2009 Honda Pilot
Honda introduced the 8-passenger Pilot SUV for the 2003 model year. Now Honda is introducing the second-generation Pilot as an early 2009 model, giving it more interior room, a revised cylinder-deactivation system, and fresh styling inside and out. The Pilot continues to seat 8, with front captain’s chairs and 60/40-split folding second- and third-row seats. The new Pilot is one inch wider and about 3 inches longer in wheelbase and overall length than the last model. Honda says passenger room is improved in every seating position, the second row slides further forward, and the third row has enough knee room for an above-average-sized adult male to fit comfortably. The rear two seating rows fold flat to create an 87-cubic-foot cargo area.
The 2009 Pilot is offered in LX, EX, EX-L and new Touring models, each available with front- or all-wheel drive (FWD or AWD). The Pilot’s AWD system is meant mostly for inclement weather, but it includes a locking center differential, giving the Pilot modest off-road capability. All EX-L models have leather upholstery. EX-L and Touring models are available with or without rear DVD entertainment, and Touring models are otherwise fully loaded.
All 2009 Honda Pilots are powered by a 250-hp, 3.5-liter, i-VTEC V-6 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The engine has the latest generation of Honda’s fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology, which operates in 6-cylinder mode when power is needed and 4- and 3-cylinder modes under light load conditions to improve fuel efficiency (the 2008 Pilot’s VCM system works only in 6- and 3-cylinder modes). The Pilot also continues with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which emits a reverse-phase audio signal to reduce road, wind and other noise. Maximum towing capacity is 4500 pounds.
