MSRP: $27,695 - $40,095
Invoice: $25,101 - $36,306
MPG: 17 City / 23 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.4
Performance:8.1
Exterior:6.8
Interior:7.7
Safety:9.9
Reliability:7.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • More spacious third row can better accommodate adults
  • V6 engine is even more powerful than before
  • New 4,500-pound towing capacity
  • Cockpit features too many plastic materials
  • Dashboard controls can be confusing
  • Boxy exterior divides reviewers

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Honda Pilot - What the Auto Press Says

With the first redesign since its 2003 introduction, the eight-seat Pilot gets more interior space, a new muscular exterior, and a more powerful engine.

Overall, automotive experts say that the 2009 Pilot is quite an improvement over its predecessor, though a few glitches remain, including some plastic interior materials and noticeable torque steer. "The new Pilot isn't perfect, but it is impressive in its flexibility, road manners and safety equipment," says New York Times. "Its biggest problem is that although it is a car-type crossover, it masquerades as an S.U.V. brute, a look that may scare off Americans looking for a vehicle that won't savage the bank account."

The Pilot comes in several trims, including the base LX, EX, EX-L and all-new luxurious Touring model. Though front-wheel drive is standard, it's available in all-wheel drive.

Be sure to check for current Honda deals that may be available on a new Pilot.

  • "Clearly, Honda's customers got what they wanted -- a new Pilot that's still a compact 8-seater, but one that's more spacious, more fuel efficient and a bit more practical than before, all wrapped up in an angular new suit befitting a proper SUV." -- Road and Track
  • "For what this vehicle is supposed to be, it seems very capable. It's smoother, quieter and apparently more fuel efficient than its predecessor, and if you choose the new Touring trim level, equipped to be almost on par with its more expensive Acura sibling, the new Pilot is quite a bargain. If Honda would just take another look at the dashboard materials and the upright face, we'd probably be good to go." -- Autoblog
  • "All-in, quibbles and nits pale to near-insignificance, and the Honda asserts itself as comfortable, roomy inside but trim outside and quite maneuverable. It delivers sensible, but not boring, driving, riding, storing, toting. Pilot comes across as pretty close to wonderful." -- USA Today
  • "We're not sure that consumers will continue to favor boxy SUV styling in the face of ever-increasing fuel prices. However, for families who are too self-conscious to be seen in an Odyssey, the Pilot does a good job of looking tough on the outside while coddling its passengers in comfort." -- Automobile Magazine

Pilot Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)

For 2009, the Pilot gets performance improvements that please most reviewers. Its V6 engine is now rated at 250 horsepower -- six more horsepower than last year -- and its torque is up by 13 pound-feet. "Behind the wheel the new car is better in just about every way," says Car and Driver. "Gone from the steering is the slight dead spot on-center, and the ride has been stiffened appropriately, getting rid of the previous car's somewhat mushy-soft behavior." However, a few test drivers still log complaints. Read More

Pilot Exterior - 6.8 (Mediocre)

The Honda Pilot's traditionally nondescript exterior has been updated for 2009 with a boxier, more SUV-like look. "Honda has definitely stepped up the styling, giving the new Pilot a more chiseled look that helps it seem more like a real SUV than a minivan substitute," comments the Orlando Sentinel. However, not all reviewers are so fond of the new exterior, and a few even say the styling may be off-putting to buyers. Read More

Pilot Interior - 7.7 (Good)

The Honda Pilot's interior receives a makeover that includes more passenger and cargo room. The cabin's spaciousness and third-row seats receive praise, but reviewers are disappointed with other facets of the interior. "Where the new Pilot falls down is the materials and assembly of the dashboard," says Autoblog. "The plastics are hard and the textures look cheaper than those in a Honda Fit. Perhaps worst of all is the fit and placement of some the seams. Reviewers also have complaints about the complicated cockpit controls. Read More

Pilot Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The redesigned Honda Pilot does very well in federal government crash tests and is even an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick." Its full complement of safety equipment, including a pedestrian safety system, should also reassure buyers. The Pilot also stands out for its number of LATCH (Lower Anchor and Tether for CHildren) positions. Read More

Pilot Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2009 Honda Pilot reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Pilot comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More

Review Last Updated: 7/1/09