Pilot – Automobiles Review

Honda reveals details about upcoming 2020 Honda Pilot Black Edition lineup

2020 Honda Pilot Black Edition Fresh from the plant, the new 2020 Honda Pilot arrives at dealerships tomorrow with a new Black Edition trim. Especially created as a top-tier of the entire Pilot lineup, the latest family member features exclusive styling touches and refined drivetrain system.

2020 Pilot Black Edition is based on the Elite trim level and comes with tons of exterior and interior changes and enhancements. Just like the similar Honda Ridgeline Black Edition, Pilot Black Edition features Crystal Black Pearl paint and includes Black Edition badges on the grille and tailgate. Furthermore, the engineering team has included exclusive black-painted 20-inch alloy wheels, and blackened components for the grille, headlight trim, side trim, door handles, window trim and go light accents.

Also, 2020 Pilot Black Edition is geared with the full Honda Sensing suite, which includes all kinds of technologies and systems that ensure safe and pleasurable drive.

But let’s get back to the changes and enhancements, shall we? Pilot remains one of the few models in the entire Honda portfolio to feature eight seats (seven with an optional second-row Captain’s Chair) available three-person capacity in both the second and third rows. In fact, the third-row access is made simple by the One-Touch Walk-In technology. Sweet!

Also, in addition to the Honda Sensing suite, engineers have geared the exclusive machine with an 8-inch touchscreen Display Audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, CabinTalk in-vehicle public address system, wireless smartphone charging and a hands-free power tailgate.

2020 Honda Pilot Black Edition

2020 Pilot comes with robust off-road and all-weather driving capabilities – the vehicle is geared with Intelligent Variable Torque Management system with torque-vectoring. Standard on all AWD trims, the iVTM4 uses an electronically-controlled and hydraulically-actuated rear differential in order to apportion engine torque between the front and rear axles and dynamically distribute torque between the left and right rear wheels. This aids for superior all-wheel handling and accurate steering under power. Sweet!

Source: Honda

July 30, 2019

Honda team takes home numerous prestigious awards – check ’em out!

2018 Honda Accord Honda team has managed to earn a prestigious award at the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards for 2019. With leading positions at the market, thanks to the new Civic lineup, the team was recognized as one of the best in the field, due to the capability to improve, adapt and present ever-evolving technologies and solutions that do matter in today’s world.

Civic, Accord, CR-V, Pilot and Odyssey have won numerous awards in their respective categories four times in the last five years and with the unveiling of Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, the team has managed to multiply the awards and recognitions.

Honda’s 2019 KBB Best Buy Award wins include 2019 Honda Civic in the Compact Car segment, thanks to vehicle’s efficient engines, affordable pricing, reliability and retained value; 2019 Accord was the winner at Midsize Car segment for its sophisticated, advanced and inspiring design, while 2019 CR-V was recognized for its appealing design and mainstream luxury. Odyssey Minivan has impressed jury with its numerous features and family-friendly gadgets, while Clarity Plug-in Hybrid has caught attention with its neat driving dynamics and drivetrain refinement.

As you might well know, Kelley Blue Books’ Best Buy Awards are the result of a year-long process of evaluation and testing of numerous models across US. What separates this organization from others is that the requirements include pricing, 5-year cost-to-own data, consumer reviews and rates and vehicle sales information.

Source: Honda

December 3, 2018

Honda announces details for 2019 Pilot 8-seater

2019 Honda Pilot Honda refines its award-winning 8-seat SUV and showcases new vision and attitude for 2019. Pilot has received numerous changes and had undergone tons of revisions only to demonstrate more aggressive exterior styling, enhanced performance rates and new gadgets and utilities.

Along with new Display Audio Touch Screen with smart phone integration and Honda Sensing suite the voluminous SUV will meet 2019 with extended list of standard features. For example, the mentioned Honda Sensing suite now includes way more systems and gadgets that were optional and part of exclusive packages for previous models. However, the flagship trim level, the so-called EX offers some additional premium features and maintains relatively low price, even though it is way better equipped, compared to previous year models. In fact, the premium trim levels also receive an exclusive 9-speed automatic gearbox. Neat!

2019 Honda Pilot

Also, as expected, 2019 Pilot comes with updated drivetrain system. In fact, this is one of the few Honda models that feature all-weather driving capabilities and Honda’s Intelligent Variable Torque Management system with torque vectoring. New for 2019 is the AWD setting that is now part of the standard equipment, along with electronically-controlled, hydraulically-actuated rear differential that redirects torque power output between the front and rear axles and dynamically distributes torque between left and right rear wheels. All this results in better handling, enhanced stability when cornering and all-weather driving capabilities.

