2006 Honda Pilot SUV Driving Impressions
The Pilot shares mechanical features (engine, transmission, all-wheel-drive system, and brakes) with the more expensive Acura MDX, and it shows. The Pilot's road manners seem just a little better than necessary to compete in this class. Pilot was developed primarily for highways and city streets, though its ground clearance, suspension travel and standard tires are fine for light off-highway duty.
The new 255-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 is more than adequate to propel the Pilot, which weighs in at 4400 pounds. Acceleration is excellent, particularly in the 30-60 mph range that matters most in daily use. The Pilot outguns the V6-powered Toyota Highlander by 25 horsepower. More important, the engine produces 250 pound-feet of torque from 3000 to 5000 rpm, slightly more than the Toyota V6. The big 4.2-liter six-cylinder in the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy produce 275 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, but are based on truck chassis and are about 200 pounds heavier than the Pilot. They don't have five-speed automatic transmissions and their fuel economy is slightly lower. |