We were pleased with the new Honda Pilot model, a test drive video of which you can see on the Internet. But how does the car cope with the needs of each of us? Read and find out all the pros and some cons of this car model. Maybe the car is just made for you? The article will tell the whole truth. Be the first to know this car not only on the picture of a fashion site.
Test drive Honda Pilot
The ability to drive a Honda Pilot on a wide variety of roads gives a lot of positive feelings for rights holders. Maybe in such a car the interior does not present complex riddles and other sophisticated creatives, but it is quite convenient and easy to use. The abundance of shelves and different-sized drawers noticeably attracts the use of the model.
But the dimensions of this modest trunk, which complements the car well, can always be made a dream for a summer resident or a family man. Because if you fold down the rear seats, then the room for all sorts of things will increase to an impressive limit of perfection.
Do not forget about the most favorable conditions for the advantage of a large crossover. After all, where else can you buy such a big car at such nice prices. If we consider the Elegance package, then such a model will cost about 1,799,000 rubles. It combines the following options:
- three-zone climate control;
- heated rear and front seats;
- Cruise control;
- light sensor.
And if you add 200,000, then it is quite possible to afford the Executive version. In this version, in addition to the options already listed, there will be such nice features as:
- electric drives for the front seats;
- tailgate;
- leather trim in the cabin;
- the presence of a sunroof with electric drive;
- parking sensors;
And with an additional payment of approximately 110,000, you can also get a modern standard navigation system. And it won't be easy. The presence of a built-in navigator will help you in a difficult situation and show you the way. The engineers did their best to create it and were able to tie it to the air conditioning system. This will allow you to know which side the sun will be at any second. And also such a system will determine the temperature on board your lovely crossover.
Adorable "behemoth"
It's no secret that in one of the Honda Pilot clubs, the symbol of a car is an ordinary hippo. This is such a comparison of figures. And that's more of a compliment to the car itself. After all, motorists do not have a soul in it, as soon as they discover, together with external data, an unprecedented capacity. This is definitely a “behemoth”, such an analogy is simply impossible not to notice. With such unique compact dimensions on the outside of the car, inside it is simply unrealistically huge. In addition, there are seats that will be convenient for long trips. Also, the presence of a remote control for its own climate control directly from the back seat of the car. Heated seat and ventilation nozzles. There is simply no limit to surprise, since the “Pilot” on the market is not a minivan, although it has 8 seats at once. This is not according to the passport, but in fact.
Most owners and just observers from the outside could not remain silent about some detail, which for a long time has been allowing a number of serious disputes to be repaired among those who have become familiar with the crossover model. Well, why did manufacturers pay so little attention to finishing? People love beautiful, bold decisions, they love everything beautiful around them. Why can't quality be aesthetic?
But not everyone is inclined to this opinion. Some people just like the simple and rather uncomplicated design of the Pilot. Why stand out if everything is simple and ingenious! But here's the controversy about the skin. What exactly is used as a material? Does the manufacturer save and does not use a substitute to create it? Maybe now the car looks great, but a few years will pass, the material will wear out, and the copyright holders will emphasize this shortcoming as a big minus. Although to be honest, the material looks nice. It is not slippery, easy to care for, and looks quite presentable. Time will show. Maybe it was that one small flaw that spoiled the picture of a lovely car?
The nit-picking about too many buttons on the panel was considered unreasonable. If they don't interfere with management, why shouldn't they have the right to be? There is, of course, a small snag in the fact that I would like to have a button called Dual. This would noticeably soften the climate control for the driver himself. After all, its absence makes the driver, if he rides alone in a car, set the temperature three times when adjusting the climate. This is a long time, he is forced to click two switches at once. Such a car is not entirely designed for the driver to go alone. The manufacturer somehow did not think or decided in this way to interest the driver in transporting several people at once. But this is just guesswork.
Claims to the confused on-board computer are quite justified. Because it is not so easy to manage. Many believe that his management is completely beyond comprehension. This is where the manufacturer could define his sophisticated imagination. He may have created a simple interior inside the car, but he made us think about how to view, for example, the average fuel consumption. It's dangerous to do it on the go. Since even work with such difficult management on site is available only after the tenth time.
Not everything is so critical, so the Honda Pilot test drive was a success.
Cargo transportation possibilities do not leave us indifferent at all. This is something the owners do not skimp on flattery. And there is really something to be happy about. The presence in the cabin of an enormous box-armrest. Let's repeat about the presence of countless shelves and the same number of drawers. The ability to easily fold down the second and third row seats does wonders. And the miracle here is to obtain an unthinkable volume and spaciousness. Summer residents have already appreciated this advantage. Now their seedlings, furniture, household appliances, inventory can easily fit in a car. And hiring a van just doesn't make sense.
