2013 Honda Pilot Features Standard Rearview Camera, Bluetooth®, USB Integration and Dramatic New Exterior Color

Award-winning eight-passenger Honda SUV has class-leading fuel-economy ratings and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick

After receiving an extensive mid-cycle refresh for 2012 that included more refined styling, fuel efficiency improvements and upgraded feature content, the Honda Pilot returns for 2013 as the most fuel-efficient and flexible eight-passenger SUV. The Pilot combines family-friendly features with excellent EPA fuel economy ratings (25 mpg highway on 2-wheel-drive (2WD) models), and solid towing capability (4,500 pounds1 on 4-wheel drive models (4WD) models). Upscale exterior and interior designs, advanced electronics and safety features and a choice of 2WD or 4WD, makes Honda's Pilot a truly versatile transportation solution. The 2013 Honda Pilot goes on sale September 6, and pricing begins at $29,4202.

For 2013, the Pilot offers a significant number of new standard features, including Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, Bluetooth® Audio, USB integration, high-resolution 8-inch intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID), automatic climate controls and a standard rearview camera. Also new for 2013 is a dramatic Obsidian Blue Pearl exterior color (replacing Bali Blue Pearl).

As in previous years, the Pilot is available in LX, EX, EX-L (leather) and Touring trim levels, with a Honda Satellite-Linked4 Navigation System™ and a Rear Entertainment System available on the EX-L model and standard on the Touring model. All 2013 Pilots are powered by a refined 250-horsepower 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine with VCM that includes numerous measures for reducing friction and improving fuel efficiency.

Models and Features

As with the prior model year, the 2013 Pilot is available in four model choices (LX, EX, EX-L and Touring), and each is offered in either a 2-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive configuration.

Standard 2013 Honda Pilot features include:

•Simplified center stack

•High-resolution 8-inch intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID)

•Rearview camera display

•Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control

•2GB CD-Library

•Album artwork display

•User-loadable wallpaper function

•Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®

•Bluetooth® Audio

•USB connection

Pilot LX

Standard comfort and convenience features on the Pilot LX include a tri-zone automatic climate control system with humidity control and air filtration, high-resolution 8-inch intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID), Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and Bluetooth® Audio, USB connection, rearview camera, tilt and telescope steering column, cruise control, power windows with auto-up/down driver's and passenger's window, power door and tailgate locks, AM/FM/CD stereo system with seven speakers including a subwoofer and Radio Data System (RDS), AAC audio file playback capability from data discs to the CD player, trip computer, heat-rejecting tinted glass, integrated Class III tow-hitch receiver, and more.

Pilot EX

The Pilot EX adds a power driver's seat with 10-way power adjustment with lumbar support, security system, XM5 Radio®, body-colored side mirrors and door handles, alloy wheels, fog lights, exterior temperature indicator, HomeLink® Remote System, 2 GB CD Library (CD-L), and more.

Pilot EX-L

Additional Pilot EX-L features include leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats, 4-way power front passenger's seat, one-touch power moonroof, a power tailgate, an automatic-dimming rearview mirror and the availability of either the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™2 or the Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System with a 9-inch screen. The addition of the rear entertainment system also adds a 115-volt power outlet in the center console.

Pilot EX-L with Navigation

The Pilot EX-L with Navigation adds an upgraded navigation system with a high-resolution VGA display and an internal hard drive. Additional features include FM Traffic, Song by Voice™, rearview camera with a multi-view display and a Multi-Information Display in the center of the gauge cluster.

Pilot Touring

The top-of-the-line Pilot Touring includes the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™2 with rearview camera, a Premium Audio System with 10 speakers, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink® and Audio Streaming (with selected phones), the Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System, 2-position memory seats, roof rails, corner and backup sensors, side-mirror integrated turn indicators and more.

Colors available for 2013 include Alabaster Silver Metallic, Obsidian Blue Pearl (replaces Bali Blue Pearl), Crystal Black Pearl, Dark Cherry Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic, Taffeta White, White Diamond Pearl and Dark Amber Metallic. Fabric and leather interior color choices, which are matched to selected exterior colors, include beige, black or gray.

Powertrain

Power comes from an advanced 24-valve, all-aluminum V-6 engine with 'intelligent' Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) technology with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). The VCM system allows the V-6 engine to operate in 6-cylinder mode for power and 4- or 3-cylinder modes for efficiency. The Pilot has an EPA3 city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 17/24/20 mpg on 4-wheel-drive models and 18/25/21 mpg on 2-wheel-drive models. This gives the 2013 Pilot 2WD the highest fuel economy rating of any 8-passenger SUV and the Pilot 4WD the highest fuel economy rating for any mid-size 4WD SUV.

