2014 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring

The Pilot has 8 inches of ground clearance, giving you greater visibility and confidence behind the wheel. The 4WD system aids in overcoming city pot holes and rough country roads. And with Pilot’s 4,500 lb. towing capacity, moving just about anything comes easy.
2014 Honda Pilot 4WD Touring
Honda Pilot (Courtesy of NetCarShow.com)
4/21/2014
Updated:
4/21/2014

The Pilot has 8 inches of ground clearance, giving you greater visibility and confidence behind the wheel. The 4WD system aids in overcoming city pot holes and rough country roads. And with Pilot’s 4,500 lb. towing capacity, moving just about anything comes easy. 

Even though Pilot may appear small from the outside, once inside you realize you are dealing with a vehicle that is a full size SUV with exceptional strength. So it is up to you to get ready, because Pilot is already ready. 

Pilot offers a spacious interior with seating for eight. Well, make that seven and a half. And the tri-zone automatic climate control keeps everyone comfortable, regardless of the temperature outside. 

Don’t worry about space because seats fold into 16 different positions. Cargo or people— it doesn’t matter. The 87-cubic-feet of cargo space means large items like a pair of bicycles or the Republican mascot can slide right in. Well, at least the bikes can. 

I have never seen so much open and convenient storage space as found in the front cab of the Pilot. The console box is cavernous enough for a game of hide-and-seek, or at least room for books, purse, glasses, or a newspaper.

In front of this center storage is a covering lid that hides two cup holders and another small pocket. On the dash in front of the copilot (just above the glove box) are three wide-open storage compartments for numerous loose items like keys, change, work gloves, and small notebooks. Just toss items in there and retrieve them quickly. Plus each door has storage pockets for additional bottles and file papers. 

Power steering, leather trimmed interior, Honda navigation system with voice recognition, and rear view camera are features that reflect ease of driving, luxury, style, technology, and safety. These are all items needed for a positive, thrilling, driving experience. 

The 5-speed automatic transmission carries power from a 3.5 liter SOHC 24 valve i-VTEC V6 engine with variable cylinder management which pumps out a hefty 250 horsepower and 253 lb.-ft. of torque while getting a thrifty 25 mpg highway. You will be pleased to know that Pilot is an ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV-2 CARB Emissions Rating). 

The Touring trim is the top package for Honda Pilot. It has all the features of the other four trims, plus items like memory-linked side mirrors harboring integrated turn indicators, a premium audio system with 10 speakers including a subwoofer and Honda DVD Rear Entertainment. 

The price is $42,250. What I would recommend is the EX-L trim. For thousands less, major concessions are those items previously mentioned plus multi-info display, navigation with voice recognition, front and rear parking sensors, and 115V power outlet.

Now let’s take an imaginary look around the Pilot starting with the front. The three thick chrome bars grille enclosed by a chrome trim surround, with its top bar extending over the auto on/off headlamps. Fog lamps are just under the body-colored front bumper.

Chrome body side molding caresses the sides accompanied by heated power door mirrors. On top you have a power moonroof with tilt features. The rear power tailgate with lift-up and chrome exhaust finishers conclude our visual journey. 

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or [email protected].

Safety Features
Tire pressure monitoring
Six airbags
ACE body structure
Vehicle stability assist
Child safety anchors and tethers
Brake assist

Warranty
3 year/36,000 mile limited warranty
5 year/60,000 mile limited powertrain warranty