2008 Detroit Auto Show: Honda Pilot Prototype

• Looks like: Honda got blander
• Defining characteristics: Nondescript exterior and wild interior
• Ridiculous features: None; this is one practical prototype
• Chance of being mass-produced: 100% — we’ll see the real thing in a few months

Honda doesn’t roll out crazy concepts too often, and this year is no exception. The Pilot prototype you see here will greatly resemble the real thing, which we’ll test drive in the very near future; it will go on sale this spring.

What we learned today is that the new Pilot will have a rounder look than the current one. It will also feature a new six-cylinder engine that can run on three, four or six cylinders — depending on how lead-footed the driver is — and will deliver better fuel economy than the current model. Honda also promises a lot more room inside in both the second and third rows; it even boasts that an “above-average-sized adult male” will fit comfortably in the third row, with plenty of knee room. We’ll believe that when we’re crammed back there.

The inside is a bit more radical and will probably undergo some changes before hitting production. The layout and overall shape of the dash and doors, however, will probably remain the same. Honda also says it will have a more refined ride. Check out the photos below and let us know if you think this is a good evolutionary step for the Pilot. 

Comments

I think the interior is already good to go as it is.
However, the C-pillar and D-pillar need to go on a diet first, it is way too thick, thus making the window too small at the cargo/3rd row area.
The front need some work as well. But overall, it looks like the old Pilot blended with the Pathfinder.

I'd say it has a little more character than the current model, and I agree with the Nissan borrowing.

who is designing the front ends for honda? i think they're just seeing what they can get away with...

Too bad about the boring style. I am more interested in seeing just how good the upcoming diesel is.

This thing has Jeep Commander written all over it. Especially in the profile

It's the Jeep Liberty of Hondas.

I like the new headlights and turn signal indicators on the mirrors. Will this be the front end we will see on the Ridgeline? How much more powerful is the V-6 engine? Is the 3,4,or 6 cyl engine running a newer version of VCM? Fuel economy as a result? Details please!

The entire exterior needs to re rethought about!!!!! It's definatly an ugly SUV!! I like Honda's but it seems the only redesign they've gotten right are the Civics (all) and Accord Coupes!!!

wow, what happened to the sexy sketch that was released a few weeks ago- this doesn't look like it at all! I do like the seat color though. :)

Honda needs to take their grille/headlight design direction back to the drawing board.

Quite frankly as a honda fan (possibly former)I am tremendously disappointed. Look,people also buy cars based on their looks... this pilot really does look like honda hired the guy who designed the jeep liberty/commander.This vehicle is a big let down visually. Did honda not see the nifty design of GM's outlook/acadia.

Here's the bottom line. let's not judge a book by it's cover here. This is after all a Honda. I'm pretty sure they listened to Pilot owners gripes and wishes and incorporated them into the new one. The current one is beginning to show it's age so, a freshening up was in order. I'd be willing to bet that this one provides a bit better ride, has more power, and has a quioeter interior when driving down the road. BTW, look at the dual exhaust, mirror mounted turn signal indicators, redesigned whels, and less sloping hood. Alot of other manufacturers don't go this far when updating their designs. Sure, it may have some Jeep influences but, that's ok. That look is attractive and sells. Why not add that flavor to the already hot Pilot. I'd say it's a winning combination.

As a Honda fan the only feature that would cause me to hesitate buying is that "cute as an ugly dog face". Even a more butch version of the Accord face might be better. Honda fans would probably still buy one despite the looks. On the other hand the current MDX face did look weird and ugly at first.... but after a few drinks....

My. Eyes. Hurt.

Highly derivative. Maybe the production model will be a little better looking.

well, as a honda freak, and a civic cwner in the market possibly for a pilot in the next year or two, the style is so-so at best. its a honda, so its going to be pratical, reliable, well rounded and near the top of the large crossover category. Not sure if this will bring in new consumers, but current pilot owners should be pleased and i bet this will be solid seller. we shall see, i didnt like the accord style at first but it grew on me.

I think it will look a little better in person and probably grow on me as well. I was waiting for the new Pilot and I think this will be perfect despite the nose.

the front looks like a mean kid punched it in the nose so that the grille is caving in and the eyes are buggey from the pain; then the center of the face became a pucker because the eyes are so swollen and buldging.

Bring back the NSX!

Call me sold! Our 03 has 141,900 trouble free miles. That's a first for this family, then again this is our first japanese vehicle. I respect how the japs push the envelope on style even if it's not to everyone's liking. Honda can count on us to buy this Pilot.

