Honda has announced that its refreshed 2019 Honda Pilot is in dealers now. The 8-seat SUV gets more aggressive styling, available hands-free power tailgate, powertrain refinements, and lots of connected car upgrades. Pilot buyers now get the Honda Sensing suite of assistance tech standard on all trims.
Enhanced Safety and Technology Features
The Honda Sensing suite includes a range of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies designed to provide greater awareness and, in some cases, intervene to help avoid a collision or lessen its severity. This suite includes features such as Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). These features are now standard across all trims, making the 2019 Honda Pilot one of the safest SUVs in its class.
In addition to the safety features, the 2019 Pilot also boasts significant upgrades in connectivity. The SUV now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration of smartphones with the vehicle’s infotainment system. This means drivers can access their favorite apps, music, and navigation directly from the car’s touchscreen display. The available CabinControl app lets passengers control the rear entertainment system, rear climate control, and send destinations to the navigation system from their smartphones.
Pricing and Trim Levels
Honda is also talking up the starting price for the SUV with the 2019 Pilot LX starting at $31,450 not counting the $995 destination and handling fee. That base version is FWD, the LX AWD starts at $33,350.
Up a step is the EX FWD starting at $34,330 with the AWD version at $36,230. The EX trim adds features like blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, and a larger 8-inch touchscreen display. EX-L FWD is $37,760 with the AWD version at $39,660. The EX-L trim includes leather-trimmed seats, a power moonroof, and a power tailgate. Add navigation and rear entertainment to the EX-L and you are looking at $39,760 for the 2WD version and $41,660 for the AWD.
The Touring trim, which starts at $42,520 for the FWD and $44,420 for the AWD, includes premium audio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Honda’s Satellite-Linked Navigation System. The top of the line Pilot Elite will cost $48,020. The Elite trim comes with all the bells and whistles, including a panoramic roof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a wireless phone charger.
One of the significant changes for the 2019 model is the transmission. The Touring and Elite trims now come with a 9-speed automatic transmission, replacing the 6-speed automatic found in the lower trims. This new transmission is designed to provide smoother and more responsive shifts, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Performance and Driving Experience
Under the hood, the 2019 Honda Pilot is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with either a 6-speed or 9-speed automatic transmission, depending on the trim level. The Pilot’s Intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) AWD system is available on all trims, providing enhanced traction and handling in various driving conditions.
The 2019 Pilot also features Honda’s Intelligent Traction Management system, which allows drivers to select different driving modes, such as Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand. This system optimizes the vehicle’s performance based on the selected mode, ensuring a confident and controlled driving experience regardless of the terrain.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2019 Honda Pilot offers competitive ratings. The FWD models achieve an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while the AWD models achieve 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. These figures make the Pilot an efficient choice for families looking for a spacious and capable SUV.
Overall, the 2019 Honda Pilot offers a compelling package of safety, technology, and performance features. With its refreshed styling, advanced driver-assistive technologies, and a range of trim levels to suit different needs and budgets, the Pilot continues to be a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment.
via Honda
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