Up front, the 2017 Honda Pilot Elite AWD offers seats that are wide and big-butt comfortable. In addition, the multi-adjustable tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel allows for fully stretched thigh room and legroom inside the midsize SUV.
An abundance of covered storage is found in the box located between the front seats and is easily accessible. The top of the box lid is flat with a little depth, making it excellent for holding thin items like your phone, keys, or tablet.
The 8-inch Display Audio System screen makes news, social media, and audio books more accessible. This world of information is at your fingertips as the multi-information display is located right up front and in the center.
Pilot Elite sits up high on 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Inside, ambient lighting softens the tone of a nighttime cabin atmosphere. This allows the 540-watt premium audio system with 10-speakers (including woofers) to bathe you in thoughts of an afternoon nap or let you dream of a family vacation as you motor toward home in snail’s-pace traffic.
Even passengers in the second and third rows enjoy high-definition entertainment, thanks to a Blu-ray/DVD entertainment system for the back seats.
Comfortable heated second-row captain chairs allow easy access to a button that automatically slides the seats forward without a need to push or prod, opening the whole far rear for exploration.
All of these technologies and features offering such refined creature comforts and flexibilities are designed to keep you cozy and contented inside. At the same time, the panoramic roof connects you to the outside, letting you see the sun, moon, and stars. Enjoy the deep blue of the sky or keep an eye on a troublesome approaching thunderstorm.
A 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 has EarthDream technologies that help to produce 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. The power is there to handle various situations and needs, yet Pilot still delivers an impressive 27 mpg fuel economy on the highway.
Honda offers a first with its nine-speed auto transmission, while sporty paddle shifters help to keep the driver more involved in the dynamics of the drive.
Outside, you have a choice of nine exterior colors including Black Forest Pearl, White Diamond Pearl, and Modern Steel Metallic. They are all coordinated with interior choices of beige, gray, and black leather.
Fog lights, roof rails, LED running lights, and an aggressive front fascia all work together with a bold and curved high rear end for added contrast and style to the exterior.
Pilot Elite has numerous standard safety features to help you avoid collisions and other calamities. Technologies like Collision Mitigating Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist System, Blind Spot Information, and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor help to make the drive more pleasant and much safer.
Driving Pilot is like reading a travel journal depicting fun and adventure. You can select your destination—beach, high country, or even grandma’s house where you can hear Uncle Willy tell the same jokes you have heard a thousand times.
A feature called Intelligent Traction Management helps get you to your destination safely. Just push a button to select your mode (normal, snow, mud, sand), and Pilot will optimize handling based on the terrain. Pilot places you in the mood for a variety of adventures.
The manufacturer’s suggested price for the Elite model is $47,220.
Warranty
3-year/36,000-mile Limited Vehicle Warranty
5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
5-year/unlimited mile Corrosion Limited Warranty
3-year/36,000-mile 24-hour Emergency Roadside Service
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or at dcaussey@sbcglobal.net
