So, it appears that if you want to push the boat out and have all the bells and whistles on your Pilot, then you'd better be prepared to dig a little deeper into the old pocket.

This 3.5-litre V6 engine has proven its merits in many other Honda/Acura vehicles.

Speaking of boats, the pilot's 3.5L, 24 valve, V6 V-Tec motor certainly offers plenty of pulling power. It is quiet in operation and when coupled to the 5 speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control, it should offer reasonable boat towing capabilities

The Honda website lists the towing rate for the pilot at 1590Kgs for the 2WD version, and 2045Kgs for the rest of the models. Of course, you'll need a hitch first... (Hitch $530.94 + Wiring Harness $252.62, or their special Pilot Tow Package at $1362.07 which includes the Hitch, the Harness, and a Power Steering and Transmission cooler).

By now you can probably see where I'm going with this story. In my mind, the Honda Pilot EX-L Navi is a perfectly fine vehicle. It drives very nice indeed, and has excellent road manners. It is comfortable, spacious, and can carry 7 passengers, if, and when required.

However, when looking at the top of the line EX-L Navi model, by the time you purchase a few nice little add-ons, like the exterior chrome, the interior wood finish, and their i-linc system, you're way up and over $50k.

In my opinion, that is a sizeable chunk of change for this vehicle, especially when you compare it to some of the North American competitors, which often come already loaded with these features.

Now, don't get me wrong, I still think that the Honda Pilot is a nice vehicle. In fact, the base model at $36,820 may well be a bargain. The problem, in my mind, arises when Honda attempts to take that particular model further up-market whilst expecting buyers to pay extra for things like chrome, wood trim, and even the hitch!

I also feel that while the vehicle's somewhat conservative looks might appeal to some, many will wander off in the direction of Acura, which not only offers Honda reliability, but also an element of excitement that is somehow missing from the Pilot.

Sadly, that is my opinion on the Pilot EX-L Navi, a very "nice" SUV, But...



Honda reliability, it's as simple as that!




Rather drab styling, just a little to boring for me personally.



Available extras are quite pricey, and in my mind, many should have been included as standard on a model such as the EX-L Navi.


Photo Credit : Kevin Corrigan