2011 Honda Pilot

The 2011 Honda Pilot comes in four trim models: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. The trims are offered in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive configurations. It starts at $28,320 for the base model and goes up to $39,000 for the topmost trim level, which does get a bit expensive. 

There are several features available on the Pilot, starting with the base model. With the EX-L trim, however, there are much more exciting features both in terms of comfort and entertainment. These features include tri-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth with navigation, leather upholstery, and more.

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The EX trim packs the most punch considering the price and the amenities on offer. For a bit above $30,000, the trim packs feature 17-inch wheels, heated mirrors, tri-zone climate control, and a power driver seat with two-way power lumbar. If you can stretch the budget by $3,000 the EX-L is a solid offer as well. 

The 2011 Honda Pilot is equipped with a 3.5L V6 that puts out 263 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque so you don't feel the lack of power most of the time. Each trim level of the vehicle comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission paired with its V6 engine. It is a great SUV for people who are looking for a powerful engine that does not sacrifice fuel efficiency much.

As for speed, it does not outperform its peers in terms of numbers. However, going from 0 to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds is not bad either for a three-seater SUV. In terms of ride quality, the Pilot has both pros and cons. When you are on uneven terrain, the suspension works great. But, you might feel its heft with body rolls during cornering. In comparison, the Pilot's braking performance is poor as it takes 142 feet to come to a complete stop from 60 mph.

Most of the crossovers are powered by a V6 under the hood, with the one in the Pathfinder being the fastest in the group. The Pilot’s acceleration, on the other hand, is pretty sluggish and is very similar to the Highlander which has 2 cylinders less. All the crossovers get an option of AWD but it is very unlikely that the Pilot will do any better. 

Despite its impressive fuel economy, especially for a three-row crossover SUV, the Honda Pilot isn't as efficient as the rivals, despite the latter having a V6. The EPA rates the Pilot’s fuel efficiency at 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway, for a combined MPG of 19 from its 21.0-gallon fuel tank. Opt for the AWD powertrain and see the MPG drop one MPG on all parameters. 

The economy of the Toyota Highlander is the best among the rivals, with the Explorer being the next-best bet and the best bet for a V6. The Honda’s MPG figures are a bit lower but the bigger fuel tank aids in churning out more miles than any of the other crossovers in the competition. Pretty surprising for a thirsty V6, which is not as bad as the Nissan’s.

The Honda Pilot has a spacious and very well-designed interior, making it an excellent SUV for families. The interior is characterized by a sturdy interior design and comfortable seats. It is comfortable and easy to use for the driver. Even a tall occupant will feel comfortable and have plenty of legroom. There are plenty of cup holders in the back seat, and the armrests are easily adjustable. The driver's seat is 10-way power-adjustable and comes with power lumbar support as well. However, the uppermost trim level includes seat memory function as standard.

There is a sunroof on offer as well. There are leather seats in the front, a tri-zone automatic climate control system, and many other features included as standard. Even on the third row, the Pilot can comfortably accommodate average-sized adults due to its spacious dimensions. Your belongings can be stowed away and kept safe in the various bins and compartments. The cargo area is also spacious. Additionally, the third row can be folded down in a 60/40 ratio to increase cargo space even further.

With three rows of seats, the Honda is extremely spacious. It is slightly smaller, however, when compared to Ford's second and third rows. With all seats upright, the Explorer has the most cargo space in this segment at 21 cubic feet. However, the Pilot has a space of 18 cubic feet, which is the second-best in this comparison. Nevertheless, the interiors are supremely comfortable and are very well-made, which is highlighted by:

• Rear-window sunshades
• Driver memory functions
• Leather upholstery 
• Leather steering wheel
• Heated and power-adjustable front seats
• Tri-zone automatic climate control

How intuitive is the 2011 Honda Pilot's infotainment unit?

The infotainment system on the 2011 Honda Pilot is controlled via a small screen above the front console. In the base trim, there are 7 speakers which can be upgraded to a 10-speaker premium system. A DVD system is also provided in the topmost trim for rear passengers' entertainment. Other Honda Pilot infotainment features include XM Radio, AM/FM stereo, USB audio interface, radio data system, and speed-sensitive volume control. The system has a lot of features, some of the most important ones being:

• CD/MP3 player
• Auxiliary audio jack
• USB ports
• Voice-activated navigation 
• Bluetooth
• iPod interface

The exterior of the 2011 Honda Pilot has not changed for a long time. It has the same old boxy design structure, which may not be to everyone's taste. On the other hand, the Pilot's structure performs admirably when it comes to rigidity. With ACE's body structure, its body is more aerodynamic and more structurally sound.

The exterior dimensions of the Honda Pilot also appear to be average. On the front, it has automatic on/off Halogen headlamps. In the top variant, the power side mirrors have a heating feature and memory function. Additionally, it comes with a power liftgate, remote entry, 17-inch steel wheels, etc. All trims, except the base model, come standard with 17-inch alloy wheels as standard.

The Ford Explorer has the most presence and proportions in the competition, also giving it the most street cred. The others have an 8.0-inch ground clearance while the Pathfinder has an inch more in terms of ground clearance, which helps in off-road situations. That said, the Pilot looks the most premium of all, with the key exterior features being:

• 17-inch steel/alloy wheels
• Rear privacy glass
• Automatic headlights
• Trailer hitch
• Fog lights
• Roof rails

The 2011 Honda Pilot is an SUV that does not disappoint when it comes to safety. This SUV received a 4-star rating from NHTSA, one of the top organizations for vehicle safety testing.

On the other hand, looking at its features and overall performance, the IIHS gave it top scores for rollover and frontal collisions and several other aspects. Moreover, the Pilot comes equipped with plenty of safety features to keep the occupants safe, with some of the key safety features being:

• Emergency Braking Assist
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Engine Immobilizer
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

The 2011 Honda Pilot is an excellent SUV choice for families. The extra space inside the cabin will make them feel at ease, and the third row is also large enough for any adult to feel comfortable.

While its engine does deliver good power, its weight is likely to be felt on highways and uphills when driving it. Nevertheless, it is, without a doubt, a very good SUV in this segment.