Honda's 2009 Pilot Gets Better MPG
By Todd Kaho
Bigger isn’t always better, particularly in the green car arena. The second generation Honda Pilot is bigger in nearly every dimension when compared to its predecessor: 2.9 inches longer, 1 inch taller, and 1 inch wider. It also weighs a bit more (44 pounds from added features) and has a more powerful engine. With fuel prices soaring, you may be wondering just what Honda is thinking in upsizing such a very popular platform when buyers are increasingly shopping mpg.
In typical Honda fashion, the new generation Pilot manages all of the above while delivering better fuel economy and more power. Thanks to powertrain refinements and Honda’s three mode Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) – which allows the sophisticated 3.5 liter V-6 to fire on six, four, or three cylinders as needed – the new, bigger, and heavier Pilot actually delivers better fuel economy. At 17 city and 23 highway for 2WD models and 16 city and 22 highway for 4WD variants, the ’09 delivers an 8 percent overall mileage improvement. The new 24 valve i-VTEC engine achieves this while producing 6 more horsepower (250 @ 5,700 rpm) and 13 more lbs-ft of torque (253 @ 4,800 rpm) to round out the package.
So why didn’t Honda simply trim the Pilot a bit and see even greater fuel economy improvements? According to the design and engineering team, customers told them not to. Pilot owners are quite loyal, but they simply asked for more … greater cargo and third row seat space, improved interior functionality, increased towing capacity (now 4,500 lbs), and enhanced all-terrain capability. And yes, Pilot owners do seem to prefer the all-weather capability of the 4WD model, which accounts for 65 percent of all sales.
We recently had the opportunity to drive every trim level of the 2009 Honda Pilot in pre-production form in and around Ann Arbor, Michigan and found it delivers as claimed. The new Pilot, while not quite as nimble as the 2003-2008 first generation variant, offers a more refined ride. It is simply a more substantial SUV in nearly every way and has grown to be a true full eight passenger vehicle. The Pilot now has a more commanding on-road presence and its added power makes passing and merging maneuvers a breeze. Since we were driving pre-production units, we will reserve final vehicle dynamics and performance analysis until regular production Pilots are available for testing.
The 2009 Honda Pilot is the most efficient non-hybrid mid-size SUV available and is rated as a top in class with a ULEV-2 CARB emissions rating. Further green credentials can be found in materials selection and Honda’s greener manufacturing processes. Honda points out that 95 percent of all the materials in the new Pilot are recyclable. Final pricing has yet to be set for the 2009 Pilot, but Honda says stickers should range from a base of $27,500 to $40,000 for the all new luxury Touring trim level.
Want to know more about fuel efficient SUVs? Be sure to check out these articles on GreenCar.com:
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Wins Green Car of the Year®
2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid SUV Improves Fuel Economy
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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