Remaining one of the few Honda vehicles that offer eight seats, Pilot also features enhanced suite of utility features and entertainment gadgets. Long story short, buyers get aggressive and sporty SUV that can also ensure safe and pleasurable drive. Cool!

2019 Honda Pilot

Source: Honda

July 17, 2018

Vans VS SUVs: a battle for convenience and comfort. On which side are you?

2015 Toyota Sienna Becoming more and more popular, SUVs are known for their sporty elegance, cutting edge technologies and versatile spirit. On the other hand, the good ol’ minivans remain favorite for all these who seek vast amount of space in exchange for some needless features. So, who should go for a minivan and who should go for a SUV? Let’s check out!

Recently, we have witnessed the unveiling of some neat minivans, such as Toyota’s Sienna and Honda’s Odyssey, both of which show contemporary styling and neat technologies. But let’s be honest here: minivans are still used for delivering large groups of people or large amount of cargo in exchange for some performance rates. Yes, you can store your groceries, ski equipment, your boy’s classmates, several spare tires, the new 50-inch TV, more groceries and your German Shepherd and there will be still plenty of interior space for like three other people, but you will lack this neat power boost and flexibility that a contemporary SUV offers.

On the other hand, we do see some titanic increases in the SUV segment sales. And there is a good reason for that: a fine SUV brings incredible utility, flexibility and features, for a reasonable amount of money. Of course, we have seen a lot of issues over the past ten years: poor fuel efficiency, some models have poor ride comfort and many of them are really hard to park.

Knowing that choosing between a SUV and a minivan is a difficult decision for a lot of people, we decided to give our “two cents” about both segments and help them choose wisely. The difficulties come from the fact that both types of vehicles undergo daily changes and can often offer quite neat and more preferable additions that what they offered two years ago.

2015 Honda Pilot

Although cargo capacity is a sort of leading feature, in present days this belief is abandoned. Although there are some large SUV models and some exceptions that are especially created to offer superior amounts of interior space, a conventional sports utility vehicle cannot match a conventional minivan.

In terms of safety, the majority of minivans and SUVs are geared with feasible safety features as tons of airbags, antilock brake systems, passive and active safety features and more. Technology has done well in both segments, but we should mention that a SUV still has a bigger rollover chance than a minivan.

Convenience features

When it comes to driving with children, many experts say that the minivan is the right choice. Becoming a sort of a playhouse on wheels, the vehicle offers enough space for the small ones to play, eat, stand and sleep. Needless to say that this is especially convenient in long road driving sessions.

2015 Kia Sedona

Other good thing is that most recently the competition between brands and minivans heats up a bit, so if you are on the market for a new minivan, you will be pleased to know that there are countless choices and combinations that can fit your style pretty neatly.

But what about the SUVs? More compact and badass-looking, the utility vehicles also bring one more big advantage. Especially if you have to deal with teenagers, or you are in your twenties and searching for your first sporty machine – style. You know we are not talking just for the exterior look. Plenty of the contemporary SUVs have that incredible appearance and unmatched spirit that definitely enhances driver’s confidence.

Also, many SUV drivers say that they feel safer, thanks to vehicle’s higher ride height and the comfortable seating. However, feeling safe or not, parking remains a pain in the butt. Especially with a supersize SUV in weekdays.

Conclusion

So, what should you get? Well, if you are dealing with kids, plenty of grocery bags and two or three dogs, the van is definitely for you. Fitting the family the family needs and everything you need in a single vehicle, the van is also preferred by people who had enough of wild parties, road trips and “fun”.

2015 Ford Explorer Platinum

SUV is the right choice for people who travel through mud and snow, and for these who still desire a bit of sportiness. Or for people want to impress their friends and neighbors, but want to remain agile and versatile with a single vehicle.

Source: BGO Media Team

June 21, 2016

What Makes 2016 Honda Pilot So Safe?

2016 Honda Pilot received the highest 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). But this is not all: 2016 Pilot also earned the TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with the optional crash prevention system, which makes it the first three-row SUV machine with such high achievements and ratings.

