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I test drove the 2009 Pilot Touring model this afternoon and my impressions are as noted below:
Outside
Front......Impressive and Big
Rear End....... Easy to confuse with the Nissan Pathfinder
Side View of the front end.........resembles ridgeline
Side View of the rear end.........resembles Nissan pathfinder
Wheel wells......Have 17 inches on nice rims but IMHO will look better with 19 inchers
Inside
Front Seats and cockpit/controls.....A Class except for the scrachable cheap looking black plastic on the dashboard
Middle Row Seats....Very Comfortable and spacious
Third Row Seats.......Nice and accomodating for an adult of my size 5'9"
Access to the third row .....Easy from either sides of the second row
Music System......Very nice quality with DTS, prologic 2 but no DVD audio which many will not care as DVD audio has not been a hit
Driving Impressions:
Quiet Ride ( Quieter or about the same as our 2005 Odyssey but louder than my 2004 Acura TL, I must admit that it was extremly windy when I test drove this vehicle this afternoon ), soaks up bumps well, bigger but tight SUV feel, not as nimble feeling as our Odyssey) No sequietinal shift
Overall Impression....Nicer in roominess and interior appointments than Toyota Highlander except for the dashboard plastic but not as nimble or quiet as the Highlander
Sticker Shock is 40,600 for the above vehicle which is almost at the outskirts of Toyota Sequoia Limited territory , however, with the same bells and whistles Seqouia is about 6K higher but Seqoia has 0 % financing for 5 years as it is a gas hog and is not selling well
Now the decision time for me and others who are about to make this leap
Good Luck to All
Question: have you also test driven an Acura MDX? Seems like you could get a similarly eqipped model, but better handling, for a bit less?
Thanks for your review.
However, I don't get why you compare Pilot to Sequoia when a loaded Highlander can be $42,500 in MSRP (non-hybrid), while a Sequoia can be as high as $50+K when fully equipped.
I am sure that the Pilot you test drove was a fully loaded one, wasn't it?
In 08 Pilot EXL - you cannot get both RES & NAV. Hope 2009 new one is not the same.
It's big brother, the Acura MDX costs about the same as that list and there are deals. Granted that is for a "base" MDX which has lots of what is in the "loaded" Pilot. (But no nav, backup camera, roof racks, active shocks, entertainment screns etc.) But I am guessing that Honda has the value equation done right, because, well, they are Honda.
My bet is that you will get better gas mileage with the Pilot since the MDX is a 300 hp beast that roars above 3000 rpm. Can't comment on the Pilot handling, but last night drove home from Manhattan in an MDX and dodging taxis sure was nimble.
Hybrid??? ...a stale option. But pair that with biodiesel and they would have a home run.
Hybrid is EVERYWHERE next year, and savings are marginal if at all.
All-New 2009 Honda Pilot Pricing Holds the Line at $27,595
Dynamic and refined crossover SUV delivers 8-passenger seating, robust family SUV capabilities, and technology for safety and fuel efficiency
The all-new, completely-redesigned 2009 Honda Pilot is set to debut at dealerships nationwide on May 22 with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $27,595, plus destination and handling, for the well-equipped Pilot LX - the same as the 2008 model's price entry point, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
The upscale Pilot EX starts at $30,395 and adds alloy wheels and an upgraded audio system; the Pilot EX-L, equipped with additional premium features including leather-trimmed seating surfaces and a moonroof, starts at $33,595; and the luxury-oriented Pilot Touring edition, an entirely new premium trim level for 2009 with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ as standard equipment, starts at $36,795. Pilots equipped with the available Variable Torque Management® 4-wheel-drive (VTM-4®) system have an MSRP starting at $29,195 for the Pilot LX; $31,995 for the Pilot EX; $35,195 for the Pilot EX-L; and $38,395 for the Pilot Touring.
"The timing is right for a vehicle like this as fuel prices drive families out of larger SUV's even though their lifestyles still require the type of functionality that Pilot delivers," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Advanced engine technologies help improve fuel efficiency while the interior has become even more comfortable and accommodating than the previous model."
Designed to occupy a unique position within its segment, the second-generation Pilot combines traditional SUV attributes of ruggedness, standard towing capability and functionality with the fuel economy, handling and refinement characteristics that have made crossovers popular.
The 2009 Pilot offers an authentic SUV exterior design while further enhancing on-road refinement and increasing interior functionality. A modern, stylish and spacious interior provides room for up to eight passengers while also providing more space behind the third row for items as large as a mid-size cooler or a folded stroller.
New standard engineering features on all models include a more-powerful, 250 horsepower, 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with the latest generation of Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) that works in 6-cylinder mode for performance and 3- or 4-cylinder mode for fuel efficiency. Additional new standard equipment includes a Class III hitch, hill start assist, larger 17-inch wheels and tires (+1-inch) and a lift-up glass hatch as part of the tailgate. New interior features include a telescopic steering column, enhanced audio systems and much more. The Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System™ is available on the Pilot EX-L and Pilot Touring. The new Pilot Touring edition introduces upscale features that include a power tailgate, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and a USB audio interface. Keyless entry, power windows, power locks and cruise control are standard on all models.