It is worth noting that the Honda Pilot test drive helped to find out a lot of useful things. For example, that there are no complaints about the chassis of this car and cannot be. There are some minor flaws. This is a sensitive reaction of the car to the brake pedal. Also, this unnecessarily “lazy” steering wheel is incomprehensible to many. The owners in the parking lot have to twist them more often. But this is a plus, such a “lazy” steering wheel easily copes with off-road, and the car perfectly performs maneuvers and easily steers obstacles. On the Internet about bumpers, you can find such advice - "make a suspension lift." This is certainly a matter of taste for everyone. But you should not do this, because with its presence, part of the driving comfort, which is so valuable in this car, will be lost.
Not to mention the fuel consumption. He was also touched by heated discussions: gluttony and the presence of a cylinder deactivation system.
Unfortunately, both the first and second claims turned out to be right. The crossover turned out to be crowded in urban conditions, and it eats fuel here at an alarming rate. Wise systems simply cannot cope with it here. As a consolation, only those words that this car was originally intended for the American market and for this reason it turned out to be adapted to the still cheap 92 gasoline.
But the test drive "Honda Pilot" 2016 showed impressive performance on a country road. Here the car was able to fully recoup for past claims. But the condition of a calm ride here must be observed without fail. Then the system will turn off two or even three of the six available cylinders. That's how she does it, it's also a whole art. The system is able to perform such a maneuver imperceptibly and even delicately. And in order to be able to catch this moment of switching, it is worth a little strain.
Advantages of the Honda Pilot
- The owners always appreciate the silence. That is what this crossover carries. Noise isolation is top notch. Even at high speeds, only the noise of the rustle of tires and the lightest aerodynamic rustle will lead into the cabin.
- visibility. She is also commendable. The car window sill line is quite low. Racks are thin. Mirrors are excellent and just huge.
- panoramic mirrors. They hid in the cloth under the eyeglass case. A wonderful thing if there is a need to observe such fussy rear passengers.
- Seals. Manufacturers immediately provided double seals on the machine doors. This helps keep the trousers clean in all weathers. Subtlety is to be commended.
In general, people were satisfied with this model. Moreover, the Honda Pilot 2016 test drive video showed many previously unexpected positive characteristics. The machine is quite convenient to use. Its moderate size is another huge plus. Salon large is also welcome. The motor is slick here. But the inconspicuous work of the “machine” is generally beyond praise. Maybe you won’t use such a car for daily trips around the city to work, but it’s quite acceptable to drive it to the country house or to a picnic.
Bottom line: the adorable hippo passed the test drive successfully, and this can be easily seen in the videos presented. The car was roomy and comfortable enough to travel. It may not be designed for the bustle of the city, but it will definitely make a trip out of town comfortable. There are claims for savings in terms of interior decoration, but how justified they are, you can find out only after a while. In general, the car is worth the money.
Conclusion: Honda Pilot, although simple in interior decoration, has positive nuances in the on-board system control system. It has no effect on management. There is a gluttony of the car, but maybe refueling with 92 gasoline could compensate for this? The undercarriage of the car is practically flawless. And in general, the car deserves "likes". Watch a test drive and evaluate the quality of the car not only by external data. Simple interior trim does not mean the simplicity of the car. And in terms of the superiority of some characteristics, the Honda Pilot is not at all so simple. Begemotik is already delighting motorists in many countries. Or maybe she already makes you happy?
Relatively recently, news appeared on the Internet about the release of the Honda Pilot mid-size SUV in a new body of the 2018 model. However, it was worth looking at the photos from the first presentations, as it became clear that it is not worth waiting for updates in the lineup yet - we are talking only about planned factory restyling. This is the third generation of the crossover produced under the brand name of the famous Japanese manufacturer, and so far its popularity, based on sales ratings, has grown steadily. The advantages of the car are obvious - for a relatively small price, the consumer receives a car with excellent cross-country ability and a large amount of free space in the cabin, driven by a powerful power unit and an all-wheel drive system.
The so-called "new body" has already gone on sale - you can become the proud owner of the 2018 Honda Pilot by contacting any official dealership in the Russian Federation. But whether the novelty is worth the money and whether there have been at least some changes in comparison with the pre-styling sample that rolled off the assembly line in 2015 is another question that requires personal acquaintance with the car.
