The 2011 Honda Pilot returns mostly unchanged from last year. At a glance, the 2011 Honda Pilot would seem to do a fine job as a family hauler. In sum, we think the 2011 Honda Pilot is an adequate choice for a midsize or large crossover SUV. The 2011 Honda Pilot is a midsize crossover SUV offered in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. Each is available with either front- or all-wheel drive. The EX adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, painted body molding (versus black plastic), roof rails, heated exterior mirrors, an eight-way power driver seat (with two-way power lumbar), steering-wheel audio controls, tri-zone automatic climate control, an in-dash six-CD changer, and satellite radio. Optional on the EX-L is a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a voice-activated navigation system bundled with Bluetooth, an iPod interface and a 10-speaker premium audio system.
The 2011 Honda Pilot is motivated by a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 250 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all Pilot models are available with an all-wheel-drive system that automatically apportions power to the rear wheels -- up to 70 percent -- when front slippage occurs.
Safety
Standard safety equipment includes stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Mimicking the 2011 Honda Pilot's utilitarian exterior styling, the interior features a rugged and blocky theme. The Pilot also keeps stride with the competition with its roomy third-row seats.
Driving Impressions
In terms of performance, the 2011 Honda Pilot is burdened by a lack of power and a hefty curb weight. On curvy roads, the Pilot also feels rather cumbersome. In our testing, however, that positive feel ran counter to the Pilot's rather long stopping distances.
The Pilot is Honda's mid-size crossover utility vehicle, offering a rugged look combined with a very passenger-friendly package and surprisingly good on-the-road performance.
Interior themes are also a bit gimmicky and overwrought in a chunky, macho aesthetic..
Ride quality is a little firm, but with the optional four-wheel-drive (actually all-wheel drive) system, which has a Lock mode, the Pilot is great for getting through deep snow, mud, and the like. Four-wheel-drive models can tow up to 4,500 pounds.
From a practicality standpoint, the interior of the 2011 Honda Pilot interior brims with cubbies, holders, and bins for accoutrements of all sorts.
The Pilot is available in four different trim levels—LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring—each of which is offered in 2WD or 4WD. Base 2011 Honda Pilot LX models come with rear air conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control, and a seven-speaker sound system, while the top-of-the-line Touring includes a host of tech features, such as a nav system, a rearview camera, a Bluetooth hands-free interface, a USB audio plug, backup sensors, and available rear DVD entertainment.
