2009 Honda Pilot Walkaround Review at Automotive.com
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Honda
Pilot
2009

2009 Honda Pilot Review: Exterior

Below is a full, detailed review and road test of the 2009 Honda Pilot written by either the experts at New Car Test Drive or by one of Automotive.com's very own. A full evaluation of the driving experience, price, equipment, and specs are here in a structured, ...     read more
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2009 Honda Pilot Review

All-new version is the consummate crossover SUV.
Walkaround
Honda says the Pilot's styling was inspired by an "ultra-rugged laptop computer," and while the new Pilot is certainly more rugged looking than its predecessor, it's also much cleaner with fewer indentations and carving in the body panels, more integrated lines, and a boxier shape that serves usefulness as well as it caters to image. Surfaces that aren't sloped inward at the roof pay dividends in head space and big-box cargo loading, and the three inches of extra length have gone between the axles and into the cabin.

With substantial chrome trim and "eyebrows" in the headlight housings, fog lights much higher in the bumper, and a hatch that tapers more to the sides than forward at the top, the new Pilot looks much wider than the extra inch it is. Viewed from dead astern the Pilot appears as bulky as the full-size SUV Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia, though it weighs substantially less than any full-size four-wheel drive like those.

Panel crimps define the wheel openings, aiding the rugged look without adding width or bolt-on parts that might promote rust. The third-row side window has been separated by a thick chunk of sheetmetal, to no apparent detriment in driver vision or third-row comfort. The rear wiper has been parked off the hatch glass because that now opens separately, the hatch has a hefty pull handle with touch-point releases and is powered on the Touring model, and the bumper has a good cover so sloppy loading won't mar the paint.

For 2009, all Pilots come with a Class III tow hitch and coolers required for towing; only a wiring pigtail will be needed from the dealer. The top tow rating remains 4500 pounds on 4WD and 3500 pounds on front-drive models, but the 4500 is no longer limited to boats or low profile trailers. Roof rails are standard on better trims and you'll probably be using the back bumper and door sills without a step stool or small ladder to load items six feet up.

In its most basic form the Pilot is derived from the same platform as the Acura MDX big crossover, yet the two do not share an engine, many features, or end-user purpose and philosophy. Next Page


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