2018 Honda Pilot Review
The new Honda Pilot of the Year body was first unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show in mid-2015. The SUV did not gather crowds of admirers around it, nor did it make a splash among journalists and guests of the event - it was the most ordinary budget-class car with off-road capability. It did not stand out in appearance, and the interior was replete with references to the past generation in the form of not the highest quality finishing materials and controversial design. A little later, the photo of the novelty became the property of the Internet, where, according to reviews, it became clear that the audience of potential consumers of the Honda Pilot in a new body is middle-aged people and pensioners.
In 2016, the manufacturers decided to slightly modify the crossover and work on its technical stuffing - there were no cardinal changes, but some transformation is still evident. The third-generation Honda Pilot in restyling does not claim to be a sports car - it looks too angular, and its engine line does not allow making such statements due to its relatively low power. The SUV is initially positioned as a classic urban option for the whole family, with the ability to move freely on uneven road surfaces with minimal damage to comfort - and it copes with this task with a bang.
As for the price, it could be lower for a car of this class with a similar level of equipment. However, we can say that the Honda Pilot in the new body of the 2018 model is exactly the case when the car looks and drives exactly on its own money.
Dimensions
If we compare the new Honda Pilot body with the previous model, the difference in dimensions is very significant. If we draw a parallel between the original sample of 2015 and the restyling of 2018, no changes are observed. The dimensions of the new crossover are:
- Length - 4940 mm;
- Width - 1996 mm;
- Height - 1773 mm;
- Wheelbase - 2819 mm;
- Front track width - 1648 mm;
- Rear track width - 1684 mm;
As before, in the base the SUV will be equipped with branded wheels in size 245/60/R18, with alloy wheels and tires suitable for driving not only in the city, but also off-road. The ride height will also contribute to this to a large extent - the new Honda pilot body boasts a clearance of 200 mm, which is the optimal value for driving on the most problematic road surfaces.
Manufacturers took care to park the crossover, despite its considerable size, it was not difficult even for novice drivers - fortunately, the side mirrors provide excellent visibility and allow you to park the car even in hard-to-reach places.
Specifications
In the third generation Honda Pilot is equipped with two power units:
- 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (V-shaped arrangement of cylinders) atmospheric gasoline engine, power - 249 hp, torque - 294 Nm;
- A 3.5-liter V6 engine running on naturally aspirated gasoline and delivering 280 hp of power and torque. and 356 Nm, respectively;
As before, regardless of how complete a particular instance is and what the price offered for it, only an automatic transmission can be seen as a transmission. The number of available gears is 6, plus one reverse. The absence of mechanics as an alternative can be considered more a plus of the new body than a flaw in the engineers - this technology, as practice shows, has long outlived itself.
Nothing special, except for increased stiffness shock absorbers, will not please the suspension: in the basic variation of the Honda, the pilot of 2018 is equipped with a leading drive system on the front wheel axle, all-wheel drive will be a privilege for those who are willing to pay a certain price for such.
The brake system is a standard set of discs, which, among other things, are equipped with special holes in the front for quick cooling on the go.
Performance indicators
Due to the considerable dimensions, the control in the 2018 Honda Pilot cannot be called very convenient: the car holds the road well when following a straight path, but turns and sharp maneuvers are not its element. Discomfort on the go from the operation of the engine and transmission is not experienced at all - the sound insulation in the cabin is done, fortunately, at the proper level, the box does not kick when switching, and the motor does not emit any vibrations. However, passengers are unlikely to relax and enjoy the road to the fullest if the journey suddenly drags on for more than a few hours: the inconvenience of the seats affects, and the suspension makes itself felt - after all, springs of increased rigidity are used.
Off-road, the crossover demonstrates itself as a reliable assistant in cases where it is necessary to leave a snowy area or, conversely, climb into the thick of the forest with its sandy roads. However, one should not go too far here either - even a ground clearance of 200 mm and R20 rims in the maximum configuration will not be able to save everywhere, but the car is still more intended for a quiet city ride.
As for dynamic performance and fuel consumption, the following indicators await buyers of the 2018 Honda Pilot:
Note: the indicators displayed in the table are the real values established during tests from independent experts. Manufacturers did not lie about the dynamics of the car, however, they announced the greater efficiency of their offspring - practice has shown the opposite.
Photo Pilot 2018 in a new body
Exterior
The Japanese are not trying to position the restyled Honda Pilot in a new body as a new word in the class of mid-size SUVs - this privilege has long and irrevocably gone to European colleagues with their revolutionary specimens. Here, the potential buyer is offered the most ordinary car in terms of design, designed for those who do not chase the latest fashion trends and intend to use it exclusively for its intended purpose - as a means of transportation. Even from the photo you can see that the crossover in the abundant city traffic will be an ordinary gray mouse - none of its body elements apply for sportiness and does not give the slightest reference to the business class.
