What Is the 2015 Honda Pilot?
The 2015 Honda Pilot is a mid-size SUV that seats eight and is offered in five trim levels: LX, EX, SE, EX-L and Touring. Front-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional on all trims. Competitors include the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9 and GMC Acadia.
What's New on the 2015 Honda Pilot?
Slotted between the EX and EX-L is a new Special Edition trim featuring SE badging, pewter gray aluminum wheels, a power moonroof, satellite radio and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
How Does the 2015 Honda Pilot Compare With Other Mid-Size SUVs?
The 2015 Honda Pilot compares well with competitors in terms of fuel economy, even with four-wheel drive. At highway speeds, its driving dynamics are sluggish and unrefined, but handling is passable at lower speeds. Compared with the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer and Hyundai Santa Fe, the Pilot's maximum cargo area is particularly spacious.
What Features in the 2015 Honda Pilot Are Most Important?
Under the hood, the 2015 Honda Pilot features a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. Other features include a heavy-duty radiator, a power-steering fluid cooler and a Class III trailer hitch for towing duty. With front-wheel drive, the Honda Pilot can tow 2,000 pounds. Four-wheel drive bumps that up to 4,500 pounds.
Significant standard features include 17-inch steel wheels, three-row seating for eight, a split-folding second-row seat that slides and reclines, a split-folding third-row seat, tri-zone automatic air conditioning, an 8-inch dashboard screen, a CD stereo with an MP3 jack and USB port, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, cruise control and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Available features include 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a power liftgate, fog lights, body-colored side mirrors and door handles, a power moonroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a rear entertainment system and a navigation system.
Required safety features for all new vehicles from this year include front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system. Additionally, the Honda Pilot comes standard with side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats, active front head restraints and a backup camera.
Should I Buy the 2015 Honda Pilot?
Plenty of storage nooks and ample cargo space are two of the Honda Pilot's best offerings, along with a sliding and reclining second row and a large i-MID screen. Some drivers may like the Pilot's distinctive, boxy styling, but its noisy highway performance and all-around firm ride keep it from rising above competitors. Selecting a lower trim will cost you quite a few options, and if you opt for the rear entertainment system you'll get DVD capability but not Blu-ray.
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