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- The Honda Pilot SUV has been updated for 2019 with fresh styling, a more refined drivetrain, and new tech.
- Recently, Business Insider had a chance to spend a week with a 2019 Honda Pilot AWD Elite.
- In the marketplace, the Pilot competes with SUVs such as the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Subaru Ascent, Nissan Pathfinder, and Volkswagen Atlas.
- The base 2019 Honda Pilot LX with front-wheel drive starts at $31,450. Our top-of-the-line all-wheel-drive Elite trim test car starts at $48,020. A $995 destination and handling fee pushed the as-tested price to $49,015.
The mid-size SUV segment is one of the most competitive in the US auto market. The Honda Pilot has long been one of the most popular offerings in the segment. However, it has lagged in sales behind the Toyota Highlander and the Ford Explorer.
The current third-generation Pilot has been around since 2016. However, Honda decided to give the Lincoln, Alabama-built family hauler a mid-life refresh for the 2019 model year.
Recently, Business Insider had the chance to spend a week with a 2019 Honda Pilot AWD Elite to see how the updated crossover stacks up to the competition.
In our review, we praised the Pilot for its more refined powertrain, updated infotainment system, comfortable ride, and standard suite of safety tech.
"The Honda Pilot is the epitome of excellence in this genre of automobile," we said in our review. "The third generation Pilot was always a strong competitor in the segment. But the updates made for the 2019 model year has corrected some of most glaring faults and bolstered its position as one of the finest family SUVs money can buy."
The base 2019 Honda Pilot LX with front-wheel drive starts at $31,450. Our top-of-the-line all-wheel-drive Elite trim test car starts at $48,020. A $995 destination and handling fee pushed the as-tested price to $49,015.
Here’s a closer look at its coolest features.
1. Awesome engine: all Pilots are powered by a 280 horsepower 3.5-liter, naturally aspirated VTEC V6 engine. The engine is velvety smooth and delivers solid punch off the line. According to Honda, our Pilot Elite should be able to deliver 22 MPG of fuel economy in mixed driving. However, we struggled to get above 17 MPG. But, the Arctic cold weather may be may be to blame.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
2. Retuned transmission: One of the updates made for the 2019 model year is a retuned nine-speed automatic. It worked. The nine-speed delivered quick shifts that were virtually in perceptible. Lower trim levels get a six-speed automatic while the Touring and Elite trims get the nine-speed.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
3. New infotainment system: All Pilots except the base LX trim are equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen running Honda’s newest infotainment system. The Pilot LX gets a five-inch screen.
Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
See Also:
- I flew on Honda’s new $5.25 million private jet to see if it’s faster, quieter, and more luxurious than before. Here’s the verdict.
- Everyone who thinks Tesla is a tech company is completely wrong — Tesla should aspire to be Honda
- I drove a $97,000 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe to see if the SUV could deliver like a sports car. Here’s the verdict.
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Source: Business Insider