Pilot Touring- the ultimate Pilot
The 'Touring' tester represented the Pilot at its most fully-loaded. With no selectable options, it included a flip-down DVD player, 6-CD changer, navigation system, voice command, Bluetooth phone, backup camera and sunroof. A leather trimmed steering wheel houses a full set of controls for the stereo and phone, and a fully automatic climate control system keeps occupants at their desired temperatures.

Complaints inside? The climate and audio controls are small, cluttered and hard to locate at first. It's a high tech and futuristic look, but not a layout conducive to quick, intuitive use. Also, visibility at the rear corners is limited.
After personally testing the Pilot Touring on an 8 hour road trip with a nasty flu, this writer can vouch for the merits of its easy to use, handy and comfortable cabin. Heated seats put a quick end to the chills, too.

On the open road
Highway mileage on my trip from Sudbury to Laval averaged about 13.5 L / 100km, dipping as low as 12.8 on one occasion. That's reasonable given the 250 horsepower on tap. Pilot's not the gutsiest vehicle in its peer group even with a slight power bump from last year-- though it does turn in decent figures if driven gently.

Body roll is kept well in check during quick corners, though the ride can feel excessively tough and truck-like over the rough stuff. Pilot doesn't exactly slice through the air either, a characteristic you'll hear as speeds exceed 110 km/h.

The Pilot is not the gutsiest vehicle in its peer group even with a slight power bump from last year.

A slick, conservative performer
The 3.5 litre VTEC V6 with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) uses trick valve timing and cylinder deactivation to ensure optimized efficiency. It's a smooth mill, and one that operates quietly in gentle driving but with a pleasing yelp when pushed.

Power is channeled through Honda's Variable Torque Management (VTM) four wheel drive system, which operates as a front wheel drive until wheelspin kicks the rear axle into play. Traction is rarely an issue, though the system may allow plenty of front-wheel spin and torque-steer in some situations. A VTM 'lock' setting can be engaged for off-road duties as needed.

A worthy buy at $49,920
The sheer number of machines competing for your buck in this market is both a problem and a blessing. On one hand, it leaves shoppers with plenty of choice and often competitive pricing. On the other, it can make selecting the right model a noggin-scratcher.

Pilot Touring comes with no options to consider-which makes the selection and configuration process a breeze. In this comprehensive, fully-loaded trim level, it proves a welcomed evolution of the nameplate, as well as a logical step-up for the Honda enthusiast after a big family hauler.


Photo Credit : Justin Pritchard