Honda Sensing, available for Pilot EX trim levels and above, is what makes this sweetie special. It offers improved awareness with its countless systems, some of which are Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Road Departure Mitigation. Furthermore, all these systems benefit from the adoption of a sensor fusion technology integration that deliver enhanced sensing and the ability to identify and anticipate multiple collision scenarios. And of course, it initiates warning and emergency braking when needed.

Also, 2016 Pilot adopts the next-generation of Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, along with the 3-bone underbody frame design. This incorporation, along with Honda Sensing suite ensure major benefits for the overall safety of the passengers. Further safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist, electronic stability control system, Anti-lock Braking System, Brake Assist, front, side, side-curtain airbags and special interior design that prevents neck injury in cases of collision.

The latest generation of Honda Pilot is designed and developed by Honda R&D Americas, Inc, in Los Angeles and Ohio and is exclusively manufactured by Honda plant in Lincoln, Alabama.

Source: Honda

November 27, 2015

Honda Won the 2016 Best SUV Brand Award

2016 Honda Pilot Honda is now officially named “2016 Best SUV Brand” by US News & World Report, due to the excellent achievements and stats made by Honda HR-V crossover, CR-V and Pilot SUV vehicles. The prize was given after Honda confidently strengthened and expanded its truck lineup that started with the restyled 2015 CR-V back in 2014. As you remember, this was shortly followed by the arrival of the latest HR-V crossover and the third-gen Pilot. All these additions and improvements increased the total gain of the brand with 13% for a year. Furthermore, the CR-V on track wins America’s best-selling SUV for 4th consecutive year.

2015 Honda HR-V

The awards are given to these brands and vehicles that perform excellently on an overall basis within four categories: Cars; SUVs; Trucks and Luxury. Furthermore, the methodology uses combined overall scores across all models in each of the award classes. And the final score is based on a special analysis of published and credible reviews for a given model from the automotive press, along with safety and reliability data.

And now let’s preview the models one more time. The 2015 Honda CR-V comes with special direct-injected engine, restyled interior and Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technologies. In fact, this vehicle was also named 2015 Motor Trend Sport Utility of the Year. On the other hand, Honda HR-V brought completely new and growing segment and that’s why it quickly became one of the best and hottest subcompact SUV models. And last, but not least, the 2016 Pilot, Honda’s flagship SUV, comes with more top-in-class-efficiency and safety rates and offers superior performance and comfortable ride.

2015 Honda CR-V

CR-V, HR-V and Pilot are produced in North America, at Honda’s plants in Lincoln, Alabama, East Liberty, Ohio and Celaya, Mexico.

Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

November 12, 2015

2016 Honda Pilot Debuts With Almost Meaningful Spots

2016 Honda Pilot made its debut with an advertising campaign, that will try to convince us, that the room inside is spacious and comfortable, while the vehicle itself comes with numerous gadgets, ensuring it is ready for every situation. In fact, this is the first video. The second spot tries to convince us, that if you sing inside a vehicle, full of nervous people, they will instantly change their mood and will start to sing along. Strangely, when I sing inside a car, the driver kicks me out.

2016 Honda Pilot and the almost meaningful spots

With a bit more details, the first spot, “The Incredible Pilot Elite”, uses a lot of examples to show how the car could deal with every problem and with every situation. In fact, the video is nicely done with lots of eye-catching effects. As you will see for yourself, the 30-second spot demonstrates the spaciousness of the vehicle and the different “smart” technologies, that are ready to serve the driver in every single moment.

The second spot is a bit longer, and it is called “Even Better”. As I said above, the plot takes place at some almost abandoned road with nervous family, tired of driving. Then one of the members starts to sing a well-known song, Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” and eventually all the passengers start to sing happily. In fact, the video clip is directed by the award-winning director Jason Reitman (Up in the Air, Juno), but personally I think this particular spot is not his greatest achievement. However, the video is interesting to watch, even though it doesn’t show anything meaningful.

Of course, this two video spots will not be the only ones, that Honda will use to advertise 2016 Pilot. There will be some more videos, rushed to numerous TV channels and of course, there will be and social media campaign.

So far so good. The two debut spots show almost nothing, but they are still interesting to watch. And we all hope, that 2016 Honda Pilot will be a vehicle, that Honda team will be proud with.

2016 Honda Pilot

Source: Honda

July 6, 2015

2016 Honda Pilot Will Start Mass Production In Alabama

There are more than 1,500 associates at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA), that celebrate the start of production of the latest and refreshed 2016 Honda Pilot, which is scheduled to go on sale next month. The latest model has a lot of features to demonstrate, so let’s check out what it has to offer.