Compared to the previous generation, the car has become less stiff and angular: the roof, hood, fenders and bumpers have become much more sloping and streamlined. Restyling in 2018 added only minor changes to this picture that affected the front bumper grille.
The changes that affected the side and rear parts are noticeable, again, only in comparison with the second generation of the Honda Pilot lineup. The result of the restyling was only cosmetic amendments to some body lines, which will become noticeable only upon closer inspection.
Optics Honda Pilot in a new body looks quite modern and uses LED technology as a basis. Quite unusual was the decision of Japanese developers not to follow the trends of modern trends, according to which the lights and headlights are narrowed to the limit - in the 2018 Honda Pilot, these elements are very massive and occupy almost a third of the space in front and behind, respectively.
Interior
The Honda Pilot salon in the new 2018 model body is a classic example of what Japanese engineers and designers emphasize when developing a model. As befits a representative of the Japanese automotive industry, the main advantages of an SUV are high reliability and a "popular" price. As for, for example, the interior decoration of a car, one should definitely not expect a revolution here.
The developers stated that after the restyling, the seats would be improved and the driver and passengers would become more comfortable - in fact, this did not happen: even the photo shows that the texture of the seats is not intended for long comfortable trips. The backrests and cushions remained stiff regardless of the equipment of a particular instance, and the number of electrical adjustments leaves much to be desired.
As in the pre-styling version, the driver and front passenger will enjoy the huge 9-inch display of the multimedia system. For Russian buyers, it is additionally equipped with the Yandex Maps navigation system. The multimedia functionality meets all modern standards and does not raise any complaints when using. Unfortunately, the trim of the interior panels does not deserve such flattering reviews - the abundance of hard cheap plastic, which makes an unpleasant sound at any tangible touch, makes itself felt.
But what really pleases is the amount of free space in the cabin and in the luggage compartment. The latter has a capacity of 550 liters, which, moreover, can be increased by more than 6 times by folding the rear row of seats. Even more space will be available to owners of the seven-seater version of the new crossover body. However, this does not negate the fact that the comfort while riding the 2018 Honda Pilot leaves much to be desired.
Video: review of the seven-seater version of the 2018 Honda Pilot model year:
Options and prices
Honda Pilot in a new body (3rd generation), restyled in 2018 is available for sale on the Russian market in the showrooms of an authorized dealer in the following trim levels:
lifestyle- the basic front-wheel drive version, driven by a bunch of a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine with 249 hp. and an automatic transmission, equipped with a fairly rich optional set:
- leather upholstered seats;
- heated seats for front passengers and side mirrors;
- electric driver and front passenger seats;
- Cruise control;
- tire pressure sensor;
- multimedia system;
- acoustic system for 7 speakers;
- Rear View Camera;
- external noise blocking system ANC (Active Noise Cancellation);
- ambient light level sensors and fluid level sensors in the washer reservoir;
- trailer stabilization system;
- alloy wheels R18;
The current price of the starting equipment is 2,999,000 rubles;
Executive- a copy in such equipment will receive as additions:
- cameras for viewing in a circle;
- advanced multimedia installation;
- fog lights;
- exclusive lighting of some interior elements;
- four-wheel drive;
The price for such a pleasure will already be 3,299,000 rubles;
Premium- the top-end Honda Pilot equipment of 2018 with a 3.5-liter engine with 280 hp, in which, in addition to all of the above, the following will become available:
- navigation system "Yandex Maps";
- additional 3 speakers for sound system (total 10 speakers);
- multimedia for rear passengers: retractable monitor, mp3 and DVD player with included remote control, headphones;
- alloy wheels R20;
The price of the most “stuffed” crossover in a new body is 3,550,000 rubles;
Test drive Honda Pilot 2018 in a new body
We present you the video - the view of an independent expert
Advantages and disadvantages
The 2018 Honda Pilot is not a full-fledged new body, but just a small adjustment to the 3rd generation of the lineup from the eminent Japanese manufacturer. The changes are purely formal and are practically invisible on the same photos on the Internet - they become noticeable only after a real acquaintance with the SUV.
The price for a mid-size crossover, which the official dealer in the Russian Federation offers to pay, does not fully correspond to the level of comfort and technical equipment of the car - many shortcomings still need to be eliminated or radically reworked.