The Pilot achieves an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 17/23/19 miles per gallon on two-wheel-drive models and 16/22/18 miles per gallon on four-wheel-drive models. The available, fully-automatic VTM-4 four-wheel drive is designed to deliver decision-free operation for all-weather traction and medium-duty off-road capabilities.
Standard safety equipment includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE®) body structure; Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), also commonly referred to as electronic stability control, with traction control and ABS; three-row side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags; a driver's front side airbag, and a front passenger's side airbag with an occupant position detection system. The Pilot is equipped with four Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) positions - more than any other SUV currently in the segment.
Additional consumer information is available at www.honda.com. Additional media information is available at www.hondanews.com.
On your test drive, did you find that the gear shifter hit you in the right knee (when in drive)? Knee room has always been an issue for me.
1. Compared to 08 Odyssey: Firstly the functionality of Odyssey is much more, in terms of utility of the roominess in Odyssey. We have 3 children ages 11,10 and 7 the odyssey has 2 captain chairs in the second row and a walk through in between the second row seats, this works out well for us as no one has to wait to enter the van, also there is a stowable middle seat in the second row which we had stowed away since we had purchased the van. Also behind the third row seat there is a huge well for cargo so when we take long trips all three rows of seats are up and the storage behind third row works well for all our luggage. Odyssey has VCM and consistantly gives 24-25 mpg on the highway. Odyssey is front wheel drive and in the snow country, i.e. Wisconsin that we live we never had a problem with slipping however, Odyssey is a "Mini Van" that word itself can be a turn off for many including myself who do not want to be driving a minivan all day long that is exactly why I had looked into the SUV on the other hand my wife doesn't care as she wants more funtionality rather than imagery on a daily bases. Pilot on the other hand has VCM but because of boxy shape i.e. poor aerodynamics has poorer mpg , second row is a bench, the only way to get to the third row is through either side of the second row, the cargo space behind the third row is much less also
Regarding the shifter and knee space, I should say that I didn't notice any concern for myself but I am 5 feet nine
Regarding why do I compare Pilot to Sequioa, I agree that it should not be compared because of the difference in class, the only reason I did compare is regarding the price. Please don't take my word for it just go to www.carmax.com and find the posted prices of similarly equipped Sequioa, it is 46K with 0 % financing for 5 years, said that, I do agree that it should not be compared to Sequoia
Regarding the MDX......its nice, the engine is 3.7 liter i.e. 200 cc more than pilot but the third row seat is a joke, also the interior room at least the feel of it is not as spacious as pilot
I guess if I want to be drive something to haul my family occasionally ( we are 5 in total ) and don't wanna be seen as a minivan owner, Sequioa intrests me the most for what we have right now out there
Hope it helps
John
I don't want to raise any debate. So let me just list few things I found which are better on 2009 pilot.
1. More and bigger center console storage.
2. Extra storage above glove box.
3. Rear underfloor storage is bigger and well thought.
4. 110V and USB port in center console.
5. Moonroof and RES can co-exist on touring model.
6. Second row sunshades.
7. Seats 8 people.
8. 3rd row air vent on pillar (It locate on the floor in CX-9).
Both are excellent vehicles.
Opinion of interior:
1st row - seems ok. i dont like the shifter on the dashboard.
2nd row - seems ok. has room but expected more
3rd row - not good enough for me
I am back to the Buick Enclave perhaps.
Peace out!
Good for Honda that they didn't raise the prices, but bad for dealers if they are going to try to get MSRP in this market. An EX-L at MSRP is pretty close to a base MDX + $2,000 rebate.
Things even out with time, but feeling "owed" a discount right from the start because of market trends is whacko...think from the dealer perspective when several other people are there and want to buy now for whatever price. Why would they cut things down, cut their profit, etc. when there's no need?
Still, great to see a new Pilot, and not exactly the perfect vehicle for "the market" but one with a great reputation and still far from being a BOF, V8, etc. regular truck SUV, so it still is valid.
In 2002 the two-seater Thunderbird was released to thunderous applause, a "Car of the Year" designation and drooling dealers. Every Ford dealership I went into had the same Thunderbird all year -- with the same "$10,000 market adjustment charge" on the window. After four years of making the best $38,000 car on the market into an overpriced left over, Ford called it quits. And deprived themselves, their customers and even the same dealers of what would have been one of their best sellers. One of the reasons I am now an Acura / Honda owner / fan.
So yeah, I am worried that dealers would blunt what could be a stellar introduction.
Your point #5 is no longer valid. One can have RES and Moonroof together on CX-9 after 03/2008 build date. All of the rest are good points.
There are great features on CX-9 that cannot be found on the new Pilot. I encourage people to cross-shop and make educated decisions. A CX-9 can be had at $1500 below invoice. Don't expect great deals on the new Pilot for 3 months.
It's big; bigger than the '08 (from memory... I don't own one but two relatives do.) I have an '05 Odyssey Touring model and I made comparisons to it.
