Full-size three-row crossovers have assumed the role of the modern minivan, and Honda’s Pilot is a prime example. The redesigned model, which debuted just last year, offers space for up to eight with a well-designed cabin that’s loaded with technology features and safety gear.
For 2017, Honda has consolidated the Pilot range – instead of eight trims, there are now just five. The base front-wheel-drive LX has been discontinued, meaning all Pilots now come standard with all-wheel drive. That same base trim LX now receives Honda Sensing suite of active safety equipment as standard, providing radar cruise control, emergency autonomous braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Last but not least, the EX-L trim now comes standard with either navigation or a rear-seat entertainment system. Both versions cost the same, but you can’t have both.
Honda’s stout but efficient 280-hp 3.5-litre V6 is standard on all Pilots. The single-cam engine offers cylinder deactivation to reduce fuel consumption, and on most trims, it’s paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Shell out the big bucks for the Touring trim and it’s bumped to a nine-speed automatic that also boasts an engine idle-stop system. Consumption with the nine-speed is 12.4 L/100 km city and 9.3 highway, a modest improvement from the six-speed’s 13.0 L/100 km city and 9.3 highway rating.
The standard i-VTM four-wheel-drive system offers several different drive modes that optimize throttle response, transmission shift points, and settings for the traction control based on terrain and weather conditions.
The Pilot is available in LX, EX, EX-L w/Navi, EX-L w/RES, and Touring trims.
Standard equipment on the LX includes heated front seats, remote engine starter, tri-zone climate control, 8.0-inch display audio system with USB port, multi-angle reverse camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, proximity key with push-button start, remote engine starter, automatic headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, wiper de-icer, emergency autonomous braking, radar cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
The EX adds 10-way power driver’s seat, garage door opener, power moonroof, fog lights, roof rails, LED daytime running lights, mirrors with turn signal indicators, and a blind-spot monitoring camera.
The EX-L Navi adds power passenger seat, navigation, leather upholstery, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated second-row seats, one-touch second-row seats, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors, satellite radio, power tailgate, and front and rear parking sensors.
The EX-L RES builds on the EX and adds a rear entertainment system with 9.0-inch display, wireless headphones, HDMI input, and 115-volt power outlet.
The Touring adds 20-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, LED headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, auto-leveling headlights, Blu-Ray rear-seat entertainment system, second-row captain’s chairs, perforated leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, driver memory, blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.
Pricing for the 2017 Pilot starts at $39,890 and tops out at $51,290.