I am a happy owner of a 99 4runner but am looking for a new 7 seat suv/crossover. I was waiting for this new pilot because they said it would be sexier with more style. What a huge disappointment. It looks nothing like the prototype picture they released in December. Seems to me they stuck a new front end on an old pilot. They rounded the corners slightly and thats it. Like the old pilot, it is still a box on wheels. I certainly will not be buying a Pilot. Looks like it will be an Acadia, Outlook, or if Toyota can get a new 4runner to production soon.

What a disappointment!!! I'm a long time Honda owner. I have a 2007 Odyssey and a 2003 Honda Pilot which I was planning to sell and buy a 2009 model. I have changed my mind after looking at the pictures. I thought the new Pilot was going to be along the lines of it's very successful CRV but aparently not. I also wanted a Pilot diesel but have'nt heard about when it's coming.

A Torres

I was looking forward to purchasing a sexy and reliable 7 seat SUV from Honda. But, they have yet to produce one. Please! pattern the Honda SUV on the Acura MDX SUV, hurry! before its too late.

Very disappointing styling. It looks like Honda must have hired the guy/gal who designed the Jeep Commander. As for the front, merciful heavens! I was hoping that Honda would do something fairly cloe to the first generation MDX styling, which still looks better than anything which has replaced it. I don't think we're going to wait for this one.

Looking at the pictures I thought it was another boring Toyota.

FUGLY FUGLY FUGLY Highlands will be in HIGH demand forsure now..

My wife and I have just replaced our 2002 Odyssey with a 2008 Toyota Highlander. I have been nervous about the Pilot restyling and hoped I wouldn't end up wishing that I'd waited for the Pilot. No more worries.

I used to think Hondas for the most part were of conservative design but easy to look at. First the Ridgeline now this butt ugly Pilot. Just what market are they aiming to please - the under 18 years old who buys used Civics. I previously owned a 2004 Pilot -been waiting for 2009 to purchase--- NO NO NO !!

I realize I'm being the boring family guy, but they are making a huge mistake not to offer 2 bucket-type seats as an option in place of the second row 60/40 split bench. Our friends have the Saturn Outlook crossover SUV (like the GMC Acadia) and it is so much easier to get people in the 3rd row when you have two carseats occupying the 2nd row buckets and a pass through lane in the middle. Someone needs to point this out to Honda.

"sexy" and "Honda" in the same sentence?? other than the NSX, which was the best looking Honda and not necessarily sexy, Honda has never made, nor ever will make, anything 'sexy'

Ugly, Ugly, Ugly! The front end is hideous.

Ugly, Ugly, Ugly! The front end is hideous.

This is a horrible design. Everything forward of the A-pillar is ugly and badly proportioned. I imagine this vehicle has everyone at General Motors jumping for joy, as this super ugly SUV can only make their Lambda SUV's sell even better.

I've owned three Pilots since late 2002, and I'm currently in a 2006. What I don't understand is why people are criticizing the styling. It's a Honda. Sexy? Slick? Duh. They work. They go. They stop. They don't often break. This will be a competent, well sorted out, safe and purposeful package.

I also was hoping for something along the lines of the Lexus or Accura--or at the very least something not so STAID!!! Guess I will wait and see about the diesel.

Man, I really am dissapointed with this new Jeep Commander. I can't wait for Honda to unveil its new Pilot. Oh wait, am I looking at the new Pilot? Hold on......let me re-state.....Man, I really am dissapointed with this new Honda Pilot!

Previous Pilots had insufficient front passenger seat adjustment for variety on long trips for the gray haired crowd (me). 6 or 8 way adjustments for the passenger seat would a high priority for me. Nearest MDX dealer is two hours away and two back, so a 6 or 8 way option on the 2009 Pilot front passenger seat would be ideal. Any control over the pitch of the seat cushion even if not motorized would be a big plus.

I have to agree with most of you here. I love the Pilot when it first came out, but the price was too high, I did not want to spend over $30K for an SUV. So I settled for a 2004 Isuzu/ Axiom-XS. Which was my big mistake. I 've been thinking to trade it in for a 2009 Pilot, but when I first saw the photo, I changed my mind and went for a test drive on a 2008 PILOT-EXL,felt in love with it and bought it on same day. I agree that the 2009 Pilot is so ugly looking, it should be named PILOTFINDER. HONDA needs to pay more attention to the exterior design to attract more buyers.

Is this officially the ugliest thing since the Edsel?