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2010 Honda Pilot Safety Review

August 16, 2009

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Five stars, frontal and side impact tests
NHTSA

Good," frontal offset, side, and rear tests
IIHS

high-strength-steel content in the unit body jumped from 13 to 52 percent—the most in any current Honda
Motor Trend

The 2010 Honda Pilot has achieved only the top ratings in all categories of crash testing from both the federal government and the insurance industry. In NHTSA (federal) tests, the Pilot achieved five-star protection in all frontal and side tests, and it got top "good" ratings from the insurance-supported IIHS in frontal offset, side, and rear tests. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick for 2009, an accolade that it's expected to also get for 2010.

Safety gear in the 2010 Honda Pilot includes “antilock brakes, an electronic stability system, side-impact airbags for the front seats, three-row side curtain airbags, and active head restraints for the front seats,” Cars.com reports. It also offers Brake Assist, which The Detroit News says “uses a computer to determine if the driver is slamming on the brakes and then increases brake pressure electronically to help provide maximum stopping power.”
Visibility can be an issue in the 2010 Honda Pilot, depending on the size and seating position of the driver. “Thick rear roof pillars block the driver's view to the rear corners,” ConsumerGuide observes, “but large windows and typically tall SUV driving stance mean good visibility otherwise.” USA Today adds that “the high hood line that accommodates the big grille makes it hard to see where the path goes when cresting an off-pavement hill.”

A backup camera is standard on the 2010 Honda Pilot EX-L and Touring models with the nav system. On models without navigation, the available rearview camera projects an image into “a small screen on the inside rearview mirror,” USA Today says. “Never did seem as intuitive as the big-screen backup image.”

Conclusion

Top crash-test results and a full range of safety features in the stout 2010 Honda Pilot promise excellent protection, with visibility the only concern.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Five stars, frontal and side impact testsNHTSAGood," frontal offset, side, and rear testsIIHShigh-strength-steel content in the unit body jumped from 13 to 52 percent—the most in any current HondaMotor Trend The 2010 Honda Pilot has achieved only the top ratings in all categories of crash testing from both the federal government and the insurance industry. In NHTSA (federal) tests, the Pilot achieved five-star protection in all frontal and side tests, and it got top "good" ratings from the insurance-supported IIHS in frontal offset, side, and rear tests. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick for 2009, an accolade that it's expected to also get for 2010. Safety gear in the 2010 Honda Pilot includes “antilock brakes, an electronic stability system, side-impact airbags for the front seats, three-row side curtain airbags, and active head restraints for the front seats,” Cars.com reports. It also offers Brake Assist, which The Detroit News says “uses a computer to determine if the driver is slamming on the brakes and then increases brake pressure electronically to help provide maximum stopping power.” Visibility can be an issue in the 2010 Honda Pilot, depending on the size and seating position of the driver. “Thick rear roof pillars block the driver's view to the rear corners,” ConsumerGuide observes, “but large windows and typically tall SUV driving stance mean good visibility otherwise.” USA Today adds that “the high hood line that accommodates the big grille makes it hard to see where the path goes when cresting an off-pavement hill.” A backup camera is standard on the 2010 Honda Pilot EX-L and Touring models with the nav system. On models without navigation, the available rearview camera projects an image into “a small screen on the inside rearview mirror,” USA Today says. “Never did seem as intuitive as the big-screen backup image.” ConclusionTop crash-test results and a full range of safety features in the stout 2010 Honda Pilot promise excellent protection, with visibility the only concern. 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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