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2009 Honda Pilot Touring

By Ken Chester Jr., Motor News Media Corporation

Last update: June 5, 2008 - 11:07 AM

Honda's Pilot continues to be one of the most popular SUVs on the market. The Japanese automaker's recipe for success for the Pilot included enhanced ride quality, a top crash safety rating, more interior space and improved fuel efficiency.

Now, 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 automaker has added more SUV-rugged aesthetics, more on-road refinement and enhanced interior functionality.

Power for the 2009 Pilot is generated by a 3.5L i-VTEC V-6 engine, which is bolted to a five-speed automatic transmission. The V-6 power plant 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 new Pilot rides on a redesigned crossover SUV platform, which allows improved refined, handling and ride comfort to coexist 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 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.

Base MSRP: Not yet announced

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