Pilot's Size and Practicality Hard to BeatMinivans offer a space/usage ratio that’s impossible to beat. Unfortunately, these plebian workhorses of the modern family fail to deliver on the recreational front with the same resourcefulness of a four-wheel-drive SUV.
No notable changes for 2010
The Pilot underwent a major overhaul in 2009, giving it distinctive truck-like styling. The shape became boxier and the size grew slightly larger all around. The increased girth enabled a few extra inches to be added to the cabin, resulting in greater cargo capacity and improved access to the third-row seat.
Along with expanding the Pilot’s real estate, engineers managed to boost its fuel efficiency in ’09 by applying Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management technology, which allows the engine to operate on six, four or three cylinders depending on immediate power demands.
Given the extensive 2009 upgrades, the 2010 Pilot is unchanged from last year.
Size matters
Any recreationally active family will affirm the value of space-generosity in a vehicle. It’s easy to underestimate what size is appropriate when SUV shopping. None of us want to over-buy when it comes to automotive proportions; unfortunately that laudable goal often results in under-buying. The consequence of which, is the inability to easily accommodate a family ski trip or get-away.
With a dog and several kids, it’s amazing how quickly a relatively large vehicle becomes miniaturized. Excess cargo is often fastened to the roof or inaccessible in a roof-mounted cargo shell.
This is why the Pilot is a “right size” vehicle for so many. It can seat eight in relative comfort or carry a tremendous haul of sporting equipment or camping supplies within its cargo volume of 2,464-litres. Oh, and of course, arf arf will have suitable tail-wag room as well.
Traction maximized
The Pilot utilizes Honda’s highly effective Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel-Drive System (VTM-4) to ensure access to the ski hill or lake. This setup operates automatically, apportioning power to where it’s of greatest use.
In extremely low traction conditions, such as on an icy slope, a dash-mounted button enables the driver to lock the rear differential to maximize bite. The system remains locked until a speed of 30km/h or so is crested. This application is particularly useful for overcoming situations that might find other light-duty SUVs spinning madly in a futile search for traction.
I’ve relied upon Honda’s VTM-4 in a severe snowstorm on unplowed roads that were buried in a good 15-20cm of snow, and found it to be remarkably effective. But keep in mind that we’re talking about light-duty 4WD operation. The Pilot is not a serious off-roader. It’s not equipped with a low-range transfer case or off-road functions such as Downhill Assist.
On the road
The 2010 Pilot is outfitted to ensure that road trips are as pleasurable as possible. Seating is comfortable. Large windows all around provide everyone with a panoramic view of the passing sights. Equipment available to enhance the ride includes tri-zone climate control, heated rear seats and DVD entertainment.
Twelve large cup holders keep occupants properly hydrated while darkly tinted side and rear glass keeps the sun in-check.
With a rating of 250 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm and 253 pound-feet of torque @ 4,800 rpm, the 3.5-litre SOHC V6 gets the job done with C+ competency. This is a “comfortable” engine but not a burning pit of intensity. That said, the Pilot provides competent acceleration and passing performance.
A 5-speed autobox manages gear changes with more than adequate skill and predictability. Unfortunately an electronic manual-mode is not part of the package, which tends to discourage driver input.
On the flip side, the Pilot is equipped with strong, predictable 4-wheel antilock disc brakes. It’s also stuffed full of occupant protection, including 3-row side curtain airbags with rollover protection.
Does it feel too big?
The 2010 Honda Pilot is a pleasant rig to administer. It does however feel fairly bulky, and surprisingly large. Its seating position is high, and its hood is long and broad, the combination of which may contribute to the sense of size and substance.
But don’t let visions of grandeur discourage. I felt very safe and well protected in the Pilot. I also found it easy to manoeuvrer; certainly much easier than some similarly sized SUVs that don’t provide the same clean sight lines.
My tester was the Touring edition of the Pilot, meaning it carried a full load of equipment that included a rear back-up camera. This feature was of great assistance when reversing into a tight parking spot.
Ride and comfort
The Pilot is a stable road performer that treats its occupants to a comfortable ride in a sufficiently quiet cabin. It’s not as luxurious as the Buick Enclave but won’t disappoint even the fussiest of folk. It brings forth many strengths, including size, practicality, value and efficiency.
Source;
http://www.auto123.com/en/honda/pilot/2010/review?carid=1102301205&printable=1&artid=114283