But on a country road, you can safely recoup for past losses. But only on condition that the driver prefers a quiet ride - then when coasting, the automation will turn off two or even three of the six cylinders. And she does it very delicately and imperceptibly. By the way, the 5-band “automatic” is also set up - you can catch the moment of switching only with a very strong desire.
Pilot also has a few more advantages that its owners really appreciate. These include, for example, excellent sound insulation - even at high speed, only a muffled rustle of tires and a slight aerodynamic rustle make their way into the cabin (given the square shape of the body, the latter is especially surprising). Worthy of praise and visibility: a rather low window sill line, thin pillars and huge side mirrors allow you to maneuver without the slightest difficulty. True, some complain that in winter the windshield freezes heavily, and the heater's power is not enough to deal with this ailment. Alas, we could not verify these statements, the weather did not allow.
Reviewers have a lot to say. But for some reason most of them do not mention one thing. We also really liked the small panoramic mirror hidden in the ceiling under the eyeglass case - a very convenient thing for observing the offspring sitting behind on the go! But perhaps our greatest thanks go to the engineers who provided double seals on the doors - thanks to such a simple solution, the thresholds, and therefore the trousers, remain clean in any weather.
First person
Irina Vasilyeva, Deputy Editor-in-Chief
Everything is at hand, everything is in its place. The only thing that was not immediately found was the button for opening the gas tank hatch. And you have to open it quite often, after all, 249 “horses” are asked to eat. But ... the “magic” system that turns off part of the cylinders works very well, especially if you don’t “tear” the engine. The system “gets used” to a measured driving style and turns on the Eco mode, while the on-board computer shows fuel consumption of about 11 liters per “hundred” run.In general, people respond very positively to the Honda Pilot. They like its moderate size, a huge interior with rich transformation possibilities, a high-torque 249-horsepower, although not the most nimble engine, an “automatic” that works completely imperceptibly, and excellent smoothness. We also appreciated all these advantages. However, let's be honest: using the Pilot for daily commuting in the closeness of Moscow's traffic jams is not very reasonable. But as a “weekend car” for a large family, it is great: to gather all the family and anywhere - to the country house, to a shopping and entertainment or sports center. But you never know the places where you can go with a big company on a powerful SUV, and Pilot will provide delivery with comfort!
Honda Pilot goes back to basics. The first generation of this SUV was, in fact, a greatly enlarged copy of the CR-V. The second is brutal, square, with excellent cross-country potential and, unfortunately, the same harsh, rough and not very comfortable interior. The current, third generation of Honda Pilot, again in many ways looks like a CR-V in design, is in no way inferior or even superior to its predecessor in off-road capabilities, and the interior decoration was a little shocking.
Other planet
I remember my acquaintance with the previous generation Honda Pilot. Then, at the dawn of my career in autojournalism, my colleagues and I traveled from Kyiv to Transcarpathia. The journey was long, on a variety of roads and directions, but before it started, I couldn’t understand why other crews snatched up the CR-V and Crosstour, and the Pilot was bypassed, because for off-road this is the most suitable option. A little later, everything became clear. On the way, we lost our course several times, made our way through sections where nothing but our “tank” could pass, but by the end of the route, my fellow travelers and I felt so exhausted that we didn’t even want to have dinner. Pilot squeezed all the juice out of us. And the reason for this was mainly the interior. Hard chairs with an unpretentious profile, rough plastic, a minimum of multimedia equipment. All this did not create a feeling of comfort, did not allow to relax.
The interior of the Honda Pilot pleasantly surprised not only with the level of comfort, but also with its technological effectiveness. Particularly pleased with the image from the camera, hidden in the right side mirror. Information from the dashboard is easy to read, and in general the driver's workplace is well thought out The interior of the Honda Pilot 3rd generation
The new Pilot is a completely different story! It has only one thing in common with its predecessor - a huge 7-seater saloon (even an 8-seater, based on the number of head restraints). Only the passengers of the third row can complain about some constraint, and even then only in regard to the supply of legroom. The width and height of the cabin are in abundance for any of the riders.
In the second row, for example, three adult men of normal build and above average height feel quite at ease. An important role here is played by the absence of a central tunnel and the correctly selected stiffness and profile of the sofa. Access to the third row is with an electric drive that tilts the backs of the second row by 15 degrees.
At the same time, even in the gallery there is:
- air deflectors;
- dynamics;
- coasters.
In the second row of seats:
- seat heating available;
- own climate control;
- a separate entertainment system with a 9-inch screen mounted in the ceiling.
You can connect external devices to the latter (via HDMI, RCA or USB), you can watch DVD movies, listen to the radio with headphones on so as not to disturb the driver, and for all this you don’t even have to reach for the buttons on the ceiling - the wireless remote control solves the problem.
