2010 Honda Pilot Features Review

August 16, 2009

FEATURES | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

doesn't serve budget-minded buyers
Cars.com

superbly redesigned center console
Motor Trend

Touring is “most expensive Pilot ever
BusinessWeek

If you're happy with some of the most popular conveniences, the standard-features list is quite complete in the 2010 Honda Pilot, and it excels with plenty of handy interior storage options. If, however, you're tempted by some of the options, they might only be available in the more expensive models.

Families will be happy to see that the interior of the 2010 Honda Pilot handles most needs when organizing and stowing toys, electronics, and other loose items. Motor Trend reports that the Pilot has a “superbly redesigned center console that provides twice the capacity of any competitor's, multiple bins, supersize cupholders, [and] 12V powerpoints.” The Detroit News also notes that the standard feature list for the 2009 Honda Pilot includes "a flip-up glass hatch on the back door; integrated tow hitch; hill start assist; four car-seat latches,” as well as a “tilt and telescopic steering wheel.”

If your shopping list includes a number of must-have tech features, you might be disappointed to find that you'll have to move up to the more expensive EX-L and Touring models to get popular items like Bluetooth, a power tailgate, or a navigation system. Also, the Touring model is the only Pilot to get a USB port that teams up with Apple’s iPod to integrate your music library with the crossover’s sound system.

Cars.com lays out the case against Honda’s packaging of options: “Rather than being optional equipment that you can add to any trim level, many popular features are limited to more expensive trims.” Features like a power moonroof and a DVD entertainment system are “only available on the top two trims, EX-L and Touring.”

“While this feature-allocation strategy may be fine for buyers looking for a higher-end Pilot,” Cars.com argues, “it doesn't serve budget-minded buyers who aren't eager to step up to a higher trim level just to get one feature they're interested in.” BusinessWeek points out that the Touring edition “will sell for about $40,000, making it the most expensive Pilot ever.”

Conclusion

The 2010 Honda Pilot has an extensive list of standard features, but those who want popular tech features are going to have to make some tough choices on whether they'll spend thousands extra for them.

FEATURES | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:doesn't serve budget-minded buyersCars.comsuperbly redesigned center consoleMotor TrendTouring is “most expensive Pilot everBusinessWeek If you're happy with some of the most popular conveniences, the standard-features list is quite complete in the 2010 Honda Pilot, and it excels with plenty of handy interior storage options. If, however, you're tempted by some of the options, they might only be available in the more expensive models. Families will be happy to see that the interior of the 2010 Honda Pilot handles most needs when organizing and stowing toys, electronics, and other loose items. Motor Trend reports that the Pilot has a “superbly redesigned center console that provides twice the capacity of any competitor's, multiple bins, supersize cupholders, [and] 12V powerpoints.” The Detroit News also notes that the standard feature list for the 2009 Honda Pilot includes "a flip-up glass hatch on the back door; integrated tow hitch; hill start assist; four car-seat latches,” as well as a “tilt and telescopic steering wheel.” If your shopping list includes a number of must-have tech features, you might be disappointed to find that you'll have to move up to the more expensive EX-L and Touring models to get popular items like Bluetooth, a power tailgate, or a navigation system. Also, the Touring model is the only Pilot to get a USB port that teams up with Apple’s iPod to integrate your music library with the crossover’s sound system. Cars.com lays out the case against Honda’s packaging of options: “Rather than being optional equipment that you can add to any trim level, many popular features are limited to more expensive trims.” Features like a power moonroof and a DVD entertainment system are “only available on the top two trims, EX-L and Touring.” “While this feature-allocation strategy may be fine for buyers looking for a higher-end Pilot,” Cars.com argues, “it doesn't serve budget-minded buyers who aren't eager to step up to a higher trim level just to get one feature they're interested in.” BusinessWeek points out that the Touring edition “will sell for about $40,000, making it the most expensive Pilot ever.” ConclusionThe 2010 Honda Pilot has an extensive list of standard features, but those who want popular tech features are going to have to make some tough choices on whether they'll spend thousands extra for them. 2010 HONDA PILOT STYLING | [7 out of 10] Automobile: “More muscular caricature of its predecessor” USA Today: “big, ugly grille—a visual sore point—is less garish if you pick a slate or silver vehicle” Edmunds: “Bluff and hearty” The 2010 Honda Pilot won't blend in with the crowd, ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2010 Honda Pilot looks like a traditional SUV, but it's more like a tall wagon or minivan in purpose. Toyota's Highlander is one of its most direct rivals; like the Pilot, the Highlander has a more traditional, squared-off profile, but the Highlander is less overt and ridiculous styling-wise—and less likely to offend. The Highlander has a nice, soft ride, but it's not nearly as responsive of a performer on the road. The new Ford Flex is another new rival, with excellent interior comfort and distinctive, boxy styling that's more urban-hip than rugged. Then there's the Chevrolet Traverse, introduced for 2009; the Traverse is larger than the Flex, with a higher seating position closer to that of traditional SUVs, yet it handles and performs well and has a very well-appointed interior.

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See the Honda Pilot in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

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