2014 Honda Pilot: Flying high among SUVshttp://www.examiner.com/review/2014-honda-pilot-flying-high-among-suvs?cid=rssRating: 4/5
The 2014 version of the Honda Pilot midsize crossover is probably its best ever, and that’s saying something, because this has always been a pretty good vehicle.
This eight-seater is comfortable, well-equipped and gets decent gas mileage.
The Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that has a cylinder deactivation feature to aid fuel efficiency. The engine makes 250 horsepower and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot is available with front- or four-wheel drive.
Honda says the Pilot has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds in the front-wheel model or 4,500 pounds in the four-wheeler.
The Pilot gets 18 mpg city, 25 highway in the front-wheel drive model and 17 and 24 in the four-wheel.
The exterior appearance of the Pilot is strong and truck-like, not the wimpy and bloated station wagon-like appearance found on some other crossovers. It comes with standard 17-inch steel wheels, with 18-inch alloy wheels optional. Other options include a power moonroof, power lift gate and roof rails.
On the inside, when you get a Pilot that is fully loaded, you essentially have a luxury vehicle.
The second row of seats is split folding and can slide and recline, and the third row is split folding. Among the many standard features are tilt/telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, 8-inch dashboard screen and three-zone climate control. Available options, those goodies that take the Pilot into luxury status, include heated front seats, leather seating, rear entertainment system and navigation system.
For safety, there is a backup camera that comes standard as well as side curtain airbags for all three seating rows and active front head restraints.
The Pilot starts at a little over $30,000 and ranges to around $42,000.
For an outstanding family vehicle that’s loaded with great features, you’ve got to see the Honda Pilot.