Front row of seats
It is important that the screen above the second row does not block the driver's view through the interior rear-view mirror. And in general, the pilot of the "Pilot" is a sin to complain:
- an excessive number of buttons disappeared from the front panel;
- the chair is now comfortable, with large adjustment ranges, memory, heating and ventilation;
- on the dashboard - a 4.2-inch color TFT display with a lot of information;
- heated steering wheel;
- around voluminous niches and pockets;
- audio system with 10 speakers, subwoofer and 540 W amplifier;
- 8-inch screen multimedia complex Honda Connect on Android operating system.
Everything, as befits a good modern car, without a footnote on whether it is a large SUV or a compact hatchback. The only thing that I personally do not like is the individual central armrests on the front seats. They hinder more than help.
Honda Connect
Honda Connect needs to be discussed separately. This system has good potential, beautiful graphics and many functions, but it is still worth working on the speed of work and the logic of control.
The most outrageous thing is this feature: if you turn on the power in the car and do not respond to the system warning about the need to take precautions while driving for a long time, the screen will simply turn off and lock. The only way to bring it back to life is to stop, turn off and then turn on the car's power again. There is probably a magic button somewhere, but the scientific poke method did not reveal it.
You can love the multimedia stuffing of Honda Connect for three reasons:
- Garmin navigation with free updates for 5 years;
- a clear picture from the rear view camera;
- an incomparable camera in the right mirror, which gives an image on the screen with an angle twice as large as can be seen in the mirror.
In fact, you see not only the adjacent row on the right, but also a row through one. This is even better than the blind spot sensors. It is enough to turn on the right turn signal, and the picture will automatically appear on the screen of the multimedia system.
Trunk capacity
Returning to one of the key advantages of the Honda Pilot - the internal volume - I note that in the three-row configuration there is almost no luggage space -
only 305 liters.
With the third row of seats folded down, the trunk volume increases to an impressive 827 liters, and if you fold the second row, you get as much as 1779 liters. Moreover, that the second, that the third rows of seats fit into a flat floor. The loading height is expectedly high, but the fifth door is equipped with an electric drive. You don't have to put in any effort or get your hands dirty.
Drive
The third generation Honda Pilot, as before, is built on a common platform with the Acura MDX (McPherson struts in front and a multi-link rear), albeit with some differences. The shock absorbers have become amplitude-dependent, the offset of the front wheels and the inclination of the drive shafts to reduce vibrations and eliminate the steering effect are smaller. Together with improved sound insulation and a change in the algorithms for the operation of the elements of the power plant, all this gave the driver a feeling of softness, smoothness and even impressiveness of the car. They manifest themselves in how delicately the suspension works out asphalt defects (tapping is audible, but practically not noticeable), and in how the 6-speed automatic with a torque converter shifts gears quietly and imperceptibly, and in how easily the steering wheel turns at low speeds. . It is easy and pleasant to manage a large "Pilot".
Engine power and consumption
Honda Pilot 2017 received a flexible 3-liter naturally aspirated V6 VTEC with distributed injection and a two-three-cylinder deactivation system. The engine, by the way, was modernized, achieving a reduction in friction losses, which immediately affected fuel consumption. If the second generation Pilot was distinguished by exorbitant appetites, now everything is more or less normal - 10 liters per 100 km on the highway, 13 liters in the city (in Eco mode). A couple of extra liters in the urban cycle will increase if the Eco mode is turned off. Interestingly, this engine "eats" the 92nd gasoline without problems.
Despite the arsenal of 249 hp. and 294 Nm, the engine does not give a sense of explosive dynamics. Everything happens quickly enough, but linearly. Firstly, the peak torque of the aspirated is only available at 5000 rpm. Secondly, the reduction in body weight during the change of generations still did not take the Pilot significantly below the 2-ton mark. Nevertheless, acceleration from standstill to “hundreds” was reduced from 9.9 to 9.2 s, and the maximum speed increased from 180 to 192 km / h.
patency
I won’t say that the Honda Pilot works wonders off-road, but it really can do a lot. Getting out of snow captivity, sand, climbing a hill, not giving up if one or two wheels lose contact with the road is not a problem. To do this, the Pilot has 200 mm of ground clearance and the iVTM-4 all-wheel drive system with three modes - "Snow", "Mud" and "Sand". A similar technique is installed on the Acura MDX mentioned above. In fact, iVTM-4 is a development of the SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system, which imitates the operation of an interaxle clutch and an interwheel differential, distributing traction not only along the axles, but also between the rear wheels. Everything is at the mercy of electronics, no forced blocking, but after tormenting the Pilot for some time on light off-road, not the slightest hint of problems with the passage of reasonable obstacles was found. Nothing overheated, nothing turned off. I didn’t have to run after the tractor, and this is the most important thing.
conclusions
The new Pilot is very good. This is still the same tank, but now it is comfortable and technologically advanced. In the rich and the only configuration available in Ukraine, it costs $55,300, and, in my opinion, this price is adequate to its capabilities.