The restyled 2016 Pilot SUV really has a lot to demonstrate: the styling, the redesigned cabin and of course the incredible direct-injection i-VTEC V-6 engine. But maybe the most important feature is the safety system. The vehicle has already achieved highest scores for safety features in its class.

The latest Pilot will join Honda’s light-truck lineup, that already includes the best-selling SUV and 2015 Motor Trend Sport Utility, the 2015 Honda CR-V and the HR-V crossover. The Pilot will be produces alongside the Honda Odyssey, which is the leader in sales of minivans in 2015.

As you know, since its debut in 2003, the Pilot model has ever since advanced and improved and every next generation delivered smoother and more comfortable ride, along with improved drivetrain capabilities. In fact, the Pilot model influenced and transformed the SUV segment with better quality, higher-rated safety system and more space and comfort inside the cabin.

Source: Honda

May 22, 2015

Honda Adds Special Edition To 2015 Pilot Range

2015 Honda Pilot Special Edition includes styling, technology and convenience upgrades. The eight-passenger is considered by many as an ultimate family adventure vehicle, and is currently available in five trim levels. The vehicle is not only practical but also delivers class-leading EPA highway fuel economy rating of 25 mpg as well as towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. The new Pilot Special Edition is positioned between the EX and EX-L trim levels, and s currently available at company’s dealerships.

The three-row eight-seater is characterized by its sporty pewter gray aluminum alloy wheels, special SE badging, one-touch-open power moonroof. Sirus XM radio and a Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System come as a standard, so do the remote entry, rearview camera and an integrated Class III trailer hitch.

The Pilot, regardless of the trim level, is powered by the 250-horsepower4 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). The engine is coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control.

All five trim levels will be available with 2-wheel drive or with Honda‘s Variable Torque Management 4-wheel-drive system (VTM-4). The latter adds fully automatic 4-wheel-drive capability and includes a “lock mode” which can offer the optimum torque transfer to the rear wheels to aid extraction from extremely low traction or stuck conditions.

A rigid body structure and fully independent suspension with MacPherson strut front and multi-link with trailing arm rear complement the powertrain. Full US pricing is listed below:

TRIM	MSRP	EPA Fuel EconomyRating (city/highway/combined)

Pilot LX 2WD	$29,870	18/25/21
Pilot EX 2WD	$32,120	18/25/21
Pilot SE 2WD	$33,120	18/25/21
Pilot EX-L 2WD with RES	$36,970	18/25/21
Pilot EX-L 2WD with Navi	$37,370	18/25/21
Pilot Touring 2WD with RES and Navi	$40,020	18/25/21
Pilot LX 4WD	$31,470	17/24/20
Pilot EX 4WD	$33,720	17/24/20
Pilot SE 4WD	$34,720	17/24/20
Pilot EX-L 4WD	$36,970	17/24/20
Pilot EX-L 4WD with RES	$38,570	17/24/20
Pilot EX-L 4WD with Navi	$38,970	17/24/20
Pilot Touring 4WD with RES and Navi	$41,620	17/24/20

Source: Honda

June 4, 2014

Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tyres – 255/35 and 315/35 ZR20

Michelin has created the new Pilot Super Sport tyres specially for the brand new F12berlinetta, which is the most powerful Ferrari ever. The new tyres are the world’s fastest series-produced tyre on the track. The Italian manufacturer, after its previous successful collaborations related to the development of the tyres for the 599 GTO and the FF, has once more chosen Michelin among the original equipment suppliers for the new F12berlinetta,

The new Ferrari F12berlinetta has a naturally aspirated 65-degree 6.3 liter V12 – 740PS (544 kW) and 690Nm (509 lb-ft). To handle all that power, a number of technologies have been developed by Michelin’s Research and Development Center.

Here are some of them:

First is the Twaron Belt. Esentially, it is a high-density fibre which gives the Michelin Pilot Super Sport superior high-speed stability. A key feature of Twaron is that it is very strong, yet light; Twaron is five times stronger than steel of an equivalent weight.

The second is a variable contact patch 2.02 that changes its shape when cornering. That’s why the amount of rubber in contact with the road remains the same.

Last is the Tri-Compound and Bi-compound tread. Used in endurance racing, this innovation uses different rubber compounds on the left and right sides of the tread. On the outside, a unique elastomer specifically developed for racing tyres ensures exceptional endurance. On the inside, a latest-generation, high-grip elastomer enables the tyre (on wet surfaces) to break through the water’s surface and adhere to the road.

