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PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
A lack of low-end torque from the V6 makes the 2010 Honda Pilot feel rather flat-footed off the line.
Edmunds
there’s still some torque steer when accelerating vigorously out of corners
Car and Driver
Acceleration feels adequate for the type of vehicle this is
Autoblog
not a truck...but it'll tow a boat or a trailer of ATVs on a family adventure
Edmunds' Inside Line
Power is adequate for most situations
MSN Autos
The Honda Pilot comes with a single powertrain combination: a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 and a five-speed automatic. But you can choose between front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
The Pilot's V-6 is no longer the standout for power and torque that it once was, but it remains one of the smoothest, most pleasant, and sweet-sounding powertrains in this class. The five-speed automatic transmission in the Pilot feels a little indecisive under lighter loads, but it smooths out and shifts quickly when you need to move rapidly.
With a rather tall driving position, you might expect the Pilot to be a little clumsy compared to those lower, more wagon-like utility vehicles. But it's not at all; handling is quite responsive, and the straightforward exterior is easy to maneuver in parking garages or on tighter city streets.
The Pilot does have quite a bit more durability built in than the typical car, though, and it is a good choice for those looking to get to a trailhead on the weekends. The four-wheel drive system (actually all-wheel drive) does include a Lock mode for mud or deep snow. Structurally, the Pilot's structure borrows some of the benefits of a body-on-frame SUV but has a modern unibody design. And that contributes to its good ride quality and crisp response.
Conclusion
Forget the boxy look; the 2013 Pilot performs as if it were low and lean.