For the city Pilot is too big, but this feature is offset by excellent maneuverability due to the large eversion of the front wheels. The turning radius is less than 6 m. Even in the narrow yards of the residential areas of Kyiv, I managed without much difficulty to go around cars parked everywhere. At the same time, you can park yourself in places where ordinary cars will not go. In a small snowdrift, for example. And by the way, the basic equipment of Pilot in Ukraine includes remote engine start, which helps a lot on a frosty winter morning.
Among the shortcomings - the electric power steering, for example, does not indulge in rich feedback, and the brake pedal travel is somewhat long and “blurred”, but the creators of Pilot did not seek to satisfy someone's driver's ambitions. To do this, Honda has other models.
Afterword
Despite the fact that Honda closed its representative office in Ukraine several years ago, the Japanese brand has not left our market at all. Her interests are officially represented by Pride-Motor, a company with a long and good reputation. We are grateful to her for providing the Honda Pilot for testing. And they shared with us the information that the good news in 2017 does not end on Pilot. The debut of updated CR-V and Civic models in Ukraine is expected soon. Look forward to!
High level of comfort, good off-road capabilities, huge interior, rich equipment
Uncomfortable front seat armrests, multimedia complex requires getting used to
Whole photoshoot
Usually, our photographer, having learned that a crossover or SUV is to be shot, seeks to capture the car in the bosom of nature. So this time, we got to the prepared point on the outskirts of the Moscow region for a couple of hours - it only remained to move off the asphalt onto the dirt road leading to the field. It was here that a problem arose. According to a colleague, when he came here last time a few months ago, the convention was normal ...
Now, the rains have washed up such a hole that even a real SUV can not cope with it. But the Pilot is not one of them: despite the off-road appearance, it is more of a large raised station wagon than an off-road conqueror. But you have to go - do not go back! In addition, three not very sober residents of a nearby village have already come to stare at the free show, promising to go get a tractor if anything happens. True, they say, the tractor driver is already drunk, but he will pull it out even in this state. In a word, a cheerful perspective is planned!
All I have to do is select the “dirt” mode with the button on the central tunnel (there is also a standard mode, as well as “snow” and “sand”), accelerate a little and keep the speed in the region of 2.5-3 thousand. Let's go - we will take the pit obliquely . The Honda Pilot slams its left side into the ditch, the right rear wheel is in the air, but we continue to move forward confidently. We are immersed in the "belt" in the mud, and ... nothing terrible happens. The crossover did not even think to slow down - so on an even "gas" Pilot got out of the pit from the opposite side. The natives were even slightly upset that the show ended as soon as it began. True, then we washed the car for a long time, fortunately we took several bottles of water with us.
Volume matters
Nearly five meters from the "nose" to the "tail", almost two in width and a little less in height - this car is impressive in size. In combination with a rather aggressive “face”, this suggests that he must be unequivocally respected on the road.
However, the predecessor model still seems more brutal to me due to the “square” design. But the new generation looks much more modern. The crossover added 79 mm in length, became wider by 2 mm, while decreasing in height by a significant 58 mm. The wheelbase has grown by 40 mm. Ground clearance, as before, is 200 mm.
Under the hood is a 3-liter atmospheric "six" with a capacity of 249 hp. - there are no other options for power units. There is no alternative and a 6-band "automatic", as well as an all-wheel drive system with automatic connection of the rear axle. The suspension has been adapted for Russian roads. Also, especially for our country, the Pilot received a heated steering wheel and a windshield wiper rest area, and even additional sound insulation.
Interior design compared to its predecessor - heaven and earth. Instead of archaic architecture, the design is finally modern. Americans are known to be very unpretentious about the quality of interior trim, which is why cars created for the local market often sin with hard plastics and sloppy assembly, but here I have nothing to complain about. The gaps between the interior panels are small and even, and the upper part of the front panel and door trim is made of soft material.
The multimedia interface screen, as is customary, is touch-sensitive; it responds to touch quickly enough. Of the conveniences, I note the presence of "Yandex.Navigator" - however, in order for it to work, the smartphone must distribute the Internet. Another proprietary Honda function is the right side-view camera, which neutralizes the blind zone. It turns on when you press the right turn signal and is displayed on this very screen.
