2014 Honda Pilot: Will it Stay or Will it Go?

The Honda Pilot is still on the market. To (almost) quote Mark Twain, “The reports of its death were greatly exaggerated.” But for the past two years, there really have been rumours that this model would be replaced. And after the Acura MDX was updated last year, everyone was sure that the Pilot’s turn was next.

While this new model is apparently going to arrive in the fall of 2014, the Pilot remains available for the time being. It’s true that it’s starting to show its age, but we shouldn’t hold that against it. At least, that’s our conclusion after a recent road test of the Pilot.

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Austere style

I doubt that many people choose this model for its silhouette. Its edges are very angular and the only aspect that brightens its appearance is its chrome grille. The grille’s three bars support the Honda symbol and enhance the vehicle’s width—which is totally unnecessary. Below the grille is a bumper that must do a good job protecting passengers, because it is huge. At either side of the bumper are round fog lamps that help balance the overall presentation. The rest looks as though it was cut with a knife. Maybe the Pilot’s stylists were inspired by the Hummer H2 when they designed the body?

Fortunately, the interior is less austere. The centre display screen contains all the audio and temperature controls. This control centre is within easy view. While it has a lot of buttons and keys, they’re fairly easy to figure out. The Pilot shares a lot of qualities with the Ridgeline pickup truck, including the indicator dials, which have needles that seem to float on a grey background. They are easy to read, both day and night.

It goes without saying that the steering wheel spokes feature various controls: sound system, cruise control and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity. But it’s all too easy to hit these accidentally when driving, and just when you’re listening to something interesting on the radio, a totally unnatural voice interrupts to ask whether you’d like to make a phone call. Grrr! But while we’re on the topic of the interior, note that there is a plethora of storage compartments, as well as a small shelf over the glove box, and two storage cubbies in the door. The rear doors also include cup holders.

The second row bench is relatively comfortable, though the third bench is rather tight. When the back row is up, the cargo hold is small considering the vehicle’s dimensions. The Rear Entertainment System includes a liquid-crystal display so you can watch your favourite movies or play video games.

Despite all these accessories, some aspects are conspicuously absent and remind us just how old the vehicle actually is. The Pilot does not come with a smart key—there’s just a conventional one. Some drivers will appreciate this, but most competitors’ models are more modern and come with this accessory. Also, while the fit and trim is impeccable (as in most Honda models) the quality of the materials is just average.

Still competitive

Since a replacement model is expected in just a few months, you might think that this SUV is technologically out of touch, powered by a sluggish engine and offering geriatric road handling. But I personally find this hefty Honda still competitive on highways and back roads. Sure, its five-speed transmission is a little old-school, but its 3.5-litre V6 is nonetheless up to the task. It delivers 250 horsepower and includes variable displacement technology, which deactivates two or three cylinders when they aren’t needed. This translates into fuel savings. In this regard, we noted 12 liters per 100 kilometres, an average rate that would be lower if the transmission were more modern.

The chassis is sufficiently rigid and is paired with an independent suspension on all four wheels, which allows for decent road handling. In addition, since the four-wheel drive version of this vehicle can tow a maximum of 2,045 kg (4,500 lbs.), the suspension is relatively firm. As a result, you can expect some jolts on rougher roads. The all-wheel drive system can be locked via a button on the dashboard. It’s not an extreme all-terrain vehicle, but it’s nonetheless capable of attacking some unkempt paths.

At the end of the day, the Pilot is showing its age in some regards, but it’s still a competitive vehicle with a reliable and modern engine. Its road handling is average and shouldn’t disappoint most drivers. Plus, its all-wheel drive can tow significant loads and tackle snowy, icy or slippery roads.

Despite its merits, the Pilot will apparently be replaced in the coming months. That said, Honda has been saying this for a while. The current Pilot might stick around longer than we think!