Used 2011 Honda Pilot

Upon its introduction, the Honda Pilot quickly earned a reputation for reliability, comfort and practicality. With seating for eight persons and ample room for all their stuff, this crossover echoed what people liked about SUVs without the heft or poor fuel economy as trade-offs. Benefiting from a complete redesign in 2009, the 2011 Pilot carries on offering a spacious interior, plenty of convenience-oriented features and respectable gas mileage. However, with the growth of the mid-size crossover in the last few years, the Pilot faces more competition than ever, and now must stand out from the likes of the Mazda CX-9, Chevy Traverse, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Veracruz and the new Ford Explorer.

For such a large vehicle, the 2011 Honda Pilot delivers a surprisingly calm and capable driving experience. The suspension is firm, but not bouncy, making the ride stable with minimal body roll considering its SUV stature. The steering is precise and well-isolated when going over bumpy roads at almost any speed. While In-cabin noise seems noticeably quieter than many large crossovers we’ve tested, it’s more an intuitive rather than scientific observation. Another big difference between the Pilot and it competitors is its responsive engine. Although the Highlander moves along just as quickly when it comes to getting onto a freeway or traversing rocky terrain, the Pilot seems to accelerate more quickly than its American competitors and their respective V8 offerings.

Benefiting from Honda’s simple but elegant design philosophy, the 2011 Pilot’s interior emphasizes maximum room with minimal clutter. Ergonomics and simplicity are the key themes, as the radio and climate controls are placed within easy reach and gear selection is operated via an instrument-panel mounted shifter. Passenger legroom is generous in all three rows – a rarity in some three-row vehicles – as is head and shoulder room. Cargo space is still abundant thanks to multiple storage spaces and under-floor storage in the trunk area. And, for the occasional wider load, the vehicle is broad enough to accommodate four-foot wide items when the seats are folded flat.

The 2011 Honda Pilot has a rugged, boxy SUV look that gives no hint of its car-like driving dynamics. A long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs create a purposeful stance, while the use of Honda’s high-strength Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure in the front helps absorb energy and mitigate frontal impacts. Other conveniences include a standard integrated tow hitch and a lift-up glass hatch on the tailgate. Aesthetically, the bold front fascia stands out, especially the six-sided grille, and the large 17-inch wheels fill out the wheel wells in style.

Rearview Mirror Camera Display
Available on the EX-L trim, this 2.5-inch LCD display – conveniently located in the rearview mirror – shows you what’s behind the vehicle while in reverse.

Second Row Seating
The 2011 Honda Pilot’s second row offers excellent room for taller passengers and also provides LATCH systems for three child seats.

A base 2011 Honda Pilot comes with sport cloth seats, remote entry system, automatic headlights, power windows, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 17-inch wheels, front and rear air conditioning, an integrated rear cargo net and under-floor storage, auxiliary input jack and an AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and a subwoofer. The EX, EX-L and Touring Pilots add an eight-way power driver’s seat, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, daytime running lights and heated side mirrors. Exclusive to the EX-L is a rearview camera with a display screen imbedded in the rearview mirror.

Most of the additional features for the 2011 Honda Pilot are tied to trim level and are not available as stand-alone extras. These options include a 512-watt AM/FM/six-disc CD premium audio system with ten speakers, leather seats, power moonroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, corner and rear backup sensors, power tail gate, side mirror turn signals, navigation system with voice recognition and rearview camera, 115-volt power outlet, a USB port and second-row integrated sun shades. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system is available only on the EX-L and Touring trims.

The 2011 Honda Pilot’s engine comes equipped with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology, allowing for an uptick in horsepower and torque, as well as improved fuel economy. This VCM technology, similar to the system used in the current Honda Accord, allows the vehicle to seamlessly run on three, four, or six cylinders, depending on driving conditions and requirements.

3.5-liter V6
250 horsepower @ 5700 rpm
253 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 (2WD), 16/22 (4WD)