2012 Honda Pilot Review

The new 2012 Honda Pilot is designed for adventure. Fitted for fun. And especially with the new Touring model, it even handles a desire for luxury. With features like a power tailgate, navigation system1 and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, it just may be the most sophisticated tool in the shed. Finding the moment. The sweet spot. The instant when everything comes together perfectly. Achieving it is easier when you’re ready for anything. With its wealth of features and impressive capabilities, the new Pilot is your tool of choice. Drive useful and functional. Drive informed. The Touring model’s Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition gives you information on 7 million points of interest,* provides Zagat Survey ratings and reviews, and even lets you call ahead with its Bluetooth2 HandsFreeLink capabilities.

If the moment at hand involves up to eight people, a load of gear, or any combination of the two, the Pilot is up to the task. The 60/40 split-folding second- and third-row seats give you 16 different configuration options. For greater third-row comfort, the 2012 Honda Pilot includes almost two inches of additional legroom. Drive to get something done. Anything at all. And with its 4-ft-wide fold-flat floor, 87 cu ft of cargo space,6 tie-down anchors, cargo-area bag hooks and a new lift-up glass hatch for increased access, the Pilot is a fully functional toolbox. Rear storage well is larger than on previous models, giving you plenty of cargo space even when you’re loaded up with passengers. Its cover keeps valuables out of view.

Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System, available on EX- L and Touring, lets rear passengers choose their own distinct audio or video source, or plug in a game console. Premium audio system on EX-L with RES and Touring features 10 speakers, including center channel and subwoofer, surround sound and a 512-watt amplifier. Radio Data System (RDS) on all models can display information on the song currently playing. XM Radio is standard on EX and above. Digital Music Files can be accessed through a USB port5 on Touring or through an MP3/auxilliary input jack on all models. iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPod not included. Provided by Filter U.S. Recordings c and p 2007.

Drive comfy. The Honda Pilot is equipped with enough amenities to ensure that every passenger gets his or her fair share of pampering. This includes an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat featuring power lumbar support (EX and above) and 4-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat (EX-L, Touring). Moonroof on EX- L and Touring models is larger than previous generations and features a sunshade and a wind diffuser for minimal turbulence inside the cabin. Ports and outlets on select models include a USB port and a 115-volt outlet. Two-position memory on Touring adjusts driver’s seat and outside mirrors. Integrated second-row sunshades are standard on the Touring model. Second row features climate controls and a 12-volt power outlet. RES-equipped models include RCA inputs for a game console or other video source.

Drive with a purpose, a mission and the knowledge that you’ve got power to spare. The 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 generates 250 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque enough to tow up to 4,500 lbs. Standard equipment like an integrated Class III trailer hitch, heavy-duty radiator and fluid coolers means the Pilot comes fitted with most of what you need for some serious hauling. Drive smart. Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology on both 2- and 4-wheel-drive models activates or deactivates certain engine cylinders, giving you power when you need it, more miles between fill-ups and an Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (ULEV-2) rating. It’s fuel economy cleverly disguised as a powerful engine. During steady cruising, the Pilot’s V- 6 shuts down the entire rear bank of cylinders resulting in greater fuel efficiency. An Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system helps control engine noise. When maximum torque is required such as when you’re merging onto the freeway or climbing a steep hill all six cylinders are firing to deliver the engine’s full power. When cruising speeds climb, the engine moves from 3-cylinder operation to 4-cylinder mode. The transitions between all modes are nearly seamless to the driver.

Drive nimble. The journey may be half the fun, but you still want to get where you’re going. The Pilot’s rigid unit-body construction, enhanced independent suspension and variable powerassisted rack-and-pinion steering deliver precise handling and a smooth ride. The larger wheel and tire combination also adds to the vehicle’s incredible ride quality and stability. 4-wheel independent suspension features a front strut/multi - link rear design for a smooth, car- like ride. The front suspension uses fluid-filled bushings for better ride isolation and vibration control. VTM-4 Lock on 4-wheel-drive models helps when circumstances require extra traction. You can manually lock the rear differential with the push of a button located on the instrument panel. Hill Start Assist senses when you’re stopped on an incline and will hold the brakes for a brief moment as you transition from the brake to the accelerator to help reduce rollback.

As important to your well-being as the 2012 Honda Pilot various safety features, equally crucial are the vehicle’s performance features, such as the sophisticated steering and suspension systems, which help keep you out of trouble in the first place. The core Honda belief that every passenger deserves heightened levels of safety has led us to become an industry leader in developing and applying advanced safety technology. The Pilot is a prime showcase for this philosophy with standard features such as active front head restraints, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system in 4 seating positions. Six airbags offer all three rows an impressive defense against injury. They include dual-stage, dual -threshold front airbags* that can vary their deployment based on accident severity and seat-belt usage, front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), and three row side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor.

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