Engine friction-reduction technologies including a plateau-honed engine block, low-friction piston treatments, ion-plated piston rings and 0W-20 oil contribute to the high fuel efficiency. Additional fuel efficiency-enhancing measures include the use of a load-variable alternator, high-efficiency spark plugs and a wide VCM operating range.

The 5-speed automatic transmission features Grade Logic Control to help maintain the most appropriate gear when going uphill or downhill, thereby avoiding gear 'hunting.' The available VTM-4 system on Pilot 4WD models adds fully automatic 4-wheel-drive capability. VTM-4 delivers seamless, 'decision-free' application of 4-wheel-drive when needed, a key benefit compared to conventional systems. The system also provides a 'lock mode' – available when in first or second gear up to 18 mph and activated by a button on the instrument panel – that can deliver the maximum-possible torque transfer to the rear wheels to aid in extraction from extremely low traction or stuck conditions.

Body

The Pilot's grille and front fascia feature a distinctive 3-bar horizontal design, while multi-reflector halogen headlights and integrated turn signals contribute to the premium look. A front air dam and optimized strakes (the rectangular air deflector in front of the wheels) help reduce unwanted air turbulence, which can help improve fuel efficiency. The Pilot EX and above models have a 5-spoke, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheel design, while Pilot Touring alloy wheels feature an exclusive 6-spoke design with a high-contrast machined surface. Pilot LX models are equipped with 17-inch styled-steel wheels.

The tailgate features a lift-up glass hatch for convenient access to the rearmost cargo area. The model's 18.0 cubic-feet of cargo space behind the third row matches or exceeds the trunk space of a typical large sedan and can accommodate items as large as a mid-size cooler or a folded stroller. For maximum cargo space, the second and third rows fold flat into the floor to provide sufficient width for 4-foot-wide items.

The cargo area has a hidden storage well that provides 2.8 cu-ft. of additional space and can combine with the above-floor storage area by securing the hinged cover against the seatback. The Pilot Touring also provides a load-supporting cargo net (20 lbs. maximum weight) to further subdivide the rear cargo area. In exterior dimensions, the 2013 Pilot is 78.5 inches wide, 71.0 inches tall (72.7 inches for Pilot EX, EX-L and Touring), and features a 109.2-inch wheelbase and 67.7-inch front / 67.5-inch rear track. Overall length is 191.4 inches, while ground clearance is 7.97 inches.

Chassis

The suspension is a fully independent system with front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link with trailing arm designs that contribute to responsive driving characteristics for an SUV. The 109.2-inch wheelbase facilitates a smooth ride. A tight turning diameter of 37.9 feet aids maneuverability in tight parking situations.

Advanced chassis features that directly benefit fuel efficiency include a variable-displacement power steering pump, low-rolling-resistance tires, and low-drag front ventilated and rear disc brakes. Finely tuned aerodynamics, the front strakes, splash shields and inner fenders, and minimal frontal area also contribute to improved fuel efficiency.

Interior

Sophisticated interior styling, high-quality materials and advanced electronic features provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers in all three rows of seating. Standard features include 16 different seating configurations, 60/40 split-folding second- and third-row seats, and generous cargo room, plus an estimated fuel-economy display, three voice-recognition languages, and an intuitive audio interface.

For 2013, the Pilot LX and EX add a simplified center stack that was previously exclusive to EX-L and Touring models. The upgrade means that all Pilot models now include a high-resolution 8-inch intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with rearview camera display (multi-angle on EX-L and Touring), iPod album artwork display and user-loadable wallpaper function, plus Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, Bluetooth® Audio, USB connection and automatic climate controls. The Pilot EX and EX-L models include a 2GB CD Library (CD-L), while Pilot EX, EX-L and Touring models additionally include a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and tri-zone automatic climate control.

The latest version of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™2 offers 60 GB of total system memory (includes 15 GB allocated for user media) and voice recognition for three languages. The system uses multiple global positioning satellites covering all of the U.S. including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as Canada and Puerto Rico. Its included FM Traffic feature provides free, continuous updates on traffic and incidents, helping drivers avoid gridlock. The hard drive can store thousands of minutes of music, which is accessible by simple voice commands using the Song By Voice™ feature. Additionally, 2013 Pilot models with navigation feature a multi-view rear camera (wide view, normal view and top-down view), with the image displayed on the navigation screen for convenient parking help when in Reverse.

Adding to the comfort level of the 2013 Pilot is pleasingly low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Enhanced body seam sealing around the unit-body connection points, and specially tuned rear suspension sub-frame mounts, result in lower noise levels in the passenger cabin. Other specific NVH countermeasures include body-seam sealants to reduce air leaks, enhanced pillar separators, revised insulation materials and acoustic windshield glass on all models.

