On the road: Honda Pilot Elite AWD

Minivans. The mere mention of this type of family-oriented vehicle makes some buyers crazy. It can not be versatility because no vehicle on the market has as much interior space or cargo capacity for families traveling as the minivan. So it has to be the image, the perception that you are something less than your peers in driving something as sensible, so practical.

The proliferation of three-row crosses has crushed the van class. Unlike three-tier SUVs that use a truck-scale chassis, three-row crossovers often use a chassis based on a mini-van platform – or worse, a big car. However, the three-row crossover seems more robust, even though it's not, giving a substance to the image that is so important for this burgeoning category.

So, when Honda revised its previously boxy driver for 2016, critics quickly criticized the softer look and similar to that of a minivan. For 2019, Honda has produced a mid-cycle driver that incorporates new "more robust" front and rear fascias, while enhancing the group of instruments and multimedia sets, as well as reprogramming the new-build automatic gearbox. speeds complaints from customers regarding less than perfect performance Overall, the new driver makes a better impression.

The number three crossover of sales in 2018 (behind the Ford Explorer – also new in 2019 – and the Toyota Highlander), the Pilot will soon be joined by a two-row version named Passport – just like one of the first-ever Honda crossovers offered years ago. This will give Honda four crossover models – HR-V, CR-V, Passport and Driver – where action and sales are held in the showrooms.

Pilots' prices increased by approximately $ 550 over the entire range: $ 32,445 for base LX versions with front wheel drive, $ 38,755 for EX-L units and $ 49,015 for a model Elite AWD as our sample. Yet, Honda has added its complete Honda Sensing safety equipment to each version the price increase is essentially a wash. These elements include forward collision warning, emergency braking, adaptive cruise, blind spot detection and assistance with lane maintenance. For the LX, ES and EX-L versions, AWD costs $ 1,900 more.

The LX, ES and EX versions use a six-speed automatic transmission with conventional shift on the console, paired with the 3.5-liter V-6 engine and 280 hp. The Touring and Elite Trim drivers receive the reworked nine-speed automatic with an eccentric arrangement of electric buttons on the console. The EPA ratings are 19/26 mpg; Our low-mileage Elite did not like January's Arctic temperatures, averaging 20.5 mpg for its sunny, cold Downeast visit.

Despite the crossover designation, it's hard not to make similarities with its Odyssey minivan; The driver has 16 cupholders, the middle-row Captain's seats offer great flexibility for cargo, the rearward and rearward visibility is excellent, while the rear cargo capacity is be the best in the segment. The driving sensation is agile and light, partly because of the feeling of strong thrust of the steering. Yet the responsive V6 helps the pilot to navigate effortlessly even though dynamic cruising often responds slowly to changes in traffic.

Driving dynamics are very good and the safety of all-wheel drive has made winter driving more comforting. However, the maneuverability of the pilot will bring more thoughts of a minivan when bending over corners, revealing its higher center of gravity. Most drivers may never feel these sensations because a large family would probably discourage a pace that would upset passengers.

Elite trim offers a host of "must have" features. Remote start, dual-panel sunroof, steering wheel and heated leather seats, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple / Android compatible HD radio, LED indicators at the front and rear, heated seats at second-row, second-row sunshade, Blu-Ray rear DVD entertainment system, navigation, Honda's Cabin Talk system, plus a power liftgate are some of the highlights. The volume knob added on the 8-inch touch screen is a significant improvement over the previous capacitive scrollbar. It would also be wise to bring back a simple knob for station selections and application handling.

Although the fuel economy of our driver just out of the trailer will certainly improve with the climate (and kilometers), the ease of use of this three-row crossover is a constant. Exits and entrances are exceptionally convenient, driver comfort is very good with under-zero heating components, and standard electronic safety devices enhance Honda's five-star general safety rating. It should also be noted that the pilot had an excellent automatic climate control system – three zones as well – that outperformed several recently sampled systems. And when it's 10 below zero, like two mornings, this remote start feature is the most valuable feature offered.

More than an Odyssey AWD, the new driver position should help many families cope with their disorder of the minivan with a more than competent crossover.

Tim Plouff

Journalist at The American Ellsworth

Tim Plouff examined automobiles in the pages of The American Ellsworth weekly for nearly two decades.

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