But the touch volume control is inconvenient, since you can use the keys on the steering wheel. There is another oddity on the screen: if you do not have time to press “OK” after starting the engine, when an inscription warning about the danger of using while driving is displayed, the monitor will only show the time. To turn it on later, you will have to press the touch button “back” or the same day / night mode button.
The “automatic” selector, as always with Honda, moves in a straight slot, which is why unknowing people complain that they skip the Drive position and enter L mode, forcing the box to work in lower gears. In fact, you just need to release the release key of the lever immediately after the start of its movement, and then it stops clearly in the Drive position.
Front seats in all directions - like in a bus. Between the seats, instead of an armrest, there is a huge box, which can easily accommodate several 2-liter bottles of water. You can't reach the right door. The seats are wide and soft, without lateral support, but from the side of the central box they have folding armrests. And of course, like a real "American", there are a lot of different cup holders and pockets. There are also sockets and inputs for electronic gadgets.
On the second row, you can sit cross-legged. The sofa is flat in shape, but equipped with adjustable backrests and heating. There is no central tunnel, thanks to this, as well as the large width of the cabin, three large people can easily fit here. Passengers can enjoy a separate climate control system, mechanical window shades and a 9-inch retractable overhead screen with a wireless remote control. However, you can watch only DVD - TV programs are not available. Armrests, pockets, cup holders, headphone jacks and power outlets included.
I press the button at the end of the sofa cushion - and its back leans forward, and the seat moves, opening the passage to the third row. I make my way there and settle down quite comfortably with my 180 cm. My knees do not reach the backs of the middle sofa, and there is enough space above my head. There are deflectors of the ventilation system, cup holders and speakers. According to passport data, here, as well as on the second row, if desired, three should be accommodated, as evidenced by the middle headrest, but in reality there is only room for two.
The trunk in the 8-seat configuration is small - only 305 liters. However, if you fold the third row, the volume will immediately increase to an impressive 827 liters. And when the second row is folded, the luggage compartment turns into a cave with a volume of 1779 liters. The spare wheel is located under the bottom, so that in the event of a puncture, the luggage will not have to be removed. One problem: in bad weather, when changing a wheel, it will not work to stay clean.
Antisport
Moving in space on a Honda Pilot is fundamentally different from driving the vast majority of European cars, starting with the process of pulling away. I turn on Drive, release the brake pedal, and the car slowly, like a train, “sets off”. The accelerator pedal is strongly damped, and the automatic transmission echoes it. To achieve truly powerful acceleration, you need to “stomp” on the right pedal like a man and wait a couple of seconds. Now, it's a different matter! Although the slowness of the "machine" does not cure even the D4 mode, which disables two higher gears.
The steering is light, not sharp (three and a quarter turns from lock to lock) and, as at first it seems, uninformative. However, having traveled by car, you understand that everything is in order with the informativeness of the steering wheel - you just need to get used to a little effort on it, as well as to leisurely reactions to control actions. It’s just that you don’t have to rush anywhere on this crossover - it is inherently anti-sports. When you understand this and stop demanding quick reactions from a heavy crossover, you begin to evaluate it differently. It suddenly becomes clear that the Pilot is perfectly controlled within its paradigm: the steering wheel is quite accurate and “transparent”, and the balance is completely excellent, thanks to which I perfectly felt the car and understood its capabilities.
The Pilot is ideally suited for long distance voyages. Excellent directional stability on a straight line and in gentle turns allows you to ignore bumps, ruts and feel relaxed. Soft suspension lulls passengers, but does not annoy the buildup on the waves of the road surface. And the insulation is excellent: neither the engine nor the tires are completely audible, and the wind whistles only barely noticeably in large mirrors. Unless on bumps with sharp edges, the suspension no-no and “kicks” with unsprung masses, but this behavior is typical for heavy cars with soft chassis settings. And one more important point, useful for long-distance trips: the crossover can be refueled with 92nd gasoline.
So, Honda Pilot is a spacious, imposing, practical and comfortable car. An excellent contender for the role of a family vehicle for all occasions. True, comfort costs money. The most affordable equipment of the "Japanese" will cost 2,999,900 rubles, the top version is offered for 3,599,900 rubles.
| Specifications Honda Pilot |
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|---|---|
| Dimensions, mm | 4954x1997x1788 |
| Wheel base, mm | |
| Turning diameter, m | |
| Ground clearance, mm | |
| Trunk volume, l | |
| Curb weight, kg | |