Interior dimensions include front headroom of 40.0 inches for Pilot LX and EX (39.3 inches for moonroof-equipped Pilot EX-L and Touring), second-row headroom of 39.8 inches and third-row headroom of 38.2 inches. Legroom is 41.4 inches in front, 38.5 inches for the second row, and 32.1 inches for the third row. Passenger volumes are 153.7 cu-ft. for Pilot LX and EX (152.7 cu-ft. for Pilot EX-L and Touring), and the cargo volume is 87.0 cu-ft. total (47.7 cu-ft. behind second-row seats and 18.0 cu-ft. behind third-row seats).

Safety

Safety technology includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure that helps reduce the amount of crash energy reaching the passenger compartment in a frontal collision and can enhance frontal collision compatibility. Additional standard safety equipment includes 3-row side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, driver's and front passenger's front and side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), active front seat head restraints and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist. Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) is standard on all models.

Awards, Accolades and Ratings

From building initial quality impressions to providing fun-to-drive character with lasting durability and reliability, the Pilot carries forward the essential DNA that defines all Honda vehicles. These traits have earned the redesigned Pilot multiple awards, including 'Family Car of the Year' from Cars.com, which took special note of the Pilot's size, roominess, efficiency and versatility. The Pilot also took the top spot in the 'USA Today, MotorWeek and Cars.com $37k and Under SUV Shootout,' which touted it as 'the perfect SUV for buyers who want to comfortably haul the entire family and all of their gear.' And finally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has rated the Pilot as a '2012 Top Safety Pick.'

by Honda

Debuted in 2003, the Honda Pilot is a full-size crossover SUV that replaced the Honda Passport. Attempting to establish itself in the SUV market segment for its own line of cars, Honda had created the Passport, which was basically a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo. The compact CR-V, loosely based on the Civic was the only other SUV. With its roomy cabin and impressive three rows of seating that could hold up to eight passengers, the larger Pilot found a nice niche for itself in the automotive market. One of the first crossover SUV's to offer three rows, the Pilot helped to define a new segment aimed at buyers wanting plenty of seating and cargo options without buying a minivan or top-heavy SUV. With Honda's exceptional reputation for reliability and quality along with an efficient V6 engine, the Pilot quickly rose popularity and more than 100,000 models were sold by its second year on the market.

Mostly aimed at the North American market, the Pilots are currently manufactured in Lincoln, Alabama and produced in Alliston, Ontario, Canada until April 2007. In Japan and Australia, the Pilots relative, the MDX was sold instead. The Pilot is sold as the Honda MR-V in the Middle East. Russia and Ukraine have received the second generation Pilot.

When designing the Pilot, Honda took styling cues from the Accord sedan and the Acura MDX which itself was based on the Odyssey minivan. Perfect for light off-road use and towing the Pilot was a comfortable ride with excellent handling. Currently the Pilot is in its second generation and comes in base LX, midlevel EX, upper-class EX-L, and the top of the line Touring trims. All of these models come with a standard front-wheel-drive configuration, though four-wheel drive at each trim level could be added as an option. All of the trims featured power from a 250-hp, 3.6-liter V6 mated with a five-speed automatic transmission.

At the time, many other SUVs sat on truck platforms while the Pilot rode on a platform borrowed from the Odyssey, Accord and the MDX. This platform featured a comfortable car-like feel thanks to a unibody design and a suspension tuned to provide responsive handling. The original Pilot came on a 106.3 inch wheelbase and had an overall length of 188 inches. Though convenient for numerous passengers, the third row seat didn't leave much legroom for the average adult while the second row did provide abundant legroom for all but the tallest of adults. Able to fit cargo within excess of up to four feet wide, the Pilot rear seat split 60/40 and both rows could be folded flat to expand that cargo space. The seats in the Pilot are configured as stadium seating.

Originally the Pilot was available in LX and EX trim levels. Both levels were nicely equipped with numerous standard features like a climate-control system with rear vents, cruise control and power windows and locks. The EX also came with automatic climate control, keyless entry, multifunction steering wheel and a power-adjustable driver's seat.

Driver's that opted for the EX-L trim received a leather upholstery package to the EX trim level and had the option of navigation and DVD entertainment system.

Borrowing the engine from the Acura MDX, the first generation Pilot featured a 3.5-liter aluminum V6 engine that produced 240 hp and was mated to a five-speed automatic. It was able to achieve 0-6mph in just 7.6 second and managed a competent 16/22 mph for FWD trims and 15/20 for 4WD trims. With a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds, the Pilot featured an optional Variable Torque Management 4WD system that sent torque to all four wheels when a slippage was detected, but defaulted to front-wheel-driver operation during normal driving conditions. The system had a dashboard switch that locks both rear half-shafts to get the driver unstuck. It operates in first, second and reverse gears and unlocks at 18 mph.

