2010 Honda Pilot

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Summary

The 2010 Honda Pilot is a powerful crossover, known for its quality and durability, as well as high levels of functionality and comfort. It features unibody construction and a fully independent suspension, providing a more car-like driving experience with crisp, predictable handling and a smooth ride.

Powering the Pilot

The 2010 Honda Pilots are powered by a sole engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 250 horsepower and 253 pounds-feet of torque. The engine drives a five-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot uses Honda's Variable Cylinder Management to switch off two or three of its six cylinders to save fuel. Like the all-wheel drive system, the VCM is transparent to the driver and requires no action on his or her part, and apart from some front tire spin under heavy acceleration from rest the front-drive model drives just like the all-wheel drive. The Pilot delivers impressive fuel economy through Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology (23 MPG Hwy)(1).

Inside the Honda Pilot

The 2010 Honda Pilot cabin is well though-out and easy to use, with functional touches at every turn and a luxury factor in the upper trims. The Pilot seats eight in three standard rows of seats. There's 18.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, and when the second and third rows are folded it increases to 87.0 cubic feet. The third row is easily accessible. The middle row seat provides essentially the same room as the front seats, including good toe space under the front seats. This seat split-folds 60/40 with the short cushion on the right side for easiest loading, both sides slide fore and aft for maximum flexibility. The climate control is handy at the back of the console, and each door has two cupholders in the armrest and dual pockets below.

Honda Pilot Handling

The Honda Pilot offers a balanced ride, with sufficient power and brakes, and decent quality and handling, and on 4WD models the ability to leave the pavement or tackle pre-plowed snow. 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. The Pilot shifter offers an OD Off switch which locks out the top two gears, so if you want fourth to control speed on long hill descents or winding roads you're out of luck. Since the Pilot is among the lightest of the eight-seat crossovers the suspension can be tuned for ride comfort without requiring undue stiffness for control.

2010 Pilot Lineup

The 2010 Pilot can be bough in four different trim levels. The LX represents the base level. Next up is the EX which upgrades to alloy wheels, security system, and exterior upgrades such as fog lights and roof rails. The Pilot EX-L upgrades to leather and a long list of features. The Touring is the top of the line. This trim adds voice-recognition navigation with rear camera/Bluetooth/interface jog-dial control, second-row window shades, 512-watt 10-speaker audio system and USB port, and time/speed functions added to the trip computer.

Design of the '10 Pilot

The new generation Pilot is more rugged looking and cleaner than previous versions of this model. 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. The Pilot is very boxy and upright from most angles. The front end features rectangular headlights that border a six-sided grille. The third-row side window has been separated by a thick chunk of sheet metal, 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 Pilot, which has room for eight, is available in both front- and four-wheel drive configurations and four trim levels. A rear DVD entertainment system is optional on EX-L and Touring trims. Safety features found on every Pilot include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags for all three rows and active anti-whiplash front head restraints. The Pilot competes with crossovers like the Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9 and GMC Acadia.

Conclusions

Safety equipment on all 2010 Pilots includes front and front side airbags, three-row side curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (electronic stability control), daytime running lights, four child-seat LATCH positions, active front head rests, and eight adjustable headrests and shoulder belts. For more specifications go to Edmunds.com 2010 Honda Pilot page. At its debut, the Pilot was one of the leaders of the emerging crossover SUV market. By offering decent if not stunning V6 power, above-average fuel economy, easy maneuverability, plenty of interior comfort and versatility, and seven- to eight-passenger seating, it was exactly the kind of affordable midsize SUV package that families wanted. This SUV works great for larger families on the go, and with the new cylinder deactivation system, commuters looking for ride comfort and all wheel drive.

[1]  Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.