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Acceleration
"AWD models have strong, ready power. Especially robust highway merging, passing
performance. Transmission's smooth, quick shifts contribute to powertrain's exemplary
behavior. Expect similar performance from front-drive models. "
Value
"Pilot is the Honda Accord of midsize SUVs--pleasant, practical, and family friendly.
There's no question about this wagon's laudable balance of utility and comfort,
refinement and power. Toss in Honda's strong reputation for reliability and resale
value, and Pilot is a bona fide Best Buy. "
Ride
"Few SUVs of any stripe absorb bumps as well as Pilot. Cracks, patchy pavement
pass with little impact, little noise. Pilot floats a bit, takes a moment to
settle after big dips at highway speeds, but never loses composure."
Economy
Test AWD EX-L averaged 16.4 mpg in mixed driving. Honda recommends regular-grade fuel for Pilot.
Noise
"As refined as any rival. Quieter, more solid than most. Coarse-pavement tire
thrum, highway wind noise well-muffled. V6 never rises above muted growl. Only
slightest body drumming over washboard roads, lane-divider dots."
Comfort - Front
"Supportive seats, generous head room, but taller drivers may want more rearward
travel and a steering wheel that tilts higher. Shorter drivers may find thigh
bolstering too prominent. Thick front roof pillars block driver's view to some
angles, but large windows and typically tall SUV driving stance mean good visibility
otherwise. Trucklike ride height requires most occupants to hoist themselves
aboard."
Comfort - Rear
"Second-row bench affords good room, comfort for two adults, three in a pinch,
but some competitors offer more usable leg room when a front seat is pushed back.
Third row is hard to access and sized mostly for kids, though even they have
little leg space. Tall step-in a demerit for 2nd-row entry/exit, narrow passageways
hinder access to 3rd row."
Controls
"Hard to fault, though adjusting illumination of main gauges to less than full
brightness renders lighting for other controls too dim for easy reading. Steering-column
shift lever doesn't block access to controls, but imprecise action means it often
overshoots Drive position. Navigation system easier to learn, use than most,
but screen is small and driver must stretch to reach main toggle control. Cabin
has fine fit/finish, but hard plastic surfaces abound."
Cargo Room
"Ample load volume once you begin to fold down seatbacks. Both rear rows drop
easily to form a flat deck, and some rear shoulder belts detach for cargo-carrying
convenience. But 3rd-row headrests must be removed to fold rearmost seatback;
they store in lidded floorwell just ahead of tailgate. Lack of separate-opening
liftgate glass disappoints. Ample interior storage includes versatile front console,
2-tier front-seatback pouches. "
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