If you’re shopping for a spacious family vehicle, you should put the 2015 Honda Pilot on the top of the list. The Pilot offers generous interior space, comfort and cargo versatility. It’s also one of the most fuel-efficient 8-passenger SUV in its class, making it great for families.
Features
The five-speed automatic transmission along with the 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 in the Pilot gives the Pilot a smooth ride.
Hill Start Assist:
When you take your foot off the brake, this feature helps maintain brake pressure prevent your Pilot from rolling backwards when stopped on an incline.
Vehicle Stability Assist:
This feature with Traction Control is designed to sense and help correct over-steer and understeer scenarios to enhance handling and cornering stability. The Traction Control helps minimize wheel spin when accelerating on loose or slippery surfaces.
The VTM-4® system:
When extra traction isn’t needed, all the power is directed to the front differential, enhancing fuel efficiency in daily use. When extra traction is needed, while accelerating or on slippery surfaces, the rear is engaged, transferring power to the rear wheels. For maximum traction, VTM-4 Lock engages full four-wheel lock at low speeds.
Safety
The Pilot has been rated as one of safest cars on the road. It’s great that the rear view camera is a standard feature, especially in a crossover vehicle. The cabin of the Pilot is lined with six standard airbags.
Comfort
The Pilot is roomy and comfortable. Its tall and boxy design offers more headroom too. The driver’s seat has 10-way power adjustment and the front and second-row outboard seats are heated – bonus in Canadian weather. The second and third rows of the vehicle fit three people – so if you’re a big family, the Pilot can seat eight! The Pilot offers clean lines and has available leather-trimmed seating. I also like the one-touch power roof to enjoy the sunshine or stargazing!
Cargo
The Pilot has a flip-up tailgate glass for easy loading and cargo access. If you don’t need the third row, it folds to cargo carrier in a few seconds, which can carry 79 litres of cargo space in the rear storage and flat-carry items up to four feet wide without the need of tilting them. There is plenty of space for my kids’ hockey bags and luggage when we’re away on tournaments.
Fuel efficiency
What I love about the Pilot is its fuel efficiency. The Variable Cylinder Management® (VCM®) system automatically switches between 6, 4 and 3 cylinders to help minimize fuel consumption. A light will go on to let you know when you’re saving fuel. I
Stereo
Music is a big deal for me when I’m driving and this system is powerful! The Pilot has a 10-speaker, 650-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA Premium audio system with subwoofer and 5.1 Surround Sound Theater Mode, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio and USB audio interface make anywhere sound better.
The available Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System boasts a 9-inch display and wireless headsets with personal surround sound is sure to keep the kids entertained for those long road trips.
I would definitely consider the Honda Pilot as our family’s next vehicle. I’d say it’s one of the best options for a larger family of 5+. I’m curious though about the Honda CR-V – although smaller, it might be large enough for my family of four.
Quick Specs
Gas Mileage: 18 mpg City/25 mpg Hwy
Engine: Regular Unleaded V-6, 3.5 L
EPA Class: Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD
Style Name: 2WD LX
Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity: 8
Passenger Doors: 4
Body Style: Sport Utility
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
Price: $35,400 CDN
