2019 Honda Pilot Elite

Honda’s big Pilot is sleek and versatile. Its new design uses curves and proportions to conceal its size.

You see the Pilot, then you get inside. You can’t help but want to take a long road vacation based on a spur of the moment thought. Or maybe just a short trip to the market or book store. The Pilot is appealing and inviting, while presenting comfort and spaciousness. In fact, according to US News and World Report, Pilot is a part of the Best SUV Lineup in America.

Honda is not only into styling, but has engine efficiency and power in its heritage. That is why they developed the new 280 horsepower 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine with an available 9-speed shift-by-wire automatic transmission. The last stage of the power transmission is the Intelligent Variable Torque Management AWD system which provides better traction where it is needed.

Paddle shifters adds more driving involvement for the driver, while Variable Cylinder Management and Idle Stop aim to further improve gas mileage. The end result is 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on highways, for a combined 22 mpg. Intelligent Traction Management allows you to choose from snow, mud, or sand modes for unusual driving conditions.

When you step inside Pilot, you will notice some things immediately. Leather seating surfaces and second-row captain chairs are heated, while the front seats are also perforated for cooling. You discover this luxury and comfort immediately, along with flat-folding 3rd row bench seat.

This attention to detail and superb styling of the cabin allows all passengers to enjoy a wide range of cabin controls and amenities. Pilot is filled with tech convenience and entertainment features like Cabin Talk in-car PA System, and a 590-watt premium audio system with 10-speakers including subwoofer.

An advanced Blu-ray rear entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen adds a premium entertainment venue that has proven to entertain passengers as time speeds up and destination speeds closer. As the miles steal away you won’t hear, “Are we there yet?” but rather “Are we there already?”

A favorite feature is the hands-free power tail gate. If your hands are full, you can simply kick your feet under the rear bumper and the tail gate will open for you to unload cargo.

Want to grab some of the outdoors? Pull it inside with the Panoramic Roof that makes the outside as clear as the inside.

Honda Motors is proud of Honda Sensing that includes items like Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Road Departures Mitigation System. These are examples of the state of the art standard safety features.

The MSRP for the Elite trim is $48,020. AWD is standard on this top-of-line model.

Warranty
3-year/36,000-mile New Vehicle Warranty
5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Warranty
5-year/unlimited-mile Rust Perforation Warranty
3-year/36,000-mile 24-hour Honda Roadside Assistance

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or dcaussey@sbcglobal.net.