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. 

Video: 2009 Honda Pilot

On his recent trip to test drive the new 2009 Honda Pilot, Mike Hanley was busy. Besides turning in a full review, he also shot two videos — one with an overview of the new Pilot, the other checking out the seating and cargo capabilities of the three-row crossover. See for yourself below.

Video: Honda Pilot Overview
Video: Honda Pilot Seating

Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Honda Pilot

Here it is folks. The review you’ve all been waiting for. OK, the single guys and gals out there probably weren’t waiting for it, but a lot of families out there will be interested to hear what Mike Hanley has to say about the redesigned 2009 Honda Pilot. It has two things going for it right out of the gate — more horsepower and better fuel economy. That’s hard to beat.

2009 Honda Pilot Expert Review
More on the Honda Pilot (KickingTires)

2009 Honda Pilot Photo Gallery

It’s now 2 a.m. here in Chicago, and while most actions these days can be automated, we didn’t want to risk the chance of these photos leaking out before they were ready. Luckily for me, I have a seven-week-old who likes to get up every couple of hours in the middle of the night and wake his daddy. So, anyone else up at this ungodly hour can now check out the 2009 Honda Pilot in all its glory in the photo gallery below.

2009 Honda Pilot Expert Review (Cars.com)

2009 Honda Pilot Week

The all new 2009 Honda Pilot will officially break cover tomorrow morning and Cars.com will be the place to be to learn all about this updated suburban fixture. Tomorrow, we’ll have the full expert review from Mike Hanley along with a video. There will also be a large photo gallery going live tonight at midnight PDT and a thorough breakdown of the Pilot lineup later this week. Stay tuned and if you have any questions feel free to ask them in the comments below.

Update:
2009 Honda Pilot Expert Review (Cars.com)
More Honda Pilot News (KickingTires)

Suburban Dad in Detroit: Honda Pilot Concept

Honda has taken the Pilot, which is hugely popular among the suburbanites in my neighborhood, and made it resemble something much more akin to a Jeep. And let me tell you, very few of the suburban moms I know are looking to be tooling around in a Jeep.

The old Pilot was so attractive to those suburbanites as a more refined, spacious SUV that didn't look or handle too much like a truck. I'm sure the new Pilot’s ride will be as family-friendly as ever, and while I like the more expressive, distinctive look of the grille and face, the lines toward the rear have become more pedestrian and common, making less of an impact on the eye.

As for the interior, I couldn’t get into this concept to check it out, but Honda has a reputation as a quality brand, and I don't expect it to falter with the Pilot. But for me, I can't get past the looks from the outside.

More info and live photos of the Honda Pilot Prototype

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. 

Honda to Unveil New Pilot at Detroit

Honda plans to show off its new, more-space-age Pilot at the auto show in Detroit next month. This may be just in time, as sales of the Pilot dipped to 106,743 vehicles this year, according to Autodata, a drop of about 22%. With the onslaught of two- and three-row crossovers onto the marketplace, Honda needs a Pilot that can compete against newer models with tons of features. Honda hopes the revamped three-row SUV can regain some of that ground, although in the age of increasingly prized fuel efficiency, that may be difficult.

Honda to Introduce New Pilot (Detroit Free Press)

Honda Prices 2008 Pilot, Changes Trim Levels

The 2008 Honda Pilot went on sale last week with two new trim levels and prices. Instead of the previous LX base level trim, the Pilot now has two- and four-wheel-drive Value Package trims, or VP. There‘s also a trim level situated above the EX, called SE for Special Edition. 

The Value Package has new standard equipment from the 2007 LX, including steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, a six-disc CD changer, additional speakers, XM Satellite Radio, roof rails and body-colored side mirrors, door handles and spoiler. The Special Edition adds a DVD rear entertainment system, XM Satellite Radio, a moonroof and ambient lighting to what is offered on the EX trim. Keep reading for full pricing and new EPA ratings.