February 20, 2002

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Preview:
2003 Honda Pilot
by Greg Wilson

It was only two months ago that Honda President Hiroyuki Yoshino announced that Honda would build a new mid-sized SUV called the Pilot. Not long after, Honda showed a pre-production model at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit where they announced that a production version would go on sale by the summer of 2002. Honda certainly didn't waste any time bringing the Pilot to market!

One reason for its rapid progress is that the Pilot shares the same platform and mechanical components as the Acura MDX, and will be built on the same assembly line as the MDX and Odyssey at Honda's plant in Alliston, Ontario. Production starts this Spring.

The Pilot will slot into Honda's lineup above the recently-redesigned CR-V ($26,900 - $28,700) and below the Acura MDX ($47,000). Probable competitors for the Pilot will include the Toyota 4Runner 4X4 ($37,365), Chevy Trailblazer 4X4 ($38,170), GMC Envoy SLE 4X4 ($41,275), Nissan Pathfinder SE 4X4 ($38,200), Ford Explorer XLT 4X4 ($39,105), and Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4X4 ($39,005). Based on its competitor's prices, my guess is that Honda will price the Pilot in the $35,000 to $40,000 range.

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Designed for the 'drive-thru' generation

Like the MDX, the Pilot will have a roomy, family-sized interior - roomier than most of its current competitors. The Pilot will seat up to eight passengers in three rows of seats - that's one more passenger than the Acura MDX. The interior features 60/40 split folding second- and third-row seats which allow a variety of passenger/cargo carrying combinations. With a wide track and a flat cargo floor, Honda says the Pilot has the largest and most versatile passenger and cargo carrying capability in its class.

For the benefit of the 'drive-thru' generation, the Pilot's second-row seat has a child's activity tray with a cup holder and a tray for fast food items including a special place for fast food sauce containers. There's also room for game machines, crayons, markers and other kids' stuff. As well, Honda's DVD Rear Entertainment System will probably be offered as an option.

The Pilot includes a number of 'family-friendly' features including a large centre storage bin, dedicated cell phone cradle, 12-volt power outlet, CD rack, and two-position cup holder. The Pilot's instrument panel features a sporty, three-gauge centre instrument cluster, a silver-trimmed steering wheel which includes buttons for cruise control and audio controls for the 7-speaker AM/FM/CD/Cassette Stereo. A column-mounted shift lever makes it easier to see and reach to centre controls and console area.

 
Safety features

Honda did their own crash tests to see how the Pilot would fare in future government (NHTSA) and insurance industry (IIHS) crash tests. Honda's tests reveal the Pilot will provide five-star crash safety performance in frontal and side impacts for front and rear passengers – that's the highest safety rating given by the federal government. Honda says they've paid particular attention to the rear design to provide a high level of safety for third-row passengers in a rear collision.

Inside the Pilot, standard safety features will include dual-stage/dual-threshold driver and front passenger airbags, an "intelligent" front passenger side airbag with Occupant Position Detection System, and three point seatbelts with pretensioners and headrests in all eight seating positions.

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Under the hood

Like the MDX, the Pilot has a 3.5 litre SOHC 24 valve V6 engine with VTEC (variable valve timing) and a five-speed automatic transmission mated to Honda's VTM-4 (Variable Torque Management 4WD) full-time, four-wheel drive system. Final horsepower ratings were not revealed, but the current MDX has 240 horsepower. The Pilot will meet LEV (low emissions vehicle) standards.

The Pilot's 4WD system distributes engine power to all four wheels, but most of the time, the Pilot runs in front-wheel-drive.

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Up to 55 percent of the engine's torque can be sent to the rear wheels if the front wheels slip. The 4WD system can be locked manually using a button on the dash, but it automatically shuts off above 29 km/h. The Pilot doesn't offer a Low Range gear for extreme off-roading adventures. However, with more than 8-inches of ground clearance, short front and rear overhangs, a wide track, and four-wheel drive, Honda says the Pilot is designed to provide excellent off-road stability and performance.

On-road handling is expected to be as good as the MDX. Like the MDX, the Pilot has a four-wheel independent suspension system, and four-wheel disc brakes with standard anti-lock (ABS). For a preview of how the Pilot is likely to drive, see my test-drive of the 2001 Acura MDX by clicking HERE.

Technical Specifications 2003 Honda Pilot

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Body: All-steel unit body with passenger safety shell and dual side impact door beams

Engine: 3.5-liter, 24-valve, all-aluminum SOHC V6 with VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control)

4WD system: Honda VTM-4 (Variable Torque Management 4WD) full-time four-wheel drive with electronically locking rear differential

Transmission: 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Honda Grade Logic Control

Suspension: Front Independent strut-type with "L" arm, gas-pressurized shocks and stabilizer bar; Rear Independent multi-link with trailing arm, gas-pressurized shocks and stabilizer bar

Steering: Variable power-assist rack-and-pinion

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Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-channel Anti-Lock Braking system (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution

Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs. (4,500 lbs. with boat)

Ground Clearance: 8 inches

Approach/Departure/Breakover Angles: 28/21/21 degrees

Safety features:

• All-steel unit body with passenger safety cell construction
• Dual side impact door beams
• Dual-stage/dual-threshold front airbags
• Driver side airbag
• Passenger side airbag with Occupant Position Detection System
• Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
• LATCH child seat anchor system

Greg Wilson is a Vancouver-based automotive journalist and editor of CanadianDriver