2009 Honda Pilot 3.5L V6 4WD 5AT (253 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Honda introduced the second generation of its large SUV Pilot in 2008 for the 2009 model year and surprised its customers with the boxy design look of its vehicle and interior room.

While the world financial crisis affected sales, carmakers began to shrink their costs. On the other hand, Honda understood that the market asked for more SUVs and tried to provide them with a new model to lure buyers into its showrooms. The previous generation of this nameplate looked more like a scaled-up CR-V, but the new model came with a distinct boxy appearance. Furthermore, it enhanced the vehicle’s interior and drivetrain. Honda made the Pilot based on the same platform as the Acura MDX but with seating for seven. It offered the car in five grades: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and SE. The last version was available only for the 2015 model year before introducing the third generation of the Pilot.

Honda created the 2009 Pilot with an unusual-looking front fascia that sported a floating-grille design, where a silver trim looked like it was suspended on the black mesh behind it. The rectangular headlights that flanked it sported round headlamps and corner-mounted turn signals. On the lower side, the Japanese automaker placed a wrapped-around plastic bumper adorned by a trapezoidal-shaped trim that mimicked a rock slider and flanked by available fog lamps.

The boxy look of the vehicle was more evident in the SUV’s profile. Its raked windshield was the only element that wasn’t vertical. In contrast, the flat side panels and windows created an image of a utility vehicle rather than a family-friendly SUV. Even the door grab handles looked like they were carried over from a truck. To further enhance the rugged look, Honda added flared wheel arches and didn’t put any side sills to emphasize ground clearance. At the back, the vertical tailgate featured an independently opening rear window, which allowed customers to easily load smaller items into the trunk. All grades came standard with a tow-hitch.

Inside, the tall dashboard didn’t resemble other Honda vehicles from the same era. Fronting the driver was a three-dial instrument panel featuring an additional display for the car’s onboard computer. Atop the center stack was a second display for the multimedia system. At the same time, a sat-nav unit with an eight-inch touchscreen was available. Honda placed the gear selector next to the steering wheel, mounted on the center stack, which was another odd solution. Those looking for an excellent sound experience could opt for the 512-watt ten-speaker audio. The Pilot came fitted as standard with seven seats in a 2-3-2 layout. With all the middle and the last rows folded, the trunk space reached a staggering 87.6 cu-ft (2,480 liters).

Under the hood, the Pilot had only one engine option, a 3.5-liter V6 that put out 253 PS (250 hp) paired with a five-speed automatic gearbox. Honda offered the option of either an FWD or a 4WD system. The latter variant could tow up to 4,500 pounds (2,041 kg.)