Honda Pilot Gets Grilling

Honda has released a picture of the upcoming 2012 Honda Pilot refreshing, but unfortunately it's very mild on the styling front.  Gone is the BBQ burner grille insert, but that's about it - it still has the same wide-eyed stare, as if it were in shock. In my humble opinion, it really needs a complete redo forward of the A pillars.  Technical details of the update haven't been released yet, but it's been said that it'll be more fuel efficient - most likely aided by more cogs in it's transmission.

Honda Pilot needs directions

Save the mug, the Honda Pilot doesn't look that bad. But the huge headlights and massive plastic grille are a bit much. And they even had some bad feedback during the concept stage, yet did nothing.

2009 Honda Pilot

The new Honda Pilot 2009 comes with a new design and style which has more cargo space as well as passenger seats. This SUV seats eight, comes with a 60/40 split folding seats on the second and third rows. Also, the 2009 Pilot is one inch wider and three inches longer in overall length and wheelbase compared to the 2008 model. Available in LX, EX, EX-L and Touring models with front or all-wheel drive






The Honda Pilot is powered with a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine with 5-speed automatic transmission and comes with Variable Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation. The Cylinder management will shift down cylinders while cruising. Nice feature to have considering the high gas price these days. New for 2009, the Pilot Touring models comes with lift-up glass hatch on the rear, and the Daytime Running Lights (DLR) which makes you noticeable to other driver, especially in bright sun or rain. All the models also comes with a rear privacy glass which help to keep the car cool and cargo items out of view.






All 2009 Pilot models are equipped with Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA)® to help sense over and under steer and keep you on the course. For all EX and above models, it comes with a 17-inch light weight alloy wheels. The side mirror also comes with integrated turn signals on all Touring models. To ensure smooth ride without stopping to fill up, the 2009 Pilot comes with a large 21-gallon fuel tank.











Alright, these photos seems a bit to much to prove a point. That is, with a 60/40 split-folding second and third row seats, we can have a total of 16 combination to choose from depending on your needs. Figure out how to make the rest yourself. The 2009 Pilot has a huge cargo space of 87.0 cubic feet with fold flat floor.





Divers also get to enjoy silence in the car, courtesy of the acoustic windshield with double pane glass which reduces noise from outside of the vehicle. These options are available for the EX-L and Touring models. Also, all Touring models features integrated sunshades on the second row so shield the passengers from glaring sun during travel on sunny days. Also equipped is the one touch power moonroof available for EX-L and Touring models. Well, that should also be the entry / exit point for passenger and driver since all Pilot also comes with an impressive line of defense again injury. Dual stage, dual threshold front airbags , front side airbags with passenger side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) and three row side curtain airbags will a roll over sensor (All comes inflated!).




Among the features in the 2009 Pilot are the ECO indicator to indicate whether the driver is driving in the most fuel efficient manner. Come equipped on the Touring models is the Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System™ with voice recognition which has over 7 million points of interest with Zagat Survey® ratings. Apart from that, the steering wheel is mounted with Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and the new interface dial is noted for controlling audio and navigation functions.








To enhance the driving experience, the Pilot is equipped with a 512 Watt system with 10 speakers including center channel and sub woofer, Honda DVD rear entertainment system, CD player supporting MP3 and WMA format and USB interface if you just couldn't get enough out of the MP3. The Touring models also comes with 2 positions memory seats which adjust the driver's seat (8 way power adjustment) and side mirror. Also, EX-L models has rear view mirror with camera display which helps gauge distance when reversing the vehicle. The Pilot also has tri zone climate control system with humidity control and air filtration where by passengers set their desired temperature exclusively.