The Pilot is very roomy inside. I'm 6'2", tall in the torso, and had plenty of headroom even before moving the seat down where I prefer it. I sat in the second row behind the driver's seat (after I moved it for my preferences) and was quite surprised at how much leg room I had. That does seem more than the '08. I did not get into the 3rd row.
The dash materials do seem cheaper than previous Honda's, a bit of a disappointment, but the leather in the seats seemed great, very tough. Lots of storage possibilities throughout the car... as practical as a minivan. I love the dash mounted gear selector (used to it in the Odyssey) because it protects one of the Pilot's best features, the copious storage space in the center console. A great place to "dump" stuff or hide it.
We folded the third row down (easy to do) but it did not lay flat on the floor. It might if we had pushed on it a little. The brochure shows pictures where it looks flat, and others where it does not. I found one brochure picture amusing: the second row folded flat with the third row up. I've never seen that combination before in pictures! It would come in handy if you broke your leg skiing. (By the way, the brochure disappointed me... not very impressive.)
The storage space underneath the back deck is very cool. Not nearly as big or deep as the Odyssey, but much deeper than the '08 Pilot. I think it would be very useful. There is a storage compartment there that stows tire changing hardware, and another pretty big compartment in the left rear wheel well area, accessed from inside.
The car looked wide to me. That's a good thing on the inside of the car!
I didn't get to fire up the car, or even the dash lights (too bright) or mess with the Nav or stereo.
This was a Touring model, 4WD, with RES. I'm not sure what else you could put on it. The Honda sticker said $40,060 or something close to that. I'm sure the dealership will add their sticker with something like "ionized air" added...
Thanks!
Rich
The good thing about Pilot is the availability of accessories. Imagine that there are FOUR kinds of side steps/running boards available, while there is ZERO for Mazda CX-9. However, those accessories add up pretty fast, $$$ wise. I also think the accessories that Honda offer are rip-off. Take wheel lock for example, you can buy a set from Pepboyz for $25. The OE from Mazda cost $40. The OE from Honda is $81!
Anyway, avoid the accessories from dealer if you could put them on yourselves by buying them from internet. Stuff like cargo nets, mats, cross bars, etc.
I currently have a '05 Accord Coupe EX-V6 w/Nav that is due on 7/25/08. Due to a new child, I need to upgrade to a 4-door vehicle, preferably an SUV. I've seen all the deals on the 2008 Pilot (wasn't interested) and have been keeping tabs on the 2009 Pilot for some time. I like the new Pilot (havn't test driven it), but I can't see paying that much for the Touring model, especially since I imagine that dealerships (Chicagoland) won't be budging on the MSRP at all. I'm not going to be "that guy" who pays MSRP just to have the car a few months before everyone else does.
Since I don't want to pay MSRP and I doubt there would be any negotiating room, I understand that I can extend my current lease on a month-to-month basis. I was thinking of doing that for another 3 months (until October) to see if there are any better deals at that time. Or, would it be simply wiser to just buy an Acura RDX which I also like? Essentially, would 3 months really matter or is it just better to move on to a different mfg/model?
I actually like the new Pilot design, but not the price and the inability to negotiate down on MSRP for a while.
Any advice/comments are greatly appreciated. Happy Memorial Day weekend!
Especially RDX since it has turbo engine. Using 91 octane is NOT negotiable.
That is 30c/gallon more right there.
Besides, MDX's 3rd row is much tighter than CX-9 or Pilot.
P.S. The CX-9 is in the high $30s once you add navi and tax, title, tags..etc. I don't see any bargains!
(MSRP $41,500, but INVOICE at $36,500 - $1500 = $35,000).
When I said, "fully loaded", I meant it.
I like the feature contents of Pilot, but again you will not find great deals initially.
Competitions will respond to the introduction of Pilot and respond with even deeper rebate. Pilot will not enjoy selling at MSRP for long. Be patient, my friend, if you like Pilot and must have it.
can you list the options that you would feel make it fully loaded PLEASE. I am off to a mazda dealer tomorrow to deal!
Thanks
G-Man
Example of EX - 2WD
MSRP $31,030.00 (includes destination) less
the suggested dealer contribution resulting in actual net capitalized cost $28,574.71.
It is a dealer reduction of $2,455.29 from MSRP
checkout the honda.com > current offer .... it is manufacturer arrangement with dealers. in LEASING, not for selling I think. The only best deals around so far. Need to print out a certificate to bring to dealer to get offer.
I was at a dealer in a suburb of Seattle, WA. I was looking at a silver 2009 Pilot touring. I got to see invoice: $37600 (approx). MSRP was 40,600 approx.
A dealer offered to sell it for $38835 - plus taxes and licenscing.
I want to buy it. I also have about $4500 in accessories. We are currently negotiationg for final price including accessories. I want to pay between 40K-41k.
thought you will find the info useful.
Good luck with your deal as it sounds like Honda realizes they have to deal near invoice to move cars.
Currently Honda is running National Special Leasing on 2009 Pilot, but only on below 4 trims. About 2,500 off from MSRP.
AWD, FWD - LX
AWD, FWD - EX
Check out the Highlander or CX-9. Both are great vehicles and been sold at below invoice prices.
Happy driving!