The new Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres come in two sizes: 255/35 ZR 20 for the front wheels and 315/35 ZR 20 for the rear axle.

Source: Michelin

March 19, 2012

2012 Honda Pilot Price – $28 470

Honda has officially revealed the eight-passenger SUV – 2012 Pilot, which come with a sleeker front-end design, enhanced interior features and an EPA highway fuel economy rating of 25 mpg.

The exterior modifications include a three-bar grille and restyled headlights. There are also a new windshield and big 18” alloy wheels fitted with all-terrain tires.

The interior boasts revised instrument cluster, new dashboard, power windows and locks, a 7-speaker premium audio system and 4-way air conditioning.

The SUV comes in four different trim levels – LX, EX, EX-L and Touring.

Standard comfort and convenience features on the Pilot LX include a front and rear air conditioning system with air-filtration system, keyless entry with simplified operation, tilt and telescope steering column, cruise control, power windows with auto-up/down driver’s and passenger’s window, power door and tailgate locks, AM/FM/CD stereo system with seven speakers including a subwoofer and Radio Data System (RDS), trip computer, heat-rejecting tinted glass, integrated Class III towing receiver, and more. For 2012, the Pilot LX adds AAC audio file playback capability from data discs to the CD player.

Pilot EX
The Pilot EX adds a tri-zone automatic climate control system with humidity control and air filtration, a power driver’s seat with 10-way power adjustment with lumbar support, security system, XM Radio®5, body-colored side mirrors and door handles, alloy wheels, roof rails, fog lights, exterior temperature indicator, HomeLink® Remote System, and more. For 2012, the Pilot EX now also features Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (previously exclusive to EX-L with Navi and above models), Bluetooth audio streaming and a new 2 GB CD Library (CD-L) replaces the previous 6-disc CD changer.

Pilot EX-L
Additional Pilot EX-L features include leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats, 4-way power front passenger’s seat, one-touch power moonroof, an automatic-dimming rearview mirror and the availability of either the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System^TM2 or the Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System with a 9-inch screen. The addition of either the navigation or the entertainment system also adds a 115-volt power outlet. New for 2012 is the addition of a power tailgate to the Pilot EX-L, a USB Audio Interface, and an intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with QVGA resolution. The i-MID includes a rearview camera display, iPod album artwork display and a user-loadable wallpaper function.

Pilot EX-L with Navigation
The Pilot EX-L with Navigation adds an upgraded navigation system with higher VGA resolution replacing the previous QVGA display and an internal hard drive that replaces the previous model’s DVD-based system. New features include FM Traffic, Song by Voice^TM, rearview camera with a 3-mode display and a Multi-Information Display in the center of the gauge cluster.

Pilot Touring
The top-of-the-line Pilot Touring includes the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System^TM2 with rearview camera, a Premium Audio System with 10 speakers, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink4 and Audio Streaming (with selected phones), the Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System, two-position memory seats, roof rails, corner and backup sensors, side-mirror integrated turn indicators and more.Colors available for 2012 include Alabaster Silver Metallic, Bali Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Dark Cherry Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic, Taffeta White, White Diamond Pearl, new Dark Amber Metallic (replaces Mocha Metallic) and new Glacier White (Pilot Touring). Fabric and leather interior color choices, which are matched to selected exterior colors, include beige, black or gray.

2012 Pilot comes with 3.5 liter V6 petrol engine delivering 253PS (186 kW) and 343Nm (253 lb-ft) of torque. The engine manages to return up to 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway on two-wheel drive. If you have 4WD – 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

The 2012 Honda Pilot is priced at $28 470.

Source: Honda

August 31, 2011

2012 Honda Pilot

2012 Honda Pilot has new fascia, redesigned lower edge and fog lights. The big SUV also boasts better fuel efficiency thanks to the new 6-speed automatic gearbox that replaces the old 5-gear transmission.

The interior has been also improved. It received SAT NAV and new premium audio system. 2012 Honda Pilot is able to carry up to 8 occupants and their luggage. The vehicle has plenty of interior room and good comfort.

The 2012 Pilot is available in different paint finishes as well as a new wheel design. 2012 Honda Pilot will hit the market in September, this year. There is no information about the price list, but the big family vehicle will be affordable compared to the expensive BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz M-class.

Source: Honda

July 27, 2011

Tag: Pilot

Convenience features

Conclusion

2016 Honda Pilot and the almost meaningful spots