Safety features included antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, rack-and-pinion steering and dual-stage front airbags. It also features 282° of outward visibility. A highly rigid unibody the Pilot foundation features reinforcing structures and energy absorbing crush zones and is designed to dorm progressively in front, side and rear end collisions. Receiving a top score of Good from the IIHS the Pilot also received from five out of five stars in both front and side crash tests conducted by the NHTSA.

For 2004 heated front seats were added as a standard feature for EX-L trims. The following year power was boosted for the Pilot's 3.5-liter V6 engine to 255 hp.

The Pilot underwent a halfway through generation refresh that included a variety of exterior updates. The front fascia and grille was updated and the headlights received halogen projector headlights while the taillights received clear lenses. On the inside a brand-new center console and instrument cluster were debuted. The 4WD system was updated to be more fuel-efficient and now featured variable valve management added to the V6 engine which shut down three of the six cylinders when cruising to improve the fuel economy. The updated V6 engine was now rated 18/24 by the EPA. The original EX wheels were moved to the LX trim while the EX trim level received newly redesigned wheels. Side airbags were now provided in the C pillar further protecting rear passengers. The center console now sported chrome trim; the gauge cluster was updated along with the storage compartments and cup holders.

In 2008 the second-generation of the Pilot was introduced. It featured a much more rugged appearance which was met with mixed reviews since some desired the boxier, bulkier look while others missed the smoother, rounded lines from the previous generation.

On the outside of the Pilot updates includes a tall oversize grille, bigger 17-inch wheels and a higher hood line. The headlights returned to standard halogen reflectors. On the inside numerous changes were made, as a new tri-zone automatic climate control system was introduced and new two-position memory settings for the drivers. Other updates included a new power tailgate and the relocation of the gearshift from the steering column to the center console between the front captain's chairs. The Touring trim now featured a new Satellite-Linked Honda Navigation System and a new 120-volt power outlet. The wheelbase was increased to 109.2 inches and the overall length spread to 190.9 inches. Thankfully this generation added more interior space by growing in length and now featured more legroom in the rear seat.

This generation was assembled at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln, Alabama. This year also brought with it a brand new top-of-the-line Touring trim and a new 250-hp, 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 borrowed from the Accord. Transforming to more SUV and less sedan-like the Honda reduced the Pilots turning ratio to improve maneuverability in tight spaces like parking lots, and strengthened the Pilot's body to increase rigidity. According to the EPA, fuel economy is 17 mph city and 23 mph highway for front wheel drive transmission and 16 mph city and 22 mph highway for the 4-wheel drive transmission. Both of these transmissions are five-speed automatics. The Pilot was awarded the Best Resale Value Award in the Full-Size Utility Vehicle category in 2010 by Kelley Blue Book.

The Pilot was updated for 2012 and received a newly revamped front fascia. Other updates included all new alloy wheels, interior updates and changes to the bumper. The following year a host of great extras were introduced as standard on all Pilots and included a rearview backup camera, USB connector, Bluetooth hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming, tri-zone climate control and i-MID central dashboard 8-inch WQVGA LCD screen. The Pilot now uses Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering front bracket.

The Pilot features a proficient off-road system that included three individual systems: Hill Start Assist Control system, Grade Logic Control system and the Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive system with locking differential. When the system senses a loss of traction the Variable Torque Management all-wheel-drive system automatically engages. The driver can engage the system with its manually locking rear differential and the system will continue to stay engaged up to 18 mph, or is moved from first, second, or reverse gears, then unlocks and goes back to the automatic engaging. The Hill Start Assist system keep brake pressure when the brake pedal is released which gives the driver time to engage the accelerator. The Grade Logic Systems holds the engine in a lower gear when on steep incline for better hill-climbing torque and increased engine braking when traversing steep inclines. The Pilot's AWD system allows it to wade through 19 inches of water.

From 2003 through 2008 the Honda Pilot was awarded Best Large SUV by Car and Driver magazine. Intellichoice called it 'Best Value of the Year' while Edmunds.com claimed it was 'Most Wanted SUV'. AMI Auto World dubbed it the 'World Family Vehicle of the Year'.

The Pilots biggest competition comes from category contenders like the Nissan Murano, Ford Flex, Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander, Buick Enclave and Chevy Traverse.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Pilot

http://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/2003/Honda/Pilot

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Honda-Pilot-Overview-d594

by Jessican Donaldson