Prices Announced for 2009 Honda Pilot, On Sale Tomorrow
We’ve already reviewed the new Pilot and even had a Touring trim in the fleet recently, but the public’s first chance to test drive one will be this week, as it hits dealerships starting tomorrow. Here are the prices for each trim:
- LX FWD: $27,595
- LX AWD: $29,195
- EX FWD: $30,395
- EX AWD: $31,995
- EX-L FWD: $33,595
- EX-L AWD: $35,195
- Touring FWD: $36,795
- Touring AWD: $38,395
Check out our comparisons to the 2008’s pricing — which might surprise you — and what each trim level packs for the punch below.
- The LX trim replaces last year’s VP trim level. It comes in at exactly the same price, but with more content. The AWD LX is $200 more than the 2008 VP AWD was.
- The EX trim is $650 more for FWD and $850 more for AWD.
- The SE trim is no longer available.
- The EX-L is much more expensive than last year’s was. How much more? $1,050 for FWD and $1,750 for AWD.
- Touring is a new trim level.
Below is a breakdown of each trims’ features from a previous post.
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.
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.
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 is an available option only on the EX-L and Touring models.
Related
2009 Honda Pilot Expert Review (Cars.com)
Friday Fleet Notes: 5.16.08 (KickingTires)
I hope the lack of comments don't reflect how this dud is going to sit on the lot.
I wonder what Honda is going to give away to sell this. I have expectations now.
I can buy a house and get a TV.
I can buy a minivan and get college tuition.
I can buy a car and get a gun.
I can buy a Honda Pilot and get bored.
How exciting.
Posted by: Yeah!!! Awww. Yeah!!! | May 21, 2008 6:09:16 PM
i can buy a gun and get a wife
Posted by: | May 21, 2008 6:38:49 PM
I think releasing any brand suv or truck right now is a bad idea. Everyone is concerned with gas prices and the economy.
Posted by: Troy S. | May 21, 2008 7:52:18 PM
It looks like Honda had some leftover rear clips from the Isuzu Trooper-based Acura SUV from some years ago, and they grafted a new grille on the front.
Posted by: Red | May 21, 2008 11:34:49 PM
Actually, if you take a closer look the car is not bad. Little unsual up front. I still think that Highlander will do well against it...
But there wouldn't be lines for it at the dealer.
As people seeing old styles... As they say, "new - is well forgotten old". Many cars these days look like something else while ago.
Posted by: Tony | May 22, 2008 12:35:34 PM
SUVs, minivans and trucks will sell a little if those folks have a small econobox to offset it. The comments are right though...it's the wrong time to introduce something new in this segment.
Posted by: ziggy | May 22, 2008 1:16:38 PM
Will this still sell like pancakes?
Posted by: J | May 22, 2008 2:42:57 PM
I would guess that initial sales will be high -from the Honda loyalists that were waiting for it but as the gas prices creep up towards $5 gal over the next year the sales will drop.
Posted by: ziggy | May 22, 2008 3:02:58 PM
So something between a Mazda5 and the Pilot?
Because I think most large families can't get by with the mazda5.
Posted by: Dave T. | May 22, 2008 3:04:06 PM
I guess that would be the Dodge Journey come to think of it but it gets similar mileage to the Pilot!
Posted by: Dave T. | May 22, 2008 3:04:36 PM
The one thing that Honda and Toyota have that Ford and Chrysler don't have - high mpg cars that sell like hotcakes to make up for when the SUV's go in the tank. Honda can afford to have sales slups with the Ridgeline and Pilot because their Fit, Civic and Accord sales are good. Just like Toyota with Yaris, Corolla and Camry sales. Ford only has the Focus and Chrylser has nothing.
Posted by: ziggy | May 22, 2008 3:28:56 PM
I always see this argument along the lines of "what about the large families?". Seriously, what percentage of families are bigger than 5 people? a family fo five will nearly always get along fine in a mazda 5 or an accord or something. The only time tha may not be the case is for the once a year vacation or if one of the kids is a baby and requires all the stuff a baby does. But 3 avergae sized kids should be fine in a 5, surely?
Posted by: Mart | May 22, 2008 4:43:05 PM
Mart,
I would rather get Accord/Camry then Mazda5. And this is why. In a large sedan I can definitely seat 5 people and have sizable trunk. In Mazda5 once 5 people are in, your trunk is almost gone. With 4 people you get the trunk. Mazda5 is on 3 platform not 6 and it is small and too heavy when loaded. Once loaded you definitely would want to be in sedan. And after all said and done you will still save some on fuel.
Posted by: Mike | May 23, 2008 8:48:22 AM
True - the 5 would be much more useful with a 2nd row bench seat as, having driven one, the trunk is tiny with the 3rd row up.
But my arguement still stands - so many people seem to think that with the onset of kids a minivan or suv is the only choice when a traditional sedan would work almost as well, be far more economical, and would allow those of us who drive smaller cars to not feel as threatened by 50ft long Enclaves and Explorers...
Posted by: Mart | May 23, 2008 10:19:14 AM
Mart,
If they could make minivans go 30mpg I would just get one again. This is not even cost issue to me - the consumption. I hate to waste. And as you've said, I giving up my van for a sedan and I know it is going to fit all my kids.
But minivans are the best cars to me. Vacations, trips to Home Depot, etc. These boys can do it all.
Posted by: Mike | May 23, 2008 11:22:54 AM
Perhaps there won't be long lines at the dealer -- I'll be happy if there aren't. There will more to choose from when we trade in our crappy gas-guzzling breaks-down-monthly Tahoe (with low miles). As far as those of you who dis' the looks, the new Pilot looks good enough to convince my fashion-sensitive wife (who "won't be caught dead in a minivan") to comment that it looks good. She wouldn't consider the pre-2009 version. Does that matter? Although to many of you this is a big and bulkier-than-need-be vehicle, to me it's a smaller-and-more-earth-friendly alternative to a lot of other big-family options out there. So kudos to Honda for introducing a new SUV. Hopefully the new model retains the previous model's hold at the top-of-consumer-reports quality list.
Posted by: Jim | May 23, 2008 3:44:26 PM
The passenger seat of my pilot is uncomfortable beyond anything a "luxury", heated,leather, top of the line and expensive vehicle should have. Has anyone tried to contact Honda about trying to fix this? I see the 2009 has adjustable seat for passenger side. Can anything be done that will not void the warranty? Can it be installed after-market?
Posted by: Su | May 24, 2008 2:24:42 AM