2009 Honda Pilot Trim Levels, Pricing, More

Yesterday we brought you a full review on the new 2009 Honda Pilot, along with a couple of videos and a photo gallery. Today, we're going to break down the trim levels that will be available and the differences therein.

Pricing has not been announced but Honda expects the MSRP to be between $27,500 and $40,000 when it goes on sale May 22. That’s right in line with the current $27,595 starting point, but the addition of a Touring trim level takes the formerly top price of $33,445 way up. The current low price is also for the Value Package trim, which is not available for 2009; it’s being replaced with an LX trim. Confused? Don’t worry — we’re going to break down all the trim levels below. 

LX: The base model — and all 2009 Pilots — come with the third row standard, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, stability control, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags for all three rows, 17-inch steel wheels, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, underfloor storage in the rear cargo area, trip computer, tow hitch, auxiliary audio jack, driver and passenger auto up and down windows, cruise control, four 12-volt outlets, CD player and steering wheel audio controls.

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EX: The next step up adds automatic climate control for front and back passengers, 17 inch alloy wheels, security system, heated side mirrors, body color door handles and side molding, roof rails, fog lights, chrome exhaust, 8-way power driver’s seat and XM radio.

EX-L: The L stands for leather, and that’s what you get in addition to a leather steering wheel, leather shift knob, heated front seats and an automatic dimming rearview mirror with rearview camera display.

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Touring: Big spenders can add items like a navigation system, Bluetooth, 4-way powered passenger seat, power tailgate, pre-wiring for trailer connection, parking sensors, steering wheel-mounted controls for navigation and phone, integrated sunshades, upgraded stereo with USB port and extra features on the trip computer like elapsed time and average speed all in the touring package.

A rear entertainment system will be an available option only on the EX-L and Touring models.

Comments

[Tony]

For some reason I feel like there will be EX-L-NAV trim in between EX-L and Touring

[Dave T.]

You would think that Tony but no, as of now Honda is saying it will only be a standard feature in the Touring trim level. they also say 70% of sales are project to be EX or Touring.

[Bob M]

The only photos I have seen of the new '09 Pilot show a light grey or tan interior. Is there the option of a black interior that you are aware of? I'm interested specifically for the EX-L. Thanks.

[Dave T.]

There is black! It was featured in our videos!
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2008/04/video-2009-hond.html

[Bob M]

There is black.... thanks for the video links. Very useful.

[Red]

It looks even more like an Isuzu Trooper II in these photos. I hope it looks better in person.

[cory]

FUGLY...FUGLY...looks like a Honda Jeep Merger

[Terry]

Looks like a cross between the Escape/Tribute from the front and the profile of the Pathfinder/Exterra. Nothing original...Who's designing Honda's?

[Zerf]

I was surprised watching the video. The Pilot seems to have less space and less power then something like the Acadia yet gets what looks to be worse gas mileage. Glad they added their VCM, finally catching up with some other manufacturers who have had this for years now. The only new thing I saw interesting was the ability for it to run on 3, 4 or 6 cylinders where as the GM designs generally can only run on full or half the cylinders. I like the idea of putting the aux input in the armrest in this day of stealing ipods etc from cars, nice way to leave it hidden without having to disconnect it each time. As you guys said the Mazda will give it a run for the money, its biggest saving grace will be the non-italic H on the grill.

[Dave T.]

Zerf,
The Pilot and Highlander are both smaller than the Acadia, by almost a foot in length. And yes the Pilot and Acadia have identical MPG figures.

Pilot should have assist handles on the "A" pillars especially since it is considered a family vehicle. Us older folks would appreciate it.