on LX or EX models. Optional on the EX-L is a DVD rear entertainment system that’s packaged with a 10-speaker audio system. The DVD system is the only option on Touring models, which come standard with the 10-speaker stereo.

Driving Impressions :

With an even 8 inches of ground clearance — up 0.2 inch from the previous model — the 2009 Pilot should make quick work of light-duty off-road tasks when equipped with all-wheel drive. But most Pilot owners are about as likely to leave the pavement as the Pilot is to receive an official “trail rating.” Around town, the 3.5-liter V6’s relative lack of low-end torque makes it feel rather flat-footed off the line. Passing power isn’t much better, as Honda’s VTEC technology uncharacteristically fails to bring the V6 to life at higher rpm. And although the feel of the brake pedal instills confidence, the Pilot turned in an unacceptable braking performance at our test track, requiring almost 150 feet to stop from 60 mph. That’s nearly 20 feet longer than some competing crossovers.

Dynamically, the 2009 Honda Pilot feels every bit as big as it looks. There’s bountiful body roll, and brake dive is significant even at low speeds. The reasonably precise steering is extraordinarily slow but nicely weighted, and the soft suspension affords a comfortable ride over rough roads and on the highway. The latter traits should endear the Pilot to family-minded buyers.

See more detail photos: 2009 Honda Pilot